Xe Sands's silky-smooth narration navigates the treacherous shallows of family conflict. Financial struggle drives much of the story, and Sands adds a tone of desperation and exhaustion as the characters fight to survive. She particularly shines when inhabiting sisters Cheyenne and Livy with an acid tone and growing affection. The women demand their estranged father's inheritance but instead are given knowledge of a family secret. When Essex, a homeless boy, is added, Sands adds an appealing masculine manner to the mix. Family frictions reveal the ties that bind through Sands's portrayals, which become more intense when sickness strikes and the sisters face difficult decisions that force dramatic choices. This dark yet droll novel travels from sea to shining sea, touching on race, the environment, and love.
Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2020
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593292150
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 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
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view...
Author/narrator Berg delves into the life of 92-year-old Florence "Flo" Greene. Flo has been given weeks to live and writes a letter to her dearest friend and heir, Ruthie, explaining what Ruthie will find in the house when she inherits it. In this epistolary novel, Berg allows Flo to ponder the meaning of life, love, friendship, and belief. Berg’s slight accent for Flo gives the novel a folksy touch, distinguishing Flo from her new friend Theresa, who happens to be a death doula. As the two women become fast friends, Flo’s reflections grow more intimate and personal.
Berg narrates her tale of friendship with candor and wit, creating a touching portrait of one woman’s memorable view of life.Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593677643
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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