Narrator Rosalyn Landor breathes life into the romance between Ben Ellis and Lady Jennifer Arden in England circa 1800. Ben is the bastard son of an earl, and Jennifer is the sister of a duke. Due to a childhood illness, Jennifer is unable to walk, but she is happy and loving nonetheless. Ben and Jennifer encounter each other at a family house party. Landor successfully navigates multiple characters, allowing the listener to easily follow along. She is especially good at voicing Ben's young daughter, Joy, giving her just the right touch of childlike exuberance. Jennifer and Ben long for each other but fear society's disapproval of Ben's background, and Landor exudes all of their angst. Listeners will enjoy Landor's lyrical performance.
Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781705091692
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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.
