Dear Miss Lake

The Emmy Lake Chronicles #4

by A.J. Pearce, Anna Popplewell (Narrator)

From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird , Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet . . .

London, July 1944. Journalist Emmy Lake's career is Woman's Friend magazine is a huge success, and she is finally realizing her dream of becoming a Lady War Correspondent. On the personal front, Emmy's husband Charles has been posted closer to home, and they and their friends Bunty and Harold have escaped to the countryside for a few precious summer days. They all know how lucky they are.

But after nearly five years of war, the nation is struggling. The "Yours Cheerfully" advice column receives more letters than ever, and even though it looks like the war might finally be over by Christmas, the situation is far from resolved. For Emmy and her team, it’s all about pulling together and pushing on. But then disaster strikes. Soon Emmy finds herself facing her greatest battle yet. Now she needs her friends more than ever . . .

Endearing, engaging, and full of heart, Dear Miss Lake is a testament to the power of friendship in the hardest of times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, British Literature, Historical, Audiobook, World War II, Adult Fiction

Audible Audio

First published July 3, 2025

About the author

AJ 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/

Reviews

[Terrie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's July 1944, almost 5 years into WWII, and the bombs are still dropping on London. With the devastation everywhere, Women’s Friend magazine moves everyone—employees, spouses, and children to the countryside and safety for the summer. However, as the war raged throughout Europe, not everyone remained safe...

Dear Miss Lake is the final book in The Emmy Lake Chronicles series, and it was great to be back with this wonderful group of book friends who hope for an end to the war soon. The Women's Friend magazine staff remain committed to doing their part to keep their readers focused and inspired to do the same.

As with each book in this series, A.J. Pearce gives the first-person narration through Emmy Lake's voice, and the dialogue between the characters feels authentic for the era. There are heartwarming and heartbreaking moments sprinkled with enough charm and humor to uplift you. All of this provided consistency, uniformity, and balance to the series.

If you listen to the audiobooks, Anna Popplewell narrates all four and does a fantastic job as Emmy's voice. Her voicing of all characters is gender appropriate, and voice inflections reflect the emotions throughout the series. Binge-listening or reading would be a treat!

Dear Miss Lake explores themes of resilience, community, the power of friendship, and the strength of female voices. I wasn't ready for this series to end. I want more about these characters living their lives after WWII, and how this book ends, that feels like a possibility!

4⭐

Thank you to Scribner and A.J. Pearce for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, July 1944. Emmy Lake is the editor of Woman's Friend magazine and readers use it as inspiration for recipes, how to mend and make do and relationship advice. After over two years of marriage Emmy's husband Major Charles Mayhew has been posted closer to home, and her best friend Bunty is planning her summer wedding to Harold at her grandmother’s house in Hampshire.

Emmy really wants to be a war correspondent and she travels to Brussels and here she meets the nurses from the Queen Alexandra Imperial Nursing Service, who are capable and kind and the wounded are stoic.

The nation is struggling, the advice column receives a record number of letters, asking about what to do when the hostilities end, concerns over the treatment of prisoners of war, lack of guidance and information for the families and rushed wartime romances and unplanned pregnancies.

Emmy wants to help everyone but the government has a ban on what can be published in the magazine, and she takes a stand when she and one of her co-workers have to deal with two of the issues raised by subscribers.

I received a copy of Dear Miss Lake by A. J. Pearce from Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. I’ve read the three previous books in the series and I have enjoyed them all and I feel they match the time frame perfectly.

This story highlights after five years, people had enough and they were nervous about what would happen when it ends, families have been torn apart and members lost, how returned servicemen will fit back into society and the fate of prisoners of war.

I was very satisfied with the conclusion of the popular wartime tetralogy and it ended on the right note and five stars from me.

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

an easy 5 shiny stars rating from me!! ✨✨✨✨✨

This is just a short review of a fantastic book that I really loved!! I'll just write it short because I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read it yet!!

I really loved reading this series over the past 4 years and this is the perfect ending to the series of books 📚. I really enjoyed reading about Emmy, Bunty and Guys adventures and they continued in this heartfelt story of love, friendships, found family and family. It's got everything in it and wrapped up nicely with no loose ends!!

I wish the best to this author as she sets out on new things.

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫💛

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy 5 stars for me, I’ve absolutely adored the characters and the whole Emmy Lake series. This for me was the perfect ending and it tied up loads of loose ends and the fact that the series covered the duration of the war, ending when the war ended was absolutely perfect.

When I read these books it always reminds me of my Nan as she was in her early 20s when the war was underway. I used to love hearing her stories about the war work that she was doing and this entire series has really brought that to life. It’s been refreshing to see the war from a woman’s point of view and the difficulties they faced in trying to make ends meet, dealing with issues alone and also wondering if they would ever see their loved ones again.

I found this book lighthearted, and while it covers a harrowing subject, it’s done in such a way that you can’t help but feel hopeful and it evens elicits a few laughs. There is of course tragedy, but it’s done in such a way that you can’t help but remain positive.

This book focused on the future of Women’s Friend, how they were going to continue its success in such trying times and while navigating personal challenges and circumstances. There’s also a big focus on POWs and how this affected the ones left behind.

Finally, I’d love to have a friendship circle like Emmy and her friends!

I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

Many thanks to NetGalley, AJ Pearce and Pan MacMillan for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to what has for me, been a thoroughly enjoyable series. These novels are light entertainment at its best, and sometimes, that is just what I need.

In this last book, Emmy faces her greatest personal challenge yet, but of course, with the help of her friends and some new characters facing similar trials, she is able to navigate her way through; and we do know that things will work out for the best for her.

The cast of characters face the various challenges of life during the war with stoicism and bravery that feels quite real from a lot of letters, diaries, and fiction written around this time. There is heartbreak of course, but laughter too, and the camaraderie between the group is heart warming.

I will miss Emmy and her gang and look forward to seeing what the author does next.

*Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.*

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely satisfying ending to a wonderful series!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not typically drawn to WWII stories, but I have read all of the previous books in this series, and loved them all. Emmy is a character that I've loved, and I'm pretty sure that many of those who haven't read this series would love it, and her, as well. There is so much charm and love in this series, but I am a little heartbroken that this seems to be the final book in this series.


Pub Date: 05 Aug 2025


Many thanks for the opportunity to read Dear Miss Lake

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 stars for a solid 4 book series! These were so well written, researched, with an endearing cast of characters! I so enjoyed reading of the fictional Woman’s Friend magazine published in London during WWII, giving a unique perspective from those on the home front bravely carrying on, holding out hope and compassion to others.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final novel in this poignant series set in WWII England grabbed my heart and wouldn't let it go. I've loved the stories of Emmy, wartime advice columnist, and her team, and so will histfic fans keen on compelling tales from the home front.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

easy going read historical fiction

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like it’s the end of an era! This series has been amongst my absolute favourite as far as wartime historical fiction is concerned and I’ve come to adore these characters. It was such a bittersweet end as the war comes to a close and our cast of characters see out the very toughest of times.

I’m always hooked to these books as soon as I start and to go through marriages, turmoil, happiness and struggles with them over the series has been lovely. Couldn’t have enjoyed them more and had looked forward to every single one.

This one felt like another gift and now it’s all over, I can’t wait to go back to the beginning again and start from the top. The characters are absolutely amazing, the plots and storylines compelling and they always leave you feeling fuzzy and happy. This one was the same.

Hardcore love for this series, big love to the author and for all the characters we’ve got to get to know over the years :).

And now I’m thoroughly subscribed to the next series she creates and will be eagerly at the very front of the queue to support and no doubt love with my whole heart, the characters she creates and introduces to us next. I can’t wait!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Emma Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book number four in the chronicles of Emmy Lake has been a joy to read . Following our heroine as she navigates life through the hardships of war torn Britain with a stiff upper lip . This series reminds me a lot of Enid Blyton and jolly hockey sticks and has had me laughing out loud at times . But on a serious side AJ Pearce has bought to life what life was like for the women in that era covering domestic hardships and the reality of war . I love all the characters and it tied up all the loose ends of the previous books . Don’t want to give out any spoilers so I’ll leave it there . If you’ve read her other books it’s an absolute must
Thanks to the publisher picador and NetGalley for the ARC

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've enjoyed all of the Emmy Lake books in this series and this 4th and final book was great too. The characters are endearing and the author does a great job of showing how difficult it was for families of POWs and other deployed loved ones.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, if this book had to be the last book in this amazing series, then I am glad it went the way it did. I am sorry to see Emmy and Co. go, but we leave them in a very good place and we, who have loved her, can wish her and all her friends and family [that we have also grown to love] well.

This one was a bit more heart-wrenching and harrowing than the others [and those who have read these know how harrowing parts of each one of these were at times], and I found myself holding my breath more than once, just as I found myself awash in tears more than once as well.

This has been one of the best series I have read and loved, and while I am very sad it's over [even now, days after I have finished, I am still in book hangover and also so grateful to have experienced this series], I am very excited to see where AJ Pearce takes us all next.

Thank you to NetGalley, AJ Pearce, and Scribner for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the other books in this series, I loved every minute I spent with Emmy and the team as they navigated the end of the war and what that meant for the troops.
The bonds between the friends and colleagues of the magazine were just wonderful to read and I read it with a smile on my face despite the sadder sections.
I highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already. These characters will just stay with me.

[Francis Pellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty PG version of the end of the war but still enjoyable

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final instalment in a captivating series set during the Second World War, following the journey of a magazine called Women’s Friend. Beginning in July 1944, as the war nears its end, the story is steeped in historical detail and written with vivid authenticity. The author's meticulous research shines through every page, bringing the era to life and making the narrative utterly engrossing.

Emmy Lake, editor of Women’s Friend, is finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a war correspondent. With her husband, Major Charles, serving overseas, Emmy deeply relates to readers coping with loved ones far from home. When the magazine receives an invitation to relocate to the countryside, the team embraces the opportunity and finds joy amidst the turmoil. Emmy's closest friend, Bunty, is preparing for her wedding, adding excitement and celebration to the mix. Yet, as with so many moments during wartime, not everything goes according to plan—some of the staff face heartbreaking trials that remind them of the fragility and resilience of life in uncertain times.

While this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the series in order offers a deeper connection to a cast of unforgettable friends who feel like family by the final page. Heartfelt and immersive—highly recommended.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

infinity stars!
I am having trouble putting this review into works because I am still sobbing. Happy tears, sad tears, emotionally spent tears. Wow. I have never felt like characters were family quite like I have the group from this series. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. If you have made it to the 4th book like me, you are going to love this book. You are going to cry and cheer and cry and despair and cry and trust wholly in this author who has been holding our hand through the toughest times.

I love this story because it reminds me of what people have been through and persevered and what people did with so much less. The way people, especially women, had to just keep going for YEARS through the hardest of times. And they did! And they found joy and they had celebrations, and they used every scrap of what they had, every spark of ingenuity and creativity and were determine to not only carry on but to THRIVE and find happiness and love and it just makes me heart swell. It makes me feel stronger knowing that if they could do it, so can I. And it is truly amazing the effort and dedication and love that went into these women's magazines that never stopped no matter the travesties, to bring hope and help and support to the unseen women subsribers.

The writing of this book is flawless. I was completely swept away (hence all the tears) and about to start writing letters of my own to do my bit. I was completely captivated the entire time and find her storytelling perfectly unique and so easy to read. To create cheer and smiles is the darkest of times is really a talent.

I cannot wait to re-read these stories and whatever else this author graces us with her words.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and the production was impeccable. There is a LOT of emotion and a lot going on and the way the narrator portrayed everything in such a realistic but also soothing way was a masterpiece.

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy and ALC; my thoughts and review are my own.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and satisfying conclusion to this series!

https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

But go back and start with Dear Mrs. Bird!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was lovely to revisit with Ms. Emmy Lake and the gang at Women’s Friend offices during the last few years of WWII. With drama, MIA husbands, and overseas correspondents, we are delighted to be in the world of Emmy as she navigates England in its reality of the impact of the war that has been ravaging for far too long. Although the time period is a hard one in reality, the author brings light into the dark times and these cast of characters you just come to love through her other books. As always, it’s wonderful to visit Emmy in this series. Also sad that it has come to an end.


Thank you to Netgalley for reading this book in return for my honest review.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely nothing less than five stars for a smashing finale to the Emmy Lake series! Even though I selfishly think the author could and should continue, especially since the ending actually felt more like a beginning. I was hoping to get one post-war book about these characters to see what comes next. But, that is just me being selfish like I said. It was heartbreakingly beautiful and I’m going to miss Emmy and company so much.

[Caroline arrow_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ✨ RTC

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely delightful end to a thoroughly charming series. These characters have my whole heart, and I’m devastated that this is the last we’ll see of them, but oh how this was the perfect way to part. Thank you AJ Pearce for bringing us these wonderful stories and letting us meet these characters that mean so much to us all.

If you are a fan of Historical Fiction and you somehow haven’t picked up this series yet then please do. Start with book 1 - Dear Mrs Bird - you do have to read them in order… or if you’ve started the series then please do continue and trust that this ending is exactly what it needed to be. I went through every emotion reading these books, and every single one made me sob. I really can’t recommend them enough.

Huge thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I adored it just as much as I knew I would.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Scribner and Netgalley for this advance copy!

The Dear Mrs Bird series has been such a delight to read, and I'm sad to find out this is the last book. Emmy is bright and kind, and she and the others at the magazine are doing their best while living in England through the Blitz and WWII. I appreciate how these stories never shy away from the difficult life on the homefront and the sacrifices everyone was making, but does so with a level of comfort and awareness that stories can be real and face hard things without being horrible. This final book finds Emmy's husband off to war again and the rest of the crew dealing with a variety of life's problems as Britain finally moves towards VE Day.

I don't know that I would call this a comfort read, but I appreciate this author's point of view and how she brings you into the world of the advice column, women's magazine, and the many characters whose lives we know and love. A great ending to a lovely series.

[Terris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this fourth and final book of the Emmy Lake Chronicles. This book finishes up the WWII story of Emmy Lake and her Women's Friend magazine through 1944-45.

There are many fun exciting times with lots of the beloved characters from the past three books. However, there are some pretty serious moments in this one that especially help the reader know how those going through this dramatic and tragic period felt.

This was a very satisfying series and I learned a lot from it. I also enjoyed the lightness and positiveness that was encouraged though they were going through such difficult times. It felt inspirational to me. I liked it a lot!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this final book in the Emmy Lake series. The final years of WWII London were dreadful. The writers and staff at Women’s Friend magazine had their work cut out for them to keep the news positive and encouraging when life was anything but promising. It was a little challenging to remember the earlier 3 books in the series, but I fully enjoyed this one on its own. The characters are so realistic and the story seems so authentic as to how civilians and servicemen must have been feeling and reacting during this difficult time in history. Ends up being a feel good book!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all four of the books in this series and have enjoyed following along as the writers at Women’s Friend found different ways to be a voice for the women during the war. Fortunately, the war is winding down, but sadly that means that the characters that I have grown to love over the series will no longer be entertaining me with their columns and their determination to live full lives despite the war. This one touches on what happens after the war and is a nice wrap up to the series.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Laura Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series. My life has an Emmy and Bunty shaped hole in it now that it's finished.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All round excellent end to a fun sweet series.

[Susanne Latour · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great ending to this lighthearted WWII series.