This unforgettable novel gives readers a glimpse into the past lives of the WRENS, the Women's Royal Naval Service, who were actually motorcycle messengers during WWI and II. It's a part of history that was completely unknown to me until I read this fascinating tale told from two points of view, Marion and Evelyn. The Call of the Wrens has it all for historical fiction buffs, an epic war-torn timeline, stories of two strong women, female friendship, topped off by memorable, heart-wrenching, tear-jerking romantic scenes that will keep you turning that page until sadly, the book comes to an end.

For me, a book is good when I learn something new. The Call of the Wrens by Jenni Walsh did this. The Women's Royal Navy Service (WRENS) was a group of women during WW1 and WW2 who wanted to make a difference and feel accomplished. This story focuses on two motorcycle dispatch riders, and how their lives are forever intertwined by their choices. A unique and good story which brings new awareness to another group of unsung women who made a difference.

I really loved the twists and turns of this book! Showing how women were involved in both the First and Second World Wars, seeing the trauma it caused them, and how they dealt with and overcame it.

5 ⭐️

Both beautiful and heart-wrenching, The Call of the Wrens is a story that will stick with you for a long time. There are so many scenes that touched my heart and a few that had me close to tears. I’ve held a record of never crying while reading a book, but this book almost made me break that record. Marion and Eddie’s story—don’t even get me started, and then there’s Percy and Evelyn 😭🤍 I’m so grateful to have been allowed an eARC of this amazing book—and I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy when it releases.

(Content rating: 5 ⭐️ No language, sexual content, or inappropriate scenes/disturbing content)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Call of the Wrens. All opinions are expressly my own and in no way was I required to leave a positive review.

Thanks to HarperMuse and NetGalley for the free e-ark in exchange for an honest review.

This story spans both WWI and WWII, depicting the contribution of the WRENS - the Women's Royal Navel Service. I did not know the history of the WRENS, and the heroic efforts of the women who went to war as message couriers riding motorcycles and doing other jobs as needed. The grit of the characters, their depth and development really gave a lot to the overall book. I loved the adversity that the women had to overcome in their lives prior to signing up for the WRENS. Also there is a bit of romance and strong female friendships.

This is a wonderful story that I consumed in a couple of days! Highly recommend!!

I adored this book. Both timelines feature determined, endearing women and the elements of danger/adventure were perfectly pulse pounding! So grateful to have been an early reader.

The focus on the WRENS, combined with two love stories, would appeal to a wide audience of women. However, , i thought the writing was cumbersome and often simplistic. Insertion of expressions used in the 1940s seemed random and stilted.. Then there were phrases and figures of speech that were more contemporary. It took a long time to get to a climatic event ( the death of a main character)- and the description of this event was sketchy. i wanted to know more about what happened. The mother/daughter connection was pretty predictable.;it also didn’t feel realistic. In the final chapters, the prose turned into letters from one character to another, which was jarring.

This book will likely appeal to many female readers, It just was not for me.

Another good novel about WWII. I had never heard of the WRENS until this book. These women were brave and risked everything to help their country. The connection between Evelyn and Marion was a nice surprise.
I was also glad that the orphanages were not betrayed as horrible as I have read about in other books. They definitely weren't good but it was home.
This is the first book I have read by Jenni L. Walsh and I hope to read more.
Thank you to NetGalley!

This is just marvelous!

A perfect novel for fans of historical fiction! An entirely different point of view that newcomers to the historical fiction genre and even veterans would love and enjoy! I am so glad to have found this novel because it has strong women and the author outdone herself! This will certainly be added to my collection and be shared to others. Definitely deserving of a spotlight!

This book highlights WRENS—Women’s Royal Naval Service—in both WWI and WWII. Fearless ladies who ride motorcycles to deliver messages. The main story lines revolve around Marion and Evelyn.

Marion Hoxton is an almost-mute orphan who is forced to join the WRENS or be homeless in 1917. Her best friend Eddie insists on coming with her with disastrous consequences. Evelyn Fairchild was born with a club-foot and went through several surgeries until she was a teenager to correct it. Her parents want to treat her like she’s made of glass, but when she learns about the WRENS she knows she can be more than a debutante.

Walsh weaves an unforgettable tale with story threads from different times coming together for a powerful conclusion. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable book. I learned so much about a topic I was unfamiliar with prior to this book. The author has clearly researched the topic and incorporated that knowledge into the book to keep the plot moving forward. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in WWI and WWII history.

I received an e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
I read a lot of historical fiction so I have heard of the Wrens before, but this book did a nice job of showing more in-depth what these women experienced in some of the positions. Marion grew up in an orphanage and never really felt like she fit in until she became a wren. I really liked the timeline of the book and it was filled with adventure, some romance, and lots to keep me interested through to the end.

The Call of the Wrens is a beautiful tribute to courage, resilience, and strength. Told through the voices of Marion and Evelyn, this sweeping story spans two world wars. It is breathtaking and heartbreaking on every page.


The undertaking of telling these stories that were important in history while weaving compelling story of love, friendship, compassion and secrets is daunting for any author. Jenni Walsh handles it with lyrical prose, compelling characters, and a story that grips you from the first page.

There was never a moment that I was taken out of the story it was 💯 transporting in time and place.

The Call of the Wrens is a historical novel following timelines in WWI & WWII.

I loved following Marion and Evelyn thru war and was surprised how their lives ended up intertwining. Was not expecting that twist!

The Call of the Wrens was different then most historical fiction books I have read as it was about a part of the 2 World Wars I had never heard about. The Wrens (Womens Royal Naval Service) where women could volunteer and do jobs that men were unable to do due to having to be on the front lines. These women were amazing and also found themselves in harms way many times.

If you love historical fiction this book is a must read! I can’t wait to read more from Jenni!

3.5 stars
The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh introduces readers to a world of brave women during World War II who rode motorcycles to deliver messages across and through enemy lines. Being an avid reader of World War II novels, I have never heard of motorcycle riders. Bicycle riders, yes, but not motorcycles. The first thirty percent of the novel was setting up understanding the two heroines and their lives before they are thrown in the dangers of the World Wars. At times, it seemed to be going nowhere. Walsh was leading up to the war, but it seemed a lot of time to spend in the backstory that could have been sprinkled later on in the actual story. Story felt realistic and unique, but it did drag for a while and not keep my attention for long. There was a romance in the past timeline, but I did not know if I liked it or not. Felt realistic enough to go with the story, but I did not care about their relationship at all. Walsh does a good job at crafting the novel. Her writing was nicely done, but I need more movement in my stories to capture my attention. Overall, The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh was a unique and different storyline, but the plot needed more action.

I received a complimentary copy of The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh from Harper Muse Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

A beautifully written story about the WRENS of WW1 and WW2 and the connection Marion and Evelyn discovered. I loved the way the story developed, describing the duties they each were assigned during each war, and the way their paths crossed and the connection that was found. A wonderful read during a horrid and cruel time in history . Tears were shed and my heart skipped a beat, but a story that was thoroughly enjoyed.

A great story of two WREN'S, each serving in world wars but with the same role.
Marion has lived her whole life in children's homes. Her last home she makes friends with Eddie. As they each the age when they must live the home, they both decide to join the navy as the world is at war.
Evelyn lives with her rich parents, she too wants to join the war and against her parents wishes joins up.
Aspects of women's social history were touched upon, especially their roles during the wars.

Excellent historical fiction about two strong, courageous, independent women who are in the WRENS (Royal Navy Service). Marion is an orphan in WWI while Evelyn is a rich heiress in WWII who both seek to forge their own path.

This was a lovely dual timeline historical fiction about two young women who are WRNS in WWI and WWII.

We meet Marion initially in the WWII era then we go backwards to the start of her story in 1917. She ends up joint the Women’s Royal Naval Service after she ages out of her orphanage, and her best friend Eddie insists on joining the Navy so he isn’t separated from her. Jumping forward to 1936, we meet Evelyn, who was both with a club foot but wants to do more, so she ends up joins the WRENS too. Eventually, their stories connect and we learn that there’s so much more to these two women.

Jenni Walsh did a fantastic job at making me care about both Marion and Evelyn, and wanting to see them both triumph. The story was gripping as it went towards its conclusion and I was rooting for these women to have a happy ending. The romance was a bit predictable but this book was so much more about these courageous women. I definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction.

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L Walsh is an excellent dual narrative/dual timeline historical fiction that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

This is a stunning HF that weaves between the WWI and WWII eras. Both involve strong, passionate, courageous, and fierce women (Marion and Evelyn) and their involvement with the Wrens ( Women’s Royal Naval Service ).

The author does a fabulous job weaving together two women, their respective lives and the events surrounding them into one impressive narrative.

This is what HF should be. I can’t say anything else, as I do not want to spoil it for others, other than you must read this book.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Harper Muse for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

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

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/15/22.

The perfect read for fans of THE GUERNSEY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows!

The story highlights WRENS—Women’s Royal Naval Service—in both WWI and WWII. Fearless ladies who ride motorcycles to deliver messages (it doesn’t get much cooler than this). The main story lines revolve around Marion and Evelyn.

Marion Hoxton is a near mute orphan who is forced to join the WRENS or be homeless in 1917. Her best friend Eddie insists on coming with her with disastrous consequences.

Evelyn Fairchild was born with a club-foot and went through several surgeries until she was 16yo to correct it. Her parents want to treat her like she’s made of glass, but when she learns about the WRENS she knows she can be more than a debutante.

Walsh weaves an unforgettable tale with story threads from different times coming together for a powerful conclusion. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable book.