Stayed up till long after midnight. I love these characters, love the story arc, the humor can be laugh out loud, and yet many poignant moments. Plus, the sense of time and place is palpable. Great read! Looking forward to more, please, Ms. Pearce! ( )

So ridiculously sweet and cheery I could not get through it. Light, light, light on plot and heavy on not particularly interesting dialogue. ( )

Cute. In Chapter 22, Emmy was ‘ushed’ out of the building. Not ushered. ( )

Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce introduces readers to Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty during World War II and the blitz on London. Yours Cheerfully continues that story towards a different part of the war and a different role for women. While Dear Mrs. Bird is all about friendship, this book expands the focus to be solidarity amongst women. It is an engaging story and inspiring at the same time. I look forward to seeing where the author goes next.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2022/12/yours-cheerfully.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

August 10, 2021

I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher invite. This review is my voluntary and unbiased opinion.

The story continues as Emmy Lake works hard to become a respected reporter working for Women's Friend publication. When Henrietta Bird steps down as editor of the advice column, Mr. Collins becomes the new editor of Women's Friend. Since Emmy Lake was hired she pushed the boundaries of the "proper" responses and articles that had been enforced by Mrs. Bird for years. With publication sales dropping and women starting to enter the workforce to help the war effort, the news needed to reflect the needs of women during this challenging time.

Fortunately, Mr. Collins gradually allowed Emmy the responsibilities and assignments she desired after accompanying him to the Ministry of Information HQ at Senate. A confidential meeting comprised of many of the prominent journalists trusted with dispersing information to assist the war effort. Emmy becomes empowered with this new opportunity to prove herself as a true journalist. She works hard as her boyfriend, Charles is working hard for the Army. It seems that many couples spent time away from each other during the war to keep the country going.

The paper decides to do a report highlighting the efforts of women who are working to support the men at war by working in machine shops. When Emmy finally gets all the necessary approvals to conduct the interviews she learns more than she imagined. Life is not as smooth and happy for the workers as they are portraying to keep their jobs. She becomes very invested in improving the working conditions for the women after she befriends Anne Oliver on a train traveling to her job at an engineering factory.

You can count on Emmy Lake to take whatever risks necessary to help correct injustices and empower those around her as well. She is a young, determined and loyal friend who isn't afraid to stand up to protect others. ( )