“Dear Miss Lake,” the fourth and final book in the series begun by “ Dear Mrs. Bird ,” suggests that it was time to wrap things up.

It’s been a charming ride with Emmy Lake. As AJ Pearce’s “Dear Mrs. Bird” opened, it was World War II in London. Adventure-seeking Lake joined Woman’s Friend, a magazine that balanced news for mostly female readers with attempts to buoy spirits during the Blitz that was then decimating London. Eventually, she settled into a job as an advice columnist (taking over for the imperious Henrietta Bird) and increased her responsibilities at the magazine while also helping friends deal with loss and navigating her own wartime romance.

The cozy series, which also includes “ Yours Cheerfully ” and “Mrs. Porter Calling,” has always been best when it’s a gentle work

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