This was such a lovely ending to what surprisingly became one of my favourite series. It's full of the "keep calm and carry on" and "we're all in this together" feeling you can tell was rampant in the country throughout WW2.

It was also great to follow Emmy along throughout the series, and see her growth and maturity, not just personally but also professionally. I loved watching her grow more into herself, and finally achieve her dream of being a war journalist.

It's a very fitting end of the series, quite a lot of loose ends all tied up well, and I loved particularly the epilogue taking place after the war was won.

However, at times I did feel like it was a slightly cleaned up or PG portrayal of how wartime was, particularly for POWs.

"Dear Miss Lake", This is the 4th book in series and having recently read number three immediately prior to ARC, I was wondering if I had mis remembered my feelings on the first 2, thankfully for me this 4th book was a return to form. Like all the books the prose is a little "jolly hockey sticks at times". However Pearce captures the atmosphere of the end of the war perfectly. Must have been a very strange time for people , knowing the end was in sight , the Axis forces almost certainly defeated but still having your loved ones fighting for victory. As usual there is a fine balance of humour and tenderness, when the story takes a turn. An enjoyable read and a fitting end to the series.

A solid 7 out of 10 for me , which always frustrates as 3 feels too mean and 4 over scoring but definitely a fun read

Dear Miss Lake by AJ Pearce
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
Publication date: 3 July 2025

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

London, July 1944. Journalist Emmy Lake's career is soaring: Woman's Friend magazine is a huge success, and she is finally realizing her dream of becoming a Lady War Correspondent. But after nearly five years of war, the nation is struggling. For Emmy and her team, it’s all about pulling together and pushing on. But then disaster strikes. Soon Emmy needs her friends more than ever…

I am so sad that this is the final installment of the Emmy Lake Chronicles, but what a fitting ending this is for what has been a thoroughly delightful series. AJ Pearce has done such a good job at balancing wholesomeness, humour and heartbreak throughout all four books. The entire cast of characters is lovely; I smiled, I teared up and I will always and forever love a good found family story. Just like its predecessors, this is a story about love and friendship, and about resilience and community spirit in the face of difficult and uncertain circumstances. I have been smitten from the first book, and I had a jolly good time with Emmy and the Woman’s Friend gang. I can't wait to see what AJ Pearce writes next.

AJ Pearce's 'Dear Miss Lake' provides a delightful and touching end to the popular Emmy Lake Chronicles. In the final days of WWII London, the novel has Emmy thriving in her job as a journalist with Woman's Friend magazine, even as the country struggles on with ongoing deprivation and uncertainty.

The writer deftly weighs the dark realities of war against the abiding strength of resilience, friendship, and optimism. Emmy's "Yours Cheerfully" column remains to provide wise counsel to readers, broaching sensitive topics with compassion and a touch of her trademark boldness. The friendship between Emmy and her friends, especially Bunty, is ever a bedrock, giving both lightheaded moments and depth of feeling as they support one another through personal victories and crises.

While centering on Emmy's developing role and her experience as a war correspondent, the book quietly delves into the wider lives of women on the home front. 'Dear Miss Lake' is a celebration of the strength of friendship and community, and one leaves it feeling satisfied and appreciative of the strength to be found in difficult times. A simply delightful read.

What a wonderful way to end the Emmy Lake series. I’ve loved all of these books, they offer great escapism but also very well-researched insights into various aspects of wartime British life. This conclusion to the series draws a lot of the sub-plots to a close in a really cosy and delightful way.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Miss Lake is a charming cosy read that offers both escapism and thoughtful reflection on the human experience during the most tumultuous time in history .This is a story that will make you smile ,laugh and maybe shed a tear or two. The pace is steady you can almost hear the air raid sirens and see the blackouts and hear the bustle of wartime London Streets.A lovely ending to a very enjoyable series .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

Simple and moving.
I read Dear Miss Bird and really enjoyed it, the simple style and engaging people.
Did not realise there had ben two more novels following it and then this final one. Story was easy to pick up on though.
Having inherited three children to look after between the workers at Women's Friend Magazine, Emmy, Bunty, Guy and the others members of staff decide to relocate the countryside, to protect the children from the constant bombings and upheaval. Bunty comes up trumps with an offer of her Grandmother's Manor house in Hampshire, Hester helps Emmy arrange rooms and offices for everyone in the idyllic surroundings. Everyone gets along well and the children attend a local school.
Bunty and Harold get married there, the setting is well described and the ceremony lovely. Emmy takes a rash decision to go and visit her husband Charles at his barracks and manages to spend the night there.
Emmy is alarmed and upset when she receives a letter to say that he is missing and probably a prisoner of war, with no more information. she and Guy (Charles brother) are beside themselves with worry. Emmy contacts other wives and Mothers of soldiers in Charles's regiment and they comfort each other, pooling their ideas for things to do to help.
Hester becomes engaged to Clarence and is promoted at work, when their wedding is postponed, Hester runs away.
Emmy is at the forefront of all of the action,using the magazine to offer advice, comfort and action.
Thank you AJ, Netgalley and Picador for this ARC.

After five long years of war it appears that the Allies are getting close to victory as the invasion of Europe progresses. However, on the Home Front, the woman of Britain rely on the magazine Women's Friend to help them through. For the team in charge, the attacks on London have made it unsafe so they decamp to the countryside to continue their work. All seems stable until Emmy's husband Charles is reported missing and then one of their own disappears.
This has been a hugely enjoyable series of books. It's undemanding reading but interesting as it sheds more of a light on the roles of women during the second world war. Admittedly this is the 'fluffy' approach but there is no doubt that there is plenty of research behind this book and it is a little light relief!

I've read the other books in the series and this maintains the same standards. I really enjoyed reading this and continuing with the characters. The books always cover aspects of the war that are not covered in other books.

I have adored The Wartime Chronicles series by AJ Pearce and I am sad the journey has come to an end.

Set in London during the Second World War, this wonderful series has followed the much loved heroine Emmy Lake, her best friend Bunty and many more fabulous characters along the way.

Dear Miss Lake continues Emmy's story and her continued work for Women’s Friend, providing advice, comfort and support to a nation in times of hardship and grief.

Emmy faces great challenges in the last of the series, the move of the Women’s Friend offices to the Hampshire countryside, an opportunity to write as a lady wartime correspondent and the capture of her husband as a prisoner of war.

An utterly wholesome, heart-warming and emotional tale about friendships forged during difficult times, community and resilience and the unexpected courage and kindness of ordinary people.

I will miss you Emmy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC and thank you to AJ Pearce for such a wonderful series.

This is the fourth and final instalment in a captivating series set during the Second World War, following the journey of a magazine called Women’s Friend. Beginning in July 1944, as the war nears its end, the story is steeped in historical detail and written with vivid authenticity. The author's meticulous research shines through every page, bringing the era to life and making the narrative utterly engrossing.

Emmy Lake, editor of Women’s Friend, is finally fulfilling her dream of becoming a war correspondent. With her husband, Major Charles, serving overseas, Emmy deeply relates to readers coping with loved ones far from home. When the magazine receives an invitation to relocate to the countryside, the team embraces the opportunity and finds joy amidst the turmoil. Emmy's closest friend, Bunty, is preparing for her wedding, adding excitement and celebration to the mix. Yet, as with so many moments during wartime, not everything goes according to plan—some of the staff face heartbreaking trials that remind them of the fragility and resilience of life in uncertain times.

While this book can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the series in order offers a deeper connection to a cast of unforgettable friends who feel like family by the final page. Heartfelt and immersive—highly recommended.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7721695303

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/dear-miss-lake-by-j-pearce-this-is.html

This was an easy 5 stars for me, I’ve absolutely adored the characters and the whole Emmy Lake series. This for me was the perfect ending and it tied up loads of loose ends and the fact that the series covered the duration of the war, ending when the war ended was absolutely perfect.

When I read these books it always reminds me of my Nan as she was in her early 20s when the war was underway. I used to love hearing her stories about the war work that she was doing and this entire series has really brought that to life. It’s been refreshing to see the war from a woman’s point of view and the difficulties they faced in trying to make ends meet, dealing with issues alone and also wondering if they would ever see their loved ones again.

I found this book lighthearted, and while it covers a harrowing subject, it’s done in such a way that you can’t help but feel hopeful and it evens elicits a few laughs. There is of course tragedy, but it’s done in such a way that you can’t help but remain positive.

This book focused on the future of Women’s Friend, how they were going to continue its success in such trying times and while navigating personal challenges and circumstances. There’s also a big focus on POWs and how this affected the ones left behind.

Finally, I’d love to have a friendship circle like Emmy and her friends!

I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.

What a great fourth novel in the series, by AJ Pearce. Having devoured the first three, over the years, I so was chomping at the bit to get my teeth into this one. Again the author did not disappoint. Her attention to detail, almost makes you feel as though you are side by side with the characters as the war is coming to an end. It has you rooting for there to be a happy ever after for all involved … but is there? I dare anyone, not to be drawn into the plot. I’m just sad it’s come to an end. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I love reading these books. Despite the underlying hardship and moments of real misery, there's a strong sense of optimism that runs through the story. Dear Miss Lake continues in that spirit — a touching, often bittersweet tale told through letters that capture both the struggles and small triumphs of everyday life during wartime.

All the characters, despite their personal mishaps, are real troopers. They face life's difficulties with courage, humor, and resilience. Emmy remains as determined and warm-hearted as ever, navigating both her career and the chaos around her with wit and strength. Bunty, as always, provides a strong emotional anchor — loyal, practical, and quietly heroic in her own way. Their friendship remains one of the most comforting and enduring aspects of the series.

One moment that really stood out to me was when Emmy visits the hospital in Brussels. As a Belgian, I found it especially moving — it added a personal connection and reminded me of the real-life courage and compassion that crossed borders during the war.

I especially love the accessible writing style. It’s clear, warm, and engaging — making it easy to fall into the world and care deeply about the people in it.

I’ve really enjoyed this series and am a little sad to be saying goodbye to Emmy Lake and her friends and colleagues at the Woman’s Friend magazine.

We meet Emmy and her friends in 1944 when the tide is turning, and people are beginning to believe it may nearly be the end of the war. Everyone is weary, longing for the war to be over and for their loved ones to get home safely. As readers, we know the end is only a few months away but our characters don’t know that of course and still have lots of fears and worries.

I loved being back with Emmy, Bunty, Charles and all the others again. Having read and enjoyed the previous three novels in the series, they are characters I’ve come to know well. Emmy has realised her ambition and is doing some overseas work as a war correspondent. Through this we get a glimpse of the work of nursing staff in Europe. As you probably know, nearing the end of the war didn’t mean less danger on the home front and to avoid the bombing in London, the entire magazine staff decamps to the countryside. I found it really interesting to read in the author’s notes at the end of the book that much of what we read about the features in the magazine and the letters which are received are based on real magazines of the time.

Emmy has always been involved in campaigning for her readers and trying to make sure they feel heard and understood. This time, there is quite a focus on prisoners of war and how the families at home received very little news about them. Emmy faces many personal and professional challenges and can relate to her readers with true empathy.

Like the others in the series, this book was a light-hearted and engaging read, with a real sense of how important friendship was to the characters. AJ Pearce really captures the spirit of the era with her style of writing. Dear Miss Lake proved to be an uplifting and satisfying end to the series. I’m content to leave these familiar characters to rebuild their lives now. A jolly good read!

You can always rely on this series to bring a smile to your face, which always seems strange given they’re set during wartime, but it’s true!

This latest novel felt like it tied everything up beautifully, so I assume it may be the last - which is such a shame as the characters are just all so wonderful and I’ve loved spending time with them all. This one felt especially poignant and I devoured it over a day or two as I was so invested in what would happen to them all. Can’t recommend enough for an uplifting (albeit still sad at times!) series.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the publisher's blurb or give away the plot!

Having read the other novels in this series, I was delighted to receive a review copy of this latest book. I think that you could read it as a standalone - but would recommend the previous novels anyway as they are all enjoyable reads.

The story is picked up again in the summer of 1944. Emmy Lake and the staff of "Woman's Friend" are given the chance to move to the countryside when Bunty's grandmother offers to house them and the magazine! Emmy also becomes a War Correspondent, and sees for herself the challenges faced by those on the front line - and those trying to help them.

Emmy also gets in touch with the wives and families of several missing men - some of whom are in her husband Charles's unit - and the magazine tries to help too. There's plenty of social narrative, with plot lines covering prisoners of war, unmarried mothers etc. As usual (and perhaps even more so in the knowledge that this is the last book in the series) I needed a cup of tea and a tissue to dry my eyes at several points in the book.

I was really hoping that this series could be continued - I've really enjoyed the stories, and feel that some characters have other tales to be told. Perhaps a series of supporting novels will be possible?

Recommended if you enjoy stories set in WW2, with plenty of human interest, information about social attitudes at the time, and strong characters.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Another heartwarming book in the four part series from this author, I could listen to what Emmy Lake has to say about any matter! A fantastic end to the series - if you’ve read the others, you’ll find yourself so invested in the characters that there are some heart stopping moments here … you can only begin to imagine what living through the war must actually be like. Sad the series has finished, I will miss Emmy and Bunty!

Oh, how I have loved this series of books and I am both thrilled to have a new one, and desolate that Emmy, Bunty, Charles Guy, and the rest of the gang will just have to live on in my heart from now on.
The end of war seems to be in sight at the start of this book, and Emmy and the rest of the staff of the Women’s Friend are persuaded to decamp to the countryside to avoid the increasingly ferocious bombing raids on London. Emmy’s journalism career is going from strength to strength, but when the war impacts on her in a very personal way she’s also thrown into writing about the war effort in a way which makes her less popular in Whitehall.
As with the other books in this series, the human relationships are everything. It’s gently humorous but also manages to convey what Britain was like in 1945 and what life was like for women, who had had a real role in running the country, and what their expectations were for the end of the war.
I would recommend you read the others in this series before this one, if only for the joy of discovering these wonderful women (and some men). Absolutely marvellous!
Thanks to NetGalley for the proof. I have bought a copy too!

First story by this author, so I think it’s ok as a stand alone read, rather than having to read the previous ones. Liked it, but found myself flicking past pages, to get to more interesting parts.