In fact, one of the nicest things about meeting readers at events and book signings (before Covid of course) is when they tell me how long they have known their best friends. I’ve had lovely conversations about this – it is always inspiring and often very moving. You can’t beat a lifelong best friend! Tell me about authors who inspire you and books which have made a particular impression on you. There are so many great characters in this story, some of the same characters from the first book, with new characters mingled in specific to this one. This author does a great job of including quirky, stoic, lovable and unlikable characters ensuring there is a happy mix of eclectic-ness! Meeting Anne gives Emmy a new perspective on women war workers, particularly factory workers. Why do you think Emmy was surprised by the experiences, challenges, and circumstances of the women working at Chandlers? You do need persistence to get published as it is quite tough to get an agent, but if you keep going, keep reading and writing, you give yourself the best chance This uplifting sequel is just as charming and delightful as the original and makes for a light, humorous read about women's friendship and support for each other during trying times. Emmy's romance with Charles is progressing nicely now that he is stationed in London and her best friend Bunty is recovering well after losing her fiancé and being badly injured in the Blitz. As the novel finishes at the end of 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, I hope there will be further additions to the series as I can't wait to catch up with Emmy and her friends again.

Following the departure of your previous formidable Editor, Henrietta Bird, from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for you now that Emmeline Lake has taken on the challenge of becoming a young wartime advice columnist. And we all know how hard that will be in 1941 England. However, I am certain that Miss Emmeline (Emmy) Lake is up to the task and will find a way of answering our letters that women will find supportive under the signature, ‘Yours Cheerfully’.Thanks #NetGalley @ScribnerBooks for a complimentary eARC of #YoursCheerfully upon my request. All opinions are my own. A heart-warming, heart-wrenching wartime story from The Sunday Times bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce. The characters in this one were full of life and determination, in spite of the war raging on. They were smart, resourceful and sometimes unconventional and I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Emmy and her dear friend Bunty befriend Anne Oliver, a war widow with two young children. She was in desperate need of employment and took a job at a munitions factory. Anne was fortunate that her mother could watch the children while she works long shifts and weekends. After the government clearance is given, Emmy visits the munitions factory and writes several articles about the importance of the work being done by Anne and the females. Read more about nurseries and the role they played in World War II in Britain via the East End Women’s Museum at https://eastendwomensmuseum.org/blog/2018/8/7/women-babies-and-bombs-how-day-nurseries-contributed-to-working-womens-lives-during-wwii. But one of the wonderful things about writing is that it isn’t a race and there’s no age limit. You start at any point in your life and can be any age when you get published. I was 53 when my first novel came out. Emmy immediately became one of my favourite historical fiction characters when I met her in “ Dear Mrs. Bird”. Emmy is utterly optimistic and sees joy in the little things, and I admire her for that. She takes the ultimate stand against the government and the male-led system in “Yours Cheerfully” and she most definitely deserves all of the cheers. I also loved the characters. Not just Emmy, but Bunty, Charles, Mr. Collins and new friend Anne. These are people you’d want on your side.This book came along at just the right time for me! I really liked book #1, but I think I liked this one even more! There’s a return of the same characters – Emmeline and her best friend Bunty – these two make quite the pair. I also loved the continuing love story with Emmeline and Charles. Now I write full time. It sounds dramatic but seeing that first magazine online ended up changing my life! Tell me a bit about your latest novel and what inspired it. Emmy takes on a position as a columnist for Yours Cheerfully in the Women's Friend Magazine. Her and the staff make such a delightful team and I laughed aloud at their escapades. A difficult time for all, but you will find humor in their efforts and circumstances. Yours Cheerfully is a testament to the strength of women and the importance of lifting each other up, even in the most challenging times. Mrs. Mahoney tells Emmy that “caring about getting things right is worth its weight in gold” (16). How do the staff members at Woman’s Friend express that they care about getting things right?