Bird, Emmeline Lake continues her journalism career as an advice columnist for Woman’s Friend magazine. Bird) for readers looking for light, inspirational, and heartwarming WW11 historical fiction (closed door romance, no profanity, no graphic violence), for fans of fiesty and independent female protagonists, and for book clubs. I was immediately drawn back into Emmy’s world and I cared so much about what happened to her and her friends. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmys best friend Bunty, is still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, but bravely looking to the future. In an interview with My Weekly, Pearce discussed her plans for the series to follow the lead character Emmy through the war.

They weren’t always complimentary, but invariably you knew that their friends were a central part of their world, especially with so many men now away” (220). With big stakes and formidable opponents, this exciting saga is a fruitful exploration of the solidarity among women in times of grief, love, and hardship. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally feels she is Doing Her Bit.One of the best days during lockdown was the one where I received a parcel from Pan Macmillan which contained a proof copy of Yours Cheerfully by A J Pearce.

Yours Cheerfully is a testament to the strength of women and the importance of lifting each other up, even in the most challenging times. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, Yours Cheerfully is a story about women and their fight to be acknowledged and respected.

A chance discovery of a 1939 women’s magazine became the inspiration for her international bestseller, Dear Mrs. While wanting to do what is expected of her, she also sees the human side of the suffering these women shoulder and Emmy, never afraid to face a challenge, must decide how best to help, mindful of her new responsibilities as a trusted employee of Woman’s Friend. I was hugely committed to trying to make Yours Cheerfully as good as I possibly could as I didn’t want to let people down, particularly the readers who had been so supportive about Dear Mrs Bird. So I thought long and hard about not only the new story, but how Emmy, Bunty and the other characters would develop. I like a series that follows one character (as opposed to other series that rotate the protagonist of each story).