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The Call of the Wrens
Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe,
carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .
1917 England
An orphan coming of age without a penny to her name, Marion joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the “Wrens”) as a motorcycle despatch rider on the Western Front, assigned to train and deliver carrier pigeons to the front line. Despite the hardships and constant threat of danger, Marion feels as if she finally belongs and that she has a purpose. Meanwhile, she and her childhood best friend, Eddie, dream of a future after the war—until tragedy strikes.
1936 England
A society girl, Evelyn has overcome a childhood disability and has found her true passion in automobile racing. When England enters WWII, Evelyn sees an opportunity to use her skills as a despatch rider, but her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t start acting like a lady and marry the man they have chosen for her.
Meanwhile, a fellow Wren shows up at Marion’s door with an unwelcome call to return to her service.
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, war, secrets, and resilience.
1917 England
An orphan coming of age without a penny to her name, Marion joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (the “Wrens”) as a motorcycle despatch rider on the Western Front, assigned to train and deliver carrier pigeons to the front line. Despite the hardships and constant threat of danger, Marion feels as if she finally belongs and that she has a purpose. Meanwhile, she and her childhood best friend, Eddie, dream of a future after the war—until tragedy strikes.
1936 England
A society girl, Evelyn has overcome a childhood disability and has found her true passion in automobile racing. When England enters WWII, Evelyn sees an opportunity to use her skills as a despatch rider, but her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t start acting like a lady and marry the man they have chosen for her.
Meanwhile, a fellow Wren shows up at Marion’s door with an unwelcome call to return to her service.
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, war, secrets, and resilience.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
171 people are currently reading
8571 people want to read
About the author
Jenni L. Walsh
17 books637 followersJenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful eleven-year-old, a soccer-loving nine-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.
Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.
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May 1, 2025
The Call of the Wrens by Jenni L Walsh
Narrated by Fiona Hardingham
WWI When Marion Hoxton ages out of her latest orphanage, she needs a place to stay, food to eat, and a job. The Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) seems to fit the bill. Marion's long time best friend Eddie isn't going to let Marion leave without him so he enlists into the armed services, too. Every time Marion tries to make a move that could keep Eddie safer he makes sure he can stay near her. Marion loves the Wrens and having an important part to play in winning and ending the war.
WWII Evelyn Fairchild, only child of a wealthy family, has always had access to the best of everything. She was born with a club foot and has endured countless operations to make her disability less cumbersome. Her mother has tried to hold her back and protect her, thinking that finishing school and a good marriage is the only goal for Evelyn. But Evelyn doesn't want to be a wife, mother, or society lady and she chafes to escape all that her mother wants for her. She does it, she joins the Wrens and she is set free, with her parents shutting her from their lives. Evelyn is finally going to do something important and useful.
These two timelines alternate, with Marion having no choice but to make her time with the Wrens work, because she has no where else to go. Evelyn wants her job with the Wrens to be a success, too, because she finally has wings of her own, a job to do that doesn't require her to be the wife of someone. The lives of both women are told in a parallel fashion as they each struggle with the hardships and confines of belonging to something with strict rules and demanding qualifications.
I like how much we get to learn about the Wrens, the many jobs of the women who make the grade, and how important these women are to helping their country fight for what is right. For me, both timelines are balanced and interesting and we eventually get to see the timelines come together. I'm off to learn more about the Wrens and the work of the amazing women who risked their lives for their country.
Pub Nov 15, 2022
Narrated by Fiona Hardingham
WWI When Marion Hoxton ages out of her latest orphanage, she needs a place to stay, food to eat, and a job. The Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) seems to fit the bill. Marion's long time best friend Eddie isn't going to let Marion leave without him so he enlists into the armed services, too. Every time Marion tries to make a move that could keep Eddie safer he makes sure he can stay near her. Marion loves the Wrens and having an important part to play in winning and ending the war.
WWII Evelyn Fairchild, only child of a wealthy family, has always had access to the best of everything. She was born with a club foot and has endured countless operations to make her disability less cumbersome. Her mother has tried to hold her back and protect her, thinking that finishing school and a good marriage is the only goal for Evelyn. But Evelyn doesn't want to be a wife, mother, or society lady and she chafes to escape all that her mother wants for her. She does it, she joins the Wrens and she is set free, with her parents shutting her from their lives. Evelyn is finally going to do something important and useful.
These two timelines alternate, with Marion having no choice but to make her time with the Wrens work, because she has no where else to go. Evelyn wants her job with the Wrens to be a success, too, because she finally has wings of her own, a job to do that doesn't require her to be the wife of someone. The lives of both women are told in a parallel fashion as they each struggle with the hardships and confines of belonging to something with strict rules and demanding qualifications.
I like how much we get to learn about the Wrens, the many jobs of the women who make the grade, and how important these women are to helping their country fight for what is right. For me, both timelines are balanced and interesting and we eventually get to see the timelines come together. I'm off to learn more about the Wrens and the work of the amazing women who risked their lives for their country.
Pub Nov 15, 2022
arc
April 5, 2024I'm generally not a massive fan of the dual narrative and dual timeline combination as one character's story is generally more interesting or more thoroughly developed than the other, but that's not the case here - I found both characters and storylines equally compelling. Our two protagonists initially seem to be quite different, but they are of the same ilk: both are much more than they seem to be, and both endure lonely childhoods before finding purpose, belonging, and sisterhood with the Wrens.
I appreciate that the author chose to focus on a little-explored aspect of WWI/WWII historical fiction, that of the fierce female motorcycle messengers. I've also rarely encountered a character in historical fiction who serves in both wars, but of course that was the reality for a certain generation - they survived the Great War, the "war to end all wars", only to be faced with same-but-different horrors just 20 years later.
The historical research is sound, the pacing is right, and the characters are well developed, though the romance aspect is predictable. I found the flow to be somewhat disrupted by the short chapters which force us to go back and forth between the two narratives very frequently - I felt that I was just settling into one storyline right when the second would come along. Finally, I believe that no work of historical fiction is complete without a comprehensive author's note at the end that details their research process and sources, historical elements that have been altered to suit the fictional narrative, and contextual background about the time, place, and people the book is based on - and I had nothing to complain about in this regard.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.
I appreciate that the author chose to focus on a little-explored aspect of WWI/WWII historical fiction, that of the fierce female motorcycle messengers. I've also rarely encountered a character in historical fiction who serves in both wars, but of course that was the reality for a certain generation - they survived the Great War, the "war to end all wars", only to be faced with same-but-different horrors just 20 years later.
The historical research is sound, the pacing is right, and the characters are well developed, though the romance aspect is predictable. I found the flow to be somewhat disrupted by the short chapters which force us to go back and forth between the two narratives very frequently - I felt that I was just settling into one storyline right when the second would come along. Finally, I believe that no work of historical fiction is complete without a comprehensive author's note at the end that details their research process and sources, historical elements that have been altered to suit the fictional narrative, and contextual background about the time, place, and people the book is based on - and I had nothing to complain about in this regard.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.
November 21, 2022
Oh, this book. I discovered Jenni Walsh’s writing through her books on Bonnie from Bonnie and Clyde fame. I was so excited to read her newest, The Call of the Wrens, and will tell you outright, hist fic fans, don’t miss this one.
About the book: “Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe, carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, secrets, and resilience—and the knowledge that the future will always belong to the brave souls who fight for it.”
Did you know about the women who rode motorcycles delivering carrier pigeons during the war? The Call of the Wrens is about both Marion in 1917 and Evelyn in 1936. The challenges they face are not just due to wartime and the peril of of their work. I’m pleased to say that I adored both timelines, and how the two converge.
Overall, The Call of the Wrens is more than worthy of its rating on @goodreads. The pacing is consistent. It feature strong female characters overcoming hardships. It’s emotional and resonant and has a well-researched historical backdrop.
Highly readable and full of heart, I’ll be thinking about The Call of the Wrens for a long time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “Introducing the little-known story of the daring women who rode through war-torn Europe, carrying secrets on their shoulders . . .
Told in alternating narratives that converge in a single life-changing moment, The Call of the Wrens is a vivid, emotional saga of love, secrets, and resilience—and the knowledge that the future will always belong to the brave souls who fight for it.”
Did you know about the women who rode motorcycles delivering carrier pigeons during the war? The Call of the Wrens is about both Marion in 1917 and Evelyn in 1936. The challenges they face are not just due to wartime and the peril of of their work. I’m pleased to say that I adored both timelines, and how the two converge.
Overall, The Call of the Wrens is more than worthy of its rating on @goodreads. The pacing is consistent. It feature strong female characters overcoming hardships. It’s emotional and resonant and has a well-researched historical backdrop.
Highly readable and full of heart, I’ll be thinking about The Call of the Wrens for a long time.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
December 25, 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: A less-explored area of WWI and WWII; Well-written
1917 England
Marion has to leave the orphanage when she turns eighteen. With nowhere to go, she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) as a typist before becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider on the Western Front. With her newfound friend Sara and best friend Eddie, Marion finally feels her life has a purpose. However, an unexpected tragedy can rip everything away from her.
1936 England
Evelyn has no desire to be a society girl or get married. When the impending war ends her car racing dreams, she signs up for the Women’s Royal Navy Service, which is active once more to serve in WWII. Her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t go home, but all Evelyn ever wanted was to be useful to the country.
How do the lives of ladies from both war-ridden times meet at a common point? What does it mean for Marion and Evelyn?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Marion and Evelyn.
My Thoughts:
The intriguing premise and the cover caught my attention. The book does justice to the relatively lesser-known area of wars. The author's note at the end was a treat to read.
The first third of the book had a detailed backstory of our main characters. Though all of it was not war-related, I liked that I had a clear picture of their characteristics as the plot thickened.
The mid-section of the novel dipped in pacing as it dealt with the part which connects with timelines. The pace picked up in the third part and ends on a bittersweet yet heartwarming note.
Romance and love have a major share of the plot. While it fit the first timeline and was necessary, it somehow diluted the second timeline and even overshadowed the crux of the plot.
However, Marion, Sara, Eddie, and Evelyn were engaging (and flawed) characters. They could keep me interested even when I skimmed through a few dragging scenes. Both timelines were well-developed, so that’s a definite plus.
The writing was easy to read. It balanced internal and conflict well without delving too much into the horrific details of the war (after reading quite a few war fiction novels, I’m beginning to appreciate the ones that don’t provide graphic descriptions).
I learned about the role of women during the wars and loved every bit of it. They were a crucial part of the network that kept the troops coordinated and ready for attacks. They did amazing work behind the scenes (why am I not surprised?).
To summarize, The Call of the Wrens deals with the lesser-known roles of women during war as dispatch riders and pigeon trainers. It's an engrossing read with some memorable characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheCalloftheWrens
One Liner: A less-explored area of WWI and WWII; Well-written
1917 England
Marion has to leave the orphanage when she turns eighteen. With nowhere to go, she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) as a typist before becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider on the Western Front. With her newfound friend Sara and best friend Eddie, Marion finally feels her life has a purpose. However, an unexpected tragedy can rip everything away from her.
1936 England
Evelyn has no desire to be a society girl or get married. When the impending war ends her car racing dreams, she signs up for the Women’s Royal Navy Service, which is active once more to serve in WWII. Her parents threaten to cut her off if she doesn’t go home, but all Evelyn ever wanted was to be useful to the country.
How do the lives of ladies from both war-ridden times meet at a common point? What does it mean for Marion and Evelyn?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Marion and Evelyn.
My Thoughts:
The intriguing premise and the cover caught my attention. The book does justice to the relatively lesser-known area of wars. The author's note at the end was a treat to read.
The first third of the book had a detailed backstory of our main characters. Though all of it was not war-related, I liked that I had a clear picture of their characteristics as the plot thickened.
The mid-section of the novel dipped in pacing as it dealt with the part which connects with timelines. The pace picked up in the third part and ends on a bittersweet yet heartwarming note.
Romance and love have a major share of the plot. While it fit the first timeline and was necessary, it somehow diluted the second timeline and even overshadowed the crux of the plot.
However, Marion, Sara, Eddie, and Evelyn were engaging (and flawed) characters. They could keep me interested even when I skimmed through a few dragging scenes. Both timelines were well-developed, so that’s a definite plus.
The writing was easy to read. It balanced internal and conflict well without delving too much into the horrific details of the war (after reading quite a few war fiction novels, I’m beginning to appreciate the ones that don’t provide graphic descriptions).
I learned about the role of women during the wars and loved every bit of it. They were a crucial part of the network that kept the troops coordinated and ready for attacks. They did amazing work behind the scenes (why am I not surprised?).
To summarize, The Call of the Wrens deals with the lesser-known roles of women during war as dispatch riders and pigeon trainers. It's an engrossing read with some memorable characters.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Muse, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheCalloftheWrens
November 18, 2022
4.5 glowing brilliant stars for this historical fiction novel! The Call of the Wrens was a compelling and riveting saga that spanned the years of World War I and World War II. It explored the various roles and assignments women who signed up for the Women’s Royal Navy Service (Wrens) were asked to perform. The two women protagonists, Marion Hoxton during World War I and Evelyn P. Fairchild during World War II, were both trained as motorcycle dispatch riders. Marion and her friend Sara were also involved in training, caring for and executing flights of carrier pigeons during World War I. In addition, they transported the pigeons wherever they were needed to help in the war effort. Even though I had previously read about both of these roles that women undertook as WRENS from other books I had read, it was still fascinating and enlightening to discover more about them. The Call of the Wrens was told in alternating time lines. Each alternating chapter focused first on Marion and then on Evelyn until their lives collided and were flawlessly woven together.
Marion Huxton was orphaned at birth. Over her young years she was shepherded from orphanage to orphanage. Marion never allowed herself to make any real friends. The hurt of loosing them was too much for her. Marion was a selective mute. She had been given a chalk board long ago by one of the nuns who cared for her and taught Marion to write her simple responses on the board. Marion was also taught how to read. Books became her way to escape the reality of her life. It wasn’t until Marion came to St. Anne’s Orphanage that her first real friend came into her life. Eddie Smith became Marion’s first real friend. Marion stayed at St. Anne’s until she aged out at eighteen years old. The hardest thing about leaving St. Anne’s was leaving Eddie. Marion was advised to enlist in the WRENS. Initially, Marion was appointed as a typist but she yearned to be a motorcycle dispatch rider. She soon got her wish. Marion was transported to France as a motorcycle dispatch rider. She was assigned to work with Sara and the pigeons. Marion and Sara met while they trained to be WRENS. When Eddie found out that Marion had left St. Anne’s and had enlisted in the WRENS, he ran away from St. Anne’s and enlisted in the Navy as well. Somehow, Eddie was able to alter his assignment so he was also sent to France. Eddie and Marion could no longer hide their feelings for one another. They had fallen in love.
Evelyn Fairchild was born with a club-foot. She had gone through numerous surgeries to correct it. Evelyn’s parents were well connected and wealthy. Her mother coddled Evelyn and was over protected of her. She denied Evelyn of so many opportunities growing up. Evelyn’s mother saw Evelyn as being overly fragile and reminded her of her limitations constantly. Evelyn was home schooled and really had no friends growing up except her neighbor, Percy. In those days, girls in Evelyn’s standing were expected to go to finishing school, find a husband, get married and have a family. Emily had other ideas. She wanted to do more with her life. When World War II broke out and Britain declared war on Germany, Evelyn wanted to do her part in the war effort. Her family had left London and was living in the countryside with Percy’s family. Percy had a motorcycle and helped Evelyn learn to ride. It was Percy who told Evelyn about the WRENS and the need they had for female motorcycle dispatch riders. Evelyn plotted her escape from her mother’s watchful eyes. She would become a WREN with or without her parent’s blessing. The hardest part was going to be to prove to her superiors that her club-foot would not hinder her performance, endurance or hold her back from becoming a WREN. Evelyn was determined to become a motorcycle dispatch rider for the WRENS.
Both Marion and Evelyn were strong, capable and determined women. Their role as motorcycle dispatch riders differed between the wars in which they served. Marion transported carrier pigeons on her motorcycle to strategic locations to help the progress of the war. Evelyn carried and delivered classified documents. Both women were skilled, committed and faced danger head on. The Call of the Wrens explored family, friendship, long kept secrets, finding a purpose in life, sisterhood, hope, determination and romance. This was the first book that I have read by Jenni L. Walsh. She is a brilliant storyteller and her research was impeccable. I really enjoyed The Call of the Wrens and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to read The Call of the Wren by Jenni L. Walsh through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Marion Huxton was orphaned at birth. Over her young years she was shepherded from orphanage to orphanage. Marion never allowed herself to make any real friends. The hurt of loosing them was too much for her. Marion was a selective mute. She had been given a chalk board long ago by one of the nuns who cared for her and taught Marion to write her simple responses on the board. Marion was also taught how to read. Books became her way to escape the reality of her life. It wasn’t until Marion came to St. Anne’s Orphanage that her first real friend came into her life. Eddie Smith became Marion’s first real friend. Marion stayed at St. Anne’s until she aged out at eighteen years old. The hardest thing about leaving St. Anne’s was leaving Eddie. Marion was advised to enlist in the WRENS. Initially, Marion was appointed as a typist but she yearned to be a motorcycle dispatch rider. She soon got her wish. Marion was transported to France as a motorcycle dispatch rider. She was assigned to work with Sara and the pigeons. Marion and Sara met while they trained to be WRENS. When Eddie found out that Marion had left St. Anne’s and had enlisted in the WRENS, he ran away from St. Anne’s and enlisted in the Navy as well. Somehow, Eddie was able to alter his assignment so he was also sent to France. Eddie and Marion could no longer hide their feelings for one another. They had fallen in love.
Evelyn Fairchild was born with a club-foot. She had gone through numerous surgeries to correct it. Evelyn’s parents were well connected and wealthy. Her mother coddled Evelyn and was over protected of her. She denied Evelyn of so many opportunities growing up. Evelyn’s mother saw Evelyn as being overly fragile and reminded her of her limitations constantly. Evelyn was home schooled and really had no friends growing up except her neighbor, Percy. In those days, girls in Evelyn’s standing were expected to go to finishing school, find a husband, get married and have a family. Emily had other ideas. She wanted to do more with her life. When World War II broke out and Britain declared war on Germany, Evelyn wanted to do her part in the war effort. Her family had left London and was living in the countryside with Percy’s family. Percy had a motorcycle and helped Evelyn learn to ride. It was Percy who told Evelyn about the WRENS and the need they had for female motorcycle dispatch riders. Evelyn plotted her escape from her mother’s watchful eyes. She would become a WREN with or without her parent’s blessing. The hardest part was going to be to prove to her superiors that her club-foot would not hinder her performance, endurance or hold her back from becoming a WREN. Evelyn was determined to become a motorcycle dispatch rider for the WRENS.
Both Marion and Evelyn were strong, capable and determined women. Their role as motorcycle dispatch riders differed between the wars in which they served. Marion transported carrier pigeons on her motorcycle to strategic locations to help the progress of the war. Evelyn carried and delivered classified documents. Both women were skilled, committed and faced danger head on. The Call of the Wrens explored family, friendship, long kept secrets, finding a purpose in life, sisterhood, hope, determination and romance. This was the first book that I have read by Jenni L. Walsh. She is a brilliant storyteller and her research was impeccable. I really enjoyed The Call of the Wrens and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to read The Call of the Wren by Jenni L. Walsh through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2022
1917 England.
Marion grew up in a series of orphanages, the last being St. Anne’s Home for Boys and Girls in Birmingham. Marion is about to turn eighteen, she has to make her own way in the world and she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service and frees up a man for the fleet. She’s sent to France as a dispatch rider, her fellow Wren Sara is in charge of a pigeon loft, and Marion is to help her. Carrier pigeons were used by the army to send messages and information and they played a vital role in maintaining communications. Marion finally feels like she belongs, she has a cause and she’s shocked when Eddie her best friend from the orphanage arrives in France.
1936 England.
Evelyn grew up in a wealthy family, she was born with a clubfoot and endured numerous operations as a child. Evelyn enjoys car racing, her mother is horrified by her unladylike hobby and she wants her to marry her childhood friend Percy. When WW II starts, Evelyn wants to serve her country, they need women dispatch riders, she runs away and joins the Wrens. Her parents are furious, they threaten to cut Evelyn off and they don't believe she's physically capable? Evelyn has to pass basic training, it’s not easy for her and she has no idea that she’s about to be tested in so many ways.
I received a copy of The Call of the Wrens from Edelweiss and Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. Jenni L. Walsh's dual timeline narrative is well written and it’s told from two alternating points of view. An emotional and moving historical saga about war, sacrifice, duty, friendship, being useful, achievement and personal growth. A fascinating read, about two courageous women and a big secret is revealed and five stars from me.
Marion grew up in a series of orphanages, the last being St. Anne’s Home for Boys and Girls in Birmingham. Marion is about to turn eighteen, she has to make her own way in the world and she joins the Women’s Royal Navy Service and frees up a man for the fleet. She’s sent to France as a dispatch rider, her fellow Wren Sara is in charge of a pigeon loft, and Marion is to help her. Carrier pigeons were used by the army to send messages and information and they played a vital role in maintaining communications. Marion finally feels like she belongs, she has a cause and she’s shocked when Eddie her best friend from the orphanage arrives in France.
1936 England.
Evelyn grew up in a wealthy family, she was born with a clubfoot and endured numerous operations as a child. Evelyn enjoys car racing, her mother is horrified by her unladylike hobby and she wants her to marry her childhood friend Percy. When WW II starts, Evelyn wants to serve her country, they need women dispatch riders, she runs away and joins the Wrens. Her parents are furious, they threaten to cut Evelyn off and they don't believe she's physically capable? Evelyn has to pass basic training, it’s not easy for her and she has no idea that she’s about to be tested in so many ways.
I received a copy of The Call of the Wrens from Edelweiss and Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. Jenni L. Walsh's dual timeline narrative is well written and it’s told from two alternating points of view. An emotional and moving historical saga about war, sacrifice, duty, friendship, being useful, achievement and personal growth. A fascinating read, about two courageous women and a big secret is revealed and five stars from me.
February 9, 2023
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.
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.
September 8, 2025
I Really Enjoyed this Audiobook. This is my first time I have been Exposed to Jenni L. Walsh, but it won’t be my last. She picks such interesting subjects to write about. This Focuses on both World Wars and the Women Wrens who are Motorcycle Dispatch Riders.
This one was so good because it’s about a part of history I knew so little about. The Wrens who were such a vital part of the War Effort in both WWI and again during WWII. This was a Rare Time when I loved both parts equally of a Dual Timeline. Both are Historical Fiction, one during WWI and then the Other during WWII. It is a character driven novel, and really loved the main characters in each time period. The Chapters go back and forth between Marion and Evelyn.
The Royal Women’s Naval Service was Allowed to start using Women Abroad to Assist with the war effort beginning in 1917. These women were True Hero’s and Showed Incredible Bravery, yet this book is the First Time they are Completely the Focus of the Story. It is about time. Really Admire their Independence and Willingness to Work so Hard and Under Dangerous Conditions.
Recommend this as an Audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to this story and learning an essential piece of history, but also becoming eager to find out about Marion and Evelyn and those they were involved with. Reading the Book, I think would be a Rich Experience as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for a copy of this Audiobook. I always leave reviews of books I read.
This one was so good because it’s about a part of history I knew so little about. The Wrens who were such a vital part of the War Effort in both WWI and again during WWII. This was a Rare Time when I loved both parts equally of a Dual Timeline. Both are Historical Fiction, one during WWI and then the Other during WWII. It is a character driven novel, and really loved the main characters in each time period. The Chapters go back and forth between Marion and Evelyn.
The Royal Women’s Naval Service was Allowed to start using Women Abroad to Assist with the war effort beginning in 1917. These women were True Hero’s and Showed Incredible Bravery, yet this book is the First Time they are Completely the Focus of the Story. It is about time. Really Admire their Independence and Willingness to Work so Hard and Under Dangerous Conditions.
Recommend this as an Audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to this story and learning an essential piece of history, but also becoming eager to find out about Marion and Evelyn and those they were involved with. Reading the Book, I think would be a Rich Experience as well.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for a copy of this Audiobook. I always leave reviews of books I read.
December 31, 2022
Two women, two wars…one an orphan, one a privileged woman.
What do they have in common?
They both wanted to join the WRENS - Women’s Royal Navy Service.
We meet Marion in 1914 as she enters an orphanage, and finally feels at home because she made a friend - Eddie.
We meet Evelyn in 1940 who has been sheltered all her life because of a health issue.
We learn of the lives of both women as they struggle through their youth, and make the decision that they want to serve their country.
I really enjoyed Marion and Eddie’s friendship and the strength of both Marion and Evelyn.
THE CALL OF THE WRENS is an emotional, thoughtful, educational read that pulls you in with Ms. Walsh’s wonderful writing style and story line.
The book flows nicely from one time period to the next.
Historical fiction fans as well as women’s fiction fans will thoroughly enjoy this marvelous book about loyalty and friendships.
Add it to your TBR...you will love it too. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via a win from a TLC Book Tour Giveaway for an honest review.
What do they have in common?
They both wanted to join the WRENS - Women’s Royal Navy Service.
We meet Marion in 1914 as she enters an orphanage, and finally feels at home because she made a friend - Eddie.
We meet Evelyn in 1940 who has been sheltered all her life because of a health issue.
We learn of the lives of both women as they struggle through their youth, and make the decision that they want to serve their country.
I really enjoyed Marion and Eddie’s friendship and the strength of both Marion and Evelyn.
THE CALL OF THE WRENS is an emotional, thoughtful, educational read that pulls you in with Ms. Walsh’s wonderful writing style and story line.
The book flows nicely from one time period to the next.
Historical fiction fans as well as women’s fiction fans will thoroughly enjoy this marvelous book about loyalty and friendships.
Add it to your TBR...you will love it too. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via a win from a TLC Book Tour Giveaway for an honest review.
January 12, 2023
Genres: Historical Fiction/WWI/WWII
I liked the focus on the Wrens (Womens Royal Navy Service). I haven't heard of them before. The historical part pulled me right in. These women were definitely adventurous and brave.
I liked both MCs in the dual timelines. They pulled on the heart strings and were easy to like and to root for. Both wars were also predominant to the story with lots of detail. This was a little on the sweet side but I enjoyed it. So 4 stars.
I liked the focus on the Wrens (Womens Royal Navy Service). I haven't heard of them before. The historical part pulled me right in. These women were definitely adventurous and brave.
I liked both MCs in the dual timelines. They pulled on the heart strings and were easy to like and to root for. Both wars were also predominant to the story with lots of detail. This was a little on the sweet side but I enjoyed it. So 4 stars.
June 4, 2022
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.
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.
Read
June 6, 2022from endorsement:
With a winning blend of adventure and romance, Walsh highlights the bravery and intrepid spirit of women destined to forge a path beyond the restrictive expectations of their era and circumstance. A winning treatise on courage and sisterhood The Call of the Wrens will have fans of Kate Quinn and Erika Robuck rejoicing with each compulsively readable page.
With a winning blend of adventure and romance, Walsh highlights the bravery and intrepid spirit of women destined to forge a path beyond the restrictive expectations of their era and circumstance. A winning treatise on courage and sisterhood The Call of the Wrens will have fans of Kate Quinn and Erika Robuck rejoicing with each compulsively readable page.
November 15, 2022
What a marvelous dual-timeline histfic novel featuring the British Women’s Royal Naval Service (the WRENS) -- motorcycle dispatch riders in WWI and II. Beautifully written, fully engaging, and a must-read for historical fiction lovers wanting a different take on the wars, as shown through the lives of brave WRENS Marion and Evelyn. Highly recommended!
October 4, 2025
This was about women serving in the WRENS during WWI and WWII. Many of them became dispatch riders. Also, a couple of them were responsible for the carrier pigeons. There were some very happy moments and some truly sad moments. As always with historical novels set during this time, I learned quite a bit. Outstanding narration. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
September 15, 2022
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.
August 2, 2022
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 for Jenni. This book is bound to be huge!
December 12, 2023
An easy read for anyone wanting to know a bit more about the WRENS. It's not an in-depth look into their roles, but it does gives you a glimpse into what it was like for these women. The characters are well developed and the pace of the story is good. I think it would've done better without the romance or if it had expanded more on what happens to Marion after the first war. That being said, it's a solid 4* read. More books should be written about the many different roles women have undertaken during the wars.
February 20, 2023
*Audible audio *
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story: 3 stars 🌟
Characters 3.5 stars
----
I respect the wrens in general and I cared about the characters in here... it's not my favorite of her work. The writing wasn't bad, I just didn't love it as I did her other books.
Would still recommend it. A good read, but not a great one for this reader.
Narration: 4 stars 🌟
Story: 3 stars 🌟
Characters 3.5 stars
----
I respect the wrens in general and I cared about the characters in here... it's not my favorite of her work. The writing wasn't bad, I just didn't love it as I did her other books.
Would still recommend it. A good read, but not a great one for this reader.
August 16, 2023
A fascinating look into the WRNS, or the "Wrens" as they were commonly referred, an all-female branch of the British Royal Navy first formed in 1917 for the first World War and then disbanded in 1919, but resurrected for WWII in 1939. Over 8,000 women were trained as a Wren during WWII with a variety of roles including radio operator, meteorologists, typists, plotters, bomb markers, and the very daring motorcycle dispatchers - and its those women, that unique sisterhood which inspires this wonderful story!
In its early pages, we meet Sarah and Marion, or 'Mare' and 'Sare' as we will later learn as their given nicknames for one another, and we learn that they are former Wrens from WWI now coming out of "retirement" in July 1940 to support the war effort. We see that while the 2 women used to be very close, it has been some years since they last spoke and there is a simmering tension between them, but unspoken. This tension continues to simmer and build as we turn the pages and go back in time to when Mare, Sare, and their buoyant friend Eddie were all serving as dispatch riders. We, as readers, know that something unforgettable, and maybe even tragic, is about to occur alongside them in Amiens, and we know it could possibly change everything about the futures of their stories... and it certainly does.
And, in the more modern timeline of WWII, we meet young daredevil Evelyn Fairchild as she races around the tracks at Brooklands. She is always striving to prove her worth, her value, and that she can contribute as much as any other woman, despite her club foot; a malady she tries to conceal. Always driven by speed and the allure of danger, Evelyn defies her family's wishes and joins the Wrens with the sole purpose of becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider.
Each of these women, in the WWI and WWII timelines, find far more than purpose in service with the Wrens, they find belonging, true friendship, a sisterhood. And that is what ultimately continued to draw me further and further into this book, the relationships that are forged and forged so deeply as they are so close to imminent danger.
I loved both timelines and POVs equally and, must admit, there is a moment where they converge and I didn't see the plot twist coming, but was fully engrossed when it did.
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book, learned a lot about the Wrens, about carrier pigeons and working in an aviary, and the unbreakable spirit of women -- both then and now!
Actual rating, 4.25 stars
In its early pages, we meet Sarah and Marion, or 'Mare' and 'Sare' as we will later learn as their given nicknames for one another, and we learn that they are former Wrens from WWI now coming out of "retirement" in July 1940 to support the war effort. We see that while the 2 women used to be very close, it has been some years since they last spoke and there is a simmering tension between them, but unspoken. This tension continues to simmer and build as we turn the pages and go back in time to when Mare, Sare, and their buoyant friend Eddie were all serving as dispatch riders. We, as readers, know that something unforgettable, and maybe even tragic, is about to occur alongside them in Amiens, and we know it could possibly change everything about the futures of their stories... and it certainly does.
And, in the more modern timeline of WWII, we meet young daredevil Evelyn Fairchild as she races around the tracks at Brooklands. She is always striving to prove her worth, her value, and that she can contribute as much as any other woman, despite her club foot; a malady she tries to conceal. Always driven by speed and the allure of danger, Evelyn defies her family's wishes and joins the Wrens with the sole purpose of becoming a motorcycle dispatch rider.
Each of these women, in the WWI and WWII timelines, find far more than purpose in service with the Wrens, they find belonging, true friendship, a sisterhood. And that is what ultimately continued to draw me further and further into this book, the relationships that are forged and forged so deeply as they are so close to imminent danger.
I loved both timelines and POVs equally and, must admit, there is a moment where they converge and I didn't see the plot twist coming, but was fully engrossed when it did.
I really, thoroughly enjoyed this book, learned a lot about the Wrens, about carrier pigeons and working in an aviary, and the unbreakable spirit of women -- both then and now!
Actual rating, 4.25 stars
June 5, 2022
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.
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.
September 14, 2022
How did I not know of these exceptional ladies?! Fabulous bit of history stretching across two wars penned with incredible research, warmth, wit, and a thoroughness that really got beneath the skin of these women. And I adore Percy. That is all.
December 16, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for a complimentary copy of this book! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This novel is based off true events that happened during WW1 and WW2 and about the brave women who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) during those wars. Both Marion and Evelyn are dispatch riders on motorcycles delivering top secret information to aid in the war efforts. They both also help to train and deliver messenger pigeons . In WW1, we have Marion and Eddie, both orphans, who decide to join the war effort. Years later, during WW2, Evelyn decides to join in the war effort, against her parents’ wishes. Throughout all this, both women have love interests…Marion has Eddie, Evelyn has Percy! Marion’s and Evelyn’s paths cross in WW2, but in more ways than either of them ever expected!!!
I really enjoyed reading this novel, especially because the author shed a spotlight on women who aided the war efforts back in the day. There were points in the novel where I couldn’t help but cry. There were points where I felt on the edge of my seat as bombs were being rained down on the Wrens!!! And there was an abundance of joyous, happy moments! I love it when authors can pull their readers into the story so deeply! Thank you so much for this!!!
This novel is based off true events that happened during WW1 and WW2 and about the brave women who served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) during those wars. Both Marion and Evelyn are dispatch riders on motorcycles delivering top secret information to aid in the war efforts. They both also help to train and deliver messenger pigeons . In WW1, we have Marion and Eddie, both orphans, who decide to join the war effort. Years later, during WW2, Evelyn decides to join in the war effort, against her parents’ wishes. Throughout all this, both women have love interests…Marion has Eddie, Evelyn has Percy! Marion’s and Evelyn’s paths cross in WW2, but in more ways than either of them ever expected!!!
I really enjoyed reading this novel, especially because the author shed a spotlight on women who aided the war efforts back in the day. There were points in the novel where I couldn’t help but cry. There were points where I felt on the edge of my seat as bombs were being rained down on the Wrens!!! And there was an abundance of joyous, happy moments! I love it when authors can pull their readers into the story so deeply! Thank you so much for this!!!
January 7, 2023
Engrossing & entertaining. A favorite time period & two sympathetic heroines. I look forward to more stories from this author!
October 28, 2022
I absolutely flew through this novel! With its beautiful writing, strong female characters, and fascinating glimpse into history, I could not put this story down. The Call of the Wrens explores the WRNS and their role in both the First and Second World Wars. This dual-timeline aspect was very well done and I found both Marion and Evelyn's stories compelling. The book was well researched and provided a fresh look into WWII fiction -- I hadn't read a book that featured motorcycle dispatch riders before and I loved this plotline (as I did Marion's work with the pigeons!) These were fabulous bits of history that have been woven into a heartfelt novel full of courage, resilience, and warmth. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction!
November 27, 2022
I was called to read this book as soon as I gazed upon the cover. I am so glad I did.
Call of the Wrens alternates between the story of Marion, a “Wren” in the Great War, and Evelyn, who serves in World War II, the story speaks to the often overlooked history of the British women who risked their lives to serve their country. I was unfamiliar with the details of wrens and dispatch riders. It's obvious Walsh, took care in research prior to sharing their stories.
Marion is an orphan who ages out of state-sponsored care during World War I. She joins the Wrens and then finds herself on the outskirts of the war, training and delivering carrier pigeons by motorbike. Evelyn while well off in society, shuns a life of finishing school and serving a husband. Against her parents' wishes, she runs off to join the sisterhood during World War II and becomes a dispatch rider. Both women show remarkable courage and resolve, their stories slowly weaving together in alternating timelines until at last they converge.
Walsh’s characters (including pigeon #486) are sympathetic and believable. The plot has plenty of surprises, and the history of these heroic women is fascinating. A this is a tale filled with hope and determination.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sharing a story of strong women and their roles in history! (I enjoyed the use of “bird” humor peppered throughout the book)
Call of the Wrens alternates between the story of Marion, a “Wren” in the Great War, and Evelyn, who serves in World War II, the story speaks to the often overlooked history of the British women who risked their lives to serve their country. I was unfamiliar with the details of wrens and dispatch riders. It's obvious Walsh, took care in research prior to sharing their stories.
Marion is an orphan who ages out of state-sponsored care during World War I. She joins the Wrens and then finds herself on the outskirts of the war, training and delivering carrier pigeons by motorbike. Evelyn while well off in society, shuns a life of finishing school and serving a husband. Against her parents' wishes, she runs off to join the sisterhood during World War II and becomes a dispatch rider. Both women show remarkable courage and resolve, their stories slowly weaving together in alternating timelines until at last they converge.
Walsh’s characters (including pigeon #486) are sympathetic and believable. The plot has plenty of surprises, and the history of these heroic women is fascinating. A this is a tale filled with hope and determination.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for sharing a story of strong women and their roles in history! (I enjoyed the use of “bird” humor peppered throughout the book)
November 15, 2022
The Call of the Wrens is a captivating historical fiction novel of courage and resilience. It tells the story of the women who served in the Women’s Royal Navy Service—the Wrens—in both WWI and WWII. Marion is an orphan and joins the Wrens during the Great War; Evelyn is a society girl who joins them at the outbreak of WWII. Both women endured hardships and danger as they worked to help Britain during wartime, as well as facing challenges prior to joining the service. Their stories were equally compelling, and I recommend this emotional tale of love, war, and secrets.
October 26, 2022
This book has dual timelines. The first one is before the Great war and during the Great war , the second timeline is set during ww2. In this book we follow the courageous women in service during ww1 and ww2. Mainly Marion during ww1 and both Marion and Evelyn during ww2.
For me this book was about resilience, loss, courage, hard choices and of course the wars.
I really liked the book, you felt Connected with the Main characters, you could almost hear the sound of the bombe. I could cry with them during hard times. So yes read this book please
For me this book was about resilience, loss, courage, hard choices and of course the wars.
I really liked the book, you felt Connected with the Main characters, you could almost hear the sound of the bombe. I could cry with them during hard times. So yes read this book please
June 14, 2024
4.25⭐️ This was such an interesting read! I loved reading about the training of the messenger pigeons used in WWI. Also about the Wrens, which were the women who enlisted in the British military as typists, secretaries, etc. during WWI & WWII & they also delivered messages on motorcycles. Pretty cool stuff! There was plenty of family drama & romance mixed in as well, with a book loving FMC & all the bookish references. This was a dual timeline(WWI & WWII) & both storylines were great.
“Where you go, I go.” 🕊️
“Where you go, I go.” 🕊️
January 26, 2023
I couldn't wait to get in my car or to take a walk so I could listen to this story! Beautifully crafted and woven together, I loved spending time with these courageous and persevering women.
October 31, 2022
Marion has lived in orphanages for as long as she can remember. She was given a birth date because no one knows when she was born; she was given the last name because no one knows what her last name really is. She hasn’t spoken in fourteen years, and she has no friends so she has no need to talk, that is until she lands in St. Anne’s Orphanage. Marion is there for almost four years and just when she thinks this may be her forever home, she is told she has to leave because she turns eighteen.
This is where her best friend, Eddie, comes in. Marion met Eddie while she was at St Anne’s and they became inseparable. Even though he is supposedly a year younger than her, when she has to leave, he leaves also. Marion goes to sign up for the Women’s Royal Naval Service – WRENS – so that she can have shelter and food. Eddie signs up for service also so that they can stay together.
While training to become a WREN, Marion meets Sara and they become thick as thieves. When Marion is sent to France, she is thrilled to find that she is there to help Sara with the carrier pigeons used to send secret messages to those on the front line of the war. It is also not a shock to find out that Eddie found a way to get sent to France also.
What happens to Marion & Eddie & Sara? You have got to read this incredible story to find out!!
Evelyn grew up in a very wealthy family. Even though she should be getting groomed to become a proper lady, marry, have kids, and take care of a home, Evelyn would rather be racing cars. Evelyn’s parents tolerate her love of cars, but as the war looms over France, they insist that she goes to school to become all of those things mentioned above.
Percy is a long-time friend of Evelyn and her family. Evelyn’s mother pushes for Evelyn and Percy to begin dating, but neither of them has any interest in the other except for being friends. When Percy mentions to Evelyn about the WRENS, she is extremely interested. She “borrows” Percy’s motorcycle, runs away from her family, and signs up for the WRENS. Evelyn has to work twice as hard as the other girls because Evelyn was born with a club foot. This makes her training grueling.
Now that Evelyn is out from under her parent’s roof, she begins seeing Percy in a different light. She actually begins to fall for him, only to find out that he has a girlfriend. With nothing else to live for except her work as a WREN, she begins taking risks that she normally wouldn’t take. Will this cost her more than she is willing to give?
What happens to Evelyn & Percy? You have to read this incredible story to find out!
Ready for a twist? Holy cow has this book got one! This is one you don’t want to miss!!
This is where her best friend, Eddie, comes in. Marion met Eddie while she was at St Anne’s and they became inseparable. Even though he is supposedly a year younger than her, when she has to leave, he leaves also. Marion goes to sign up for the Women’s Royal Naval Service – WRENS – so that she can have shelter and food. Eddie signs up for service also so that they can stay together.
While training to become a WREN, Marion meets Sara and they become thick as thieves. When Marion is sent to France, she is thrilled to find that she is there to help Sara with the carrier pigeons used to send secret messages to those on the front line of the war. It is also not a shock to find out that Eddie found a way to get sent to France also.
What happens to Marion & Eddie & Sara? You have got to read this incredible story to find out!!
Evelyn grew up in a very wealthy family. Even though she should be getting groomed to become a proper lady, marry, have kids, and take care of a home, Evelyn would rather be racing cars. Evelyn’s parents tolerate her love of cars, but as the war looms over France, they insist that she goes to school to become all of those things mentioned above.
Percy is a long-time friend of Evelyn and her family. Evelyn’s mother pushes for Evelyn and Percy to begin dating, but neither of them has any interest in the other except for being friends. When Percy mentions to Evelyn about the WRENS, she is extremely interested. She “borrows” Percy’s motorcycle, runs away from her family, and signs up for the WRENS. Evelyn has to work twice as hard as the other girls because Evelyn was born with a club foot. This makes her training grueling.
Now that Evelyn is out from under her parent’s roof, she begins seeing Percy in a different light. She actually begins to fall for him, only to find out that he has a girlfriend. With nothing else to live for except her work as a WREN, she begins taking risks that she normally wouldn’t take. Will this cost her more than she is willing to give?
What happens to Evelyn & Percy? You have to read this incredible story to find out!
Ready for a twist? Holy cow has this book got one! This is one you don’t want to miss!!
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