Mrs. Porter Calling

A Novel

By: AJ Pearce

Narrated by: Anna Popplewell

From the author of the bestselling “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) Dear Mrs. Bird, a charming, heartwarming World War II novel featuring aspiring journalist and advice columnist Emmy Lake as she navigates life, love, and female friendship in wartime London—perfect for fans of The Paris Library and Lessons in Chemistry.

London, April 1943. Twenty-five-year-old Emmy Lake is doing her part for the wartime women’s effort in London by spearheading the hugely popular “Yours Cheerfully” advice column in Woman’s Friend magazine. The postbags are full, Emmy’s guidance offers much needed support to her readers, and Woman’s Friend is thriving. Cheered on by her best friends Bunty and Thelma, and resolute in the absence of her husband who is fighting in the army, Emmy is dedicated to helping women on the home front face the increasing challenges brought about by over three years of war.

But Emmy’s world is turned upside down when glamorous socialite, the Honorable Cressida Porter, becomes the new publisher of the magazine, and wants to change everything about it. Aided by Mrs. Pye, a Paris-obsessed editor with delusions of grandeur, and Small Winston, the grumpiest dog in London, Mrs. Porter fills the pages with expensive fashions and frivolous articles about her friends. Worst of all, she announces that she is cutting the advice column. Her vision for the publication’s future is dreadful and Emmy is determined to fight back.

Emmy and her friends must save the magazine they love, but when personal tragedy strikes, they are forced to face the very real implications of life in war-torn London.

Set in 1943 but inherently resonant with how we live today, Pearce’s signature blend of laugh-out-loud funny and heartbreakingly sad storytelling delivers a tribute to the strength of friendships. An enriching story about women coming together, Pearce’s latest novel is the perfect tonic for our times.

As good as the first 2!

This definitely lived up to my expectations from the first 2. I hope the story keeps going!

Great story and narration

Love the story line and the characters who are brought to life so colorfully by the brilliant narration. Didn't want to "turn the last page" on this audible.
Keep these characters coming, A J Pearce, please.

Love this series

This series is so well written! I feel I am in the room with the characters living their lives along side them!

Very entertaining. Book #3 in the series.

Very entertaining. Book #3 in the series. Narration is excellent. Looking forward to Book #4, when it is available.

A Joyful Read

So sorry to have finished this. These characters and their indomitable spirits have been an encouragement during these depressing times. I look forward to the next book in the series.