Kelsey Jaffer and Ines del Castillo team up to deliver this touching epistolary novel featuring heartfelt narrations. The story begins when Frida, who is living in Paris, contacts the Seattle bookstore where Kate works in search of a book. Known for her friendly demeanor, Kate is chosen to correspond with Frida. As their friendship grows through a shared love of books and writing, they support each other in chasing dreams and discovering desires. Jaffer, portraying Kate, and del Castillo, portraying Frida, bring authenticity to the story with their unique vocal inflections and pacing. They artfully convey the excitement, curiosity, and introspection expressed in the women's letters. An author's note, narrated by Kim Fay, adds depth to this beautifully crafted story.
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217011759
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A striking exploration of friendship between women and its power to heal a broken heart.
Remy is an author with a bestselling debut and no idea how to write her second novel; Simone is a primary school teacher with a less-than-kid-friendly side hustle. When Remy and Simone meet amid a series of personal crises, their unlikely friendship is exactly what they need to start their journeys back to happiness. Narrator Isabel Adomakoh Young conjures a pair of delightfully distinct voices for the women at the heart of this audiobook. Remy’s brash confidence masks deep insecurities about herself, while Simone’s quiet certainty covers her pain at her estrangement from her family. Young expertly peppers the background characters with authentic London and West African accents.
A striking exploration of friendship between women and its power to heal a broken heart.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250433800
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.
Narrator Soneela Nankani unfolds the suspenseful account of Sarah and Sam, a couple hoping an anniversary trip to the Maldives can repair their marriage. A chance encounter that leads to a burgeoning friendship with an older couple, Krista and Kevin, could be just the encouragement they need. But when a body is discovered in the water, suspicion and unease arise. Nankani uses a brisk, controlled pace that matches the escalating tension. She marks Sarah’s growing distrust of their newly made friends through sharpened emphasis and attentive phrasing. Nankani's delivery highlights shifts in mood as intimacy gives way to mistrust. Her taut narration conveys curiosity, apprehension, and dark humor.
Nankani's performance centers on perception, suspicion, and the fragile state of a relationship under pressure.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781511380751
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: April 14, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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