AJ Pearce

I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in the 4-part series, known as “The Emmy Lake Chronicles.” I’ve read them all and highly recommend this British-based historical fiction series that takes place during WWII. If you can, do start with the first one and read them in order for maximum pleasure.

Like each of the other novels, this one features writer Emmy Lake, whose main position at “Woman’s Friend” magazine is an advice columnist. Emmy is a determined, intelligent, and spunky show more young woman I couldn’t help but like. Along with several other endearing characters, the novel’s multi-layered plot drew me in and kept me turning the pages.

Like the other three novels, this one focused on a specific WWII issue that had a personal connection to the characters. Whether prisoners of war, evacuating children from London’s bombs, loss and grief, women’s challenges, pregnancies, rations, etc. it is so well researched and realistic that I felt like I was living right alongside the characters.

Heartwarming and delightful, realistic and poignant, this is a joy from start to finish. show less

The tale of a young woman doing her best to be brave and useful in London during the blitz, taking on a job she mistakenly thought might be an opportunity to embark on a career in journalism, the story turned surprisingly moving and ultimately delivered more emotional substance than the somewhat flippant tone of the first few chapters led me to expect. I loved it and stayed awake much too late reading "just a few more pages". I'll try to pace myself, but I really do want to know what show more Emmeline Lake gets up to next. show less

It's 1941, London is being bombed nightly by the Germans, and Emmeline Lake just wants to be a war correspondent, a journalist. A Lady Journalist. She is a 23-year old woman, full of energy and determined to do her part for the war effort. She works as a secretary, and also volunteers a shift at a local fire station when, on her way home one evening, she sees an ad in the paper and decides this is the break she has been waiting for. The London Evening Chronicle is advertising for a junior show more position and Emmy decides she is perfect for the job.

What follows is a picture of determination and grit, good humour and kindness. Emmy is initially terribly disappointed when she realizes that the job she is hired for is, in fact, not at all the job she thought she was applying for. It turns out she is to type letters for the advice column, and as if that weren't enough of a let-down, her main boss, the *Mrs. Bird* readers write to, is an old, insensitive windbag, who rejects any letter that isn't Pleasant. This doesn't sit well with Emmy, who battles mightily with her conscience, but finds a way to salvage some of the most poignant letters and answer them, signing Ms. Bird's name. What ensues reveals the true essence of Emmy.

But Emmy is not a one-dimensional character and her job is not the only story line. First-time author AJ Pearce has absolutely captured the era and feel of war time London. She has an ear for the way people really spoke, the idioms, the expressions, the humour of the time. Also, the Keep Calm, Carry On spirit as well as the real fears and tensions of living through the Blitz. Pearce really writes so well and though there are many heartbreaking moments in this book, I also found myself laughing out loud many times. I cheered for Emmy and I cried for Emmy.

I also loved Pearce's notes at the end, saying how she was inspired to write this book after finding a woman's magazine from 1939 and being intrigued and impressed at not only the letters people wrote, seeking help or solace, but also by the quality of the responses, as well. She called this her bridge into a world she wanted to write about. I found the ending a bit pat, but as a first-time novel, I thought the book was excellent and I look forward to more from AJ Pearce. show less

This thoughtful final installment in the Emmy Lake series was true to the timeline as the Second World War was drawing to a painfully slow close. All of the characters, including those who departed in previous installments, make an appearance or are referenced keeping the continuity seamless. The heartbreak of not knowing the situational safety of a loved one is front and center as lead characters are called into active service and sent overseas. The dreaded telegrams flutter into hands and show more yet they keep going, working, trying to impart positive thoughts and actions while hearts are breaking and anxiety is always pulling at their sanity.

The horrors of what the citizens of the United Kingdom endured was explained within this endearing story of close friends who work and manage a very special magazine, Woman’s Friend, dedicated to helping the general population. They are friends, confidants, supporters and survivors. They are ultimately betrayed by the smallness of certain government officials yet they persevere, never losing hope and never ignoring their readers and their problems. They are friends stepping in as temporary guardians for children who have lost their parents. They are friends who never give up on each other despite the circumstances. They are the friends we would all like to call our own.

I admit to shedding tears, I admit to gulping down grief and anger as well as relating to the happiness and joy upon hearing the news of surrender. Knowing the ultimate outcome didn’t diminish the intensity of feelings. It is always sad when a strong series plays out and comes to an end I will miss Emmy, Bunty, Charles, Harold, Guy and all the other supporting characters.

Many thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for a copy of Dear Miss Lake. show less