London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’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 boyfriend Charles (now stationed back in the UK) is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It.
When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit desperately needed female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to be asked to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young woman who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must tackle a life-changing dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends.
A light and endearing read, Yours Cheerfully is the second book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. Pearce deftly balances the struggles and brutality of war with lightheartedness and wit. It is a glimpse into the realities and challenges women faced during wartime.
Pearce's expressions and capitalization of phrases such as "The Unfortunate Hiccup" or "In It Together" both punctuates her points and is a compliment to the 1940s. Her characters are vivid, endearing, and just plain likeable. Pearce pays homage to the women of this time—their spirit, their unwavering support, and how they stepped up wherever they were needed while their men were away.
Yours Cheerfully is equally as charming and enjoyable as Dear Mrs. Bird. It is a delightful and humorous read about the women on the homefront and the importance of female friendship.
AJ PEARCE studied at the University of Sussex and Northwestern University. A chance discovery of a 1939 women’s magazine became the inspiration for her international bestseller, Dear Mrs. Bird, the first novel in The Emmy Lake Chronicles series.
Pearce lives in the south of England.
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