This novel centers around a group of women, linked by friendship and relationships, who range from deep involvement to the outer perimeter of the Jane Collective, an underground abortion provider in 1970s Chicago. While police surveillance increases, these women find ways to help each other and empower each other to improve their own lives. One of my favorite stories within this novel was that of Patty, a housewife who begins the book deeply suspicious of the work of the Jane Collective and ends the book supportive enough of her friends that she's arrested alongside them. I'm glad to see more novels centered around these themes and I hope to see more about this history, which I don't see represented often enough in historical fiction. ( )

Trigger Warnings: women’s health care/reproductive rights

Who does a woman call when she needs help? Jane.

Jane is a women’s health organization composed entirely of women helping women with their reproductive needs - including illegal abortions. The women who run Jane lead double lives and All You Need to Do Is Call follows three of the members as they must make decisions that will change the course of all their lives.

I think nowadays it’s important to really know about our history and how we should try our hardest to not repeat it. But also, if stuff does get repeated, looking back and seeing how it was handled and managed before (usually in the underground).

This story is loosely based on the Jane Society from Chicago in the 1970’s and it was really nice to read about and learn how women were helping each other out as much as they could when society wasn’t. It was also nice to read about the different types of women that Jane brought together - both as in the members and the tidbits of information we got about those who used the service. We really got a look into the housewife’s role in a turning point of history.

Overall, I really enjoyed this historical fiction and will be recommending this to those who like historical fiction. This would also be a good book group read as it can bring up tons of discussion points for groups as well.

*Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

Excellent book about women who band together in a time when abortion was illegal. Amazing what was done without cell phones etc. ( )

This book follows the lives of three women, Veronica, Patty, and Margaret. Jane, a female empowerment, underground abortion group is designed to provide women with choice and safe medical treatment. Veronica, the founder of Jane, lives a double life. On one hand, she is the typical suburban housewife who bakes and takes care of her child. On the other, she coordinates and performs illegal underground abortions. Patty, Veronica's best friend, does not know about Jane and is horrified at the thought of abortion. She focuses her time and energy on her children and boosting her lack luster marriage. Margaret is a young college professor who is trying to make a difference in a male dominated profession.

I thought the storyline was a bit lacking in this book. The story was slow to develop and very predictable. The characters felt stereotypical, and not particularly likeable. I was a bit horrified that women with no medical training were performing abortions, and was interested to learn more about Jane itself, however that part of the book was lacking. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars. ( )

All You Have To Do Is Call, is a powerful and thoughtful read. I grew more and more intently interested as I progressed through the book-basically meaning that I found it slow getting started initially. By midway through, I was mesmerized and had a hard time pulling myself out of the book.

The subject is of course controversial and although Ms. Maher began the book while Roe was still the law of the land, its repeal lands us right back into a similar era to the late sixties and early seventies. She does a great job of incorporating the feel of that era into the story and presenting all the reasons for why choice became the passionate issue that it still is today.

Although Ms. Maher has based the story on the historic organization of Jane in Chicago, she has created her own characters and developed interactions and relationships that are delightful to experience. The characters flesh out and become real as do their struggles and challenges making the story feel genuine and giving the reader reasons to care about them and cheer them on. For me, this was a true 5 star read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. I am happy pass on my recommendation. ( )