Member Reviews
Some books are gripping thrillers, one off reads, that keep you busy whilst you read them. But books like this are so much more. This is the third book in a series and every one is like an old friend, telling its tale of normal life at it very best. It’s a bit funny, little heart breaking and a tad quirky- overall it is incredibly heart warming.
I’ve loved each book and devoured each page- I hope they do more.
A small snippet of the book that left me wanting more! I've read the first two books in the series, and the tone of this one is exactly the same. Can't wait to read the whole book.
Once again AJ pearce did not disappoint.
Such great writing and characters. Loved every minute of it. Cannot wait for another one
3.5⭐
Written in the same enthusiastic tone as it's predecessors, Mrs Porter Calling was a delightful addition to the Emmy Lake Chronicles. As a reader, you are once again transported back in time to a world overshadowed by war, change, tragedy and uncertainty. But this time, our dear Emmy faces a war of her own - Woman's Friend has a snooty new owner, who's 'clever ideas' are dragging Emmy's beloved magazine through the dirt.
Determined to save not only her job, but also continue to help her dedicated readers, Emmy and friends begin working on an idea to keep Woman's Friend as intended; a companion to all wartime women, in their time of need. Fun, feisty and full of everything we have come to expect from A.J Pearce's much loved book series, Mrs Porter Calling was a real rollercoaster of emotions!
I adore these cheerful characters, their friendships and their willingness to find the smallest joys in the toughest of circumstances. All three books have been a great pleasure to read, transportive, engrossing and a whole heap of fun! 💛☎️
I will be coming back to this book when I am in the right head space: for now I was not able to finish it unfortunately.
This book is such a vibe! Mrs Bird was excellent and this book is like a comeback to my fav era! If I can say that, cause World War II and Great Britain is not the best time ever, but I mean the era when people had to appreciate the moment and just can gratificate it having in midn that life is short as never.
Mrs Porter Calling is another story this sort. I like the British humor, their pragmatism, way they see work and everyday life. And this story is like a hot tea with milk in a rainy day.
An enjoyable and light hearted read, which also makes you feel all of the emotions. I loved all of the characters, and felt as if they were very well developed. The storyline was also intriguing, and well written. The pace of the story definitely varied, and I felt that it picked up more within the second half.
I just love this series!! It's so well written and the story and the characters just take you in and capture your heart. It's so lovely and so heartbreaking at the same time. If you like heartwarming, easy to read books about the home effort during WW2 start this series!
It is so lovely being back in the world of Emmy . Emmy is still working for the Peoples Friend Magazine keeping moral up and helping out readers in need whilst the war rages on. However things are about to change when a new owner arrives - The glamourous Mrs Porter and everyone at the magazine are about to discover what direction she thinks they should go.... its full of Jolly Good Fun where everything is Terrific and sometimes Bonkers but overall most people are Champion , Giddy and the best of Chums !
The Honorable Cressida Porter has no business running Woman's Friend where Emmy, Guy, and the rest work but that's what has happened. It's 1943 and she doesn't understand the women the magazine is meant for-the women who want the recipes made with potatoes, knitting patterns, and advice. At home, things are better because Thelma and her three children have moved in with Emmy and her friend Bunty, bringing joy (and ration coupons). This latest in the series will likely mean the most to those who, like me, have read the first two books but if you haven't, know that this is a wonderful novel of life on the Homefront that's written with heart and humor. Know also that it set during WWII and tragedy lies around so many corners. I adore these characters (even small Winston) and it's clear Pearce does too. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Excellent read-and I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their lives.
I am kicking myself for not starting this one sooner. Absolutely loved this sneak peek and can't wait to read the rest.
This is the third book in the series, where we follow the intrepid Emmy Lake and her friends as they navigate day to day life in Blitz London. Yours, Cheerfully, is a great blend of soothing and sad - somehow, AJ Pearce pulls the reader into their lives and has you rooting for them. The same is true for this book, too.
Lord Overton has unfortunately passed away, meaning that the ownership of the magazine has passed to someone new, the glamorous Mrs Porter. She sweeps into the office and causes a stir from the outset, with her fancy ways and her little dog.
Meanwhile, Emmy and Bunty are plotting to support their friend Thelma, and her kids, as her husband’s also away fighting (as Emmy’s is too). I know it doesn’t sound like it’s an interesting read, but something about the way it’s written, or the clarity of the characters, means that reading about their meals, their pets, their hopes and dreams, is really compelling. It’s also funny - an extended bit of crossed wires and the spelling of Scary/Scarey made me giggle, in particular.
The author has clearly done their research, too, and the visit to the zoo with the descriptions of the air raid shelters, the conversation about the snakes being killed in case they escaped post bombing, was genuinely interesting. A google’s turned up a dedicated page on the London Zoo website to this topic. It also talks about being able to get enough food for the animals, and the time a bomb hit the zoo and some animals escaped (unharmed). Imagine having to deal with the war AND seeing a zebra trotting around Camden.
I recommend this and all of the Emmy Lake books for people looking for something cosy, well written and with a bit of bite - if you liked The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you’ll like this. I don’t know what the genre is - it’s the equivalent of cosy crime, but for drama?
This is available now - perfect for your summer beach read.
BOth Dear Mrs.Birdand Yours Cheerfully are among my favourite books, and I was beyond thrilled when I saw that AJ Pearce is continuing the adventures of Emmy and Bunty. Pearce perfectly manages the balance between depicting the trauma of the Blitz and WWII, with the spirit of the people who lived through it. It doesn't downplay the terror and the upheavals caused,but also, just like life itself, does not ignore the courage of the ordinary people trying to go on with their lives in an extraordinary time. The plot of this book starts quite soon after the second book and picks up with the lives of our favourite characters-Emmy is continuing with the magazine , Bunty is continuing her recovery process ,Charles is away at the Front, and we see more of their co-worker at the fire station, Thelma, and her children, who move into Bunty's house as lodgers. The children all have distinct personalities and aren't just there to tug at the heartstrings by being annoyingly twee-they're completely believable and if they do tug at the heartstrings, it's not forced at all. There are changes afoot at WOman's Friend ,with a new owner, the eponymous Mrs.Porter. She's an excellently written character, I loved her vocal tics ( I think I"m going to start saying "a Bit Mis" now!!), and reminded me perfectly of a snooty Enid Blyton schoolgirl in her 20s.Unlike one of those, though, where the snooty character gets her comeuppance and is humbled, AJ Pearce's writing is far too nuanced for that. How the characters navigate Mrs.Porter's narcissistic, and disastrous, handling of their beloved magazine, along with the trials of war, make for a delightful read, as laugh out loud funny as the earlier two books,and as tear-jerkingly poignant as well. I can't recommend this enough.
Unfortunately, I had not realised that this was only a sample and so I can only review the first chapter. The opening of the book reminds us of the characters who we meet in the first two novels of the series, but unfortunately gives little away about the rest of the novel, except the promise of a possible romance. However, if you have enjoyed the previous books in this series, I don’t think you was disappointed. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a glimpse of this novel.
So frustrating!
I've loved the first two books in this series and say down to devour this one. Then I find out it's only one chapter. Damn, I'm going to have to buy it.
An enticing first chapter that leaves the reader wanting more. AJ Pearce has a knack of capturing the gung ho spirit of her characters. She is an expert in creating the atmosphere of the war years so the reader feels they are living alongside the characters whilst learning something of the events of that time. Looking forward to opportunity to read the rest.
Having read the rest of the book I am not disappointed. A surprise departure, witty comments mixed with sadness and hope makes this novel ayo remember whilst learning something of war-torn Britain.
Absolutely loved this book!
AJ you are amazing!
I was hooked throughout and couldn't put this book down.
Thank you for accepting my ARC request
This book was utterly wonderful. It is filled with female friendship, hope, courage, loss and the power of friends. I could honestly read about these characters forever.
Thank you so much for the advanced copy for review.
This is probably my favourite of the three books in the series. In the first, we were introduced to Emmy Lake - a cheerful young woman who hopes to become a journalist who adds value to the war effort. In the second, she gets married and pushes to take 'Women's Friend' magazine in a different direction. In this third installment, Emmy and the team will probably be facing their biggest hurdle yet!
The magazine's owner passes away and leaves just this particular magazine in the hands of his niece Mrs Porter. The latter is an interesting character who starts off as a beautiful airhead who is nice and says pretty things to everyone. It is only a matter of time before she makes the paper regress to the state it once was in the first book, albeit in a more fluttery and less aggressive manner than Mrs Bird.
The difference this time is the effort that goes into thinking up the options while maintaining the basic audience that the team has managed to gather over the last year or more.
It is a very active enterprise, with plans in the making, heart-breaking incidents and a lot of effort. The constant movement in the plot and the overall triumph (that is not much of a spoiler) make this a worthwhile read.
I actually shed tears this time as opposed to the previous two times with Emmy Lake, and I highly recommend this series. It is the kind of historical fiction that people do not get often, one that does not focus on a historical figure or incident but focuses instead on ordinary people and their daily lives.
I would not recommend jumping in at this point, although it is self-sufficient to a point. The relationships that were forged over the time the characters have all spent together make a difference in the effect the book has on the reader, and going in the appropriate order makes sense.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
Was delighted to see that there was a third part to this series. I used to work for a magazine similar to the one in the book so it feels very nostalgic for me reading about the escapades of the staff and how it related to my experience