Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre! This book is a masterpiece. I was honored to receive this as an ALC.

This book is special because we get to span both world wars. We follow our two FMCs, Marion (starting in WW1) and Evelyn (starting in WW2). Marion is an orphan aging out of the care system at 18 who is encouraged to join the Women's Royal Navy, WRN, the Wren's. Evelyn goes against her parents wishes to pursue her love of motorcycle riding and helping in the war effort.

The connection between the two women is incredible! I kept attempting to guess and did not get it correct.

This book is so emotional. Loved the authors note. We need more books about the untold stories of courageous women.

This review will be posted on my booksta, toomanyfivestarreads.

This historical fiction novel depicts the women of the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) both during WWI and WWII. The Wrens were brave female motorcycle messengers that delivered classified and dangerous information between military leaders. The story jumps back and forth between the two wars and two female leads Marion and Evelyn which was sometimes a bit confusing, but when the timelines eventually combine it all makes perfect sense. I found this book well researched and historically accurate and I liked the strong female characters. At about 75% through the story really picked up and I couldn't put it down. This book honors these fine young women, the Wrens who proudly served their countries during difficult and dangerous times. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent. Recommended. 4.5 stars.
Many thanks to Met Galley and Harper Muse Audiobooks | Harper Muse for a chance to listen/read an ARC version of this book.

Read a similar book not long ago, tried to get into this and I think it's just bad timing cause I could not get into it but I will hopefully come back to this one in the future one day buy the book and actually read it but as of right now it's just not the right time for me and this book so I'll be giving it sort of a placeholder 3 star for now.

I thought this was a good book. I didn't know women people rode bikes in the war to send messages. I love learning about history in fiction novels. Great story. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.

How have I never heard of these women who drove motorbikes to deliver messenger pigeons on their backs? What a cool story! Historical fiction fans will love this dual timeline story about both WWI and WWII.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

If you enjoy wartime fiction with strong female leads, add The Call of the Wrens to your reading list. Jenni L. Walsh takes us on a ride—literally—through two world wars with dual heroines who sign up for the Women’s Royal Naval Service, better known as the Wrens.

Marion is an orphan in WWI who finds purpose as a motorcycle dispatch rider. Evelyn is a wealthy young woman in WWII, born with a clubfoot and aching to break free from expectations. Their stories are told in alternating timelines, and I found both characters really likeable and well-drawn. I was especially moved by how their paths ultimately connect in a meaningful way.

Even though I read a lot of historical fiction set during the wars, I always learn something new. I had no idea that armies used carrier pigeons to report troop movements—who knew those little birds were war heroes?

The book blends action, emotional depth, and historical detail in just the right mix. Some plot points wrap up a bit too neatly, but it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. This is a great pick for readers who like courage, sisterhood, and a side of history. Kudos to Fiona Hardingham and Amanda Sanfilippo for doing a fabulous job narrating.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for a comp of the audiobook. The opinions are my own.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook, beautifully narrated by Fiona Hardingham.

I very much enjoyed the author’s take on the lives of two young women, a generation apart, who enlisted in the British Women’s Royal Naval Service. Known as the WRENS, these women were encouraged to ‘join up’ and ‘do your bit,’ but the understanding among the higher command was that their service, while important, was temporary. They had their own officer ranks, which they could aspire to through hard work and commitment to the Allied cause. But, as Walsh demonstrates, even though volunteer service for the nation might have stretched the rigid boundaries of class, race, and gender, they never disappeared.

The dual timeline is a common technique in historical fiction writing, but Walsh introduces an intriguing crossover for the stories of Marion Hoxton and her younger counterpart Evelyn Fairchild. The two women appear to be very different, not only in age and personality but in upbringing and education. The WRENS were a godsend for teenaged Marion who was gently but firmly sent into the world as soon as she aged out of the orphanage where she had spent her childhood. Without denying their patriotism, it must have served that purpose for many other poor girls without families, or with families that neglected or abused them. Evelyn, on the other hand, was the only child of a wealthy and privileged family, whose parents tried hard to prevent her from enlisting, even to the point of disowning her.

What they shared was a belief in their right to independence. Without family to support her, Marion simply had to make her own way. But she also did not want to burden her best friend since childhood, Eddy, also an orphan, who signed up with her. Evelyn had more to prove, and employed more dramatic ways to prove it, wanting to break free of her parents’ control.

Both WRENS took up the dangerous duty of carrying messages by motorcycle, Marion in the First World War and Evelyn in the Second. When Marion returns to service at the same time that Evelyn enlists, their stories quickly—almost too readily at times—intersect.

Walsh effectively captures the losses of war as well as those brought about by the gender and class conventions that prevailed. Her focus on the women motorcyclists is fascinating, especially regarding the Great War. Marion is a very sympathetic character, but her decisions at times incline her to martyrdom. Likewise, Eddy is very likeable and clearly loves her very much, but his insistence that only he can take care of her flies in the face of the reality that she takes care of herself and of him too. As for Evelyn, I have a harder time with her ‘poor little rich girl’ demeanour. There is no denying, however, that their stories, individually and as they intersect, are tragedies occasioned by the greater tragedy of war.

What first drew me to this audiobook was the premise being based on an interesting and important part of history involving women that I had no idea about.

Unfortunately, considering the blurb doesn't even hint at this being a Romance novel, I felt the love story became increasingly prevalent for my liking, which overshadowed the courageous mission, found family, sisterhood and female empowerment key elements, which were supposed to be the main elements and focus.

Although this wasn't what I was expecting, I'm adding half a star because of the narrator's compelling rendition of the narrative and nuances.

P.S.: I would very much appreciate it if people would stop labeling historical narratives involving women that have an overpowering romantic subplot as "Women's Fiction." Thanks =)

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 Ihave not heard of this book until now. I think this story would make for a great movie!

I really loved this narrator. Her voice fit perfectly.
(The only thing I was thinking was that Sara was Irish, which she wasn’t, but I am also not familiar with different dialects in British English.)
I really enjoyed this listen!

**Book Review: *The Call of the Wrens***
Learning about the Wrens—the courageous women who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service—was both enlightening and beautiful in this compelling historical novel. The author skillfully weaves together fictional stories of brave, resilient women, exploring their wartime experiences and the deep bonds they form. Their eventual reconnection is a true tearjerker, filled with emotion and heart. This story is a moving tribute to unsung heroines and the power of sisterhood, sacrifice, and healing.

The Call of the Wrens is a historical fiction about two women during WWI and WWII who join a society called - you guessed it - the Wrens. Jenni L. Walsh crafted a story of heartbreak and sacrifice in such a good way. I was taken by the characters and the story since page one. The two timelines were beautifully woven too, and the audiobook is enthralling and emotional. The narrator did an amazing job!

I love reading historical fiction so it was great to learn about an aspect of the WWs I didn't know about. Jenni L. Walsh is a great author and I'll definitely recommend this book!

listened to the audio of The Call of the Wrens and enjoyed the narration. This historical novel explores the overlooked stories of two women who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) during both World Wars. Jenni L. Walsh weaves together the stories of two women—Marion and Evelyn.

It is told through dual timelines which was somewhat difficult for me to follow in places but was effective overall. I do wish the plot would have focused a bit more on the roles the women played and the accomplishments they had instead of the family drama and romantic interests.

I enjoyed this book overall and would rate it 3.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh, narrated by Fiona Hardingham

Jenni L. Walsh’s The Call of the Wrens is a stirring dual-timeline historical novel that pays tribute to the unsung heroines of two world wars—the motorcycle dispatch riders of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, affectionately known as the Wrens. Told through the alternating perspectives of Marion Hoxton and Evelyn Fairchild, the audiobook weaves a tale of courage, belonging, and the quiet revolutions waged by women in wartime.

Marion, an orphan with a fierce sense of independence, finds purpose and sisterhood in the trenches of World War I, delivering messages and pigeons across dangerous terrain. Two decades later, Evelyn, a privileged young woman with a disability and something to prove, answers the call during World War II. Their stories, separated by time but united by spirit, converge in a moment that redefines sacrifice and legacy.

Fiona Hardingham’s narration is a triumph of emotional nuance. She brings a distinct voice to each protagonist—Marion’s grit and guarded warmth, Evelyn’s determination and vulnerability—while maintaining a lyrical cadence that suits the novel’s reflective tone. Hardingham doesn’t just read the story; she breathes life into it, capturing the tension of war and the intimacy of personal transformation with equal finesse.

What makes The Call of the Wrens resonate is its balance of historical detail and emotional depth. Walsh doesn’t romanticize war; she honors the resilience of women who found strength in service and solidarity. The audiobook format enhances this intimacy, making the listener feel like a confidante to two women navigating love, loss, and identity in a world on fire.

For fans of The Alice Network or The Nightingale, this is a poignant, empowering listen that reminds us history is often carried on the shoulders of those history forgets. And thanks to Hardingham’s evocative performance, these Wrens won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

This was such an incredible honor to read. The book alternates between Wren motorcycle dispatch riders in WWI and WWII. Then the two timelines merge and create a wonderful finale to the book. Descriptions about how women trained homing pigeons to carry news from the frontlines to those planning strategies behind the lines was amazing. These brave women contributed so much to the war effort. Glad their history lives in this novel.

I love a good Historical Fiction book. This one was interesting because it followed women who served in WWI and WWII. I enjoy reading more and more about how women served during the wars and how each woman did their part weather it was small or a big part.

This pace to this story was a little slow for me but I still loved it. It kept me wanting to come back for more. If you enjoy Historical Fiction I highly recommend reading this one. Jenni Walsh is a newer author to me. I read Unsinkable and this one. She is quickly becoming a favorite.

⭐⭐️⭐️3.5

The Call of the Wrens is a dual-timeline historical fiction that follows two women—one during WWI, one during WWII—who join the Royal Navy’s Women’s service. One’s an orphan searching for purpose, the other a rebellious high-society misfit trying to break free from expectations. Both are looking for independence in a world at war.

I loved the focus on the Wrens and the dispatch riders—something I haven’t seen much of in historical fiction. Marianne’s story stood out for me; her growth felt genuine and grounded. The writing is more quiet and reflective than action-packed, and it really leans into identity, friendship, and finding your place.

Where it lost me a bit was the emotional connection. I didn’t feel as attached to the second storyline, and the romance there felt a little forced. Some of the timeline parallels also felt a bit too neat.

Still, if you like character-driven wartime stories about women stepping into unexpected roles, this is worth a read. I’d definitely check out more from this author.

5 stars!! This book almost made me cry several times, and I don’t cry when reading. If you do, keep the tissues nearby.

This book reignited my love for historical fiction. I went into it with a previous love for books written about the WWII era, but knowing nothing about the Women’s Royal Naval Service. I found it interesting how the author wove together two different generations of women and spanned events from both WWI and WWII.

The sweet romances in this book are exactly that, sweet. They’re not the plot of the book, and I felt they truly added depth to the characters and painted a clearer picture of the story in the pages. It read like a movie! Seriously, they need to make this a movie.

I hate spoilers, so I’m not giving any. But the twists and turns in this book will have you on the edge of your seat. Be prepared to want to read it straight through.

What a beautiful book. It was written well, narrated well and was just emotionally beautiful. I loved it, the part and present were well delineated until they merged. The woman power and learning their history was great.

Yes I am gushing, but it was truly beautiful


#TheCalloftheWrens #NetGalley

My book club will be reading this, but I’m really glad I got to listen to it in audio.
There is great narration and the story is well told of the WRENS in both world wars.
I think this will be a good book for a discussion group.

I really enjoyed this book! It has a very interesting storyline with engaging characters. Learning about this aspect of the war and the women's role was so very enlightening. A must read for historical fiction fans!