This historical fiction novel follows two women, who are dispatch MOTORCYCLE riders, during both world wars. The author balanced each timeline very well and seemlessly transitioned back and forth until their paths crossed. Both Marion and Evelyn got their fair share of the story with their upbringing, challenges with women’s rights and roles, and the development of their wholesome love stories.
I honestly can’t believe that I have not heard of this book until now. Also I think this story would make for a great movie!

A multigenerational tale of the new service branch for women, The Women's Royal Naval Service begun during World War I, and their exploits during war time as office staff, motorcycle dispatch riders at the front, bird trainers, strategic planners etc.

The Wrens becomes the home for a young orphan, Marion who felt she never fit in anywhere, but being in the Wrens gave her life purpose and meaning. As she works as a dispatch rider in France, she makes the supreme sacrifice at the Battle of Amiens. She leaves the Wrens, a shadow of her former self.

Fast forward about 20 years and you come across wealthy Evelyn Fairchild who despite all her wealth, the comforts life can offer and loving parents who care for her, is seized by the same restlessness to make something of herself, under her own steam. She joins the Wrens, but will her disability end up by getting her booted out of the service or will she make it as a Wren? And why does Wren Smith take such an interest in her and her life, personally? Does she know something Evelyn does not? Something that could rock the very foundations of her life, causing her to doubt every certainty she's ever known.

What about Marion? Will she find love, life and happiness again in the Wrens or has life and love bypassed her by?

A poignant love story with a difference, I was given an e-ARC to read, but the opinions expressed here are my own.

#TheCallOfTheWrens #WorldWarFiction #LoveStory #JenniWalsh #HarperMuse #NetGalley #HistoricalFiction #MotorcycleDispatchRiders

The Call of the Wrens is a poignant, beautiful, and important story that follows Marion and Evelyn as they navigate the first and second world wars, love, and family life (or lack thereof).

While sometimes predictable this novel doesn't fail to tug at your heartstrings and keep you enraptured from page one. It was so interesting to learn about the significant role that women helped play! Definitely would recommend.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc!

The Call of the Wrens is a beautifully written, emotionally stirring novel that shines a much-needed light on the brave women of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Jenni L. Walsh masterfully weaves together dual timelines, pulling readers into the lives of two unforgettable heroines whose courage, heartache, and hope left me in awe.

The historical detail is rich, the characters feel heartbreakingly real, and the pacing kept me fully engaged from start to finish. I especially appreciated how the story honored the strength and sacrifice of women who served in ways history often overlooks.

This is historical fiction at its finest—moving, meaningful, and utterly unputdownable. Highly recommend to fans of WWII fiction and anyone who loves stories about resilience, sisterhood, and purpose.

The Call of the Wrens is a work of historical fiction that follows the experiences of two female motorcycle dispatcher rides and members of the Wren organization during the two World Wars. I have a complicated relationship with dual timeline narratives. I either love them or I hate them. I loved this one because I think it balances the two narratives well. Well balanced is the best way to describe this narrative. It had the perfect mixture of romance, characters and historical events that kept a strong narrative without any one aspect feeling like it was overwhelming the others. Overall, I would recommend this story, especially if you are a fan of World War focused historical fiction!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the eARC of this book; the review is my own.*

I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book--I wish I had read it sooner. It was heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Plus, the author obviously did a lot of research about the Wrens, incorporating stories of real people into her book. It was fascinating to learn about the parts that the Wrens played in both world wars. I've already texted my mom, sisters, and sisters-in-law to tell them to read this book.

Usually I am not the biggest fan of dual-timeline books. I don't particularly enjoy going back and forth between the two times, especially if the later time prevents me from imagining a perpetual happily-ever-after for the main characters of the earlier time. But this book was so well written, and I loved the main characters of both timelines (and how they were connected). I can't say too much about either Marion or Evelyn without giving things away, but I admired the fierce determination with which they faced the obstacles and trails in their lives. Eddie, Percy, and Sarah were my other favorite characters.

I look forward to finding more books by this author. In addition to her incorporation of research, I enjoyed her writing, her character development, and the natural feel of her dialogue. Theres's a good chance I'll purchase this book.

Note: War, loss.

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.