I love historical fiction books ... especially those that are set during WWII. This one actually includes both World Wars. I learned so much about the amazing women who were brave and willing to ride motorcycles throughout Europe during the war. The back-and-forth narrative and dual timeline presents a story of love, secrets, resilience, bravey, and overcoming unbelievable hardships. The characters are so well developed and you will find yourself cheering them on and encouraging them as they face challenges ... physical and emotional. The author has done an amazing amount of research and her ability to share it in an interesting read is admirable. I knew carrier pigeons were used during WWII, but had no idea of the use of dispatch riders and how they transported the pigeons to the front lines.

What an amazing story of family, love, friendship, relationships, hope, determination, secrets, finding their place in life, the sweetness of first love. This is definitely one to put at the top of your to-be-read list. It will stay with you long after you have read the last word, closed the book, and sigh with satisfaction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

THE GOOD:
A wholesome, light read with fascinating world wars details such as dispatch motorcycle riders and carrier pigeons. The WREN’s are also a lively, spirited bunch who are enjoyable to read about.
Historically based, with scenes and characters inspired by true life.
Good, clean fiction without vulgarities or steamy scenes.
Thankfully free of the diversity checklist bingo. There is a character with a disability, however it fits the story line and does not seem forced in.

THE BAD:
The alternating timelines can be a bit confusing, as the events in each are very similar.
The nearing-the-end of the book tie-together of the two tales was a bit jarring, like a sudden screeching record. Once getting over that though, it is a sweet and heartwarming story.

CONCLUSION:
Well worth a read, especially for those who like their historical lit a little on the lighter side.

This is a historical fiction book set during the WWI. It is about Marion who joins the Women's Navy Service and she delivers pigeons to the front lines. Many years later, Marion is again called back to rejoin her services. This was an wonderful read and I got to know about incidents that took place in the WWI which I didn't know before. This story highlighted the role women played during the wars. A great book, i will definitely recommend it!

The Call of the Wrens is the definition of a perfect WWII historical fiction read. This book sheds light on the little known lives of the Wrens (Women's Royal Navy Service) and I absolutely loved learning about them, to the point I am eager to learn more. I alway appreciate when an author brings a fresh perspective in this heavily saturated genre. The story is told through multiple timelines and two POV's that were woven together wonderfully and kept me invested from start to finish. I really enjoyed the characters here and the brave, strong, courageous women we get to know. A story of war, love, friendship, and patriotism with excellent storytelling, strong historical detail, an atmospheric setting, and complex, likable characters, this is a book not to be missed. I highly recommend to all my fellow hist fic lovers and can't believe this book isn't being talked about more!

Many thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

I'm so happy this author reached out to me to read and review her story! I adored this historical fiction gem and these characters. I enjoyed both the timelines in this book and seeing how these characters form such tight bonds through their relationships.

This was an adventurous look into the lives of women during WWI and WWII. I enjoyed learning about the wrens and also enjoyed the fictional aspect of the lives of two women intersecting. I enjoy historical fiction books and I’m always looking for books to recommend to my students. This book is probably just out of their age relevance though. (Intermediate school)

**I would like to thank NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Jenni L. Walsh for an ARC of this book! This is available as of 11/15/22**

I absolutely loved this book. I tend to be a little picky with my historical fiction and this one was great. I fell in love with the two characters, Marion and Evelyn. There are multiple timelines split between the two POVs but I didn't find it hard to follow at all. Jenni L. Walsh did an incredible job weaving the storyline together in a way that made this book 'unputdownable.' I read this entire book in 24 hours.

There was so much history unraveled. WWI, during Marion's young adult life and first service, and WWII, where Marion returns and Evelyn first enlists. I loved learning about the Wrens and I want to know more. War is never an easy topic, nor should it be, but this book was written in such an informative way without being inherently sad.

This book is not one to be missed.
I am posting this review on 3/8/23, National Women's Day. This would be a great book to read about women stepping up, taking action during the Great Wars, and being totally bada** in a male dominated area.

TW:
-war
-orphanage
-adoption
-death
-grief
-loss of a child

The Call of the Wrens tells the little known story of The Women’s Royal Navy Service (also known as the Wrens). The wrens were women who rode motorcycles and carried messages across the frontlines. In this novel, it focuses on two wrens named Marion and Evelyn. These two women are from different backgrounds. However, they formed a unique bond during World War II.

Marion is older than Evelyn. Marion was born a mute. She forms a romance with her childhood friend, Edward. When Marion joins the war, Edward also joins. It was interesting to see Marion’s experience during WWI and how her experiences shaped her for WWII. Evelyn was born with a club foot. She comes from a rich background. She has a passion for motorcars. I liked the friendship between Marion and Evelyn. Both of them have a strong patriotism for their loyalty. They are also very brave and courageous. Therefore, I found both of them fascinating and strong heroines. I rooted and sympathized with them throughout the novel. I also hoped that they would have a happy ending.

Overall, this novel is about war, first love, and friendship. The characters seemed very realistic and complex. There were a few things I did not like about the novel. The beginning started out very slow. The romance seemed unnecessary. Much of the description of emotions are told rather than shown. Still, I like the historical details that are interwoven with this novel. It also enlightened me on a subject that I knew very little about. The novel was also very short and made for a fascinating read. I recommend The Call of the Wrens for fans of When We Had Wings, Daughters of the Night Sky, and The Flight Girls! The Call of the Wrens is a stunning tribute to the incredible women who served in WWII.

Moving, and beautifully written.
Many thanks to Harper Muse and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I will still be reading and posting a review. I downloaded the book prior to the archive but had problems accessing the book. I will come back and update the review.

The Call of the Wrens is a dual timeline and dual point of view story. Marion, a girl living in various orphanages in 1910's, has isolated herself from fear that anyone she becomes close to will disappear. a fellow resident of the last orphanage, Eddie, befriends Marion and a friendship blossoms. Their friendship was so sweet in my opinion.

When Marion reaches the age of eighteen, she finds that she is suddenly going to be sent away from the orphanage and the only life that she has known. She makes the choice to join the Women's Royal Navy Service also known as The Wrens. She is assigned the job as a motorcycle dispatch rider. She is taught how to train carrier pigeons and must deliver them to the front line of the war. The foreshadowing and foreboding was very heavy and I could feel the heartbreak coming.

Evelyn, a society girl, who has overcome a birth defect has never felt like she belongs or fits in, has decided to defy her parents and join The Wrens in 1936. She found her place in auto racing and takes that skill to help serve.

This story is one that will draw the reader in and hook them immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will be anxiously awaiting future releases from Walsh.

3.5 stars.

Readers looking for a story about the Wrens will find it here to a point--but it's much more a character-driven story about two MCs, who happen to be Wrens, and their stories during WWI and WWII. The dual timelines ultimately intersect about 2/3 of the way into the read. (Patience, young Padawan!) I almost set it aside at about the halfway point, but picked it up again after reading other reviews, and was glad I did. I do feel I could have seen "the big surprise" coming, once it did actually hit, but I did enjoy still being somewhat surprised!

I initially thought it was a Christian-fiction read, based on other books I vaguely recall reading from the publisher, but it isn't. Ergo, there is a little language and a wedding-night scene that I personally wouldn't have minded fading to black just a tad sooner, but was still reasonably tame. Once I settled in after these personal mental shifts, I enjoyed the read and found myself really rooting for the MCs, as well as supporting characters Sara and Rose. Also, having the dual world-war timelines was a unique, new experience for me, and I really liked it; most of my experience has been with present day and one of the wars, not both of them together (and no present day).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Call of the Wrens could not hold my attention. Based on the description I thought it would have gripped me from the first page, but two chapters in and I still wasn't hooked.

To train and carry carrier pigeons to the front line, Marion, an orphan who has just turned 18 and has no money, joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the “Wrens”) as a motorbike dispatch rider on the Western Front. Marion feels as though she finally has a place and a purpose, despite the difficulties and continual risk. Until catastrophe strikes, she and Eddie, her childhood best friend, daydream about life after the war. Evelyn, a social girl, overcame a handicap as a kid and discovered her real calling in racing cars. Evelyn sees the opportunity to put her despatch riding abilities to use when England joins the war, but her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t behave properly and wed the man they have picked for her. In the meantime, a fellow Wren knocks on Marion’s door and demands that she return to her service.

The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, dramatic tale of love, war, secrets, and resiliency told in alternate chapters that come together in a single, life-altering event. Although the romantic element is predictable, the historical information is solid, the tempo is appropriate, and the characters are well-developed. Evelyn and Marion were both powerful, competent, and motivated women. Between the conflicts they fought in, their duties as motorbike dispatchers varied. By combining narrative strands from several eras, Walsh creates a fascinating tale with a stirring ending. It’s a lovely and memorable novel. A wonderful historical piece that spans two wars and was written with amazing knowledge, tenderness, humor, and thoroughness that got to the heart of these ladies.

For fans of historical fiction, The Call of the Wrens has it all—an epic chronology ripped by war, tales of two powerful women, and female friendship—topped off by unforgettable, heartbreaking, and emotional romance sequences that will keep you turning the pages until, regrettably, the book comes to an end. I liked reading this book since the author highlighted the role played by women throughout the conflict back then. There were parts in the book that made me want to cry. An intensely affecting historical tale about combat, sacrifice, responsibility, camaraderie, utility, success, and personal development. Five stars to this engaging book about two strong women who discover a great truth.

A tale of two courageous women serving their country as Wrens.

During the first World War Marion joins the Wrens transporting messenger pigeons on her motorbike, finding a hope and a freedom she's never known.

Evelyn Fairchild has grown up with everything she has ever needed, except the freedom to prove herself beyond what others see as weakness. In the face of a second World War she joins the Wrens with the support of her childhood friend.

An engaging story that tells the story of two very different women serving in different wars. I liked Marion and how Eddie found her and befriended her, sticking by her side through thick and thin. Eddie is a real gem, and I loved how he saw Marion when no one else did. Marion really finds her voice and a purpose as a Wren.

Evelyn's story was no less compelling, though from a very different background. I liked her determination and growing friendship with Percy.


Overall, a compelling read with a dual time line read that does eventually converge, with well developed characters. The author does a great of richly bringing history to life in this gripping read. Great for fans of WWII fiction.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"The Call of the Wrens" is an okay historical novel about female dispatch riders during the two World Wars.

The romantic subplots just took over in my opinion and the characters lacked the necessary development to really make me care about what was happening.

4 Stars
One Liner: A less-explored area of WWI and WWII; Well-written

1917 England
Marion has to leave the orphanage when she turns eighteen. With nowhere to go, she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) as a typist before becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider on the Western Front. With her newfound friend Sara and best friend Eddie, Marion finally feels her life has a purpose. However, an unexpected tragedy can rip everything away from her.
1936 England
Evelyn has no desire to be a society girl or get married. When the impending war ends her car racing dreams, she signs up for the Women’s Royal Navy Service, which is active once more to serve in WWII. Her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t go home, but all Evelyn ever wanted was to be useful to the country.
How do the lives of ladies from both war-ridden times meet at a common point? What does it mean for Marion and Evelyn?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Marion and Evelyn.

My Thoughts:
The intriguing premise and the cover caught my attention. The book does justice to the relatively lesser-known area of wars. The author's note at the end was a treat to read.
The first third of the book had a detailed backstory of our main characters. Though all of it was not war-related, I liked that I had a clear picture of their characteristics as the plot thickened.
The mid-section of the novel dipped in pacing as it dealt with the part which connects with timelines. The pace picked up in the third part and ends on a bittersweet yet heartwarming note.
Romance and love have a major share of the plot. While it fit the first timeline and was necessary, it somehow diluted the second timeline and even overshadowed the crux of the plot.
However, Marion, Sara, Eddie, and Evelyn were engaging (and flawed) characters. They could keep me interested even when I skimmed through a few dragging scenes. Both timelines were well-developed, so that’s a definite plus.
The writing was easy to read. It balanced internal and conflict well without delving too much into the horrific details of the war (after reading quite a few war fiction novels, I’m beginning to appreciate the ones that don’t provide graphic descriptions).
I learned about the role of women during the wars and loved every bit of it. They were a crucial part of the network that kept the troops coordinated and ready for attacks. They did amazing work behind the scenes (why am I not surprised?).

To summarize, The Call of the Wrens deals with the lesser-known roles of women during war as dispatch riders and pigeon trainers. It's an engrossing read with some memorable characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

A stunning coming of age story featuring 2 women, 2 wars and the same determination to make a difference for both themselves and a world at war.

When Marion ages out of the system in 1917, she has very little choice as to what to do or where to go. Orphanage after orphanage had been her entire life, no family, one friend and the skills to become a typist. It’s those skills that find her walking through a door and signing up to become a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service or the Wrens. Her one friend, Eddie, faked his age so that he could enlist right along side her. As the war raged, they found themselves moving closer and closer to the front she, working with and transporting message pigeons and he, a motorcycle dispatcher couriering messages from one place to another. Eddie’s love for Marion sends him closer to the front when he takes a dispatch in her place.

Flash forward to 1940 and Marion is called into service again. Not only because they need her help and expertise but also to help her overcome a twenty year depression the last war had left her with. The moment she lays eyes on Evelyn, she knows the two are connected in more ways than just the desire to make a difference. Evelyn had run away from a life of aristocracy, determined to forge her own path rather the one her mother insists upon. Evelyn yearns to more and doesn’t understand why Marion holds her back, so she takes matters in her own hands. Her will to do her duty and protect other causes her to make a decision that will change both of their lives.

I LOVED this story and a bit more of a history lesson about the brave women who served their country as WRENS. These ladies has many roles during both wars but this story focuses more on the motorcycle dispatchers. While entirely fictional, I found myself constantly turning to google for more information!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Harper Muse and Jenni Walsh for an opportunity to read such an inspiring story!

This week I’ve been enjoying a character-driven, historical fiction novel with two engaging storylines that alternate between World War I and World War II.

1918
Marion Hoxton first meets Eddie Smith at the orphanage where they spent the latter part of their childhood years. But when Marion turns 18, she is forced to leave the orphanage and set out on her own. She joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) and finds a home and a sisterhood there, as well as a rewarding job.

Eddie, thought to be a year younger than Marion, declares that wherever she goes, he goes; so he announces that he is 18 and leaves the orphanage to follow Marion, eventually joining the Army. They secretly marry and both set out to do their part to help end World War 1.

1940
Twenty years later, Evelyn Fairchild seeks independence from her parents. She doesn’t want to attend a finishing school or marry the man her mother keeps pushing at her. She loves to ride motorcycles, so she joins the Wrens and ends up in the motor dispatch unit where she meets Wren Marion Smith. Their paths intersect in a surprising conclusion.

This story, while not true, features strong female characters which are based on real people. Themes include the importance of family and friends, and a strong dedication to serving the country. The characters are likable and I found myself drawn in to the drama and really hoping things went well!

My thanks to the author, @jennilwalsh and @harpermuse for my gifted digital copy. My thoughts are my own.

This book came in from nowhere and absolutely baffled me with how much I enjoyed it. I rarely enjoy the double POV-thing that’s become fashionable, often finding that there’s one of the timelines (on occasion more than one, when there’s more than two) that feel like they’re not adding anything to the story and are just there to make up a word count. That wasn’t the case here. The setting up of the story was long, yes, but for both Marion and Evelyn they felt necessary, both to get to know them as characters, but also to see where they were coming from in their later actions.

This was super well-researched, wonderful characters, a really enjoyable plot, and a very, very well-written novel. My rating is fully based on a very heavy emphasis on romance that, especially in one POV, felt unnecessary and didn’t actually give anything to the story. There were some ways a few things were handled that didn’t sit well with me, but overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable historical fiction novel that uncovered a rarely explored part of the World Wars.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*