Definetly a delightful read!
I hadn't read Dear Mrs Bird when I picked this book, but bought it as soon as I finished it.
It's a lovely story, heartwarming, but also informative. It really makes you think about women's conditions in factories during WWII.
I hope there will be a sequel to this one as well, can't wait to know more about all these lovely characters!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I had previously read Dear Mrs Bird and this was a great second in the series. You are firmly entrenched in London during the Second World War, the sights and sounds are so well described, it felt very authentic. I liked the central character of Emmy, a keen and enthusiastic reporter working for Woman’s Friend magazine during the war. There are feminist messages, romance and friendships to really get invested in. There is much to be said about the pressures on women working during wartime Britain. You were expected to do your bit despite no childcare and the low widows pension forcing young mothers out into the factories. It is qute an easy read, positve and heartwarming. A good uplifting read which I would recommend.

Anyone who loved Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce will really enjoy this sequel which picks up where Dear Mrs Bird left off. Emmy is continuing her work at Women’s Friend but her work expands when Women’s Friend is asked to help with the war effort by encouraging women to take up the jobs all the men have left empty. The heartwarming and hopeful tones of Dear Mrs Bird follow through with Yours Cheerfully while the story also remains authentic about the detail and hardships of living through a war. This is a great easy, comforting read that leaves the reader with a smile on their face.

I have been waiting for a follow on to Dear Mrs Bird and Yours Cheerfully is a fabulous 2nd book in The Emmy Lake Chronicles.

Emmy Lake wanted to be a war journalist, she did get a job but not quite the one she imagined. It was for an Agony Aunt Column in a magazine called the Woman's Friend. Set during WWII Emmy is making her way in the magazine world. this magazine is a small friendly publication that is full of tips on clothing, making the best of what you have, gardening, cookery and of course advice.

The Ministry call on magazines to help recruit more women to work in a bid to help out the war effort. A chance meeting with Anne a mother of two gives her an insight into women working in the factories. the women are determined in doing their bit, but they feel they are being treated as men would be and that fact hey they have children and homes to look after is not being taken into account. This sets Emmy on something of a mission as the factory women become friends, she still has to be careful about what she writes due to censorship.

I loved how the author has continued the story of Emmy and also her good friend Bunty. There is enough information given to get an idea of the first book, but I would recommend reading it as it was such an excellent one.

Once again the author includes a letter from readers who seek advice during a worrying time. For young girls working for the first time, for mothers who have children to care for alone, she touches on how widows are treated and the conditions that women who are effectively single parents during wartime deal with in life.

The author has brought the style of the magazine, which was seen as one of the little publications for older readers into the forefront. Giving Emmy a larger role so that she is able to really get to grips with the working woman life. There is politics, there is a certain amount of elitism and snobbery and there is the old boy's brigade that comes into play. But during all this, the author does remember that Emmy has a life outside of the magazine. One that involves her boyfriend Charlie.

Once again the author has created such an addictive read. She deals with issues of the day in such a way as it makes the reader care about the issues. Some of the things I was not aware of and it has been an enlightening read as well as an emotional one. It does have its moments of sadness but also many moments of hope. A gorgeous story and one for those who like historical fiction during WWII. It is one I would definitely recommend.

I hate to give a negative review, but sadly this book does not live up to the hype. It is written in a very juvenile style, with capitals in abundance when the author wants to Make A Point, or Emphasise A Phrase, and it is Extremely Irritating! . There are a few anachronistic terms used, like ‘teenager’, this did not come into common usage in UK till the mid 1950s. Other terms used are modern phrases that would not have been heard of in early 1940s.
The writing is twee, the content of the conversations in the offices of the magazine are banal and boring. There was nothing about this book that made me want to continue reading, so this was a DNF for me.
I had just finished reading an excellent WW2 novel, so well written and researched, the comparison was stark.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title.

I loved Dear Mrs Bird, the book that first introduced readers to Emmeline Lake and also to the inimitable Henrietta Bird. Henrietta has departed to pastures new and Emmeline, known to most as Emmy, is getting used to her new role with greater responsibility for answering letters sent to Woman’s Friend magazine by readers seeking advice on their problems. Not only has the ‘Henrietta Helps’ column become ‘Yours, Cheerfully’ but it’s become much less judgmental as well.

I loved sitting in on the Woman’s Friend editorial meetings, chaired by the magazine’s new editor, Mr Collins, and listening to the contributions of the people who make up the team. For example, Mr Newton’s report that Hartley’s Jams are taking out a series of advertisements telling people there wasn’t any, or Mr Collins’ mention of rumours he’d heard about ‘something big coming up for blancmange’.

The war is an ever present backdrop to events especially once Woman’s Friend is invited by the Ministry of Information to join the campaign to increase the number of women volunteering for war work such as working in munitions factories. As Mr Collins says, “Let’s show the Ministry what our readers can do, and let’s look after our readers while they’re doing it!”

As Emmy gets to know more about the realities of working in a munitions factory, thanks to a chance encounter on a train, she realises the lack of appreciation for the unique challenges women face, such as balancing child-minding, shift work and long hours. She’s aggrieved as well when she finds out the women are paid less than men for doing similar work. When factory management prove uninterested in the women’s difficulties, Emmy embarks on a new campaign that results in some difficult choices and not a little subterfuge.

Although Emmy often underestimates her abilities, luckily her friend Bunty is there to buoy her up. Can I just say at this point that if everyone had a friend like Bunty then the world would be a better place and, that if Bunty was in charge of things, it would probably be a much better organized place as well.

Aside from women’s contribution to the war effort, much of the book focuses on Emmy’s personal life and her relationship with Captain Charles Mayhew, who just happens to be Mr Collins’ half-brother. Like many other women with husbands, sons or boyfriends on active service, she faces the challenge of carrying on whilst all the time dreading the arrival of that telegram reporting him missing or worse. Since plenty of ups and downs lie ahead for Emmy and others, I can’t do better than quote Bunty’s words of wisdom, “I always think that keeping your chin up isn’t that hard. You just need to lift your face. It’s your heart that takes the effort. When it falls over it can be so stubborn about getting back up.”

If Yours Cheerfully isn’t the book for the times we’re living through, I don’t know what is. I thought it was utterly delightful and I certainly finished it with a smile on my face, having shed a few tears along the way.

Dear Mrs Bird #2

London, 1941: Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from the Women's Friend magazine. things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the challenge of becoming a young wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with Charles is blossoming, while Emmy's best friend Bunty is still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. When the Ministry of Information calls Britain's magazines to help recruit desperately needed female workers to help the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to be asked to set up and help.

We continue to follow Emmy and her friends as they direct the course of WWII from the home front. I do recommend that you read Dear Mrs Bird (if you haven't already ) as there's not a lot of backstory. This book is just pure pleasure to read and it follows on perfectly from Dear Mrs Bird. Like any job Emmy has taken on, she jumps in feet first taking her friends with her. Filled with delightful characters, it was nice to catch up with Emmy, Charles and Bunty again. I hope there is more to come in this well written series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #PanMacmillan and the author #AJPearce for my ARC of #YoursCheerfully in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book in this series, 'Dear Mrs Bird', and couldn't wait to get back into the 1940s world of Emmy Lake and her friends. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book picks up after the events of 'Dear Mrs Bird' when Emmy is still working for 'Women's Friend' magazine and dispensing advice to her female readership. When a new opportunity arises, Emmy starts writing articles to help the Ministry of Information to recruit female war workers. She begins by interviewing munitions factory employees, becoming friends with her subjects. What she doesn't foresee, however, is how deeply embroiled she will become in the women's causes and lives.

In the backdrop to Emmy's story arc, we still have her boyfriend, Charles, and best friend, Bunty. Both of these are lovely characters, Emmy's cheerleaders and advisors even when they have faced some of the toughest things the Blitz can throw at them. Emmy's boss, Guy Collins, also returns and provides some comic moments as he grapples a little inexpertly with running a women's magazine.

As with the first novel, Emmy is a glorious character and a perfect narrator to take us through her wartime world - although the focus this time is on her journalism, excluding her voluntary job with the Fire Service that featured more extensively in the first book. She is sweet, self-aware and humorous and the reader can't help but root for her as she takes on bitchy journalists and overcomes her own uncertainty.

The book is charming and funny, managing to evoke a sense of the cameraderie and community of the Blitz spirit amongst those on the Home Front. It feels nostalgic for a world that possibly never actually existed, although A J Pearce also doesn't shy away from the tragedies of war and the human cost.

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoyed 'Dear Mrs Bird' and wants a second slice of the wartime action. If you are new to A J Pearce's writing, I'd definitely recommend that you start with the first novel as you'll want to understand the back story of all the key characters and Emmy's 'Unfortunate Hiccups That Couldn't Be Helped' - 'Yours Cheerfully' absolutely could be read without the first book but why miss out on the fun?

The second in the series and I for one hope there will be more as it’s very captivating. Easy to follow and loveable characters as Emmy and Bunty get involved with new friends and their work dispute. Emmy has been promoted within the Women’s Friends publication since book one and is about to marry Charles but will everything go to plan. You’ll have to read to find out but don’t miss this book. Thanks to AJ Pearce and their publisher and NetGalley.

This is a follow up to Dear Mrs Bird, which I have not yet read but is now on my TBR list!

Emmy works at Women's Friend magazine and is helping out to answer readers problems that they write in with. The war is still raging and more men are off to the front, therefore more women are needed to help out with the war effort in munitions factories in particular. Emmy befriends some of the women from the munitions factory and learns how badly they are treated, because they are women and mothers. No help is forthcoming for childcare and the women are expected to work shifts over the 24 hour period.

Emmy gets involved, along with her friend Bunty, using the magazine to promote and recruit more women to help with the war effort, but at the same time facing a dilemma because she is aware how unfairly they are treated.

Her love life runs through the story, her boyfriend Charles who is in the forces with a desk job, but is desperate to join his mates to do his bit so they arrange their wedding before he goes.

This is a lovely book, the story involves some great characters and is a truly charming read.

You know what you're getting with a Pearce novel and this one is no different. Lots of kindhearted, tender portraits of the best of humanity - a charming read.

Another treat from AJ Pearce!

Delightful story of Em, Charles, Bunty and all the other wonderful protagonists of this poignant book.

The writing is stunning and filled with wit, love and humour. Adressing those unknown or forgotten issues faced by women during war time, it certainly was very thought provoking.

I truly hope there is a third book in this series!

Thank you very much Net Galley and Picador for the opportunity to read.

I was absolutely delighted to see that this was available to request on NetGalley. Yours, Cheerfully is the second book about writer and aspiring journalist Emmy Lake, who is trying to do her part to help the war effort. As the war proceeds, her position as deputy advice columnist at a women's magazine brings new challenges and experiences as Emmy learns and grows towards becoming a journalist, friend, and lady wartime correspondent. Of sorts.

The first book in this series, Dear Mrs Bird, was thoroughly enjoyable, and greatly endeared me to the cast of characters. This second book moves away from Emmy's position as a volunteer fire auxiliary services telephone operator, and focuses much more on her work as part of the Ministry of Information's efforts to recruit more women workers to 'support our boys' and contribute to the war effort at home. This was a really interesting exploration of the position of women workers in the wartime effort, and one which I hadn't seen before. While everyone has seen the iconic Rosie the Riveter poster, Yours Cheerfully explores the day-to-day challenges of the women left behind through a variety of friends and colleagues of Emmy's.
I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook of Dear Mrs Bird, and while the narration was absolutely delightful, I think I missed out slightly, because the liberal use of Camel Caps throughout Yours, Cheerfully adds a wonderful element of fun to everything Emmy does. She's clumsy and hot-headed, but always well-meaning, and the collision of her personal and professional lives at the climax of the book is utterly delightful. Her friendship with best friend Bunty, still reeling from her loss in Dear Mrs Bird, and relationship with her boss slash boyfriend's brother Mr Collins (Guy at the weekends), and her romance with Charles add wonderful elements of reality to a very enjoyable, utterly delightful, and very thoughtful book that examines very important (and still relevant) issues that affect women while still wrapping the reader up in a warm atmosphere of companionship and love. An absolute hug of a book.

Hooray – Emmy Lake is back Doing Her Bit for the war effort, continuing with her advice column and getting more involved with writing articles for the Woman’s Friend weekly magazine, while also putting in some shifts at the fire station. I so enjoyed Dear Mrs Bird and was pleased to discover that there was to be more about young Emmy.

It was lovely to be back with Emmy and the staff at the Woman’s Friend magazine, though I was not sorry to see the back of Mrs Bird. Emmy is a fabulous character who really cares about the people who write in for advice and wants to help everyone – an impossible task really but admirable. She’s not quite doing the war correspondent work she hoped she would be but she is still Doing Her Bit. In this book, she is given more responsibility and is tasked with writing articles to encourage women to take up war work. As she gets to know these women though, she realises there is a big problem for women who want to work, indeed who need to work, but who need childcare. She is torn between writing the articles required by the Ministry and supporting her new friends.

I really enjoyed the style of the writing in this book. It is quite formal, fitting well with the style of the time, and yet it’s also warm with gentle humour. The use of capital letters to show when something is Really Rather Important made me smile. I don’t want to say too much for fear of rather spoiling things – careless talk and all that you know. However, I so enjoyed reading about the friendship and resilience of the women munitions workers and the way they supported each other in such difficult and worrying times.

I can see this book making a lovely film and in my mind, Emmy would have to be played by Lily James! The closing scenes in particular were so heart-warming and I could picture them so clearly in my mind. Yours Cheerfully is quirky and charming, a gentle and enjoyable foray into the past. I’m looking forward to catching up with Emmy again and the book certainly ended in a way which suggests there is more to come. Yours Cheerfully is Really, Rather Good!

In this follow-up to Dear Mrs. Bird (a book I loved), A.J. Pearce brings us back into the world of colorful characters, witty dialogue and found family. The folks you loved, Emmeline (“Emmy”) Lake and her friends, have returned and this time, Woman's Friend has been tasked by the Ministry of Information with recruiting women to “do their bit” in the war effort.

Emmy takes to the task with gusto, adding it to her duties with the new “Yours Cheerfully” column of advice but, as so often happens with Emmy, she finds that there's more to the subject than would first appear to be of interest. As is her wont, Emmy jumps in with both feet, getting not just herself, but also her friends, busy with Making a Go of It. Timely even 80 years after the events depicted, things such as privilege, loss, childcare, and inequality are investigated, all with Pearce's excellent writerly eye.

Reading AJ Pearce is like visiting with a dear friend. Emmy's support network is populated by delightful characters, and the dialogue is so much fun to read. I especially like the banter shared by Emmy and her editor, Mr. Collins. His reactions to goings-on in the office and to Emmy's adventures are priceless. At one point, he says that he wants to hear a whole story from her because he “knows it's going to be good.” He's not wrong.

I imagine you could read this as a stand-alone novel, but I don’t recommend it. Double your pleasure by getting Dear Mrs. Bird along with this new title and reading it first. I'm personally glad that I had that primer so that I could relax and enjoy this new entry without confusion, and I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and Ms. Pearce for allowing me to read Yours Cheerfully in advance.

It’s the continuation of the Dear Mrs Bird book and I love it the same as the previous one! Emma is so inspiring and amusing at the same time that I would definitely want to be friend with her!

Yours Cheerfully is still about the war reality. London is destroyed, but people have a hope to get better life sooner then later. They are tired of constant war and many meaningless deaths. On the other hand, they’re trying to life their life as best as they can, so it is truly heartwarming seeing how they find a way to manage in these difficult situations and get a piece of the normal, pre-war daily life.

This book is not only about Emma, about newspaper and helping through the press. It is much more politics here and Emma is taking a risk to fight for what she believes for.

In this book, there is more about the women. How they survive, help, raise children and say goodbye to husband and dreams - all in the name of patriotism.

Yours Cheerfully is a story worth discover. Excellent writing makes this read really quick and enjoyable, humor and optimism gave a littler shades of the life.

I love Emma, her determination,ability to be above and eagerness to help no matter the cost and effort. She’s awesome and her energy makes me want to do more and take advantage of my everyday opportunities.

It’s hard to compare these two, but I slight more like the first one. Hard to say why, but it could be the atmosphere and the description of London during a war which makes me cry and catch my attention.

I really enjoyed this follow up to Dear Mrs Bird. We follow the fortunes of Emmeline Lake at Woman’s Friend magazine. Following a meeting at the War Ministry the magazine staff are tasked with encouraging more women to take on war work. Emmy links up with staff at a munitions factory for a series of articles which brings her face to face with the realities these women face. She is drawn into a campaign for these women to be supported better as they work long unsocial hours and still try to bring up their families. She is also supporting her friend Bunty and planning her wedding! All done with good humour and a smile despite living with the backdrop of war.

A real heartwarming and uplifting story.

Highly recommended.

Thank you @netgalley for sending me the e-arc copy of the sequel to Mrs Bird. I was so excited to read Yours Cheerfully as I really enjoyed Mrs Bird and thought I’d post my review right near Yours Cheerfully publication day!
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Like Mrs Bird, Yours Cheerfully is so wholesome. It’s a WW2 historical fiction featuring serious subjects but written so perfectly in a lighter tone, which makes it an easy read and has you feeling all cosy and warm inside. You can feel the struggles of working women raising a family and running a household at such a difficult time. The courage people faced in War and the influence of journalism.
It was so lovely to be back with all the characters from the previous book and meet new ones! I love Emmy! She’s just so loveable, witty, a big heart, a true samaritan. With more responsibilities at work and a drive to help others, Emmy takes on a new role full of enthusiasm and even though she has hiccups on the way she always tries her best to do what’s right. I loved seeing Emmy’s relationship with Charles take the next step and her dear friendship with Bunty. There is plenty of antics and dilemmas, I love Charles, he’s such a gentleman. And Bunty is rebuilding her life after the tragedy she faced during the Blitz. I liked the ending and look forward to more!
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If you loved Mrs Bird, you’ll love this just as much!
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Find me @bookishlybesotted

Calling All Women. The Country Needs You!

Hip hip Hooray. Hang out the bunting! At last we’re finally back in wartime London rejoining Emmy Lake and the gang at the offices of the Woman’s Friend magazine where change is afoot and Big News is in the pipeline. It’s now May 1941 and Guy Collins is the newly appointed editor. The formidable Mrs Henrietta Bird has finally left the building, her much loved advice column, renamed Yours Cheerfully now under new leadership. The far more compassionate Mrs Mahoney is ably assisted by the outspoken Emmy who’s fortunate to have clung onto her job. Her past rather unwise but well meaning decision to take matters into her own hands when dispensing advice to the magazine’s readers may have landed her in hot water but for now it’s a case of onwards and upwards. Grateful not to have permanently blotted her copybook she’s cock a hoop at the opportunity to accompany Guy to a Very Important Meeting at the Ministry of Information where editors of womens magazines are tasked with encouraging women to join the war campaign and Do Their Bit for king and country. This is just the kind of challenge Emmy with her gung ho attitude relishes and when she and best friend Bunty fortuitously meet munitions worker Anne Oliver she instinctively knows just what to do in highlighting the problems faced by female war workers. Determined to redeem herself in the eyes of Mr Collins and the rest of her colleagues Emmy’s journalistic efforts might just raise the profile of the magazine as well as help boost numbers in the Ministry’s recruitment drive. So it’s full steam ahead!!

Oh what a joy to be reunited with Emmy and Charles and dear old Bunty after a lengthy gap. These decent chaps and chappesses feel like old friends whom I was dropping in on for a natter and a restorative cup of tea, picking up the conversation just where we left off, discussing Five New Ways with Haddock. I’m not sure why but reading this cheerful, positive and funny novel put me in mind of my nanny’s People’s Friend magazine and her Camp coffee she kept on the top shelf of her cupboard,all relics of days gone by! Yours Cheerfully is a wonderful nostalgic nod to a bygone era where people seemed to truly care about their friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues and by golly they actually talked to each other!! AJ Pearce excels at capturing the camaraderie and spirit of We’re In This Together so redolent of the war years, and the make do and mend philosophy that leads to much creativity and inventiveness. Not even the shortage of all manner of foodstuffs and goods will stop these gals from living the best lives they can. Times may be awfully horrid but that British stiff upper lip mentality of facing whatever comes your way with a cheery smile and a friendly, encouraging word is ably demonstrated by all and sundry but none more so than by tip top best friend Bunty. Nursing a leg injury from the bomb blast that killed her fiancé Bill she still manages to rejoice in others happiness and good fortune, namely Emmy’s, despite her own heartbreak. Inwardly she may be cursing her rotten luck but it’s her uncomplaining attitude together with making the most of every day that earns her the title (in my eyes) of tremendous good egg. The importance of female friendship and solidarity really shines through as Emmy and Anne wage their own war against the authorities, with a little help from all those around them of course! Instantly likeable and entertaining these women are indomitable, inspirational and their bonhomie infectious. This is a novel that pays homage to all the marvellous, magnificent women who contributed in any way they could to the war effort with the spotlight falling on all aspects of these women’s lives from childcare issues to their daily struggles with menfolk away fighting on the frontline to the spectre of loss that hangs over everyone.

All in all this novel is jolly good fun. Striking the right balance between joyful and uplifting, whilst acknowledging that beneath all the bravado lies sorrow, tragedy and loss this novel is an absolute tonic. There is great characterisation throughout from the indefatigable Emmy and the stoic factory employees to the cheeky little monkey that is Ruby through to the dastardly factory owner Mr Terry determined to put a spanner in the works, not to mention man of the hour Mr Noakes who deserves a rousing three cheers! Bursting at the seams with love, warmth, humour and happiness I can’t find fault with writing that serves only to brighten your day and lighten your mood, although there are occasions where it’s also quite touching and emotional. Sshhh…don’t tell anyone else but the ending even bought a lump or two to my throat! My only complaint is that this sequel to Dear Mrs Bird has been a long time coming! Was it worth the wait? Most definitely! I only hope that Emmy and the gang will grace us with their presence for a third time; I’m keeping everything crossed!

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Having previously read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Dear Mrs Bird, I was thrilled to see that there was a follow-up. I’m happy to report that Yours Cheerfully doesn’t disappoint. AJ Pearce is a master at immersing you in the world of the characters - in this case London during the Second World War - and everything feels so authentic. From the mannerisms of the characters and the dialogue, to even the situations they find themselves in, it’s so well researched that it could have been written at the time.

For those who haven’t yet read Dear Mrs Bird (and for those of us who read it when it was first released and have slept since then!), Pearce does a brilliant job of weaving in little snippets of information that bring you up to speed on what you might have missed / forgotten.

Yours Cheerfully once again follows the exploits of Emmy Lake, an enthusiastic and go-getting reporter working for Woman’s Friend magazine during the war. Having previously proved herself as a master agony aunt in the first novel, this time she’s taking on the Ministry when she befriends a young widow on the way to her first job in a munitions factory.

The novel has a strong feminist message that’s sincere, and still relevant today, and the romance is believable and heartwarming. With her best friend Bunty by her side Emmy is a loveable character with a heart of gold and you really do root for her the whole way through.

I delightful book and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Let’s hope we have more of Emmy’s adventures to come!

A big thank you to Pan Macmillan / Picador / NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.