A varied, nimble narration keeps this complicated, dual-timeline story engaging.
In 1986, Nona Dixon, an actress whose soap opera is sponsored by her childhood employer, Earthshine Soap, finds her life unraveling when she’s named in a lawsuit alleging that the product harms women’s health. Once the brand’s face, Nora is pulled into a scandal on top of her already complicated life. The narrative shifts to 1910, where Opal Doucet, a pregnant factory worker, secretly makes “Comet Pills” for co-workers while hiding from her husband and planning an escape to Paris. Both timelines coincide with the appearance of Halley’s comet. Narrator Shana Pennington-Baird’s shifts in tone, cadence, and accent add emotional depth, grounding the story. Without her brilliant performance, the book’s limited character development would be more overt.
A varied, nimble narration keeps this complicated, dual-timeline story engaging.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 46 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349110887
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
In this sequel to Terms of Endearment, Larry McMurtry brings back Aurora Greenway, who is now dealing with her various lovers and friends plus three grown grandchildren with a variety of problems. He presents a tale of growing up and growing old which is bittersweet and funny. Narrator Ivey uses a slight east Texas accent which authenticates the setting of the story. Each character's voice has a slightly different inflection to differentiate it. It all works together well. As you listen, you feel as if you might actually be in Houston sharing the lives of these resilient and refreshing people.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 20 hrs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
To Fred Fairly, a Cambridge Fellow, truth is everything. What then is the truth about the woman he finds beside him when he awakens? English conventions and mores of 1912 Cambridge are central to this period piece. Callow's wonderful voice and interpretation make accents, personalities and gender come alive, and help make sense of the frequent time and character shifts. His delivery enhances a most clever "choose your own ending."
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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