Yours Cheerfully

A Novel

By: AJ Pearce

Narrated by: Anna Popplewell

From the author of the “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) and international bestseller Dear Mrs. Bird comes a charming and uplifting novel set in London during World War II about a plucky young journalist and her adventures as wartime advice columnist.

London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the new challenges as a wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It.

When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young mother who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must confront a dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends.

As funny, heartwarming, and touching as Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully is an endearing portrait of female friendship and “a fruitful exploration of the solidarity among women in times of grief, love, and hardship” (Publishers Weekly).

Critic reviews

"Popplewell does an excellent job representing the male and female staff of the women's magazine at the heart of the story. She brings across the polite nature of British society in this period, as well as the burgeoning power of women like Emmy who were working outside the home. Popplewell creates an engaging tapestry that listeners will appreciate."

Excellent narration

I loved the story, but it was enhanced by the amazing narration. I have never heard an audiobook that was read with so much personality, excellent character portrayal, and the accents were credible. It made the story fly by, and I was sad to see it end. Just wonderful.

An Enjoyable Continuation

I definitely recommend reading the first book first so you understand the background and history of the characters. I enjoyed getting to pick their story back up. The narrator fits the story perfectly. I would love a follow on story about what happens with Buntie!

Even better than the first book

Loved getting a glimpse into what women had to go through during war time and how they coped and bonded with others

Charming

Almost as enjoyable as the first book in the series, Dear Mrs. Bird ( not necessary to have read it first, but it does establish the characters and background). Lovely characters, humor, and bits of sadness = a wonderful, very British, story. The narration is absolutely perfect !

New reader

New to the whole audible world and so happy to add this series to my list of great books. I cannot wait until 2023 for the next one.