Mrs. Porter Calling: A Novel

Written by AJ Pearce

Narrated by Anna Popplewell

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Aug 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9781797162362

AJ Pearce

AJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire, England. She studied at the University of Sussex and Northwestern University. A chance discovery of a 1939 women’s magazine became the inspiration for her series The Emmy Lake Chronicles, which includes Dear Mrs. Bird, Yours Cheerfully, and Mrs. Porter Calling. She lives in the south of England.

Reviews for Mrs. Porter Calling

[creid · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I’ve loved the other books in this series, but this one really missed the mark for me. The antagonist was so unlikeable that it made the book unpleasant, and the middle portion dragged on unnecessarily. I ended up skipping ahead several chapters, and I could still completely follow the plot. I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t.

[adelia soulje · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If love a villain to hate, this book is for you.

[Connie Hough · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet book, sometimes sad, funny and a window into living during WW2. Held my interest from the beginning!

[Maureen Armstrong · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pleaseure to listen too, the story follows group well; death of Thel overshadows everything.