YOURS CHEERFULLY

 

SYNOPSIS

London, September, 1941.

Following the departure of the formidable Editor, 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 is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, is still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, but 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.

Title: Yours Cheerfully

Author: AJ Pearce

Series: The Emmy Lake Chronicles #2

Publisher: Picador

Publication date: June 24, 2021

REVIEW

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A few years back I absolutely fell in love with Emmeline Lake when I read Dear Mrs. Bird, so when earlier this year I found out about the sequel I was ecstatic.

Yours cheerfully picks up right where Dear Mrs. Bird left off and with Henrietta Bird gone, Emmy, with the help of a senior editor, is now in charge of Women’s Friend magazine letter page. Her boss and brother-in-law trusts in her work so when the Ministry of Information asks for the help of women’s magazines in getting more women to sign up for work during the war, she is asked to write a series of articles on women working in factories. She becomes so involved with them that she’ll try to help them improve their conditions at the same times she makes some new friends.

It is so refreshing to read a book about the war that it’s not focused on the actual battles or spy work! This heartwarming and poignant story is all about women and the power of friendships and team work. Emmy is such a lovable character. She’s headstrong, funny, resourceful, not afraid to get involved in everything she thinks it’s not fair for others...And I love how the men in her life encourage her in her endeavors.

We meet back some old friends like Bunty, who’s still recovering from her personal tragedy (she made me cry so much during her dance scene!) and new ones like Anne and Ruby, who were such a pleasure to meet.

It was really well written, putting the focus on important issues but doing it in a happy and upbeat way. I sincerely hope we get to meet Emmy again cause she still has much more to say.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan/Picador for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.