I absolutely adore AJ Pearce's Emmy Lake chronicles. The third entry - Mrs. Potter Calling - has just released.
What's to love?
The characters! Pearce has created an absolutely delightful character in Emmy. She's plucky, irrepressible and so darn likeable. The supporting cast includes her best friend Bunty, and the magazine staff who are just as well drawn. Additional players have been added on with every book, including this latest. I've become quite invested in the storyline of each and every player.
What magazine you ask? Well, it's called Women's Friend. Emmy started out as a junior and is now taking a larger role in the day to day duties of the magazine. But dearest to her heart is the "Yours Cheerfully" advice column. But, Women's Friend has a new owner - the Honorable Mrs. Potter. And although she comes across as upbeat and personable...well, you'll see.
British magazines in this vein are still printing today - I've read more than one myself. Pearce took her inspiration for these books "when I came across a 1939 copy of a women's magazine. It was a wonderful find - a glimpse into an era and world where I could read about everything from recipes for lamb's brain stew to how to knit your own swimwear."
The books are set in the WWII years in London, England. Pearce captures the heartache, the danger as well as the flip side - the 'can do' effort, the 'keep calm and carry on' attitude, the making do, the joy in camaraderie and simple things.
Although you could read this as a standalone, I encourage you to read the first two books - they're just as delightful as this latest.
I chose to listen to Mrs. Potter Calling. The narrator was Anna Popplewell and she was the perfect choice. Her voice embodied the mental image I had created for Emmy. Popplewell also voiced the first two books and the continuity is appreciated. She has a lovely rich British accent that is very pleasant to listen to. She enunciates well and speaks at a good speed. Her voice has movement, rising and falling as she narrates. She easily captures the emotions of the characters, the tone of situations and the action of the book with her voice. And the voice for Mrs. Potter is fabulous! An excellent performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Mrs. Potter Calling.
An five star tale and a five star performance. Absolutely one of my favorite series. I hope you enjoy them as well.
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