Zara Hampton-Brown narrates a romance between a rake in need of reform and a young lady who seeks to reject expectations. When Kieran Ransome does something unthinkably foolish, his father threatens to disinherit him unless he finds a suitable bride. But, apart from Celeste Kilburn, his best friend's sister, Kieran doesn't know any respectable women. Hampton-Brown portrays Kieran as warm and generous, a rake with a heart of gold whose only real flaw is trying to avoid responsibilities. Celeste is deeply frustrated with her lot, both as a woman and as her family's ticket into society, and Hampton-Brown leans into that frustration in her portrayal. While this frothy story of a rake seeking redemption and a woman seeking agency is nothing new, it is capably performed.
Pub Date: Feb. 22, 2022
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063082649
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Hewitt magnificently transports listeners to a postwar America when dreams of a fresh start collide with haunting wartime...
Caroline Hewitt's evocative portrait of a Hungarian countess in post-WWII Minnesota is an engaging listen. Twenty-four-year-old Roza, winningly portrayed with a soft accent and assured demeanor, is engaged to American soldier Joe. When she arrives in Minnesota on a two-week G.I. visa, she learns that Joe is already married. Roza shares her story with a local journalist. The published column brings in more than 1,700 marriage proposals from American military servicemen. Roza chooses to marry Finn, and they settle in his small Minnesota hometown.
Hewitt magnificently transports listeners to a postwar America when dreams of a fresh start collide with haunting wartime memories.Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063457065
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2026
Listeners are in for a treat as this audiobook recounts the exploits of the legendary Saint Valentine; his blind lover, Agatha; and a cast of characters voiced by 20 narrators. Standout performances from Ryan Haugen as Valentine and Wayne LeGette as Emperor Gallienus anchor the ensemble with clear character distinctions and expressive deliveries that guide listeners through the action and intimacy. This historical fiction reworks the story of the Roman soldier Valentine, who embraced the priesthood, secretly performing Christian marriages against Emperor Claudius' ruling, ultimately becoming the martyr who inspired Valentine's Day. Sound effects and dialogue create a cinematic audio production emphasizing love, faith, and resistance. Listeners will be immersed in a vivid ancient world they won't soon forget.
Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2025
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798991362429
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
