[Book Review]

The Call of the Wrens | Jenni L Walsh
Genre: Historical Fiction, War, Romance
Publisher: Harper Muse
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Thank you Harper Muse and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you loved The Nightingale, you will also enjoy The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L Walsh.

There is nothing like a well written Historical Fiction book which showcases two main character point of views, dual time periods, short chapters, and which educates you in regards to the women’s role in war time effort.

Both Marion and Evelyn couldn’t be any different, yet have the same passion: riding motorcycles, supporting the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) and doing their bit for their country, by wanting to do more.

I enjoyed the dual time periods, with Jenni Walsh giving Marion a voice in WWI and Evelyn courage and confidence in WWII.

Jenni’s writing flow and short chapter sequences, gently pushes you from one chapter to the next; I could have easily read this beauty in one sitting but work and sleep interrupted that idea.

Thank you for schooling me and all the other readers out there, about what women in war time did behind the scenes. I was today old when I learnt about the WRENS. This angle in the book made for a interesting and educating read.

I cannot wait for this book to be released. I have never wanted a novel in my collection more than what I want this one. The Call of the Wrens will definitely by in my “re-read” category and enjoyed many times over.

This book will be available from 15th November, 2022. Make sure it is marked in your calendar. I’ll wait.

This story is much more than just about despatch riders in both World Wars. It is also the personal story about two young women (Marion, in WWI, and Evelyn in WWII): a story where friendship means everything, where family shows a deep meaning (overwhelming? unimaginable?). These two women come from very different backgrounds, one an orphan, the other one a rich heiress. Both love riding motorcycles and are part of the WRENS... Both are struggling to be able to live according to their own choices in society. Will that ever be possible when both face a world war as young women?
I particularly enjoyed learning about women's roles as part of the WRENS, about homecoming pigeons roles in WWI. This gave the plot a very interesting and enthralling turn! Romance has its place, sometimes a bit too predictable, giving the storyline a lighter tone. I really enjoyed reading about Marion's and Evelyn's lives. The author has done a very good job as to their characterisation! This was my first novel by Jenni L. Walsh, but definitely not the last one!
I received a digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a great novel about the true story of courageous women who rode bicycles throughout war-torn Europe! And if that description doesn't catch your interest - it should!! This was a well-written tale with characters that really seem real, as if they were friends next door. I couldn't put it down and will definitely read more from this author!

History is rife with stories of heroism about the World War I soldiers who risked everything for a free world. Little is told, however, about the brave women who put their lives on the line every day for King and Country. The Women’s Royal Naval Service, or the Wrens, as they were dubbed, trained and transported carrier pigeons to the Front Line. It was into this life that Marion Hoxton, a young woman who never had a family of her own, found herself, delivering the carrier pigeons to soldiers in the heat of battle. She formed a sort of makeshift family there, with other Wrens, and Eddie, the childhood friend she dreamed of spending her life with. But that life is never to be. Twenty years later, the clouds of war begin to gather once again over Europe, and Marion is determined to once again, do her part and here she meets Evelyn, a young woman determined to do her part and prove to everyone that her disability will not keep her from doing her duty. This was such a loving story, told against the backdrop of two World Wars, two women find strength and meaning in courage and sacrifice