AJ Pearce – författare

Richard & Judy Book Club PickSunday Times BestsellerSet during London's blitz and filled with warmth, wit and heartbreak, Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce is a wartime story about the power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people.London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the terrifying Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not letters from the women the war has left lovelorn, grief-stricken or conflicted.But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?'The most uplifting, lovely book about courage, friendship, love' – Marian Keyes'Utterly charming and helplessly funny' – Jenny Colgan'A proper comfort read' – India Knight'Imagine Bridget Jones running amok in the wartime world of Mrs Miniver' – The Sunday Times

A heart-warming, heart-wrenching wartime story about friendship and courage from AJ Pearce, the bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird.'Utterly charming and uplifting' – Jill MansellEmmy Lake is the much-loved agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine, relied upon by readers across the country as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally feels she is Doing Her Bit.But when a glamorous new owner arrives, everything changes. As the Honourable Mrs Porter tries to charm her way around the rest of the team, Emmy realizes that she plans to destroy everything readers love about the magazine.With happiness quickly turning to heartbreak and war still raging in Europe, will Emmy and her friends find the inner strength they need to keep keeping on - and save the magazine they love?'Heartbreaking yet feel-good, we loved it' – Woman & Home'A winning combination of warmth, humour and a compelling story of the power of friendship' – Katie Fforde

Mrs Porter Calling is the uplifting and heartwarming third historical novel from AJ Pearce, the beloved author of Dear Mrs Bird.'Brilliant, utterly charming and uplifting’ – Jill Mansell, author of Rumour Has It'A pleasure you’d be daft to deny yourself’ – Mail on Sunday'Heartbreaking yet feel-good' – Woman & HomeLondon, 1943.Emmy Lake is most definitely Doing Her Bit for the war effort. The readers of her magazine, Woman’s Friend, are facing the hardships of life on the Home Front and they need Emmy and her support more than ever. But when a glamorous new owner arrives at Woman’s Friend, Emmy soon realizes that the Honourable Mrs Porter could destroy everything.And then tragedy strikes. As Emmy’s own happiness turns to devastation, she must ask herself if she can find the strength to keep going. Can she save the magazine so many people love? And can she weather her own heartbreak?'If ever there was a book to cheer a heart, it’s Mrs Porter Calling’ – Milly Johnson, author of My One True North'A winning combination of warmth, humour and a compelling story of the power of friendship' – Katie Fforde, author of Going Dutch

A heart-warming, heart-wrenching wartime story about friendship and courage from AJ Pearce, the bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird.'Utterly charming and uplifting' – Jill MansellEmmy Lake is the much-loved agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine, relied upon by readers across the country as they face the challenges of life on the Home Front. With the problem page thriving and a team of fantastic women behind her, Emmy finally feels she is Doing Her Bit.But when a glamorous new owner arrives, everything changes. As the Honourable Mrs Porter tries to charm her way around the rest of the team, Emmy realizes that she plans to destroy everything readers love about the magazine.With happiness quickly turning to heartbreak and war still raging in Europe, will Emmy and her friends find the inner strength they need to keep keeping on - and save the magazine they love?'Heartbreaking yet feel-good, we loved it' – Woman & Home'A winning combination of warmth, humour and a compelling story of the power of friendship' – Katie Fforde

Mrs Porter Calling is the uplifting and heartwarming third historical novel from AJ Pearce, the beloved author of Dear Mrs Bird.'Brilliant, utterly charming and uplifting’ – Jill Mansell, author of Rumour Has It'A pleasure you’d be daft to deny yourself’ – Mail on Sunday'Heartbreaking yet feel-good' – Woman & HomeLondon, 1943.Emmy Lake is most definitely Doing Her Bit for the war effort. The readers of her magazine, Woman’s Friend, are facing the hardships of life on the Home Front and they need Emmy and her support more than ever. But when a glamorous new owner arrives at Woman’s Friend, Emmy soon realizes that the Honourable Mrs Porter could destroy everything.And then tragedy strikes. As Emmy’s own happiness turns to devastation, she must ask herself if she can find the strength to keep going. Can she save the magazine so many people love? And can she weather her own heartbreak?'If ever there was a book to cheer a heart, it’s Mrs Porter Calling’ – Milly Johnson, author of My One True North'A winning combination of warmth, humour and a compelling story of the power of friendship' – Katie Fforde, author of Going Dutch

'It’s hard to accept that this is the end of the Emmy Lake series, but if there has to be an end, let it be this one: Dear Miss Lake. Sheer joy!' - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry'Touching, funny and emotional, it’s the perfect escape and really should be prescribed as a national tonic' - Jill Mansell, author of An Almost Perfect SummerFrom the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce's Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet . . . England, July 1944.After nearly five years of war the nation is weary, and the readers of Woman’s Friend need agony aunt Emmy Lake more than ever. With London under attack from the doodlebugs, the magazine decamps to the countryside, determined to keep helping the women of Britain and give hope to readers feeling powerless in the face of desperate news.With husband Charles now posted closer to home, and best friend Bunty at her side, Emmy throws herself into rural life, juggling children, competitive knitters and plans for a very important wedding. And then a phone call comes that means she may finally have the chance to become the war correspondent she always dreamed of.But disaster strikes, and suddenly Emmy is faced with her biggest challenge yet. Because when your own heart is breaking, how do you help everyone else?Joyful, moving and uplifting, Dear Miss Lake is the perfect story of the power of friendship and love.'If ever there was a perfect book, this was it for me. Love, love, loved it beyond words' - Milly Johnson, author of The Queen of Wishful Thinking'Cheerful and charming and full of wit' - Katie Fforde, author of From London With Love'Love and laughter for everyone . . . perfect, heart-warming' - Sally Page, author of The Keeper of StoriesREADERS LOVE DEAR MISS LAKE!‘Absolutely brilliant!’ *****‘A joy – tears and laughter – from start to finish’ *****‘Like getting together with an old friend that you love . . . I was entertained, happy, sad and gripped’ *****‘Engaging, funny, and at time emotional . . . I’m not ready to say goodbye’ *****‘Had me laughing out loud . . . an absolute must’ *****‘I’ve come to adore these characters’ *****‘I enjoyed it immensely’ *****

'It’s hard to accept that this is the end of the Emmy Lake series, but if there has to be an end, let it be this one: Dear Miss Lake. Sheer joy!' - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry'Touching, funny and emotional, it’s the perfect escape and really should be prescribed as a national tonic' - Jill Mansell, author of An Almost Perfect SummerFrom the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce's Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet . . . England, July 1944.After nearly five years of war the nation is weary, and the readers of Woman’s Friend need agony aunt Emmy Lake more than ever. With London under attack from the doodlebugs, the magazine decamps to the countryside, determined to keep helping the women of Britain and give hope to readers feeling powerless in the face of desperate news.With husband Charles now posted closer to home, and best friend Bunty at her side, Emmy throws herself into rural life, juggling children, competitive knitters and plans for a very important wedding. And then a phone call comes that means she may finally have the chance to become the war correspondent she always dreamed of.But disaster strikes, and suddenly Emmy is faced with her biggest challenge yet. Because when your own heart is breaking, how do you help everyone else?Joyful, moving and uplifting, Dear Miss Lake is the perfect story of the power of friendship and love.'If ever there was a perfect book, this was it for me. Love, love, loved it beyond words' - Milly Johnson, author of The Queen of Wishful Thinking'Cheerful and charming and full of wit' - Katie Fforde, author of From London With Love'Love and laughter for everyone . . . perfect, heart-warming' - Sally Page, author of The Keeper of StoriesREADERS LOVE DEAR MISS LAKE!‘Absolutely brilliant!’ *****‘A joy – tears and laughter – from start to finish’ *****‘Like getting together with an old friend that you love . . . I was entertained, happy, sad and gripped’ *****‘Engaging, funny, and at time emotional . . . I’m not ready to say goodbye’ *****‘Had me laughing out loud . . . an absolute must’ *****‘I’ve come to adore these characters’ *****‘I enjoyed it immensely’ *****

‘It’s hard to accept that this is the end of the Emmy Lake series, but if there has to be an end, let it be this one: Dear Miss Lake. Sheer joy!’ - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry‘Touching, funny and emotional, it’s the perfect escape and really should be prescribed as a national tonic’ - Jill Mansell, author of An Almost Perfect SummerFrom the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce’s Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London, where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet . . . England, July 1944.After nearly five years of war the nation is weary, and the readers of Woman’s Friend need agony aunt Emmy Lake more than ever. With London under attack from the doodlebugs, the magazine decamps to the countryside, determined to keep helping the women of Britain and give hope to readers feeling powerless in the face of desperate news.With husband Charles now posted closer to home, and best friend Bunty at her side, Emmy throws herself into rural life, juggling children, competitive knitters and plans for a very important wedding. And then a phone call comes that means she may finally have the chance to become the war correspondent she always dreamed of being.But disaster strikes, and suddenly Emmy is faced with her biggest challenge yet. Because when your own heart is breaking, how do you help everyone else?Joyful, moving and uplifting, Dear Miss Lake is the perfect story of the power of friendship and love.‘Inspiring and spirited, charming, touching and funny. If ever there was a perfect book, this was it for me. Love, love, loved it beyond words’ - Milly Johnson, author of The Queen of Wishful Thinking‘The world AJ Pearce writes is cheerful and charming and full of wit’ - Katie Fforde, author of From London With Love‘Love and laughter for everyone . . . perfect, heart-warming’ - Sally Page, author of The Keeper of StoriesREADERS LOVE DEAR MISS LAKE!‘Absolutely brilliant!’ *****‘A joy – tears and laughter – from start to finish’ *****‘Like getting together with an old friend that you love . . . I was entertained, happy, sad and gripped’ *****‘Engaging, funny, and at time emotional . . . I’m not ready to say goodbye’ *****‘Had me laughing out loud . . . an absolute must’ *****‘I’ve come to adore these characters’ *****‘I enjoyed it immensely’ *****

‘It’s hard to accept that this is the end of the Emmy Lake series, but if there has to be an end, let it be this one: Dear Miss Lake. Sheer joy!’ - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry‘Touching, funny and emotional, it’s the perfect escape and really should be prescribed as a national tonic’ - Jill Mansell, author of An Almost Perfect SummerFrom the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, AJ Pearce’s Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London, where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet . . . England, July 1944.After nearly five years of war the nation is weary, and the readers of Woman’s Friend need agony aunt Emmy Lake more than ever. With London under attack from the doodlebugs, the magazine decamps to the countryside, determined to keep helping the women of Britain and give hope to readers feeling powerless in the face of desperate news.With husband Charles now posted closer to home, and best friend Bunty at her side, Emmy throws herself into rural life, juggling children, competitive knitters and plans for a very important wedding. And then a phone call comes that means she may finally have the chance to become the war correspondent she always dreamed of being.But disaster strikes, and suddenly Emmy is faced with her biggest challenge yet. Because when your own heart is breaking, how do you help everyone else?Joyful, moving and uplifting, Dear Miss Lake is the perfect story of the power of friendship and love.‘Inspiring and spirited, charming, touching and funny. If ever there was a perfect book, this was it for me. Love, love, loved it beyond words’ - Milly Johnson, author of The Queen of Wishful Thinking‘The world AJ Pearce writes is cheerful and charming and full of wit’ - Katie Fforde, author of From London With Love‘Love and laughter for everyone . . . perfect, heart-warming’ - Sally Page, author of The Keeper of StoriesREADERS LOVE DEAR MISS LAKE!‘Absolutely brilliant!’ *****‘A joy – tears and laughter – from start to finish’ *****‘Like getting together with an old friend that you love . . . I was entertained, happy, sad and gripped’ *****‘Engaging, funny, and at time emotional . . . I’m not ready to say goodbye’ *****‘Had me laughing out loud . . . an absolute must’ *****‘I’ve come to adore these characters’ *****‘I enjoyed it immensely’ *****

This charming, irresistible debut novel set in London during World War II about a young woman who longs to be a war correspondent and inadvertently becomes a secret advice columnist is “a jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People)—for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Lilac Girls. Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty are doing their bit for the war effort and trying to stay cheerful, despite the German planes making their nightly raids. Emmy dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent, and when she spots a job advertisement in the newspaper she seizes her chance; but after a rather unfortunate misunderstanding, she finds herself typing letters for the formidable Henrietta Bird, renowned advice columnist of Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs. Bird is very clear: letters containing any Unpleasantness must go straight into the bin. But as Emmy reads the desperate pleas from women who many have Gone Too Far with the wrong man, or can’t bear to let their children be evacuated, she begins to secretly write back to the readers who have poured out their troubles. “Fans of Jojo Moyes will enjoy AJ Pearce’s debut, with its plucky female characters and fresh portrait of women’s lives in wartime Britain” (Library Journal)—a love letter to the enduring power of friendship, the kindness of strangers, and the courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times. “Headlined by its winning lead character, who always keeps carrying on, Pearce''s novel is a delight” (Publishers Weekly). Irrepressibly funny and enormously moving, Dear Mrs. Bird is “funny and poignant…about the strength of women and the importance of friendship” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis).

From the author of the “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) and international bestseller Dear Mrs. Bird comes a charming and uplifting novel set in London during World War II about a plucky young journalist and her adventures as wartime advice columnist.London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the new challenges as a wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It. When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young mother who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must confront a dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends. As funny, heartwarming, and touching as Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully is an endearing portrait of female friendship and “a fruitful exploration of the solidarity among women in times of grief, love, and hardship” (Publishers Weekly).

Richard & Judy Book Club PickSunday Times BestsellerSet during London's blitz and filled with warmth, wit and heartbreak, Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce is a wartime story about the power of friendship, the kindness of strangers and the courage of ordinary people.London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the terrifying Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not letters from the women the war has left lovelorn, grief-stricken or conflicted.But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?'The most uplifting, lovely book about courage, friendship, love' – Marian Keyes'Utterly charming and helplessly funny' – Jenny Colgan'A proper comfort read' – India Knight'Imagine Bridget Jones running amok in the wartime world of Mrs Miniver' – The Sunday Times

The charming and hilarious tonic we’ve all been waiting for. The bestseller, Yours Cheerfully, is the sequel to Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce. An inspirational, funny, romantic and uplifting story of courage at the height of World War Two.‘Loved. Every. Word.' - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in ChemistryLondon, September 1941. For plucky, determined Emmy Lake, working at Woman’s Friend magazine has become everything she dreamed, especially since the departure of the magazine’s formidable editor, Henrietta Bird. Now Emmy really can get on and Do Her Bit.When the Ministry of Information calls on Woman’s Friend to help recruit female supporters to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled. But soon she and best friend Bunty meet a young woman who shows them the real challenges that women war workers face. Suddenly Emmy must tackle a life-changing dilemma: should she carry out her duty or stand by her friends?'Absolutely lovely!' – Marian Keyes'Buoyant . . . a tonic in testing times' – Mail on Sunday'A brilliant follow up to Dear Mrs Bird' – Clare Mackintosh'Full of wit, friendship and the uplifting knowledge that when people come together, great changes can be made' – Katie FfordeContinue The Wartime Chronicles series with Mrs Porter Calling.

The charming and hilarious tonic we’ve all been waiting for. The bestseller, Yours Cheerfully, is the sequel to Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce. An inspirational, funny, romantic and uplifting story of courage at the height of World War Two.‘Loved. Every. Word.' - Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in ChemistryLondon, September 1941. For plucky, determined Emmy Lake, working at Woman’s Friend magazine has become everything she dreamed, especially since the departure of the magazine’s formidable editor, Henrietta Bird. Now Emmy really can get on and Do Her Bit.When the Ministry of Information calls on Woman’s Friend to help recruit female supporters to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled. But soon she and best friend Bunty meet a young woman who shows them the real challenges that women war workers face. Suddenly Emmy must tackle a life-changing dilemma: should she carry out her duty or stand by her friends?'Absolutely lovely!' – Marian Keyes'Buoyant . . . a tonic in testing times' – Mail on Sunday'A brilliant follow up to Dear Mrs Bird' – Clare Mackintosh'Full of wit, friendship and the uplifting knowledge that when people come together, great changes can be made' – Katie FfordeContinue The Wartime Chronicles series with Mrs Porter Calling.

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.

From the author of the “jaunty, heartbreaking winner” (People) and international bestseller Dear Mrs. Bird comes a charming and uplifting novel set in London during World War II about a plucky young journalist and her adventures as wartime advice columnist.London, November 1941. Following the departure of the formidable Henrietta Bird from Woman’s Friend magazine, things are looking up for Emmeline Lake as she takes on the new challenges as a wartime advice columnist. Her relationship with boyfriend Charles is blossoming, while Emmy’s best friend Bunty, still reeling from the very worst of the Blitz, is bravely looking to the future. Together, the friends are determined to Make a Go of It. When the Ministry of Information calls on Britain’s women’s magazines to help recruit female workers to the war effort, Emmy is thrilled to step up and help. But when she and Bunty meet a young mother who shows them the very real challenges that women war workers face, Emmy must confront a dilemma between doing her duty and standing by her friends. As funny, heartwarming, and touching as Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully is an endearing portrait of female friendship and “a fruitful exploration of the solidarity among women in times of grief, love, and hardship” (Publishers Weekly).

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.

';It's hard to accept that this is the end of the Emmy Lake series, but if there has to be an end, let it be this one: Dear Miss Lake. Sheer joy!' Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry Plucky wartime advice columnist Emmy Lake discovers that sometimes it takes losing everything to find what we need most.London, July 1944. After nearly five years of war, the readers of Woman's Friendmagazine are relying on the support of Emmy Lake and her team more than ever. With the city under attack, the magazine staff decamps to the countryside for the summer. Determined to help the women of Britain carry on, Emmy and friends are hard at work finding new ways to inspire resilience. With her army officer husband Charles posted close to home, and best friend Bunty by her side, Emmy happily throws herself into rural life, juggling children, magazine assignments, and plans for a very important wedding. And then a call comes that means she may finally fulfill her long-held dream of becoming a war correspondent. But when disaster strikes, Emmy needs her friends, her community, and her readers more than ever. Filled with courage and compassion, a lovable cast of characters, and winning wartime details, Dear Miss Lake is an enormously uplifting testament to the power of friendship and hope.