Ancient Israel is an unusual setting for a work by Hoffman, who is best known for contemporary novels featuring incandescent heroines and earthy enchantment. Hoffman's venture into a historical venue offers a bold testament to the human spirit as its female characters face challenges of biblical proportions. The struggles of fleeing from Roman armies and subsisting in the Judean desert are described by the youthful Aziza, portrayed by Heather Lind, and Shirah, a wise woman who is artful in the practice of traditional magic and medicine, portrayed by Aya Cash. Both are convincing as the compelling women they portray. Jessica Hecht and Tovah Feldshuh also grace this dark spiritual tale with powerful narrations. Hoffman loyalists may shy away from this archaic story but are advised to give it a try as the author solidly delivers on her signature themes of women's solidarity and mysticism.
Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
Duration: 19 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781442344570
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.
Author Guite recites his epic ballad, the first of four installments in his retelling of the Arthurian legends. Starting in the 12th century, the Celtic tales of Arthur were recast with explicitly Christian interpretations. Continuing this tradition, Guite’s Galahad is portrayed as the most perfect knight, the embodiment of virginal purity facing potential downfall from the temptation posed by beautiful women. Only with God’s help will he succeed in his quest. Guite narrates at a leisurely pace, his gravelly voice rising and falling with the passion and intensity of the story. An informative author’s note details Guite’s reasons for undertaking this project.
Guite’s performance makes his poetry accessible.Pub Date: April 20, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 54 mins
DD ISBN: 9798895641408
Publisher: Oasis Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
Mean girl tactics combine with the messy feeling of truly being seen.
Carly Larson, Sarah Beth Pfeifer, Austenne Gray, and Elise Taff perform this satirical novel about Christian influencers, megachurches, and the secrets we keep to stay in our communities. Pastor Kyle and his picture-perfect wife, Cassidy, have announced a fundraising gala. A group of influencers called the Moral Mavens begin spreading the word and quickly find that their personal drama, and the hypocrisy of their church leaders, might be a bigger draw than the event itself. Each narrator’s performance perfectly balances the faux bubbly sweetness of the influencers while capturing the destructive nature of false perfection.
Mean girl tactics combine with the messy feeling of truly being seen.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 2 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654026
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
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