Well, talk about your versatility. This is the third book I’ve read by Walsh and I can’t say that either of the other two are like this one at all. The first were both historical, biographical fiction novels, but this one is just historical. While those two centered on one specific time-frame, this one has two timelines. Ah, I hear you saying, yes, it is true, I’ve come to dislike dual timelines… however (and this is a VERY big HOWEVER) I have been known to enjoy them IF they’re done right and there’s a very good reason for them both. Well, needless to say, if you’ve noticed my rating below, you’ll already know that I believe there was a very good reason to have both timelines in this book, most importantly because they needed to come together at one point. That’s not a spoiler, by the way. Once you’ve read just the first couple of chapters, you’ll realize this right away. Still, if I say much more than this, then it will become a spoiler, so I’ll shut up about that.

So, here we have two women. First, there’s Marion, who grew up all her life in orphanages. When she just turns 18 and is about to be thrown out of the system, she signs up with the Wrens during the Great War. Her only friend in the orphanage is also almost too old to stay, so he lies about his age to go into the Royal Navy to stay close with her. Then there’s Evelyn. We learn early on that she’s led a sheltered life, mostly because of a birth defect that caused her parents to dote on her to protect her from the world. But even a spoiled young woman can become a rebel, and Evelyn started early by racing cars. However, the onset of WWII closes down her race track, but then she finds out that the Wrens need dispatch carriers, so she runs away from home to join up.

I believe that Walsh really fell head over heels in love with Marion, because for the first ¾ of the book, we get a whole lot more about Marion’s life, and much less about Evelyn. Not that we don’t get enough of Evelyn, but she does seem to get outweighed by Marion. This is something that happens often in dual timeline books, where one character or timeline seems to get more focus than the other. However, once you realize why Walsh needed both timelines, you’ll understand why it was done in this manner. I’m telling you this because I don’t want readers who are a bit bored with dual timelines to dismiss this book out of hand for only this reason. Both stories are important, but you won’t understand why until you’ve read enough of this book, so stick with it, please.

Now, the best thing about this book is that Walsh is a very talented writer. As I mentioned above, this doesn’t read anything like the other two of her books I’ve read. What I mean by this is that Walsh really knows how to set up the atmosphere with her writing style. With Bonnie (of ‘and Clyde’) there was a clear feeling of the dustbowl era, and the gold rush era with Madame Moustache. Here, we feel this is very much the eras of the two world wars. Added to that, the fact that we’re also learning about an aspect of both world wars that hasn’t been written about before – the WRNS, or Wrens and in particular, the women who were dispatch riders. (If you want to learn more about the use of carrier pigeons during WWI, you can read Kathleen Rooney’s novel “Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey.”)

All told, this was a really lovely novel, which I truly enjoyed, and where the dual timeline was very nicely done, and worked well for the story. Mind you, there was no small amount of romance here, but I don’t think it got too much in the way of the story. Thankfully, neither Evelyn nor Marion were the types of women whose whole lives depended on having a man in their lives. I can certainly recommend this book very warmly (although I must admit that Walsh’s “A Betting Woman” is still my favorite), and give it 4.75 stars out of five (rounded up to 5 for the graphic).

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh is a beautifully written and fascinating dual narrative/timeline story about two women serving as motorcycle dispatch riders for the Women's Royal Navy Service (WRENs) in WWI and WWII.

This book was captivating and emotional. In addition to being set against two world wars, it is also the story of two resilient women who persevere despite difficult personal circumstances. Marion has grown up in orphanages and, for a time, does not speak. Evelyn is a Society girl born with a club foot and parents who always restricted her activity, viewing her as fragile. Yet, both women courageously decide to serve in the war effort. Both also find love. And once their timelines meet, the new dynamic that unfolds takes the story in an unexpected direction.

Walsh's writing immediately pulls you into the story's heart and fleshes out these wonderful characters. Marion and Evelyn are strong female characters who will stay with me, as the book will.
I enjoyed learning about the WRENs, how carrier pigeons were used, and women's roles in the war effort. This is a well-paced and vividly described historical fiction and a poignant examination of love, determination, overcoming challenges, and bravery in war. I enjoyed this and highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers! Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Jenni L. Walsh for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Dual time between WW1 and WW2 and the coming together of the two groups of people. Wonderful story and very enjoyable.. Well worth 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

A wonderful read dual timeline a story that grabbed my heart a book that kept me reading late into the night.I-will be recommending this bbookand this author.#netgalley #harpermuse.

Enjoyed that this one touched on WWI briefly while focusing on WWII with a storyline I haven't read before in WWII fiction.

This dual-timeline novel focuses upon women serving in the little-known Women’s Royal Naval Service, familiarly known as Wrens, both in World War I and World War II. Marion, brought up in an orphanage with no knowledge of her parents, has always yearned to belong. Mute by choice as a child during her transfers from orphanage to orphanage, she gifts her speech only to Eddie, the boy who befriends her at her last orphanage. With World War I breaking out as she turns 18 and is forced to leave, with no family, job, or home, she answers the call to become a Wren, first working as a typist but then, with her ability to ride the motorcycle she and Eddie built, as a dispatch rider. Unwilling to lose his best friend, Eddie runs away from the orphanage, lies about his age and joins the Army. But when Marion and the friend she makes in training, Sara, are transferred to France to transport pigeons from their lofts to the front lines to carry messages, Eddie gets himself transferred as well, to act as a dispatch rider. In her service with the Wrens, Marion has finally found a family where she belongs. But when the dangers of war make Eddie plead with her to leave the front, can she abandon her calling to safeguard their love? Interspersed with Marion’s story is that of Evelyn Fairchild, indulged only child of wealthy parents who cosset her and a mother who presses her to go to finishing school and become a conventional wife. But born with a club foot that has necessitated multiple surgeries, restricted her to home schooling, Evelyn yearns for more, to prove her worth and stand on her own. Initially finding fulfillment as a race car driver, when war breaks out, she defies her parents and with her childhood friend’s motorcycle, steals away to London to volunteer as a dispatch rider for the Wrens. As the German bombing offensive destroys English industries and cities, the work of the dispatch riders to warn vulnerable installations becomes ever more important. And with war raging again, Sara urges Marion to return to the Wrens and train a new generation for this important work, leading to the intersection of the lives of Marion and Evelyn in a way that will shock and challenge them both. Walsh vividly recreates the setting of World War I France and World War II Britain in this tribute to the important work of these brave, stalwart women.

THE CALL OF THE WRENS by Jenni L. Walsh is fascinating and moving story of the daring women who served as motorcycle dispatch riders as part of the Women’s Royal Navy Service during both World War I and World War II. It is told in dual timelines and from the alternating perspectives of two women, a generation apart, whose lives come to intersect in a life-changing way. In 1917 in England, Marion is a penniless orphan about to age out of the orphanage where she lives. She enlists in the WRENS as a motorcycle rider helping deliver carrier pigeons at the front line. She is joined by Eddie, her childhood best friend from the orphanage. They face life-threatening danger at every turn, but still dream of a future together after the war. In 1936, Evelyn is a society girl who has overcome a severe childhood disability, but still manages to make a name for herself in auto racing. When England enters the war, she joins the WRENS as a motorcycle dispatch rider despite her parents’ threats to cut her off if she does. In both timelines, we learn of the unthinkable hardship and sacrifices these heroic riders made. I was engrossed in every aspect of this intriguing and emotional story, culminating in the powerful conclusion. The characters were complex and brilliantly portrayed. I will not soon forget this sweeping tale of love, war and courage. Don’t miss the enlightening author’s note end. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

A dual time line novel about two women who are committed to service as Wrens. Marion, a foundling, doesn't speak until Eddie breaks through to her in the orphanage when they are teens. When she has to leave the orphanage at 18, WWI is looming and the nuns get her a place with the Wrens as a typist. Evelyn a privileged young woman whose parents have always protected her because of her club foot, joins during WWII because she loves cars and speed. There's a secret about Evelyn which I suspect canny readers of the genre will suss out before it is revealed but no matter. This is a well written and emotional story that's a bit different from the recent spate of WWI and WWII tales largely because it encompasses both wars and the service of women. You'll root for both of them, as well as for their friends, and for Eddie. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of historical fiction.

The Call of the Wrens was so much more than I expected. I had expected a quick, short read. that just skimmed WW2. Boy, was i wrong!!!

The story was very detailed, incorporating three time periods--early 1900's, World War One and World War Two. Marion and Eddie grow up in an orphanage.

The author gives a heartbreaking story of how Marion and Eddie survive in the orphanage. It was a definite eye opener on to the way things were for the lost children. As WW1 comes to England, more and more children are needing beds. When Marion ages out at age eighteen she must go.

Her job opportunities are few with WW1 influencing life in England. She joins the Wrens with hopes of being a dispatch rider. Eddie doesn't want Marion to go off without him. With false papers, he joins the Royal Navy with his motorcycle, all but guaranteeing him a dispatch rider position.

The author weaves a tale of adventure, romance alongside the horrors of World War One. Her words brought tears, smiles and so much more. The ugly crying was real. I would have given up just as Marion had; if the author hadn't given me hope for a better life in the future. Marion had lost enough.

Marion's friend, Sara, hasn't forgotten Marion in her suffering. With World War Two, Marion is needed to help her country. Sara discovers something that Marion will want to know. Marion will be motivated by her past.

As a reader, I learned so much about the importance of those traveling the streets of London and Europe. They risked their lives to save others. Our Education System has done them a disservice by not putting them in our textbooks, by not flooding documentaries with their supporting role in so many of the actions that were taken.

I hope people will pick up this book, fall in love with the characters. They will close the book knowing so much more than they did before reading The Call of the Wrens.

I wasn’t familiar with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS), a British outfit created during World War I with the creed “free a man for a fleet”. Their work encompassed many aspects, including as dispatch riders. The Call of The WRENS takes us through two women's’ journey in the WRENS one in 1917/18 and the other in 1940. Both facing different circumstances but connected nonetheless.

I enjoyed learning about Marian, Evelyn and their experiences leading to and within the Wrens. I did feel like Evelyn‘s story took a longer route to the Wrens but her tenacious spirit shown through.

The history of the Wrens came through and I appreciated learning about their work. It demonstrated, to me, the many ways people contributed to the outcome of both world wars. Thank you William Morrow books, Jenni L Walsh and NetGalley for my DRC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a beautiful, powerful story. The details were vibrant and well constructed. I will absolutely be rereading.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

4.5 stars for this engaging historical fiction. I first read one of Jenni Walsh's books for kids and so was excited to see this upcoming adult historical fiction from Walsh. I have to say that I was impressed that she is able to write book children's and adult books. I really like World War 2 historical fiction books and this was a topic I hadn't read much about, the motorcycle dispatchers of the WRENS, so I appreciated learning about another aspect of the war. Marion and Evelyn were engaging and the dual timeline aspect of the story worked well.

I had to sit with this book for a bit before writing my review because I had conflicting thoughts. There is so much to love about this book. The first two thirds of the books were filled with a subtle dramatic tension that had me struggling not to peek ahead, and I admit, there's a huge twist right before act 3 that I didn't see coming.

I LOVED both female protagonists. I loved how they were both unconventional and strong-minded, but not annoyingly so. I was seriously impressed as well by how Jenni Walsh managed to make their personalities similar yet different. I found myself deeply invested in their stories, especially Evelyn's. (Marion's story had me biting my nails the entire time as I could feel the hammer waiting to drop.)

I loved the scenes in France during the Great War. I loved learning about carrier pigeons, and about the Wrens. I had no idea how much they contributed to both war efforts.

It was the twist, when I recovered from my surprise, that the book began to lose some of its edge. I felt like the major conflicts resolved themselves a little easily. I suspect most readers, will disagree with me however.

Ultimately, I'm giving this book 4 and 3/4s stars because how how much I cared for these characters and how difficult it was to put the book down.

If you love strong women and unusual takes on the war, grab this book. You'll love it.

Heart wrenching The Call of the Wrens is told mainly from two perspectives and times, namely during the devastating two world wars by two very different women. Disability is handled spectacularly well and the romance enhances rather than overwhelms which sometimes happens in Historical Fiction.

Marion is an orphan who is largely ignored until she is fourteen when she is finally drawn out of her shell in a compassionate way. She meets another orphan with whom she becomes a close friend. When WWI strikes she uses her unusual skilled and joins the Women's Royal Navy Service where she really shines. Not only that but she is now part of a unique sisterhood and knows her job with carrier pigeons is crucial.

Evelyn has a physical disability and is coddled by her upper-class parents. However, she is determined not to allow it to adversely affect her life and becomes a motorcycle dispatcher in WWII which is a particularly dangerous job, especially for a woman.

Both women find love where they least expect it. But it gives them something to cherish and treasure during the brutalities of war. Sisterhoods must have been such a draw for so many women during the wars, especially for those without families and loved ones.

Historical Fiction readers who seek a book with substance ought to read this special book. I particularly enjoyed the backstories which give incredible insight, thoughtfully and gorgeously written. Everything does not tie together neatly which I really like as it is realistic.

My sincere thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this achingly beautiful book.

This is one of the superior books I have recently read that includes World War I in the narrative. WWII is, of course, a harder game to conquer, owing to the number of novels covering the topic. However, this book gives us well-established, three-dimensional characters, believable emotion, and a seamless dual-timeline narrative. The characters are likable, but multi-faceted, and the strength of the historical dynamics at play successfully moves beyond what I sometimes, for lack of a better term, describe as "historical fiction mad libs" - as in, this is a story that both makes sense and feels like it matters; it is more than if the author seemingly just drew several necessary sounding buzz words out of a hat in order to make this a "war story".

What are the odds that I would read two books about the WRENS of WWI and WWII?!? This was a wonderful story of Marion and Evelyn, two women whose stories begin in a different time but eventually intersect in an amazing way. It was so interesting to hear all about the duties of the WRENS and how incredibly heroic they were. I truly enjoyed this!

Women served as motorcycle couriers with Britain’s Women’s Royal Naval Service, or Wrens, in both WWI and WWII. Marion grew up in an orphanage, aging out right when she had the opportunity to join the Wrens. She returns in WWII to instruct the younger women, and meets Evelyn.
I took a while to get into the story, but then it moved along at a fast clip.

4.5 which I will gladly round up to 5.

The Call of the Wrens is simply put historical fiction at its best.

The story has a dual time line that involves both World Wars.

Marion who has no home having turned 18 and must leave the orphanage has signed up to be a Wren along with her boyfriend during WW1.

Evelyn during WW2 enlists as she wants to desperately help the war effort.

I cheered both of them on , laughed with both and cried with both.

I knew of the Wrens but not the extent to which they served.

Jenni Walsh will have you hooked on the first page and keeps you reading to the very last page.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a gripping read.

I’ve been looking for a good historical fiction to jump into lately and Jenni L. Walsh’s The Call Of The Wrens certainly fit the bill.

I can honestly say I haven’t read about the female motorcycle couriers during both WWI and WWII, as well it’s always interesting to learn of the WRENS training and how they influenced the outcome of the Wars.

I loved both Marion and Eddie, as well as Evelyn and Percy. I really loved seeing Marion come around to Sara during the second War, as well as the connection between Marion and Evelyn, both of whom share multiple personality traits and in their own way had similar life experiences.

This was beautifully written and definitely pulled on the heartstrings. Thank you to Jenni L. Walsh for sending me an advanced copy of The Call Of The Wrens in exchange for review!

I absolutely flew through this novel! With its beautiful writing, strong female characters, and fascinating glimpse into history, I could not put this story down. The Call of the Wrens explores the WRNS and their role in both the First and Second World Wars. This dual-timeline aspect was very well done and I found both Marion and Evelyn's stories compelling. The book was well researched and provided a fresh look into WWII fiction -- I hadn't read a book that featured motorcycle dispatch riders before and I loved this plotline (as I did Marion's work with the pigeons!) These were fabulous bits of history that have been woven into a heartfelt novel full of courage, resilience, and warmth. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction!