Jenny, perhaps, in novel, reader finally recalled (4)
I believe the answer is:
wren
'jenny' is the definition.
(jenny wren is another name for a wren)
'in novel reader finally recalled' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'novel' becomes 'new' (synonyms).
'finally' suggests the final letters.
'recalled' says the letters should be written backwards (to recall can mean to bring something back).
The final letter of 'reader' is 'r'.
'new' placed around 'r' is 'nerw'.
'nerw' backwards is 'WREN'.
'perhaps' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for wren that I've seen before include "one leaving evidence all around London monument" , "Architect of St Paul's Cathedral" , "Former RN woman" , "Tiny bird" , "Small British bird" .)