What a delight it was to revisit one my fictional besties, Emmy Lake! Seeing World War 2 through her eyes and reading about it with her jolly vernacular left me with a feeling of hope and resilience. I also loved getting to be part of the Woman's Friend magazine office and see how the staff (although family might be a better word) pulled together to face a new challenge in Mrs. Porter, the most unlikable character I've met since Dolores Umbridge.

The only complaint I have with this book is that it ended before we get to see Emmy reunite with her husband at the end of the war. This leaves me hoping that there may be a fourth book coming so that we can see what happens to Emmy and her gang as the war ends.

I was given an advanced copy for review through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 4.5 stars, rounded up.

A lovely, heartwarming story of life on the homefront in London during WWII, as experienced by a group of memorable women -- especially lead character Emmy Lake, a journalist who's as dedicated to her readers as she is to her friends. Book #3 in a terrific series -- highly recommended!

Mrs. Porter Calling is the third book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. Set in London in 1943, Emmy Lake's adventures continue. In Mrs. Porter Calling, Women's Friend, the magazine where Emmy works and writes her very popular advice column, has named a new publisher who is the previous owner's niece. The niece calls herself the Honorable Cressida Porter and has very different ideas about the contents and articles of the magazine. These changes put the magazine in jeopardy, spurning Emmy and her friends into action. In addition, Emmy's husband is off fighting in he war so Emmy and her friends work together to face the challenges the war brings. AJ Pearce has again filled the book with characters that come to life and may make you laugh or roll your eyes. Pearce stays true to the charming language of the 1940s which adds to the charm of the book. The book is an uplifting story set in a very dark time, and the story drew me in as her other books have done. I tried not to read the book too quickly since I so enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read the ARC of the third book in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. I enjoyed it as much as the other two books.

The Honorable Cressida Porter has no business running Woman's Friend where Emmy, Guy, and the rest work but that's what has happened. It's 1943 and she doesn't understand the women the magazine is meant for-the women who want the recipes made with potatoes, knitting patterns, and advice. At home, things are better because Thelma and her three children have moved in with Emmy and her friend Bunty, bringing joy (and ration coupons). This latest in the series will likely mean the most to those who, like me, have read the first two books but if you haven't, know that this is a wonderful novel of life on the Homefront that's written with heart and humor. Know also that it set during WWII and tragedy lies around so many corners. I adore these characters (even small Winston) and it's clear Pearce does too. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Excellent read-and I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their lives.

MRS. PORTER CALLING by AJ Pearce is the third in the Emmy Lake Chronicles following Yours Cheerfully and Dear Mrs. Bird. This time, Emmy Lake, a young advice columnist at the magazine named Woman's Friend, grapples with unwanted changes in the publication due to its recent inheritance by Mrs. Cressida (call me Egg) Porter. Mrs. Porter is totally clueless about the magazine and the value it brings to its readers who are bravely dealing with numerous personal issues while scrimping and saving in wartime. Instead, she wants to add her own poetry, fashion layouts, and society weddings – all of which necessitates cutbacks in the more established sections. Emmy and her colleagues (editor Guy Collins, Mrs. Mahoney, young Hester and more) form a solid, caring team who strive to remember the readers in all they do. The first part of MRS. PORTER CALLING, chronicling many unattractive actions by Mrs. Porter and firmly establishing that unlikeable character, is a bit of a slog. Heartwarming shenanigans by three children from a family who moves in with Emmy and her friend Bunty (who experiences a new romance) add humor. The second half turns inspirational after a personal tragedy galvanizes everyone and that is more of the caliber of Pearce's earlier titles. MRS. PORTER CALLING and this entire series is suggested for readers who enjoyed Jennifer Ryan's The Kitchen Front, another book about friendship and pulling together on the Homefront in England during World War II.

Mrs. Porter Calling was a welcome third entry in the Emmy Lake Chronicles. Set in wartime London, Emmy edits the advice column at a women’s magazine. The books are light, domestics set during uncertain times. While predictable, it was a sweet book. A nice palette cleanser.

A “chance discovery of a 1939 womens magazine” has given A.J. Pearce the material for her wonderful Emmy Lake Chronicles of which “Mrs. Porter Calling” is her third installment. It is a charming and thoughtful look back to the time the allies were fighting Hitler and England was trying to hold itself together. Rations, and daily bombings are the norm but so is the magazine Woman’s Friend which tries to inspire by using the everyday mundane things to help a nation get through the deprivations of the war. Everyone is expected to do their part except for the 1% who is still dining at the Savoy, and finding the whole war thing “So Mis” - meet the sly and very spoiled Mrs. Porter.

The story is a tug-of-war between Emmy Lake with her co-workers who are trying to save their beloved magazine with a young, narcissistic heir who would Ike nothing better than to reinvent the publication in her image. While the business is in turmoil Emmy’s personal life has a few complications as well. Many of the characters that have appeared in previous installments are back and seamlessly meshed with the newcomers. So many to like and admire with a few stinkers thrown in to make things interesting.

In “Mrs. Porter Calling”, Pearce has given us another perspective of the daily lives of the British people in 1943, queuing for everything, unsure of the future, but holding onto their faith and determination. Many thanks to Scribner, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read Mrs. Porter Calling. I was so excited to read the third installment in the Emmy Lake Chronicles!! Sometimes with a series, you can lose the continuity of the story. Not so with Mrs. Porter Calling. I don't have enough wonderful things to say about this latest installment. Emmy is her wonderful and brave self. She shows us the meaning of family along with Bunty, Guy & of course Charles. This is a wonderful book and it it not to be missed.

Emmy Lake’s story continues in 1943 London as she’s fully immersed in her job at Woman’s Friend, doing her part for the VAD, and writing daily to her husband Charles. Unfortunately Lord Overton’s death means new ownership for Woman’s Friend. The Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, the new owner, has her own ideas of what the magazine should be. She is a self-involved villain through and through. This is another ultimately feel good story in the series. However, taking place during WWII means there will be tragedy and heartbreak. For me, this was a four tissue read. Will there be more in the series, please?

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

When I requested this book I hadn’t realized that I forgot to read its predecessor, Yours Cheerfully (this book is the third in the Emmy Lake trilogy) – so I quickly downloaded and read it. Now caught up – it’s been a year later and it’s spring 1943 and Emmy Lake has been working as the advice columnist at Women’s Friend, living with her best friend Bunty, working at the fire station with her friend Thelma and waiting for her new husband Charles to come home at the end of the war from North Africa. Life suddenly changes when a new publisher, Mrs. Porter, takes over and has a very different take on what Women’s Friend should be – the wonderful little magazine that helps women through the war and gives practical advice is too pedestrian for Mrs. Porter, she wants it to be a fashionable high-end magazine. Between trying to save the magazine and Emmy’s chaotic home life (her friend Thelma moves in with her three children) the novel illustrates the hardships of war in London, love and friendship.

I found this entire series entertaining and fun. I think this one may be my favorite of the three. The characters and their interactions are just a joy to read. While there were a few slow spots in the book I thought the two intertwining stories of Emmy’s home life and her work life were done very well. I’m glad I read the 2nd book right before, it almost felt like a Netflix binge. This series is a nice historical fiction read, it goes into the details and a bit of the tragedy but manages to feel light in the end.

This is a three and three quarter star read bumped up to four

Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the opportunity to review!

I love this series completely and book 3 makes a delightful addition. I adore the characters, especially MC Emmy and her crew at Women’s Friend magazine. I even loved to hate the new publisher of the publication, Mrs. Porter, whose proposed changes focus not on what readers want -- like the incredibly popular advice column -- but what she and her rich friends would prefer. Set during WWII London, with the same charm and wit and authenticity that have made the series such a hit. Highly recommended!

Emmy Lake continues to be a delight. It's 1943, and though Emmy's husband is off in North Africa, Emmy has settled into a good routine with her work at Woman's Friend and evenings with the fire brigade. The war is still awful, of course, but things are plugging along. Until WF is handed over to the Honorable Mrs. Porter, who doesn't want the magazine to deal with helpful (but depressing) things like cooking tips and readers' questions, which she decrees a Bit Mis. Emmy and her coworkers have to cope with Mrs. Porter's goal of changing the magazine into one for people with money to burn.

Pearce balances nicely Emmy's job woes with the day-to-day life of the war. Life in the house with Emmy and Bunty is always a joy. I appreciate that Emmy is an optimistic sort, but Pearce manages to keep her from getting annoying. We see Emmy worry about her husband Charles and fret over the lives of her readers, but her natural positivity is there; it's a good balance. Mrs. Porter is perhaps too mustache-twirlingly bad; she has no redeeming qualities, so the chapters focusing on work can be hard to read. Fortunately, we then bounce back to Emmy's home life, which is chaotic and fun and realistic, as everyone deals with life during a war. Nothing is as stable as they want it to be, but they have no choice.

Truly an enjoyable series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the advance copy of this book!

"Mrs. Porter Calling" is Book #3 in the Series "The Emmy Lake Chronicles"!

It's now Spring in London, April 1943, as WWII continues for more than three years. One year has already passed since Emmy's marriage to Captain Charles Mayhew, who's off fighting the war.

Emmy is grateful to have her work at "Women's Friend" magazine as she remains in charge of the heavily read advice column, "Yours Cheerfully", which keeps her plenty busy.

Just when she thinks all is going as planned, there's change in the air...

Publisher Lord Overton has died and left "Women's Friend" magazine to his niece and socialite, the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter, who has, 'ahem', quite a presence.

Mrs. Porter knows nothing about "Women's Friend", publishing, editing, or the demographics of the readership, but wants to make a few changes that will barely be noticeable and are bound to make the magazine better.

Unfortunately, what Mrs. Porter wants to change is everything the readers love about the magazine, and so the chaos begins...

"Mrs. Porter Calling" gave me cause for a happy dance. My fingers were crossed this series would continue, so hearing about Book #3 was a delightful surprise.

The character of Mrs. Porter was quite a boost and brought a crazy amount of excitement to the story. She's complicated, hard to read, inconsistent, and just when the group at "Women's Friend" thinks they have her figured out, she slithers through their fingers. Personally, I wanted to ring Mrs. Porter's socialite neck. What a great character!

The second half of the story definitely has a faster pace and where most of the movement in the story happens. A tragedy hits hard, and it's one I didn't see coming but solidifies why this series is so heartfelt, touching, and loved by so many readers. Get the tissues out, folks, you're going to need them.

"Mrs. Porter Calling" is a great balance between the changes happening at 'Women's Friend' magazine and dealing with the hardships of day-to-day life in London during wartime. I love this story and only wish for more correspondence between Emmy and Charles, I love their letters of support and love, and I didn't get near enough of Emmie's or Bunty's families. Maybe next time?

Yes, my fingers are crossed, once again, for a Book #4...

I highly recommend "Mrs. Porter Calling" to readers who love Historical Fiction that circles around families and friendships!

4⭐

Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner, and A.J. Pearce for an ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review. Publication date: 8/8/23.

I read Dear Mrs. Bird when it was first released so I was so happy to see remembered characters. Mrs. Porter Calling is delightful. I laughed and cried right along with Emmy and her mates. You feel as though you are with them as they strive to keep their newspaper going and responsive to their readers. I can relate to wanting to fix things as the motivation behind Yours Cheerfully. I loved not liking the Honorable Mrs. Cressida Porter right along with the staff, a truly selfish and self-centered person as opposed to the giving, caring, and dedicated staff. The book is well written and reading it is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. I regret not yet reading Yours Cheerfully so have added it to my list to get. 5 stars

Mrs. Porter Calling was mostly fun, a little despondent. The cast of characters offer a wide range of personalities, from delightful to ghastly, all equally fun to read. The backdrop of World War II lent a serious tone with light-hearted fun threaded generously throughout. Women’s Friend magazine has proven to be a beacon of hope in the past 2 books in the series until Mrs. Porter comes a-calling’ and sets out to ruin it. The Women’s Friend family, led by Emmy and Guy, lead the March to save the magazine, but it won’t be easy. Wonderful characters that I just adore made this a book I won’t soon forget. Cheers to an outstanding third installment of the Emmy Lake series! Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I received an electronic ARC from Scribner through NetGalley.
Pearce returns readers to London during WWII and to the lives of her characters from the first two books. In this segment, Emmy and the rest of the magazine staff must adjust to a new owner after Lord Overton's death. His niece has distinctly different ideas for the magazine and very little awareness of life for most at that time. This battle between Guy & Emmy and Mrs. Porter plays out with dignified comments and hidden barbs for much of the book. Tragedy does strike again and Emmy and Bunty cope with this curve ball in a realistic manner. In the end, Emmy and the crew are able to purchase the magazine with help from a surprising source.
The story feels forced at times as some characters play more as stereotypes. This surprised me but Pearce makes sure readers see how out of touch the Honorable Mrs. Porter is. Portions of the book feel like they are sidebars to her main theme for the series. I hope a next book will wrap up some of the character lives and move the story forward again.

This was definitely my favorite of the books so far in the Emmy Lake Chronicles series. Mrs. Porter was a fantastic and believable villain (major Dolores Umbridge vibes!). Emmy is really coming into her own and she feels like an old friend you want to root for to keep winning. And I thought the end was super satisfying. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here!

I was hoping to LOVE this book, but unfortunately i never really connected with the story. I am sure that many people will love this book, and I am definitely willing to give it a second chance, but for now it is a "miss" book for me.

I have loved this series, and I believe this is the best of the three. It has a cheerfulness and coziness that I really enjoy despite the tragic circumstances it portrays. Very authentic and evocative - reminds me a bit of Call the Midwife. A really delicious villain, too, which is always fun. I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC for my review.

Another real but still delightful book about how things are at home while WWII rages on. England worked so hard keeping spirits up, making food appealing on meager rations, and working so hard for the war effort. Great little story. Recommend.