Mozhan Marno narrates this dual-time-period audiobook, which begins with a reimagining of Pablo Picasso's brief stay in the French coastal town of Juan-les-Pins in 1939. In this account, 17-year-old Ondine becomes the artist's cook and eventually his model. In contemporary times, American-born Celine visits France in hopes of finding a hidden painting it is thought Picasso gave to her late grandmother. Marno's impeccable accents bring authenticity to the women's stories, which focus on both culinary skills and love. She sympathetically conveys Ondine's and Celine's very different emotional circumstances: Ondine dreams of escaping her parents' expectations, and Celine is worried about her mother's failing health. Humor lightens the mood, making this romance cum mystery—full of art, family bickering, and, of course, fabulous food—fully enjoyable.
Pub Date: Aug. 9, 2016
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780735286702
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An astonishingly unique historical novel, which begins in Trinidad in the 1940s, this is an example of the best that an audiobook can offer. The two narrators, Ron Butler and Bahni Turpin, are superb choices who move the listener smoothly between the two main characters. Farook and Marcia Garcia are star-crossed lovers who don’t have fate on their side. Turpin evokes the rhythms of English as spoken in Trinidad, lyrical, and rhythmic. Through her confident narrative style, Marica Garcia comes across as a strong, beleaguered young woman. Her trials evoke empathy in the listener. Butler establishes the contorted choices that face Farook as an Indian man who is prevented by racism from marrying his true love. This sprawling tale spans Trinidad and the United States, from the 1940s-1960s.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2015
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In this stand-alone novel set during the Hundred Years' War, Thomas of Hookton, hero of Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy, returns with his band of mercenaries in pursuit of the sword of Saint Peter—a holy relic said to bestow great power. Naturally, others are also in pursuit and are determined to win the sword at any cost. Jack Hawkins delivers a stunning performance of this dramatic novel of political intrigue and military battle. Throughout, he effortlessly distinguishes characters from all over Western Europe through various accents. Hawkins's thoughtful reading reveals the emotions of the characters, enhancing their portrayals. His performance is full of energy during Cornwell's signature battle scenes, offering the listener a visceral experience of war.
Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062209344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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