Mrs. Porter Calling

A Novel (The Emmy Lake Chronicles)

By: AJ Pearce

Narrated by: Anna Popplewell

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the bestselling “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) Dear Mrs. Bird, a charming and irresistible novel featuring aspiring journalist Emmy Lake as she navigates life, love, and friendship in London during World War II—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 war effort 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 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.

©2023 AJ Pearce (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

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.

As good as the first 2!

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

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.

I loved this book!

AJ Pearce has done it again. Emmy's and Bunty's stories keep getting better and deeper and richer. This third book had so many relatable and poignant elements. Anna Popplewell's narration just makes each character come to life. I don't want their stories to be end

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.

A smashing success- again.

How I love this series, and this narrator! And author AJ Pearce is a treasure.

Love this series

First, I love this cozy, heartfelt series. The narrator is a very important part of that feeling. She is a delight to listen to. Second, this is my least favorite book of the three in the series so far. The protagonist was so cringy and melodramatic! Even so, it furthered the story and was an enjoyable listen, and it leaves me looking forward to the next book in the series!

Could not finish

I love this narrator and loved the 1st Mrs. Bird. 2nd Mrs Bird was okay. I loved hearing Emmy's narrator again, she's why I bought this 3rd one. SO sorry after three hours of trying, I must return this. It's pretty awful.