**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.
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

I love Women's Historical Fiction, especially those involving WWI and WWII, so I started this one immediately upon receiving it from Harper Muse. It definitely did not disappoint! The alternating narratives through time were well done by Jenni Walsh, and I was throughly invested in all characters (especially Pigeon #486. To me, everything was believable and I was really appreciative of the real life women mentioned as Walsh's inspiration at the end of the book.

I like that the book starts in the "present" (during WWII) with foreshadowing regarding the past, and then goes back to the origins of our characters and we grow with them to WWI. Learning about the WRNS with the women was really empowering, especially since they received little recognition in history books (at least from what I remember from my schooling). These women volunteered to enlist and did so many jobs to further the war efforts and hasten the end - including being motorcycle dispatch riders who trained and delivered carrier pigeons on the front lines.

"She imagined each advancement of the typewriter as a tiny progression toward the war's end." Goosebumps.

The audiobook narrator, Fiona Hardingham, was amazing. I had that written twice in my notes, clearly once was not quite enough. Since I was listening to the audiobook mostly while driving to/from work, I couldn't pay a lot of attention to the dates mentioned at the beginning of the chapters. I think it made the "journey" more fun though. Hardingham's inflections throughout made the story even more intense than had I been reading it on my own. Certain pieces of the text gained more emphasis, and the raw emotion in her voice when she said "I'll take care of him" absolutely broke me (along with several other parts).

I'm a fan of both Walsh and Hardingham now, and will be seeking out more of their work in future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this audio ARC.

The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L. Walsh is an extraordinary novel that beautifully weaves together themes of family, secrets, resilience, and redemption. From the very first page, I was drawn into a richly layered story that kept me captivated until the final word. The story centers around three women—Elizabeth, her daughter Lily, and her granddaughter Violet—whose lives are intricately connected across different time periods. Elizabeth’s narrative is set during the tumultuous years of World War II, where she navigates love, loss, and the sacrifices made in the face of war. Her story reveals hidden family secrets and the courage it took to survive and protect loved ones. Lily’s story unfolds during the 1970s, as she uncovers her mother’s past and struggles with her own identity and relationships. Meanwhile, Violet, in present day, seeks to understand her family’s history and finds strength in the stories passed down through generations. What truly moved me was Walsh’s masterful storytelling—the way she paints each era with vivid detail and emotional depth. The symbolism of the wrens—a symbol of hope, resilience, and freedom—permeates the novel, echoing the characters’ journeys toward healing and self-discovery. The characters are incredibly authentic, each wrestling with their own fears, secrets, and desires. Elizabeth’s resilience during wartime, Lily’s quest for understanding, and Violet’s courage to confront her family’s past all resonated deeply with me. The author skillfully explores themes of generational trauma, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bonds of family, reminding us that even in the darkest times, hope can take flight like the call of the wrens. The plot twists and revelations kept me eagerly turning pages, but it was the emotional honesty and lyrical prose that truly touched my soul. The ending offers both closure and a sense of ongoing hope—a beautiful reminder that our roots shape us, but we also have the power to forge our own paths. The Call of the Wrens is a heartfelt, inspiring read that celebrates the resilience of women and the enduring power of love across generations. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and recommend it to anyone who loves historical family sagas infused with emotional depth and hope.

The Call of the Wrens in a work of Historical Fiction that tell the story of two women during the two World Wars. They both join a group of British servicewomen called the Wrens. This is a powerful story about war and survival of two interesting characters. I also think this book is full of a fantastic assortment of side characters. I am picky when it comes to World War II novels, but for me this one was the perfect fit. It had the perfect balance of light and dark and of character moments and plot. I just think this was a fantastic story and I would highly recommend.

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

I enjoyed the title, cover, setting, characters, voice, and narrator. I was emotionally invested, listening to it at bedtime a couple of nights, and staying awake because I wanted to find out what happened. I got me a bit weepy in spots. Walsh did a fantastic job weaving the stories and timelines together. I’ll be looking for more book from Walsh and Hardingham (the narrator). Thank you, Harper Muse, for this audio book.

Wow! This was so good. As a lover of historical fiction, this one stood out. I did not know about the Wrens. This author crafted a heartfelt story around them that kept my interest from start to finish. 5 stars!

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperMuse Audiobooks for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Call of the Wrens was such a powerful listen. I loved learning about the women of the Women’s Royal Naval Service—this story brought their bravery and sacrifice to life in such a moving way.

The dual timelines were woven together beautifully, and Fiona Hardingham’s narration was absolutely top-notch. She added so much emotion and personality to the characters—I didn’t want to stop listening!

Highly recommend this one if you enjoy historical fiction, strong female leads, and a great audiobook

This book starts out with Marion, an orphan who has never had a home or a family. She's now old enough to enroll in the Great War and becomes a part of the WRENS (Women's Royal Naval Services) where she feels as she finally belongs. She's a motorcycle dispatch rider who delivers messages to the front lines, along with carrier pigeons. Fast forward 20 years she's called back to WWII. This is where we also meet Evelyn, who has a disability but is determined to become a WREN motorcycle dispatcher. I love how this story evolves, and it's based on real life experiences. Another must read!!

"The Call of the Wrens" by Jenni L. Walsh is a historical fiction novel that follows the lives of two women—Marion and Evelyn—who serve as motorcycle dispatch riders in the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens) during World War I and World War II. The story is told in alternating narratives, weaving themes of love, war, resilience, and secrets.

The audiobook version has been praised for its emotional depth and engaging storytelling. Reviews highlight the compelling character development and the vivid depiction of wartime experiences. If you're interested in historical fiction with strong female protagonists, this might be a great listen for you!

Thank you NetGalley for this absolutely BEAUTIFUL and Captivating read! I was looking for something to get me out of my reading slump, and this did it!!! Two times lines converge in this story, and when I was done, it left me wishing the book hadn't ended. I didn't know about the WRENS, and their place in both of the World Wars, and did some additional digging to learn more. Funny how they were even sort of featured in another well known story, but I didn't put 2 and 2 together because they were not the main focus.

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.

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.

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!

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.