I haven’t read Dear Mrs. Bird but I was assured that this book would be fine to read as even though they are part of the same series Yours Cheerfully could be read as a standalone. From my encounter with this book I totally agree.

England 1941 – Emmeline (Emmy) Lake is a young journalist working for Woman’s Friend Magazine. She is given the task of writing the responses in the agony aunt column, though she is to consult a more senior member of the team who will give her the advice, and then she is to write it up in a way that the women will find supportive under the signature ‘Yours Cheerfully’.

Just as she is starting her new role she is invited to a meeting at The Ministry of Information with the newspaper editor. The ministry wants to focus on encouraging women to take up the roles that have become vacant in the country as more men head off to fight in the war.

Emmy loves her new role and writes some encouraging and amazing hard-hitting articles featuring women working in places like the munitions factories and the injustices women face, plus their childcare issues.

What I first noticed about the novel was how inspiring and hopeful the book makes you feel. I know probably strange feelings given it is set back in 1941 but Emmy is a woman who had a strong personality and so much enthusiasm for her work. It was a real joy to spend time in her company.

I don’t think I have read many books set during WWII where the lead was a female, other than romances. I loved the feeling of a country coming together, the friendships that developed, and the attitude of the people at the time. Yes, there were some heartaches, it is set during a war, but the book was more uplifting than anything else. It also had plenty of old-fashioned British humour which did give me a good giggle at times.

I am now going to have to go back and read Dear Mrs. Bird, who sounded like a right character given the comments in this book.