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!

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 present a story of love, secrets, resilience, bravery, 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 and closed the book with a sigh of 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!

British Literature
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Romance
War
WWII

This was my first time reading Jenni Walsh’s work and what a beautiful story! I’m always drawn to historical fiction, especially those set during World War II, and learning about the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the “Wrens”) was such a treat. I never even knew they existed and what an incredible group of women! I really enjoyed learning about their jobs as dispatch motorcycle riders during the war, but one of my favorite parts was learning about the women who took care of the carrier pigeons that relayed important intel during wartime. I loved all of the characters, even the secondary characters, because they each contributed something special to the book. You get so much with The Call of the Wrens - romance, suspense, drama, joy, heartache, etc. And I can’t say enough great things about the narrator, Fiona Hardingham. I absolutely adore her voice and accents.

The only thing that distracted me about this audiobook was the pronunciation of Evelyn (Ev-lin) as Eve-lin. Yes, it’s a minor thing, but it kept throwing me off, especially since my mother’s name is Evelyn, and I’ve never heard it pronounced any other way than Ev-lin. Regardless, it certainly wouldn’t stop me from recommending this book because it’s such a wonderful and thought-provoking story. I can’t recommend it enough, and I look forward to reading more of Jenni Walsh’s work in the very near future.

Jenni L. Walsh really delivered a heartbreakingly beautiful story in this dual timeline, dual perspective historical novel. We hear the story from both Marion and Evelyn. Marion joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the WRENS, in World War I becoming she felt like she had no other options. She was an amazing, compassionate, strong, courageous woman and I enjoyed reading the chapters told from her perspective. Evelyn joined because she wanted to avoid being sent to finishing school and her mother’s plans for her life. I truly found both timelines and heroines to be truly inspiring. Marion and Evelyn had completely different backgrounds but still had so much in common. They were both underestimated and had lived lonely childhoods. I hadn’t been aware that there had been a group of women motorcycle messengers in World War I and II, but this book had me absolutely fascinated. I, also, thought it was interesting that there was a character who served in both wars. Walsh did such an amazing job with bringing this part of history alive. She portrayed the loneliness that the characters felt as they were separated from their families and the bonds of sisterhood that formed with the other Wrens. It was very obvious that she did an incredible amount of research.

Occasionally, I will search through Netgalley to see if an author I haven't read in a while has a new book (or perhaps missed). I remembered enjoying Ace, Marvel, Spy, and even though that came out just a few months ago, I still wanted to check to see if there was anything new.

I didn't find any new books, but I did see an older book by Walsh that was still available as an audiobook. I was in between audiobooks, which I took as a sign that I should listen to it. And I'm glad that I did.

I love WWII fiction. I actually stopped reading for a while, though, because every book I picked up felt too similar - like authors were just recycling the same story. Then, a few years ago, I dipped my toe back in and was pleasantly surprised to find books delving into events and people that I had never read before.

That's the case with The Call of the Wrens. I've read books where the Women's Royal Navy is mentioned, I can't remember reading a book focused on the WRNs, and I definitely had not read anything about motorcycle dispatchers. I found it very interesting.

This is sort of a dual timeline novel as we get alternating chapters between Marion and Evelyn. Marion served as in the WRN in the Great War (WWI) and Evelyn is serving in the WRN in WWII. The two storylines converge as Marion rejoins the WRNS during WWII.

Even though we get the character (Marion or Evelyn) and the year at the start of the chapters, I was still a little confused as I didn't realize that Marion was serving during WWI in the earlier chapters. But once I did, things made much more sense, and I didn't feel confused anymore. The narrator, Fiona Hardingham, had distinct voices for each of the characters, so I had no problems telling the characters apart.

I didn't really connect with the characters, and while there are a lot of historical elements to the story, it is a character-driven story, and it is really about the relationships of the characters. I didn't enjoy it as much as Ace, Marvel, Spy, but it is still a good book. If you are a fan of WWII fiction and missed this book, it is worth picking up.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2025/06/the-call-of-wrens-by-jenni-l-walsh.html

What a great story of the strong women who helped fight the war by carrying secrets through Europe.

Featuring dual timelines and dual narratives, with great pacing, and all the emotions!

*many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the gifted copy for review.

A great book by Jenni Walsh that touches on the lesser known jobs of women who joined the WRENS during WWI and WWII. Marion and Evelyn were the main characters in this story and trained as motorcycle dispatch riders. Both showed the trials that women faced serving during the war and the friendships they made while there. Really enjoyed the dual narrative and the author's note at the end.

While this one had what felt like a meandering pace, I still enjoyed learning about yet another group of amazing women who served in both World War I and World War II. I don't know why it continues to surprise me how many different ways women served during war time and yet were never mentioned in the history books I read or the classes I took. In any case, the dual timelines in this story dovetailed nicely, and the narrator of the audio version did a fair job of differentiating the characters with different accents. However, there were still numerous times when I got confused about which timeline I was in. Overall, it was a good read, well worth my time.

I absolutely loved the audio version of Call of the Wrens, by Jenni L. Walsh, and expertly narrated by Fiona Hardingham. It is a dual story line of two remarkable women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2. The first story is told from the perspective of Marion, who was orphaned as a baby but grew up to love motorcycles and adventure and became part of the Women’s Royal Naval Service—the Wrens — during WWI.

The other story is from the perspective of Evelyn, who grew up a privileged only child who also was born with a bum leg. However, Evelyn loved to drive fast and eventually joined the Wrens during WWII without her parents knowledge. Both women face countless adversities and overcome all of them. I especially enjoyed the end of the book when they come face to face and get to know each other more personally. The writing was engaging, heartfelt, and well paced, and the narration was simply sublime!

It's been a few weeks since I finished this story and I'm still thinking about it! Do yourself a favor and pick up and listen to this incredible novel!

Told through dual timelines, The Call of the Wrens is a moving, richly woven story of love, sacrifice, and resilience spanning both World Wars. Fiona Hardingham’s narration is pitch-perfect, skillfully shifting between time periods and voices, bringing emotional depth and nuance to each character. Her performance enhances the listening experience, making this a standout audiobook.
The story begins during World War II with Evelyn Fairchild, a privileged young woman chafing under her mother’s control and determined to contribute to the war effort. Despite personal health challenges, she joins the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS), defying expectations and forging her own path.
Parallel to Evelyn’s journey is that of Marion Hoxton, whose earlier story unfolds in the lead-up to World War I. Orphaned and raised in charity schools, Marion’s only solace is a worn copy of Jane Eyre and her bond with Eddie Smith, a charming younger classmate. When Marion enlists in the WRNS at eighteen, Eddie follows her—falsifying his age so they can marry in secret. Marion becomes a daring motorcycle dispatch rider and is later stationed at the front to deliver carrier pigeons. Their brief reunion has lasting consequences, including Marion’s heartbreaking decision to give up her child for adoption.
Two decades later, Marion returns as a WRNS trainer and crosses paths with Evelyn, drawing the two storylines together in a deeply satisfying and emotional conclusion.
Beyond its compelling plot, The Call of the Wrens offers fascinating historical detail—particularly the use of carrier pigeons in WWI—and sheds light on the vital but often overlooked contributions of women in wartime. While the book is grounded in history, it will also resonate strongly with fans of historical romance thanks to its tender emotional arcs and enduring love story. This is a gripping blend of history, courage, and heart, The Call of the Wrens is beautifully told and beautifully performed.

This story is about two women, decades apart, it's both their stories.

Marion was an orphan with no home. She found herself a life and found family when she joined the Wrens in WWI. She rode her motorcycle in dangerous times, trained pigeons to help the soldiers on the front line, and even briefly fell in love.

Years later, Evelyn's story begins. She was lucky to be born into a rich household and had a good upbringing, but she had to fight her own battles from a young age as she was born with a disability. She decides to prove to not only herself but others and joins the Wrens during WWII that she can do it.

As their stories pan out, their stories reveal themselves, and gradually, they meet, and the are secrets and twists you wouldn't believe.

This book is about more than war. Although this story is obviously about war, it's also about found family, belonging somewhere, love, and loss. It's also about women who are brave and strong, wanting to serve and defend.

This was such a good book. I rooted for the characters throughout and was so pleased with the ending and outcome.

Marion Horton left the orphanage to join the newly created WRENS during the First World War. She found purpose and love but also pain and sadness. Her husband was killed and she could not raise her children, who was adopted. Come the second war she returned to the service to train the young ladies to be dispatched riders. Life had new meaning again.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good,strong characters in this well paced novel. Wars are not easy for anyone and lives are hard and can be lost, but lifelong relationships can be formed too.

The audiobook for "The Call of the Wrens" was a well done dual timeline book featuring two women in the British Military service called the "WRENS". They are both women who have struggled in individual ways but were called to serve their countries during WWI and WWII. As the story unfolds I was drawn into their strengths, struggles and love they showed for those around them.

I really liked that this book was a women's fiction - it has some romance but nothing in the bedroom on the page. The book really focuses on the two main characters - Marion and Evelyn who are motorcycle dispatch riders. Their wartime experiences and strength of female bonds they form with other WRENS were amazing to read about. Everything they've dealt with in their lives and the way the book's story intertwines at the end made for a great story.

I liked the narration and this is a narrator I would listen to in future audiobooks.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks for an opportunity to listen to an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

It's been awhile since I found a historical fiction novel that piqued my interest like #thecallofthewrens. If you are a fan of realistic books in this genre then I definitely recommend that you lean into #JenniLWalsh. Love, loss, hope, dispair... this book captured it all which truly feels like the only appropriate option for a book set in the World War era. I found myself finishing the book satisfied which is basically a badge of honor for a story that was set in a period of death and destruction. Walsh successfully captures the accuracy of the historical elements without subsequently watering down the gravity but making it light and fluffy. I definitely recommend.

An amazing historical fiction about the women during the war and their magnificent contributions, sacrifices and courage.
A compelling read and the main characters are inspiringly selfless and courageous. I really enjoyed listening to the book and the narrator did an excellent job.

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Harper Muse Audiobooks.