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The Emmy Lake Chronicles #3
Mrs. Porter Calling
London, April 1943. A little over a year since she married Captain Charles Mayhew and he went away to war, Emmy Lake is now in charge of “Yours Cheerfully,” the hugely popular advice column in Woman’s Friend magazine. Cheered on by her best friend Bunty, Emmy is dedicated to helping readers face the increasing challenges brought about by over three years of war. The postbags are full and Woman’s Friend is thriving.
But Emmy’s world is turned upside down when glamorous socialite, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, becomes the new publisher of the magazine, and wants to change everything the readers love. Aided by Mrs. Pye, a Paris-obsessed fashion editor with delusions of grandeur, and Small Winston, the grumpiest dog in London, Mrs. Porter fills the pages with expensive clothes and frivolous articles about her friends. Worst of all, she announces that she is cutting the “Yours Cheerfully” column and her vision for the publication’s future seems dire. With the stakes higher than ever, Emmy and her friends must find a way to save the magazine that they love.
But Emmy’s world is turned upside down when glamorous socialite, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, becomes the new publisher of the magazine, and wants to change everything the readers love. Aided by Mrs. Pye, a Paris-obsessed fashion editor with delusions of grandeur, and Small Winston, the grumpiest dog in London, Mrs. Porter fills the pages with expensive clothes and frivolous articles about her friends. Worst of all, she announces that she is cutting the “Yours Cheerfully” column and her vision for the publication’s future seems dire. With the stakes higher than ever, Emmy and her friends must find a way to save the magazine that they love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2023
258 people are currently reading
9383 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Pearce
7 books1,611 followersAJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire in the south of England. She studied at the University of Sussex and Northwestern University. A chance discovery of a 1939 women's magazine became the inspiration for her historical series set in WW2, The Chronicles of Emmy Lake.
Funny, heartbreaking and always feel-good, if you're looking for uplifting novels about friendship and community, you've come to the right place.
You can find AJ on Instagram, FB and Threads @ajpearcewrites.
She also has a monthly newsletter. Please subscribe at https://ajpearce.com/
Funny, heartbreaking and always feel-good, if you're looking for uplifting novels about friendship and community, you've come to the right place.
You can find AJ on Instagram, FB and Threads @ajpearcewrites.
She also has a monthly newsletter. Please subscribe at https://ajpearce.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 903 reviews
September 11, 2023
Mrs. Porter Calling is Book #3 in the Series "The Emmy Lake Chronicles"!
It's now Spring in London, April 1943, as WWII continues for more than three years. One year has already passed since Emmy's marriage to Captain Charles Mayhew, who's off fighting the war
Emmy is grateful to have her work at "Women's Friend" magazine as she remains in charge of the heavily read advice column, "Yours Cheerfully", which keeps her plenty busy.
Just when she thinks all is going as planned, there's change in the air...
Publisher Lord Overton has died and left "Women's Friend" magazine to his niece and socialite, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, who has, 'ahem', quite a presence.
Mrs. Porter knows nothing about "Women's Friend", publishing, editing, or the demographics of the readership, but wants to make a few changes that will barely be noticeable and are bound to make the magazine better.
Unfortunately, what Mrs. Porter wants to change is everything the readers love about the magazine, and so the chaos begins...
Mrs. Porter Calling gave me cause for a happy dance. My fingers were crossed this series would continue, so hearing about Book #3 was a delightful surprise.
The character of Mrs. Porter was quite a boost and brought a crazy amount of excitement to the story. She's complicated, hard to read, inconsistent, and just when the group at "Women's Friend" thinks they have her figured out, she slithers through their fingers. Personally, I wanted to ring Mrs. Porter's socialite neck. What a great character!
The second half of the story definitely has a faster pace and where most of the movement in the story happens. A tragedy hits hard, and it's one I didn't see coming but solidifies why this series is so heartfelt, touching, and loved by so many readers. Get the tissues out, folks, you're going to need them.
Mrs. Porter Calling is a great balance between the changes happening at 'Women's Friend' magazine and dealing with the hardships of day-to-day life in London during wartime. I love this story and only wish for more correspondence between Emmy and Charles, I love their letters of support and love, and I didn't get near enough of Emmie's or Bunty's families. Maybe next time?
Yes, my fingers are crossed, once again, for a Book #4...
I highly recommend Mrs. Porter Calling to readers who love Historical Fiction that circles around families and friendships!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner, and A.J. Pearce for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
It's now Spring in London, April 1943, as WWII continues for more than three years. One year has already passed since Emmy's marriage to Captain Charles Mayhew, who's off fighting the war
Emmy is grateful to have her work at "Women's Friend" magazine as she remains in charge of the heavily read advice column, "Yours Cheerfully", which keeps her plenty busy.
Just when she thinks all is going as planned, there's change in the air...
Publisher Lord Overton has died and left "Women's Friend" magazine to his niece and socialite, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, who has, 'ahem', quite a presence.
Mrs. Porter knows nothing about "Women's Friend", publishing, editing, or the demographics of the readership, but wants to make a few changes that will barely be noticeable and are bound to make the magazine better.
Unfortunately, what Mrs. Porter wants to change is everything the readers love about the magazine, and so the chaos begins...
Mrs. Porter Calling gave me cause for a happy dance. My fingers were crossed this series would continue, so hearing about Book #3 was a delightful surprise.
The character of Mrs. Porter was quite a boost and brought a crazy amount of excitement to the story. She's complicated, hard to read, inconsistent, and just when the group at "Women's Friend" thinks they have her figured out, she slithers through their fingers. Personally, I wanted to ring Mrs. Porter's socialite neck. What a great character!
The second half of the story definitely has a faster pace and where most of the movement in the story happens. A tragedy hits hard, and it's one I didn't see coming but solidifies why this series is so heartfelt, touching, and loved by so many readers. Get the tissues out, folks, you're going to need them.
Mrs. Porter Calling is a great balance between the changes happening at 'Women's Friend' magazine and dealing with the hardships of day-to-day life in London during wartime. I love this story and only wish for more correspondence between Emmy and Charles, I love their letters of support and love, and I didn't get near enough of Emmie's or Bunty's families. Maybe next time?
Yes, my fingers are crossed, once again, for a Book #4...
I highly recommend Mrs. Porter Calling to readers who love Historical Fiction that circles around families and friendships!
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner, and A.J. Pearce for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
June 26, 2023
I am typically not a fan of women’s fiction, even when it’s historic. But the first two books in the Emily Lake series truly worked for me. And so did this one for the most part.
This time around, Lord Overton, the magazine’s publisher has died and he’s left the magazine to his niece, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, who just wants to make the teensiest little changes to the magazine, because it’s just so dull and dreary. Needless to say, the world Mrs. Porter inhabits and the one the readers of Woman’s Friend do are vastly different. Soon enough, Mrs. Porter’s changes are more than teensy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Porter quickly became a total cliche of the evil/clueless character, which made those sections of the story way too predictable. “Miss Lake, you always side with the women, and I fear it makes us look as if we are bitter, which is horribly unattractive.”
The personal story of Emily and her best friends, Bunty and Thelma, works much better. Pearce handles the volunteer work, the rationing and the attempts to still have a normal life wonderfully. “One day, I thought to myself, talking about borrowing a pair of shoes in the same breath as saying that people had been bombed will seem very strange and more than likely insensitive in the extreme. But it was normal conversation now. Just what we did, even though there was nothing normal about it at all.”
In fact, it’s the personal side of the story which pulled it through. Pearce shows us exactly what a horrible toll war takes. I will admit to crying through a meaningful section of the book. But it’s also a reminder of how people pull together and carry on. The ending was lovely and plus perfect.
My thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.
This time around, Lord Overton, the magazine’s publisher has died and he’s left the magazine to his niece, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, who just wants to make the teensiest little changes to the magazine, because it’s just so dull and dreary. Needless to say, the world Mrs. Porter inhabits and the one the readers of Woman’s Friend do are vastly different. Soon enough, Mrs. Porter’s changes are more than teensy. Unfortunately, Mrs. Porter quickly became a total cliche of the evil/clueless character, which made those sections of the story way too predictable. “Miss Lake, you always side with the women, and I fear it makes us look as if we are bitter, which is horribly unattractive.”
The personal story of Emily and her best friends, Bunty and Thelma, works much better. Pearce handles the volunteer work, the rationing and the attempts to still have a normal life wonderfully. “One day, I thought to myself, talking about borrowing a pair of shoes in the same breath as saying that people had been bombed will seem very strange and more than likely insensitive in the extreme. But it was normal conversation now. Just what we did, even though there was nothing normal about it at all.”
In fact, it’s the personal side of the story which pulled it through. Pearce shows us exactly what a horrible toll war takes. I will admit to crying through a meaningful section of the book. But it’s also a reminder of how people pull together and carry on. The ending was lovely and plus perfect.
My thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book.
August 30, 2023
Emmy Lake is back with the full staff from "Woman's Friend" and her roomie Bunty. The paper has a new owner--the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter--who just wants to make a few teensy weeks changes. What about the readers? The advertisers? Does Mrs. Porter really want to learn about newspaper publishing or is she just looming for a vanity project? This is more about the fate of the publication as a whole and seemed to have fewer letters thsn the earlier books in the series. I found it to be both heartwarming and humorous. Note that the realities of living in London during the war are also a part of the story. I loved every chapter.
June 1, 2023
London, April 1943.
Emmeline Lake loves her job working at the Women’s Friend magazine, readers write to her about their problems and she provides helpful advice. English women are struggling, their husbands have been away fighting in the war for years, and they have been left behind to juggle raising children, working, lining up for food and making everything stretch.
When, the new owner of the magazine arrives, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, she decides to make changes and despite having no publishing experience. The editor Guy Collins (Emmy's brother-in-law) tries to steer Mrs. Porter in the right direction, she won’t listen and the faithful readers of Women’s Friend are in for a shock.
Mrs. Porter doesn’t like Emmy’s advice column at all, she thinks it rather common, dreary and depressing. "The Egg" takes over the meeting room, she wants Emmy to write about society engagements, weddings and Emmy’s not impressed. Upper class women start sending in letters asking Emmy for guidance, the poor dears are struggling to find domestic staff and missing children who have been sent to boarding school. Emmy feels like the regular readers of Women’s Friend have been let down, abandoned and she’s failed them.
Emmy has the support of her best friend and housemate Bunty, Thelma Jenkins and her children, George, Margaret and Stan. Soon Guy, Emmy, Bunty and her friend Harold Thomas and the staff at Women’s Friend are trying to save the magazine before Mrs. Porter loses the loyal subscribers and advertising accounts. When a tragedy happens, Emmy, Bunty, Guy and Harold all step in and help the Jenkins family.
I received a copy of Mrs. Porter Calling by A. J. Pearce from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. The third book in The Emmy Lake Chronicles is just as delightful as the two previous books, Dear Mrs. Bird and Yours Cheerfully. With a cast of wonderful characters, clever use of the English language and quaint sayings. Mrs. Porter Calling is suitable for a variety of readers and age groups, I absolutely adore Emmy and Bunty and five stars from me. In the next installment, I hope Bunty finds happiness and she deserves it and Emmy gets to spend time with her husband Charles.
Emmeline Lake loves her job working at the Women’s Friend magazine, readers write to her about their problems and she provides helpful advice. English women are struggling, their husbands have been away fighting in the war for years, and they have been left behind to juggle raising children, working, lining up for food and making everything stretch.
When, the new owner of the magazine arrives, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, she decides to make changes and despite having no publishing experience. The editor Guy Collins (Emmy's brother-in-law) tries to steer Mrs. Porter in the right direction, she won’t listen and the faithful readers of Women’s Friend are in for a shock.
Mrs. Porter doesn’t like Emmy’s advice column at all, she thinks it rather common, dreary and depressing. "The Egg" takes over the meeting room, she wants Emmy to write about society engagements, weddings and Emmy’s not impressed. Upper class women start sending in letters asking Emmy for guidance, the poor dears are struggling to find domestic staff and missing children who have been sent to boarding school. Emmy feels like the regular readers of Women’s Friend have been let down, abandoned and she’s failed them.
Emmy has the support of her best friend and housemate Bunty, Thelma Jenkins and her children, George, Margaret and Stan. Soon Guy, Emmy, Bunty and her friend Harold Thomas and the staff at Women’s Friend are trying to save the magazine before Mrs. Porter loses the loyal subscribers and advertising accounts. When a tragedy happens, Emmy, Bunty, Guy and Harold all step in and help the Jenkins family.
I received a copy of Mrs. Porter Calling by A. J. Pearce from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. The third book in The Emmy Lake Chronicles is just as delightful as the two previous books, Dear Mrs. Bird and Yours Cheerfully. With a cast of wonderful characters, clever use of the English language and quaint sayings. Mrs. Porter Calling is suitable for a variety of readers and age groups, I absolutely adore Emmy and Bunty and five stars from me. In the next installment, I hope Bunty finds happiness and she deserves it and Emmy gets to spend time with her husband Charles.
July 3, 2023
Set in London, this begins in April of 1943, as World War II continues. This is the third book in the Emmy Lake Chronicle series, with Emmy’s husband, Captain Charles Mayhew, off fighting in the war. Emmy sends him letters often, and spends much of her time writing the ’Yours Cheerfully’ column for the ’Woman’s Friend’ magazine as the war continues on. Emmie is still running the advice column, and is devoted to both the column and actually listening to the reader’s stories, their problems and concerns. She considers what she does as helpful, occasionally crucial, and often heartbreaking, but her ability to truly listen and often sound advice is not insignificant. The mail they receive for the ’Woman’s Friend’ column is not just needed for some of those who write of more difficult problems, but also some not quite as urgent.
When a new publisher, the ’Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter’ becomes the new publisher, who turns everything upside down, and insists on tossing out what their readers love the most - the relatable issues, the concerns about their loved ones, the war, recipes, and personal issues and wants to turn it into a ‘society’ magazine for the ‘right’ crowd, the ones who are not struggling financially. The one that she targets to start with is Emmy’s ’Yours Cheerfully’ column, one of the more popular columns. Instead of keeping a popular column for the average reader, she wants to replace it with sharing the newest, most fashionable clothing, and stories about what the rich and semi-famous are wearing and doing.
Emmy and the children who enter her life, her friends and loved ones are what keep this story engaging, and Emmy’s desire to give more of her time to share the lives of those whose women who work is not only important, but crucial, as the jobs who previously were held by men who are now serving their country, can now show that they are capable of doing these jobs - if only the companies would provide child-care.
A moving story, with some charm, as well, this is a story of life during war, the effect the war has had on these lives, perhaps especially the children who have lost family during the war, this does have happier moments, as well.
A story of friendship, loss, and most of all, love.
Pub Date: 08 Aug 2023
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Scribner
October 20, 2023
I love the characters in this series. I’m very fond of many of them. Their stories and the book’s story are heartwarming.
I think of these books as humorous and there are quite a few amusing lines & situations in them but it wasn’t until a tragedy happened in this book that I remembered how the first two books also had many serious parts. I will also say that I smiled a lot at the funny things but I didn’t laugh and I think I did laugh at lines in the two previous books. (It might have been my mood.)
My favorite parts were the personal relationships and characters. Here I really liked Emmy and Bunty and Guy, as I always do, but also the children and Harold and Hester and Clarence, and many others too. I could have done without the two dimensional Mrs. Porter though. I would have preferred that she’d been depicted just a tad less the villain but I know that there are people like her. I was much more irritated than entertained though.
I think that this book/series does a wonderful job showing what it was like in London during WWII. I love all the historical details. I appreciate the author placing her fictional characters in real events of that time. Powerfully done!
Most of the way through it was 4 stars for me but the ending bumped it up. It’s only the start of 1944 when this book ends so I imagine there will be a fourth book. If there is I will read it. 4-1/2 stars
I’m struggling to read and for even this book it took me longer to get through it than it would have otherwise but it always held my interest and I enjoyed it throughout.
“You didn’t miss someone any less, you just made room for other things to surround the gap they had left.”
I think of these books as humorous and there are quite a few amusing lines & situations in them but it wasn’t until a tragedy happened in this book that I remembered how the first two books also had many serious parts. I will also say that I smiled a lot at the funny things but I didn’t laugh and I think I did laugh at lines in the two previous books. (It might have been my mood.)
My favorite parts were the personal relationships and characters. Here I really liked Emmy and Bunty and Guy, as I always do, but also the children and Harold and Hester and Clarence, and many others too. I could have done without the two dimensional Mrs. Porter though. I would have preferred that she’d been depicted just a tad less the villain but I know that there are people like her. I was much more irritated than entertained though.
I think that this book/series does a wonderful job showing what it was like in London during WWII. I love all the historical details. I appreciate the author placing her fictional characters in real events of that time. Powerfully done!
Most of the way through it was 4 stars for me but the ending bumped it up. It’s only the start of 1944 when this book ends so I imagine there will be a fourth book. If there is I will read it. 4-1/2 stars
I’m struggling to read and for even this book it took me longer to get through it than it would have otherwise but it always held my interest and I enjoyed it throughout.
“You didn’t miss someone any less, you just made room for other things to surround the gap they had left.”
July 20, 2023
Mrs Porter Calling is the third book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles series by British author, AJ Pearce. Emmy Lake has been married for over a year to Charles Mayhew, but misses him terribly: like so many husbands, he’s away fighting. She continues to live with her best friend, Bunty, and they share her grandmother’s Pimlico house with needy women.
But now the top flat is free, while their friend Thelma is in an awful damp flat with her three children. It seems the perfect solution: a nice flat and a back garden for the children; sharing cooking, chores and ration coupons, and good company. Soon they have former army bomb squad Captain Harold Thomas, who has a gentle eye on Bunty, rebuilding the dilapidated back shed.
At Woman’s Friend, major changes: Lord Overton’s death sees his niece, the Hon Mrs Cressida Porter becoming owner and publisher. And while her fluffy persona initially wins over staff with charm and sweets, editor Guy Collins is wary. It’s quickly clear that Mrs Porter (call me Egg) isn’t as daft as she seems.
Beguiling, rich and frivolous, she has ideas of her own about the magazine, and Emmy is dismayed to find they include cutting just about everything that readers love about their publication, things Mrs Porter regards as “A Bit Mis”. She wants prettier models, less ugly babies, evening frocks, and fancier recipes. Is she trying to turn it into a society magazine?
Guy Collins is having to tread a fine diplomatic line between sustaining what they have seen as the magazine’s raison d’etre, being a voice for the reader, and pleasing a superficial, demanding owner and her snooty 2IC. Emmy despairs at the idea of culling the readers letters to Yours Cheerfully to include only the “cheerier problems”; she’s told that the war work articles need feature less dreary careers; and readers’ own contributions, Woman’s Friend to Friend, will be heavily cut to allow room for Mrs Porter’s own column.
Worse still, Mrs Porter thinks she’s doing Emmy a huge favour by sending her out to interview wealthy brides-to-be about their society weddings. As the months progress, Guy concedes that he may have underestimated their new publisher. His valiant attempts to preserve their important connection with the readers, by cajoling, negotiating, flattering, and in the end, more or less begging Mrs Porter, are to no avail. Emmy is shocked to find him on the point of giving up.
Their cleverly contrived three-point plan to curb Mrs Porter’s more radical changes unfortunately works too well, in a direction that Guy and Emma hadn’t anticipated. Can they rescue Woman’s Friend and her loyal staff from a terrible fate?
An audacious plan born of a casual remark gets the staff enthused about potential salvation, but before that can get off the ground, the war intervenes and a tragic loss sees Emmy facing a bewildering challenge that takes precedence over Woman’s Friend.
This instalment features guinea pigs, chickens and ducks, a very spoilt dog with a discerning bite, a traitorous staff member, a budding romance (or two), and some very brave children. Pearce’s portrayal of life and its challenges during war demonstrates her thorough research.
Pearce easily captures her era and setting, her characters are endearing, and the plot is realistic. While most issues seem to be neatly wrapped up, more of this engaging cast is most definitely welcome. This is heart-warming and uplifting historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pan Macmillan/Picador.
But now the top flat is free, while their friend Thelma is in an awful damp flat with her three children. It seems the perfect solution: a nice flat and a back garden for the children; sharing cooking, chores and ration coupons, and good company. Soon they have former army bomb squad Captain Harold Thomas, who has a gentle eye on Bunty, rebuilding the dilapidated back shed.
At Woman’s Friend, major changes: Lord Overton’s death sees his niece, the Hon Mrs Cressida Porter becoming owner and publisher. And while her fluffy persona initially wins over staff with charm and sweets, editor Guy Collins is wary. It’s quickly clear that Mrs Porter (call me Egg) isn’t as daft as she seems.
Beguiling, rich and frivolous, she has ideas of her own about the magazine, and Emmy is dismayed to find they include cutting just about everything that readers love about their publication, things Mrs Porter regards as “A Bit Mis”. She wants prettier models, less ugly babies, evening frocks, and fancier recipes. Is she trying to turn it into a society magazine?
Guy Collins is having to tread a fine diplomatic line between sustaining what they have seen as the magazine’s raison d’etre, being a voice for the reader, and pleasing a superficial, demanding owner and her snooty 2IC. Emmy despairs at the idea of culling the readers letters to Yours Cheerfully to include only the “cheerier problems”; she’s told that the war work articles need feature less dreary careers; and readers’ own contributions, Woman’s Friend to Friend, will be heavily cut to allow room for Mrs Porter’s own column.
Worse still, Mrs Porter thinks she’s doing Emmy a huge favour by sending her out to interview wealthy brides-to-be about their society weddings. As the months progress, Guy concedes that he may have underestimated their new publisher. His valiant attempts to preserve their important connection with the readers, by cajoling, negotiating, flattering, and in the end, more or less begging Mrs Porter, are to no avail. Emmy is shocked to find him on the point of giving up.
Their cleverly contrived three-point plan to curb Mrs Porter’s more radical changes unfortunately works too well, in a direction that Guy and Emma hadn’t anticipated. Can they rescue Woman’s Friend and her loyal staff from a terrible fate?
An audacious plan born of a casual remark gets the staff enthused about potential salvation, but before that can get off the ground, the war intervenes and a tragic loss sees Emmy facing a bewildering challenge that takes precedence over Woman’s Friend.
This instalment features guinea pigs, chickens and ducks, a very spoilt dog with a discerning bite, a traitorous staff member, a budding romance (or two), and some very brave children. Pearce’s portrayal of life and its challenges during war demonstrates her thorough research.
Pearce easily captures her era and setting, her characters are endearing, and the plot is realistic. While most issues seem to be neatly wrapped up, more of this engaging cast is most definitely welcome. This is heart-warming and uplifting historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pan Macmillan/Picador.
November 8, 2023
Four and a half stars.
Sometimes you pick up a book you know nothing about and it works. Other times not so much. This book belongs in the first category. It charmed me.
Set during World War 2, the story starts in London starting in 1943.Emmy Lake agony aunt for for the magazine Woman’s Friend, is busy trying to help readers as they face the challenges of life on the home front. Her husband is away with the war and Emmy puts everything she has into her work. She has a real heart for people and their problems. Guy Collins, the editor and his team are all educated hard workers at the magazine. When the owner, Lord Overton dies, his niece the Honourable Cressida Porter steps in. She is all charm until her wishes are thwarted when her real nature revealed.
Emmy, Guy and her two friends Bunty and Thelma have to work together to try and stop Mrs Porters disregard for their readers and save the magazine from being destroyed
Emmy, and her friends are all great, well meaning, generous and easy to empathise with. This is book 3 in a series in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. I had not read the other 2 but this book stands alone fine.
A charming story of friendship and working together plus details of the rationing and hardships experienced during the war. It is a lovely read for these aspects in particular.
Mrs Porter does tend to be rather one dimensional but it is easy to overlook given the rest of the positives. And just a note of warning, tissues may be needed. A very enjoyable easy read. So glad I read it.
Sometimes you pick up a book you know nothing about and it works. Other times not so much. This book belongs in the first category. It charmed me.
Set during World War 2, the story starts in London starting in 1943.Emmy Lake agony aunt for for the magazine Woman’s Friend, is busy trying to help readers as they face the challenges of life on the home front. Her husband is away with the war and Emmy puts everything she has into her work. She has a real heart for people and their problems. Guy Collins, the editor and his team are all educated hard workers at the magazine. When the owner, Lord Overton dies, his niece the Honourable Cressida Porter steps in. She is all charm until her wishes are thwarted when her real nature revealed.
Emmy, Guy and her two friends Bunty and Thelma have to work together to try and stop Mrs Porters disregard for their readers and save the magazine from being destroyed
Emmy, and her friends are all great, well meaning, generous and easy to empathise with. This is book 3 in a series in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. I had not read the other 2 but this book stands alone fine.
A charming story of friendship and working together plus details of the rationing and hardships experienced during the war. It is a lovely read for these aspects in particular.
Mrs Porter does tend to be rather one dimensional but it is easy to overlook given the rest of the positives. And just a note of warning, tissues may be needed. A very enjoyable easy read. So glad I read it.
November 18, 2025
London 1943.
Emmy turns 25, and misses her husband Charles terribly!
Lord Overton died and has left the magazine Woman's Friend to her nice the Honourable Cressida Porter, also known as Egg.
The first time she visits she treats everbody like a close friend and praises the good job they all have done through the years.
They all adore her.
But she has her own agenda.
During the weekend she made some research with her friends and talks about two tiny ideas she has in mind to change things.
All the ghastly letters from and to the readers and the war-worked articles will definitely be replaced by nicer things, with nicer models and she wants Emmy to write about high society weddings!!
Mrs Porter has an assistent, the angry Mr Eliott, and her lap dog Winston, who can't stand the former.
Guy, Emmy, all the staff, except Mrs Pye who is on her side, can't hardly believe what's happening.
The advertisers start leaving, the readers too because who has the money to buy the things theys publish in the magazine and not help them anymore.
Guy tries everything, but can't change Mrs Porter mind.
He feels defeated and the inevitable is lurking, they all might loose their jobs.
But something even worse happens.
One of the characters dies and 2 family members also, in an attack by a single plane, with a single bomb, and opening fire with machine guns.
They're stunned with grief!
Will Guy, Emmy, and the loyal staff be able to get to turn fate around and save their beloved magazine?
Will someone gives them a hand?
They will do anything to not let their dream fade away and it so happens that the readers have the same opinion, after a letter from the Editor Mr Guy Collins to the readers explaining what has been happening!
Emmy turns 25, and misses her husband Charles terribly!
Lord Overton died and has left the magazine Woman's Friend to her nice the Honourable Cressida Porter, also known as Egg.
The first time she visits she treats everbody like a close friend and praises the good job they all have done through the years.
They all adore her.
But she has her own agenda.
During the weekend she made some research with her friends and talks about two tiny ideas she has in mind to change things.
All the ghastly letters from and to the readers and the war-worked articles will definitely be replaced by nicer things, with nicer models and she wants Emmy to write about high society weddings!!
Mrs Porter has an assistent, the angry Mr Eliott, and her lap dog Winston, who can't stand the former.
Guy, Emmy, all the staff, except Mrs Pye who is on her side, can't hardly believe what's happening.
The advertisers start leaving, the readers too because who has the money to buy the things theys publish in the magazine and not help them anymore.
Guy tries everything, but can't change Mrs Porter mind.
He feels defeated and the inevitable is lurking, they all might loose their jobs.
But something even worse happens.
One of the characters dies and 2 family members also, in an attack by a single plane, with a single bomb, and opening fire with machine guns.
They're stunned with grief!
Will Guy, Emmy, and the loyal staff be able to get to turn fate around and save their beloved magazine?
Will someone gives them a hand?
They will do anything to not let their dream fade away and it so happens that the readers have the same opinion, after a letter from the Editor Mr Guy Collins to the readers explaining what has been happening!
August 23, 2023
This will be a quick review because my Goodreads page went down earlier today! Ugh 😩! I really have so much to say about this delightful book, but what I want to write my not come across as I want it to, so it here goes...
" Welcome back, Emmy, Bunty, Guy, Thel and all the wonderful characters in the Emmy Lake Chronicles!!! I've waited so long to catch up with all of you!!"
I really loved this book. It's the third installment of the series. The first book is Dear Mrs Bird and then Yours Cheerfully. This story takes place in 1943, London. Emmy and Bunty have been best friends since childhood. I really love the way they balance each other out. These two make me laugh and cry because of their endearing friendship. Emmy is in charge of Yours Cheerfully, the wonderful advice column in in Womens Friend magazine. This is where people write in seeking advice from just about everything during WW2. Emmy and Thel work together for the fire department on duty for air raids. Guy is the editor of the magazine and an all around wonderful man. Everyone are endearing friends. Everything is going great until... until...Mrs. Porter is put in charge of Womens Friend. Oh no! Chaos ensues as the hugely popular magazine is being threatened to close down. Mrs. Porter is a socialite used to getting her own way. She's not an easy person to please. If she doesn't like something, she says "It's a bit mis." This phase is stuck in my head and makes me laugh out loud!!
Will Womens Friend survive Mrs. Porter? Well, you'll enjoy reading this story to find out! 🤫
When I got this book on my Libby app and also the audiobook, along with the physical book from the library, my friend said that my face lit up!! I believe her because I was extremely excited to read this book!! Words really can't describe how happy and excited I was!! I don't want the stories to end. A J Pearce, if you are reading this review, please write another book!! We want this amazing story to continue! This is a story about love, loss, tragedy, happiness and sadness. Also, it's a story of challenges and endearing friendships. These characters leap off the pages into your heart 💙
I very highly recommend this book and of course the series. It's beautifully written and impeccably researched. When I read the Authors Notes, I was surprised to learn that even though it's a work of fiction, it's also based on true events.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🎉
" Welcome back, Emmy, Bunty, Guy, Thel and all the wonderful characters in the Emmy Lake Chronicles!!! I've waited so long to catch up with all of you!!"
I really loved this book. It's the third installment of the series. The first book is Dear Mrs Bird and then Yours Cheerfully. This story takes place in 1943, London. Emmy and Bunty have been best friends since childhood. I really love the way they balance each other out. These two make me laugh and cry because of their endearing friendship. Emmy is in charge of Yours Cheerfully, the wonderful advice column in in Womens Friend magazine. This is where people write in seeking advice from just about everything during WW2. Emmy and Thel work together for the fire department on duty for air raids. Guy is the editor of the magazine and an all around wonderful man. Everyone are endearing friends. Everything is going great until... until...Mrs. Porter is put in charge of Womens Friend. Oh no! Chaos ensues as the hugely popular magazine is being threatened to close down. Mrs. Porter is a socialite used to getting her own way. She's not an easy person to please. If she doesn't like something, she says "It's a bit mis." This phase is stuck in my head and makes me laugh out loud!!
Will Womens Friend survive Mrs. Porter? Well, you'll enjoy reading this story to find out! 🤫
When I got this book on my Libby app and also the audiobook, along with the physical book from the library, my friend said that my face lit up!! I believe her because I was extremely excited to read this book!! Words really can't describe how happy and excited I was!! I don't want the stories to end. A J Pearce, if you are reading this review, please write another book!! We want this amazing story to continue! This is a story about love, loss, tragedy, happiness and sadness. Also, it's a story of challenges and endearing friendships. These characters leap off the pages into your heart 💙
I very highly recommend this book and of course the series. It's beautifully written and impeccably researched. When I read the Authors Notes, I was surprised to learn that even though it's a work of fiction, it's also based on true events.
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨🎉
August 14, 2023
This series is such a balm to the soul.
I can't get enough of Emmy Lake & Bunty and the whole crew at Woman's Friend. This installment picks up closely after the second one (my favorite still in the series) ended. Emmy & Bunty have moved in together in Bunty's granny's house. They end up having one of their friends Thelma move into the top floor with her 3 children. Then the magazine that we've come to know and love gets a new owner with Lord Overton's passing, and enter Mrs. Porter. Chaos ensues --
All the antics, heartbreak, and comical tender moments between these characters brings me right into the time and place. Pearce has a knack for writing true to the era and I felt like I was right there in the air raids, and mini zoo that they acquire on behalf of the kids. My heart broke as war time news spreads and as these characters try to do whatever it takes to get their magazine back. Small Winston was a huge favorite for his ability to ankle bite and his little stature. I could just picture him.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I can't get enough of Emmy Lake & Bunty and the whole crew at Woman's Friend. This installment picks up closely after the second one (my favorite still in the series) ended. Emmy & Bunty have moved in together in Bunty's granny's house. They end up having one of their friends Thelma move into the top floor with her 3 children. Then the magazine that we've come to know and love gets a new owner with Lord Overton's passing, and enter Mrs. Porter. Chaos ensues --
All the antics, heartbreak, and comical tender moments between these characters brings me right into the time and place. Pearce has a knack for writing true to the era and I felt like I was right there in the air raids, and mini zoo that they acquire on behalf of the kids. My heart broke as war time news spreads and as these characters try to do whatever it takes to get their magazine back. Small Winston was a huge favorite for his ability to ankle bite and his little stature. I could just picture him.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
August 27, 2025
Mrs. Porter Calling is the third in a historical fiction series that focuses on the home front in London during World War II. As far as it’s possible to be light-hearted with that topic, this series is.
Emmy Lake works at a long-running magazine called Woman’s Friend, which caters to “everyday” woman in the UK. Since it’s wartime, there are recipes for things to do with carrots, how to stretch your coupons, and so forth. Emmy’s specialty is replying to readers’ letters with advice of all sorts. This book takes place starting in the spring of 1943, as the tide of the war seems to be turning in the Allies’ favor, but it’s still very hard at home, including a lethal bomb here and there. The owner/publisher of the magazine has died and has left the magazine to his niece, the titular Mrs. Porter.
I didn’t love this installment as much as the first two books. Mrs. Porter was just too much of a clueless society airhead, a real villain with zero redeeming qualities. She proceeds to remake the magazine for her society friends, not for its faithful readers.
The best parts of the book were the scenes involving Emmy and her friends, Bunty and Thelma, and Thelma’s children. You got a flavor of how hard it was to make ends meet in those times.
I’m hoping that book four, Dear Miss Lake, will wrap things up nicely.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Emmy Lake works at a long-running magazine called Woman’s Friend, which caters to “everyday” woman in the UK. Since it’s wartime, there are recipes for things to do with carrots, how to stretch your coupons, and so forth. Emmy’s specialty is replying to readers’ letters with advice of all sorts. This book takes place starting in the spring of 1943, as the tide of the war seems to be turning in the Allies’ favor, but it’s still very hard at home, including a lethal bomb here and there. The owner/publisher of the magazine has died and has left the magazine to his niece, the titular Mrs. Porter.
I didn’t love this installment as much as the first two books. Mrs. Porter was just too much of a clueless society airhead, a real villain with zero redeeming qualities. She proceeds to remake the magazine for her society friends, not for its faithful readers.
The best parts of the book were the scenes involving Emmy and her friends, Bunty and Thelma, and Thelma’s children. You got a flavor of how hard it was to make ends meet in those times.
I’m hoping that book four, Dear Miss Lake, will wrap things up nicely.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 28, 2023
After reading the other books in this wonderful series I saw this on Borrowbox and requested to read it.
The Magazine employees and owner has seen quite some changes from book 1-book 3. Not always for the best however, Emmy has been rooting to keep the Agony Aunt column real. Many rely on it and she is sincere in being there for her “women” out there who need answers or support.
Sometimes much against the grain of some peers.
Mrs Porter has now come into ownership of the Women’s Friend and she’s a bit of a tyrant. It seems she wants to ‘shake up’ and totally change what’s been working for years.
She’s no interest in it really, everyone knows this is not what women need and the array and discomfort arises and much discussion amongst the employees themselves.
Then Mrs Porter puts it up for sale.
What’s going to happen?
Lots of women rely on this friendly magazine and many employees go over and beyond helping women out there.
Emmy Lake isn’t happy.
Based around the historical period of which it’s written, get your mindset in that era and you’ll enjoy this series immensely.
I haven’t read a series for quite some time and this was a nice treat.
The author is so fluent in her writing it was a delight for me.
The Magazine employees and owner has seen quite some changes from book 1-book 3. Not always for the best however, Emmy has been rooting to keep the Agony Aunt column real. Many rely on it and she is sincere in being there for her “women” out there who need answers or support.
Sometimes much against the grain of some peers.
Mrs Porter has now come into ownership of the Women’s Friend and she’s a bit of a tyrant. It seems she wants to ‘shake up’ and totally change what’s been working for years.
She’s no interest in it really, everyone knows this is not what women need and the array and discomfort arises and much discussion amongst the employees themselves.
Then Mrs Porter puts it up for sale.
What’s going to happen?
Lots of women rely on this friendly magazine and many employees go over and beyond helping women out there.
Emmy Lake isn’t happy.
Based around the historical period of which it’s written, get your mindset in that era and you’ll enjoy this series immensely.
I haven’t read a series for quite some time and this was a nice treat.
The author is so fluent in her writing it was a delight for me.
March 6, 2023
I thank Netgalley and the publisher for the first chapter of Mrs Porter calling. I didn't realise at the time that it was the first chapter of the third book in the series. I can honestly say I have not read any of the previous books. But I found this to be a good first chapter set in the 1940's and although I have not read any of the previous it was easy to get engrossed in the story. and I can't wait to delve into the other books. I really enjoyed it. 4 stars from me.
Update March 2023
Emmy and Bunty are working for The Women’s friend magazine. The magazine is thriving. But when Mrs Porter inherits it. She wants to make changes that threaten the magazine reader and subscribers and Emmy, Bunty and Charles devise a plan to stop the magazine from going under.
Mrs Porters calling is the third book and continues the story of Emmy and Bunty. I am excited to receive the full advanced copy. This is an atmospheric WW11 story based in London, good storyline, great characters and I loved the style of writing, and it was quite humorous too. The only problem that I had was because I hadn’t read the previous two books in the series, I couldn’t connect with the story fully as I don’t know their full backstory. 4 stars from me.
Update March 2023
Emmy and Bunty are working for The Women’s friend magazine. The magazine is thriving. But when Mrs Porter inherits it. She wants to make changes that threaten the magazine reader and subscribers and Emmy, Bunty and Charles devise a plan to stop the magazine from going under.
Mrs Porters calling is the third book and continues the story of Emmy and Bunty. I am excited to receive the full advanced copy. This is an atmospheric WW11 story based in London, good storyline, great characters and I loved the style of writing, and it was quite humorous too. The only problem that I had was because I hadn’t read the previous two books in the series, I couldn’t connect with the story fully as I don’t know their full backstory. 4 stars from me.
June 21, 2023
I didn't love this instalment as much as the first two. The story with the magazine I found quite predictable. However it was very nice to be back with the girls and I hope we will get at least another book as closure.
September 7, 2023
3.5 stars not my fav in the Emmy series, but still a good read!
April 4, 2023
Ugh my heart. MY ACTUAL HEART. What are you doing to us AJ Pearce?! All the feels in this book, I actually did a little happy dance at the end and rode all the expected plot twists throughout in an excited frenzy. I LOVED this book.
I’ve loved them all and it’s honestly been one of my favourite ever wartime series. I’ve grown so attached to all the characters and I’m hopeful for at least one more (hopefully 1000 more) books in this series. We need to end the war with these girls!!
Back with Emmy in one of her hardest hit challenges yet. Mrs Porter waltzes in in a cloud of expensive perfume, hitting like a heavy weight boxer with her ‘little ideas’ for the magazine, leaving them all reeling at the changes to be made. Can they save their much loved mag?
Also, aw Bunty. I just want to see her happy after she’s had such a tough time! I’m so glad we got to see more of her get her shot at happiness in this. And the addition of Stan, Marg & George was fab as they really added an element of fun to the book. (Not to mention all the chickens & ducks slowly taking over the garden shed). We need a spin off book series with Stan, George and Marg taking wartime London by storm, that’s all I’m saying…!
Just a thanks to this author for creating this fab set of books as they’ve really made me smile. I’ve enjoyed them immensely! Not a read I’ve regretted and they’ve become a must buy in every form, I shall endeavour to have all the collectors editions, paperbacks and audiobook formats of this series now which is how you know it truly is a big win for me!!
I’ve loved them all and it’s honestly been one of my favourite ever wartime series. I’ve grown so attached to all the characters and I’m hopeful for at least one more (hopefully 1000 more) books in this series. We need to end the war with these girls!!
Back with Emmy in one of her hardest hit challenges yet. Mrs Porter waltzes in in a cloud of expensive perfume, hitting like a heavy weight boxer with her ‘little ideas’ for the magazine, leaving them all reeling at the changes to be made. Can they save their much loved mag?
Also, aw Bunty. I just want to see her happy after she’s had such a tough time! I’m so glad we got to see more of her get her shot at happiness in this. And the addition of Stan, Marg & George was fab as they really added an element of fun to the book. (Not to mention all the chickens & ducks slowly taking over the garden shed). We need a spin off book series with Stan, George and Marg taking wartime London by storm, that’s all I’m saying…!
Just a thanks to this author for creating this fab set of books as they’ve really made me smile. I’ve enjoyed them immensely! Not a read I’ve regretted and they’ve become a must buy in every form, I shall endeavour to have all the collectors editions, paperbacks and audiobook formats of this series now which is how you know it truly is a big win for me!!
August 18, 2023
Three things:
1. A proper “Well Done” is in order for author AJ Pierce. This series encompasses everything I love about reading. Be sure to start at the beginning with her Dear Mrs. Bird, which is just so darn so likable.
2. Pop in your ear buds because the audiobook is the way to go here. The narration beautifully enhances the story.
3. This is book 3, which is personally my least favorite. I’m guessing most folks have experienced working alongside that one colleague or boss that ignites intense feelings of frustration/dislike/ anger. Mrs. Porter IS that character, and oh did she bring me right back to a past situation. Ooof. But hey, it’s bearable….because isn’t watching a comeuppance unfold completely worth it?!
1. A proper “Well Done” is in order for author AJ Pierce. This series encompasses everything I love about reading. Be sure to start at the beginning with her Dear Mrs. Bird, which is just so darn so likable.
2. Pop in your ear buds because the audiobook is the way to go here. The narration beautifully enhances the story.
3. This is book 3, which is personally my least favorite. I’m guessing most folks have experienced working alongside that one colleague or boss that ignites intense feelings of frustration/dislike/ anger. Mrs. Porter IS that character, and oh did she bring me right back to a past situation. Ooof. But hey, it’s bearable….because isn’t watching a comeuppance unfold completely worth it?!
May 1, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
What another enjoyable book in the Emmy Lake series! (I recommend reading them in order.)
Oh, Mrs. Porter, you are a bit mis. But that made storyline so great as the characters fought for their beloved magazine to carry on as reader's preferred.
The story also brings in the hardships they faced with the war.
I've loved this series and hope it continues!
What another enjoyable book in the Emmy Lake series! (I recommend reading them in order.)
Oh, Mrs. Porter, you are a bit mis. But that made storyline so great as the characters fought for their beloved magazine to carry on as reader's preferred.
The story also brings in the hardships they faced with the war.
I've loved this series and hope it continues!
June 17, 2023
Although overall it was enjoyable to be back with some of these characters, it was a bit of a bog to get through. This book had one of the most detestable villain characters since Umbridge from Harry Potter and about 70% of the book dealt with that. The first book in this series, Dear Mrs. Bird, is one of my favorites, and I kind of wished it stayed a stand-alone novel.
But I will be keeping an eye out on what else A.J. Pearce comes out with!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for the advanced e-reader copy to review.
But I will be keeping an eye out on what else A.J. Pearce comes out with!
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for the advanced e-reader copy to review.
May 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this intelligent and touching story and third in a series. It was like meeting up with an old friend. The writing is brilliant. Thought-provoking with streaks of delightful British humor, and melancholy. Another winner from AJ Pearce!
October 4, 2023
Third in the series, and if you liked the others you'll like this. Easy and entertaining.
January 9, 2024
I enjoy this series so much. Each book has been better than the last.
August 10, 2023
Mrs. Porter Calling is light historical fiction and the third installment of the Emmy Lake Chronicles (can be read as a stand-alone).
Emmy Lake is in charge of Yours Cheerfully, an advice column in Woman’s Friend magazine. Readers love the advice column as they face increasing challenges during wartime. However, a new publisher (Mrs. Porter) wants to change everything. Mrs. Porter fills the pages with expensive clothes and frivolous articles. She also announces the cutting of the Yours Cheerfully column. As readership plummets, Emmy and her friends must find a way to save the magazine that women (and they) love.
Although Mrs. Porter Calling is the third in the series, each can be read as a stand-alone. That said, I also believe that a series is best when read in order! Of the three (Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling, the second (Yours Cheerfully) is my favorite. I’ve grown to appreciate women on the home front fiction. This series is perfect for readers looking for lighter WWII histfic and stories of women supporting women.
I always appreciate themes of friendship, women supporting women, pulling together during hard times, women on the home front, and chasing your dreams with determination. In this series, the pressure of publishing and print media plays an important role.
There is lots to love about our main character, Emmy Lake. She is devoted to her job, cares deeply for her friends, solves problems, and is a kind and compassionate person. Emmy is determined, smart, forthright, and responsible. You can’t help but love her and cheer her on.
Content Consideration: Although this is an overall light read, there is some difficult content related to wartime (loss of life, bombings).
I recommend the Emmy Lake Chronicles for readers looking for lighter WWII historical fiction and for those who love friendship and women supporting women themes.
Thanks #NetGalley #Scribner @ScribnerBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #MrsPorterCalling upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
Emmy Lake is in charge of Yours Cheerfully, an advice column in Woman’s Friend magazine. Readers love the advice column as they face increasing challenges during wartime. However, a new publisher (Mrs. Porter) wants to change everything. Mrs. Porter fills the pages with expensive clothes and frivolous articles. She also announces the cutting of the Yours Cheerfully column. As readership plummets, Emmy and her friends must find a way to save the magazine that women (and they) love.
Although Mrs. Porter Calling is the third in the series, each can be read as a stand-alone. That said, I also believe that a series is best when read in order! Of the three (Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling, the second (Yours Cheerfully) is my favorite. I’ve grown to appreciate women on the home front fiction. This series is perfect for readers looking for lighter WWII histfic and stories of women supporting women.
I always appreciate themes of friendship, women supporting women, pulling together during hard times, women on the home front, and chasing your dreams with determination. In this series, the pressure of publishing and print media plays an important role.
There is lots to love about our main character, Emmy Lake. She is devoted to her job, cares deeply for her friends, solves problems, and is a kind and compassionate person. Emmy is determined, smart, forthright, and responsible. You can’t help but love her and cheer her on.
Content Consideration: Although this is an overall light read, there is some difficult content related to wartime (loss of life, bombings).
I recommend the Emmy Lake Chronicles for readers looking for lighter WWII historical fiction and for those who love friendship and women supporting women themes.
Thanks #NetGalley #Scribner @ScribnerBooks for a complimentary e ARC of #MrsPorterCalling upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
July 9, 2023
The third instalment of the Emmy Lake chronicles - I've read and really enjoyed the first two - continues the wartime story of Emmy, her friends and her job at Woman's Friend magazine. Emmy's now been married to Charles for over a year, but they've barely seen each other in that time, what with that whole war business going on.
Mrs Cressida Porter ("everyone calls me Egg!") is the magazine's new owner, following the death of her uncle, Lord Overton. The glamorous, apparently delightful Mrs Porter knows little if anything about magazine publishing, but has plenty of ideas for "tiny, tiny changes" to Woman's Friend.... Rather than addressing the concerns and interests of readers, as the existing staff are dedicated to doing, Mrs Porter instead wants to fill the magazine with dresses from Harrods, society weddings, and pictures of her dog. All much to the dismay of Emmy, editor Guy Collins, and indeed the readers.
To begin with, Mrs Porter didn't seem *that* bad - a bit shallow and silly - but her true monstrousness soon became apparent, turning her into a proper antagonist for our heroes.
Meanwhile, at home in Pimlico, Emmy is house-sharing with best friend Bunty, and it's not long before another friend, Thelma, and her three children are also living there, the presence of the children adding an extra dimension to the story.
An excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series. Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Mrs Cressida Porter ("everyone calls me Egg!") is the magazine's new owner, following the death of her uncle, Lord Overton. The glamorous, apparently delightful Mrs Porter knows little if anything about magazine publishing, but has plenty of ideas for "tiny, tiny changes" to Woman's Friend.... Rather than addressing the concerns and interests of readers, as the existing staff are dedicated to doing, Mrs Porter instead wants to fill the magazine with dresses from Harrods, society weddings, and pictures of her dog. All much to the dismay of Emmy, editor Guy Collins, and indeed the readers.
To begin with, Mrs Porter didn't seem *that* bad - a bit shallow and silly - but her true monstrousness soon became apparent, turning her into a proper antagonist for our heroes.
Meanwhile, at home in Pimlico, Emmy is house-sharing with best friend Bunty, and it's not long before another friend, Thelma, and her three children are also living there, the presence of the children adding an extra dimension to the story.
An excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series. Many thanks for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
September 6, 2024
Very cute, my first exposure to the series.
Women writing is always a subject I can get behind, and I think I would be interested in going back and reading the others in the series.
Thank you to Goodreads giveaways and the author a chance to read and review.
Women writing is always a subject I can get behind, and I think I would be interested in going back and reading the others in the series.
Thank you to Goodreads giveaways and the author a chance to read and review.
August 2, 2023
Easy going novel in the latest in the series about a women's magazine during ww2
May 24, 2023
MrsPorterCalling is a much anticipated release this year, and trust me, it absolutely lives up to expectations. This is the third book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles, and it is just as charming and wonderful as the first two. If you’ve enjoyed the series to date then you’re going to LOVE this one (and if you haven’t read them yet, then what on earth are you waiting for? pick them up they’re bloody wonderful).
I couldn’t love this series more. Every book has been filled with so much love and so much hope, in a time of such hardship and when so many sacrifices were being made. The importance of friendship and family, and fighting for what you believe in. In finding joy wherever and whenever you can.
Being back with our favourite chums was an absolute delight, and we meet a few new faces too… some wonderful, some not-so-much.
I will warn you now, this is an emotional ride. When I say I sat in my garden, on the sunniest afternoon of the year, sobbing to the point where a neighbour asked if I was ok… NOPE, not a bit ok, but in the best possible way. I adore these characters so very much, I feel every moment with them, and I dare you not to shed a tear with this one…
A simply glorious novel; I can’t recommend this one enough.
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
I couldn’t love this series more. Every book has been filled with so much love and so much hope, in a time of such hardship and when so many sacrifices were being made. The importance of friendship and family, and fighting for what you believe in. In finding joy wherever and whenever you can.
Being back with our favourite chums was an absolute delight, and we meet a few new faces too… some wonderful, some not-so-much.
I will warn you now, this is an emotional ride. When I say I sat in my garden, on the sunniest afternoon of the year, sobbing to the point where a neighbour asked if I was ok… NOPE, not a bit ok, but in the best possible way. I adore these characters so very much, I feel every moment with them, and I dare you not to shed a tear with this one…
A simply glorious novel; I can’t recommend this one enough.
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
July 27, 2023
I love this series completely and book 3 makes a delightful addition. I adore the characters, especially MC Emmy and her crew at Women’s Friend magazine. I even loved to hate the new publisher of the publication, Mrs. Porter, whose proposed changes focus not on what readers want -- like the incredibly popular advice column -- but what she and her rich friends would prefer. Set during WWII London, with the same charm and wit and authenticity that have made the series such a hit. Highly recommended!
September 16, 2024
I think I realize why this series works for me: it gives me a good dose of hope for humanity. In terrible circumstances, Pearce’s characters have a good cry or shout, and the buck up and do something. Mrs. Porter Calling was quite hard in some places--Pearce doesn't use the war as wallpaper--but she doesn't leave things in a depressing state. The past few years haven’t been the easiest for us modern folk, and the future promises little improvement. I’m weary of being angry and I cheerfully refuse to be made bitter. Like her characters, I can Do My Bit.
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