Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy of this book! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This novel is based off true events that happened during WW1 and WW2 and about the brave women who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) during those wars. Both Marion and Evelyn are dispatch riders on motorcycles delivering top secret information to aid in the war efforts. They both also help to train and deliver messenger pigeons . In WW1, we have Marion and Eddie, both orphans, who decide to join the war effort. Years later, during WW2, Evelyn decides to join in the war effort, against her parents’ wishes. Throughout all this, both women have love interests…Marion has Eddie, Evelyn has Percy! Marion’s and Evelyn’s paths cross in WW2, but in more ways than either of them ever expected!!!
I really enjoyed reading this novel, especially because the author shed a spotlight on women who aided the war efforts back in the day. There were points in the novel where I couldn’t help but cry. There were points where I felt on the edge of my seat as bombs were being rained down on the Wrens!!! And there was an abundance of joyous, happy moments! I love it when authors can pull their readers into the story so deeply! Thank you so much for this!!!

Quick and Dirty⁣
-WWI and WWII timelines⁣
-secret relationships⁣
-women in the line of duty⁣
-empowering disability representation⁣
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Synopsis⁣
Orphaned in infancy, Marion has spent her entire life in orphanages. In an effort to protect herself from rejection and abandonment, she is selectively mute, withdrawn, and bookish. Until she meets Eddie. Over the course of several years, she and Eddie become the best of friends until the threat of war brings them closer than ever. In an effort to shield the younger Eddie from the need to serve, Marion joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service also known as the “Wrens”. Marion finds much joy and excitement as a motorcycle despatch rider, but when she and Eddie are both sent to the front in France she learns that there is more at stake than she bargained for. ⁣
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Musings⁣
What a terrific novel! I absolutely adored this one from start to finish. The two timelines complimented each other nicely, making the shifts between the two smooth and easy to follow. While the main twist was a bit obvious, it was no less entertaining. I always love reading stories of women in service, both on the homefront and the frontlines. Call of the Wrens has a bit of both! And the powerful themes of love, belonging, and friendship give this war-time novel depth and feeling that is sometimes missing. Overall, historical fiction lovers should not miss this one! I can't wait to read more of Walsh's work in the future.

Thoroughly researched and beautifully crafted, The Call of the Wrens gives readers an insight into the work of the women who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service in both WWI and WWII. Told through two timelines, this story focuses on the work of the WRNS motorcycle dispatch riders in both wars. The characters are strong, well-rounded believable and just so easy to care for. The story is compelling and well plotted, the pace ensuring you want to find out what happens next. I liked that there were romantic threads in each timeline and I loved the way they unexpectedly tied together at the end. This story has been a wonderful read and is a book I’ll return to in the future.

The Call of the Wren is a refreshing look at not just WW1 but WW2 through the eyes of 2 young women. Marion, raised in an orphanage with no idea of her past or what the future holds. Jumping to 1936 Evelyn is the opposite with parents who lovingly provide and expect much from her. As England enters the war both do their part, risking much.

Suffice to say The Call of the Wrens is a story of strength & determination, love & loss and family. It's about how these two time periods connect and the secrets that come to light. For the history buffs, the Women's Royal Naval Service (aka Wrens) is showcased with the risks they took during both wars.

Jenni L Walsh is not a new author for me. I thoroughly enjoyed her books Becoming Bonnie (of Bonnie & Clyde fame) and Side by Side. So I knew to expect a wonderful story again.

My thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Is there a genre you always come back to? If you've been with me awhile you know I have a soft spot for historical fiction. So today as part of a wonderful book tour it's my turn to bring you up to speed on this fantastic novel I read earlier this year! Many thanks to the author for my digital copy in exchange for a review.
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The Call of the Wrens by Jenni Walsh is a dual timeline tale spanning both WWI and WWII, highlighting the heroic efforts of the WRENS - a segment of the Royal Naval Service which employed women to deliver important messages via motorcycle. Does this intrigue you? It should! It's so cool!.
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Following two fierce females navigating the battles on the field plus their own internal struggles, you can't help but cheer them on. Friendship, mother-daughter dynamics, romance and what it means to be brave, are just some of the themes encountered in this compelling novel. I gave this one 4 stars. It's out NOW so go get your copy!.

Selective mute Marion ages out of state care during WWI and joins a women courier unit on the western front. In 1939, after a childhood disability, Evelyn loves race cars and yearns for more freedom.

This dual timeline has two strong leads and their stories intersected well, although I suspected the connection. Both women had a deep desire to belong. That leads Marion to her only childhood friend and Evie to leave her family, but both ultimately end up with the Wrens.

I wish more time was spent understanding Marion’s big decision. It felt underdeveloped for such an important part of the plot.

This was a compelling read where I admired both heroines. There are themes about adoption and belonging and vivid depictions of war. I enjoyed learning about the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

Marian Hoxton, an orphan, longs to have a purpose and belonging. She finds both as a Wren in WWI. Serving in France as a motorcycle dispatch rider, Marian does all she can to help end the war. Until one battle changes everything for her.

Evelyn Fairchild wants nothing more than to prove she is capable despite the disability she was born with and to live without her parents dictating her every move. With WWII beginning, Evelyn finds the opportunity to do both by joining the Wrens. Even better, she is able to be a motorcycle dispatch rider and continue to have the freedom that comes from driving fast.

The Call of the Wrens is the first book I’ve read from Jenni L. Walsh and it won’t be the last. I was swept up into this story of two women who volunteer in the Women’s Royal Navy Service during the World Wars. Walsh weaves a captivating story that spans decades and cumulates into one gratifying ending.

I loved this story! It was full of emotion and moments that drew me in as a reader. Learning of the Wrens and their role in both World Wars has me wanting to learn more. These woman risked it all in some instances and were brave beyond measure. Getting a glimpse at what they did through Marian and Evelyn's story was a treat. This is one book that I will revisit again.

The Call of the Wrens is a stand-alone story. It is a great read for any World War readers and fans of strong woman characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advance copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an e-ARC of this wonderful historical fiction.

I loved this book, I am a huge fan of historical fiction, especially when its set during wars, when its told from a female perspective since history has muted so many female voices from the discussion. Its important we claim it back as it is also ours. The Call of the Wrens was told from multiple POVs which I adored because it made the story so much more layered and real.
The writing itself was so detailed and heartbreakingly beautiful, I enjoyed it very much.

A must read for all history fans

Thank you Jenni Walsh for inviting me on this tour and Harper Muse for my advanced e-copy of this amazing book!

Following a dual timeline, the little known story of a group of brave women during wartime is brought to life. Known as The Wrens, these women carried some of the biggest war secrets and messages as they rode across war-torn Europe.

During WWI, Marion, who grew up in one orphanage after the next, has always just wanted to belong. When the opportunity to join The Wrens arise she jumps at the chance. Along for the fight is her childhood friend turned sweetheart, Eddie, and the pair quickly find themselves in the face of danger. Jump to WWII, society girl, Evelyn, sees the opportunity help in the war by using her race car driving skills as a dispatch driver for The Wrens. A childhood disability lingers though making training harder for her but it only pushes her more to prove her self worth.

This is a beautiful war time story that shares the journey of two women whose lives eventually converge into one. I found myself holding my breath a few times as I read this emotional yet heartwarming book. Jenni Walsh effortlessly weaved in and out of these women’s stories in the dual timeline and how they eventually merge together is perfect. Any historical fiction lover needs to read this exquisite book!

Read if you:
- Love historical fiction books. 📜
- Need a story with strong female characters. 💪🏻
- Want to be inspired. 🤩

f you love historical fiction set in the First and Second World War, strong, daring, remarkable women who force society’s limits, this is the book for you!

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Historical Context
This is from the author’s note, because I simply can’t put it better. Jenny Walsh talks about women in the World Wars in Great Britain:

At the onset of the Great War in 1914, the only military role viewed as “suitable” for a woman was in the capacity of a nurse.

Nineteen thousand women served as nurses and up to one hundred thousand as Voluntary Aid Detachments.

No small number, and invaluable to the war efforts. Still, women weren’t seen as a viable asset until 1916, when the British realized a large manpower shortage.

[…] The Wrens (nicknamed this way from the acronym WRNS – Women’s Royal Navy Service) officially began in 1917, and by 1919 was over seven thousand strong, including such positions as cooks and stewards, writers and telephonists, sail makers, coders and cyphers, and my personal favorite: motorcycle dispatch riders.

[…] At its peak in 1944, the number of women who served within the Wrens was nearly seventy-five thousand, with postings all over the world.

“THE CALL OF THE WRENS”, BY JENNY WALSH
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The Call of the Wrens – Plot
Marion is an orphan getting evicted from the orphanage where she was living because she was turning 18. Having no income and no home, her best alternative is to join the war efforts at the beginning of the First World War. Her best friend, soon to become her boyfriend, Eddie, does his best to follow her, even into the war.

Evelyn is a beautiful, rich heiress with a club foot, who, before the Second World War, was a passionate race car driver. The war puts an end to her activity and forces her to go along with her parents. They move away from the big cities, the ones most likely to be bombarded. Life becomes unbearably sheltered and dull and being treated as a child by her mother takes up new dimensions. With the help of her childhood friend, Percy, she joins the war as a dispatch motorcycle rider.

The two stories show determined, strong willed women who overcome their insecurities and do their best to serve their country. As you may expect, their destiny brings them together at some point and everything gets tied up beautifully.

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My Thoughts
…On the Characters
I love how the author draws a parallel between Marion and Evelyn. The two serve in different wars, different times, when expectations of women have changed. The change in how they are viewed is not radical from the First World War to the Second, but it is there, and it is palpable in the book.

Both women are strong and are a lot alike in determination, but they are driven by different motivations. Evelyn wants to prove herself and that makes her reckless. Marion, as an orphan, wants to belong. She finds a sisterhood with the Wrens. They make her happy.

Both women have a childhood friend who believes in them and who is able to reach their soul. They also don’t have any girl friends while growing up and don’t really get how to interact with other women. Eddie and Percy remain their main, almost only friends as adults too. However, while Eddie is clearly completely in love (Marion and Eddie soon become a couple), the relationship between Evelyn and Percy is more complicated. Their parents’ pressure doesn’t help either.

Evie has a much too sheltered life, while Marion’s life was much too difficult, but they were, in the end, both very lonely. Marion’s passion for reading is endearing. Evie’s passion for race cars suits her nature perfectly.

These two characters, as the author explains in an ending note, while fictional, where inspired by real people. The situations they go through were inspired by real situation Wrens faced in the two World Wars.

What I loved most about them was, however, their portrayal of personal motivations that pushed them in the wars. They were not intrinsically motivated by serving their country. They both joined for what can essentially be viewed as selfish reasons. That felt very, very real.

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…On the Writing
The book is constructed with two different timelines. One is Marion’s, which starts before the First World War and one is Evelyn’s, which starts before the Second World War. The events in their lives mirror each other and we get to see two points of view, two different upbringings, two reactions to war, two different love stories. This made me very attached to all the characters.

The war descriptions are on point, but with nothing of the horrid details one might expect from it.

The only thing I didn’t like was that there are scenes with a bit of a build up, only to have nothing happen in the end. I am still not sure what to think of them. An example is when Marion delivers pigeons to a man who delays giving her the receipt for completing her mission. She is fearful, she doesn’t understand why the man delays giving her the receipt, yet we then move on rapidly to a different scene, no real conclusion from it.

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…Overall

I was so moved by this story! Women claiming their right to serve, women running away from a sheltered life, women finding kinship within army service, women finding courage for anything – everything was such an example of a positive, inspiring message. I loved, loved, loved everything about this book!

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Conclusion
If you like historical fiction, this novel can’t be missed!

This book is a dual narrative dual timeline that crosses both WWI and WWII following two women and their experiences with the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the Wrens). Their backgrounds are so different, but they both find meaning and purpose in serving with the Wrens.

This is such a fascinating story and the way that it’s woven across timelines yet intertwined in meaningful ways makes it a super engaging read. I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, and this one is definitely on my list to recommend! It’s out now - go grab a copy!

Thank you to the author for a copy to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC! This has been such an incredible read, especially since I love historical fiction.

The story covers both world wars and describes how the tragedies of the wars changed the lives of two women. This is a story of immeasurable love, immense loss, incredible friendship, and zealous strength.

Call of the Wrens is narrated by two women alternatively; Marion during WW1 and Evelyn during WW2. Marion was an orphan who joined the Wrens when she turned 18. The love of her life followed her into fighting in the war. On the other hand, Evelyn is a daredevil and has a penchant for driving and ardently going against her parents. As the 2nd WW commences, she enlists herself to be a wren. However, when Marion and Evelyn's paths cross, hard kept secrets are threatened to be revealed that could alter both their lives.

Jenni L. Walsh has conjured up a devastating novel illustrating the heroic women who sacrificed more than what history told. If you're looking for a historical fiction to tug at all your heartstrings, go read this one! You will not be disappointed.

The Jenny Wrens

This is a story spanning two World Wars and secrets that lasted through both. It is about courage and friendships and romance .

1917 as many are enlisting in the Great War better known as WWII, two young people made their way to the desk to sign up. Two orphans, Eddie and Marion grew up together in an orphanage. When it was Marion's time to leave it was suggested she enlist in the service and Eddie did not want to be separated so he lied about his age and enlisted as well.

Eddie was given the job of a Dispatch Rider delivering important messages as he owned a motorcycle. Marion was put in a typing job as that is what she had been doing at the orphanage. She met a fellow recruit named Sara and they became friends until Sara was sent to another post.
Marion wanted to be a dispatch rider, she hated her typing job. when one of the young female dispatch riders named Sylvia is frightened to go on her run Marion does it for her and is caught. Because of the breaking of rules she is given a post in France transporting carrier pigeons at the front. She finds out that Sara her old friend is who she will be working with.

They are fast friends and working together until a horrible tragedy at the end of the war ends that friendship and life as Marion knows it. She is devastated and she is sent back home just a few weeks before the end of the war.

Fast forward to 1940. A young privileged girl named Evelyn Fairchild finds out from her friend Percy about the Wrens and their motorcycle dispatch riders. She is intrigued and wants to become a Wren. Her parents are against it and tell her if she does this they will disinherit her and cut her off from all funds. She "Borrows" Percy's motorcycle and enlists in the Wrens taking the motorcycle with her to become a dispatch rider.

Meanwhile Sara has talked Marion into reenlisting as a Wren in the second World War as her expertise is badly needed and finally Marion agrees.

Evelyn meets Marion as Petty Officer Wren Smith. This is the officer she will be reporting to in her new role as a dispatch rider. When a horrible event and an accident leads to Marion sharing a long kept secret with Evelyn. As the two wars come together and the secrets are revealed it is life changing for both women.

I loved reading about the pigeons in WWI and the job that Marion and Sara had carrying pigeons on their back in a crate atop a motorcycle to take them to the different stations at times in great danger to themselves and to the pigeons. To me this was the most incredible part of the book and I found it most interesting. I loved every part of the book and the ending was perfect.

This was a really good read and I recommend it.

Thanks to Jenni L. Walsh for writing a great story, to Harper Muse for printing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

Fascinating story that is a tribute to the amazing women who served in the British Women’s Royal Naval Service (the WRENS) and found purpose in serving as dispatch riders during WWI and WWII. I love learning new things when I read, and found this story appealed both to my love of story as well as history. In this dual timeline story, both Marion and Evelyn had circumstances early in life that could have dampened their spirit but instead shaped them to become independent and courageous. I really liked how Ms. Walsh brought both storylines in this dual timeline together at the end. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Advance Readers Copy Review

I want to start off by saying that I was given ebook arc from the author. In return for my honest thought and my review. I wasn’t too sure what this book about. All know that it was historical fiction and I was in love with the cover. I love the two female character POV. I loved that this book talked about two different wars. This is the first time that I have read anything from this author. I will be definitely be adding more of the author books on my tbr. I really didn’t connect the dots of these two female characters until it was revealed and was so surprised of the connection. I didn’t feel to me that this book was predictable. I couldn’t put this book down. I know this book took me sometime. I really wanted to take my time reading this book. I honestly didn’t know women during war times were wrens. I highly recommend this book.
About Book:
Two woman Marion and Evelyn two different lives that they have lived. How they ended up signed up for the Women’s Royal Navy service wrens. Riding motorcycles delivering messages and birds to the front lines. I highly recommend this book. Again and again. Thank you to the author and netgalley. My reviews are up on goodreads , Amazon and bookbub I posted in my November wrap up on instagram.

4.5 stars

This was such a wonderful story, and I loved seeing how these two women’s experiences related to one another even though their journeys began decades apart.

Marion grew up in an orphanage, but when she reached the age of eighteen in 1917 and didn’t have a penny to her name, her only option was to join the Women’s Royal Navy Service, also known as the “Wrens”. She then became a motorcycle despatch rider and was assigned to train and deliver carrier pigeons. Her best friend Eddie, who also grew up alongside her in the orphanage, joined the military to be closer to her, and though they thought they had their whole lives ahead of them, tragedy struck and put a halt to their plans.

Evelyn was a society girl who overcame a childhood disability, and against her family’s wishes, she joined the Wrens just as England entered WWII. With a passion for automobile racing, she too became a despatch rider to help in the war effort. Though it had been a long time since she served, Marion received an unwelcome call to return and help her fellow Wrens, and it was then that she crossed paths with Evelyn.

I loved that this story was told from two POVs in two different time periods but at some point their worlds gradually collided. I also really admired Marion for having lived and served through two wars, all while still processing some of the lowest points of her life. Her ability to persevere and still fulfill her duty to the Wrens was truly inspiring. Highly recommend this book!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing a copy of this book to review.*

As an orphan all Marion wanted to do was belong and she found a sense of belonging with the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Marion looks to find a life with Eddie but war doesn’t give a lot of happy endings.
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When a second war calls Marion back twenty years later it also calls upon twenty year Evelyn for the first time. Together, with other women they find a place. I always love stories of women who fought the war in different ways and this was a prime example of the bravery of these strong women.
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Thank you Harper and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Two time periods (WWI and WWII) and two female protagonists who serve as WRENs (Women’s Royal Navy Service). When I saw a description of THE CALL OF THE WRENS, I knew I wanted to read it. My dear war bride mother-in-law served as a transport driver in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during WWII. I always enjoyed hearing her stories.

Each of our protagonists had obstacles in their lives. Marion grew up in orphanages prior to becoming a WREN in WWI. She was treated badly until she arrived at St. Anne’s where she found acceptance and Eddie, a close friend. She had to leave the orphanage when she turned eighteen and was fortunate to find a place in the newly created Wrens. She found a great friend, Sara. and also was able to renew her friendship with Eddie. I particularly liked Marion’s love of Jane Eyre (a favorite book of mine) and how the author referred to the book several times throughout the story. Marion’s job is to help train and transport pigeons to various places to send messages. At times, the job was dangerous.

Evelyn came from a wealthy family. She was born with a club foot and loved racing. She decides to join the Wrens at the beginning of WWII. She had to pass rigorous physical tests to become a motorcycle dispatch driver. It wasn’t easy. Her mother is against her doing this.

I loved how the author brought the two stories together. There were times in the middle of the book that I feel some editing would help to move the story along. I think this story would make for good discussion in a book club. My thanks to Harper Muse for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I was called to read this book as soon as I gazed upon the cover. I am so glad I did.

Call of the Wrens alternates between the story of Marion, a “Wren” in the Great War, and Evelyn, who serves in World War II, the story speaks to the often overlooked history of the British women who risked their lives to serve their country. I was unfamiliar with the details of wrens and dispatch riders. It's obvious Walsh, took care in research prior to sharing their stories.

Marion is an orphan who ages out of state-sponsored care during World War I. She joins the Wrens and then finds herself on the outskirts of the war, training and delivering carrier pigeons by motorbike. Evelyn while well off in society, shuns a life of finishing school and serving a husband. Against her parents' wishes, she runs off to join the sisterhood during World War II and becomes a dispatch rider. Both women show remarkable courage and resolve, their stories slowly weaving together in alternating timelines until at last they converge.

Walsh’s characters (including pigeon #486) are sympathetic and believable. The plot has plenty of surprises, and the history of these heroic women is fascinating. A this is a tale filled with hope and determination.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sharing a story of strong women and their roles in history! (I enjoyed the use of “bird” humor peppered throughout the book)

I love being surprised by a new author and new historical fiction. Jenni Walsh introduces us to the WRENS, of the Women's Royal Naval Service, that served in both World Wars playing valuable roles in supporting the frontline. They performed various functions, one being dispatch motorbike riders which is whom Walsh features in this beautiful story.

Marion Hoxton is an orphan who gets moved from orphanage to orphanage until one day in her teens she finds one that enables her to begin to thrive. She's been mute for much of her life, a reaction to the difficulty and sadness of her life. But in this new orphanage Marion discovers her voice. And her ability to love. Here she meets Eddie, a fellow orphan who takes particular interest in Marion from the day she arrives.
Walsh describes their friendship wonderfully and it is special to read. Love eventually blossoms and it's a very tender love story.

In Marion, we see the natural human need and desire for being wanted by somebody. All of her life she has been rejected and abandoned and Eddie is the first person who demonstrates it. Marion joins the war (WWI) efforts as a Wren and is sent to Northern France to serve the 'pigeon platoon' who play a vital role in relaying messages from the frontline.

Evelyn P. Fairchild is an unhappy teen living twenty years later in the late 30s, WWII having just commenced. She discovers a passion for car racing but when the war encroaches on Britain, Evelyn responds by joining the Wrens and uses her driving skills to become a dispatch rider.

Walsh expertly writes Marion and Evelyn's stories in parallel, one in the first World War, the other in the second. Until, with brilliant craftsmanship she brings them together in the final third of the story.

Both Marion and Evelyn are excellent characters. I enjoyed how Walsh had them struggle with strong emotional issues, Marion's grief that she carried for so long and Evelyn's struggles with fitting in and gaining acceptance.

I also enjoyed the friendship between Marion and Sara Brown, and especially the latter's willingness to forgive and persistence in attempting to maintain their friendship when many others would have let it go.

It ends marvellously and I feel very blessed having learnt about a relatively unknown role women played in the war efforts and being introduced to Walsh's storytelling chops.

Thank you to Harper Muse for providing an early ebook copy via NetGalley without any expectation of a positive review.