Contemporary Women Audiobooks | Fiction

"Jordan Peele’s Us meets The School For Good Mothers in this horror-tinged intergenerational saga, as a single mother’s doppelganger forces her to confront the legacy of violence that has shaped every woman in their family. Single mother Alice Chow is drowning. With a booming online cloth diaper shop, her resentful teenage daughter Luna, and her screen-obsessed son Luca, Alice can never get everything done in a day. It’s all she can do to just collapse on the couch with a bottle of wine every night. It’s a relief when Alice wakes up one morning and everything has been done. The counters are clear, the kids’ rooms are tidy, orders are neatly packed and labeled. But no one confesses they’ve helped, and Alice doesn’t remember staying up late. Someone–or something–has been doing her chores for her. Alice should be uneasy, but the extra time lets her connect with her children and with her hard-edged mother, who begins to share their haunted family history from Alice’s great-grandmother, a comfort woman during WWII, through to Alice herself. But the family demons, both real and subconscious, are about to become impossible to ignore. Sharp and incisive, The Hunger We Pass Down traces the ways intergenerational trauma transforms from mother to daughter, and asks what it might take to break that cycle."

Jen Sookfong Lee (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Sea Glass Christmas

"In the ultimate Christmas comfort read for fans of Nicholas Sparks and Karen Kingsbury, a bracing Christmas on North Carolina’s Outer Banks opens the door to a second chance at love … Some places never leave you … Two days before his 21st birthday, Brody Reames left the Outer Banks to fulfill his dream of sailing. For years, it’s been a liberating, wayfarer’s life, crewing on ocean-bound vessels and joining cross-Atlantic races. He knew leaving his hometown wouldn’t be forever, but to mend a disillusioned heart in Fortunate Harbor, it was for the best. Still, he never expected that a family upheaval and his loving mother’s plea would call him back. With Christmas nearing, Brody is coming home again—to a crisp chill in the air and a warm former flame … Some goodbyes aren’t meant to be forever … Attorney for the Outer Banks’ 5-star ocean-front resort and resident treasure hunter, Rae Alden has a life that is adventurous, rewarding … and lonely. Still struggling with recent romances gone wrong, Rae directs all her energy into her career and caring for her ailing aunt, taking respite in dawn runs along the beach. But now, after eight years, she sees Brody again. They share more than a passion for the island realm. There are memories of a lovely once-upon-a-time fling. It lasted until a fateful change of seasons—and heart. Like waves along the Crystal Coast, emotions thought long-gone come rushing back. But with both of them facing family turmoil and secrets yet to be revealed, how promising is a new chance at happiness, no matter how powerful the yearning? For Brody and Rae, this Christmas is all about making wishes come true."

Davis Bunn (Author), Susan Bennett (Narrator)

Audiobook

Santa's Holiday Spectacular

"In a madcap holiday adventure from New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels, the four fan-favorite gal pals of Santa’s Crew are joined by their new friends from the Sisterhood to put a stop to some real-life Grinches in New York City. The perfect friendship-filled, escapist Christmas read for fans of Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, Mary Kay Andrews, and RaeAnne Thayne! For onetime high school pals Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina, being together for Christmas has become a cherished tradition, whether they’re taking a trip or staying close to home. There’s something special about giving back during the holiday season too, which is why Frankie is so dismayed when she learns that Salvation Army buckets are being pilfered all over town. Amy, Rachael, and Nina quickly agree to help her track down the thieves. It might not be their usual gathering, but it promises to be an adventure, especially when they bump into two women on a very similar quest … Annie and Myra have learned that a shipment of children’s toys they sent to a charity event in New York City has been stolen. It looks like the thefts are connected, and it’s the kind of injustice that the ladies of the Sisterhood simply can’t abide. On a madcap spree through the city, the two groups join forces to find the bandits, save Christmas, and along the way, make this a holiday to remember for all the right reasons …"

Fern Michaels (Author), Susan Bennett (Narrator)

Audiobook

Medusa

"Brought to you by Penguin. You know her name, you know her story. Just not the right one... Within the depths of the Underworld the formidable snake-haired Gorgon has finally had enough. Tired of being eternally and unjustly brandished a villain, Medusa has found the courage to face her tragic past and speak out. Determined to expose the centuries of lies surrounding her name, Medusa gives unparalleled insight into her cursed life, from her earliest memories and abandonment at birth, right through to her tragic and untimely death at the hands of the hero Perseus. Through telling her story, Medusa finally reveals the lost truth behind antiquity’s most infamous monster. Medusa breathes new life into an ancient story and echoes the battle that women throughout millennia have continued to wage – the opportunity to simply be heard. Praise for Rosie Hewlett 'Delightfully devastating' Bea Fitsgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen 'A fiery and dramatic novel' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 'Vivid and powerful' Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros © Rosie Hewlett 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Rosie Hewlett (Author), Kristin Atherton, Rosie Hewlett (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Love Leap

"A romance author. A Highland sailor. A leap through time. Everything seems to be going hilariously wrong for bestselling author Amelia 'Mills' Sutherland on her first trip to Scotland. When she's about to give up, she stumbles on Aven Valley's last cottage on the cove and meets the irresistibly charming sailor, Callum MacDowell. Just as things start spicing up, a mystical portal in Loch Ness zaps Mills and Cal back to Aven Valley, 1645! Soon, they're stuck navigating clan rivalries, baffling customs, and the awkward challenge of pretending to be a married couple. Will Mills and Cal make it through until the next full moon and find their way home? Can they tackle the dangers of clan feuds and cultural faux pas? And will Mills's newfound bravery be enough to seize the unexpected love waiting for her all along? Don't miss this captivating listen filled with laugh-out-loud moments, spicy romance, adventure, and found family. If you enjoyed books like The Seven-Year Slip, Outlander, Bridget Jones' Diary, and the movie About Time, you'll also love this funny and spicy Scottish romance series from #1 Amazon international bestselling author Heather Grace Stewart. Contains mature themes."

Heather Grace Stewart (Author), Jacci Prior (Narrator)

Audiobook

Return to Loch Strathkin: An inspiring Scottish tale about moving on and healing

"After retreating to the familiar comfort of Strathkin following a series of heavy losses, Marcie Mosse is staying at her uncle Callum’s cottage while trying to rebuild her life. The picturesque Highland village, with its mist-shrouded mountains and tranquil loch, holds both warm memories and painful reminders of absences that leave a void in the tight-knit community. When Ruaridh Balfour’s estranged brother Ross unexpectedly returns after fifteen years away, his arrival stirs up long-buried village secrets and complicated emotions. Meanwhile, Marcie’s ancestral home across the loch stands as a stark reminder of past tragedies. As Marcie navigates her conflicting feelings, a young stranger arrives in the village hiding troubles of her own. When unexpected danger threatens their peaceful haven, the community must come together to protect everything they hold dear. Marcie discovers that sometimes you need to face the past before you can embrace the future, and that home might not be the place you left behind, but the people who've always been there. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan, Liz Eeles and Heidi Swain, this compelling tale explores the bonds of friendship, the weight of secrets, and finding hope in unexpected places."

Elayne Grimes (Author), Raghad Chaar (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Pieces of Us

"Brought to you by Penguin. The new novel from Claire Alexander, author of Meredith, Alone. Three generations of women. Three life altering events. As they discover the truth of their heritage, they'll discover what makes the pieces of us... At fifty-eight Minnie McAllister isn’t an old woman. But as Alzheimer’s ravages her mind, her brain says otherwise. Cat McAllister is tackling everything life can throw at her. And just when she thinks it can’t get any worse, she’s faced with the discovery that Minnie might not be the mother she once knew. Meanwhile, Cat's daughter, Ruby McAllister, who is staring at a two very blue lines, faces a decision that will change the course of her life. As three generations of women are pulled in three different directions, each are forced to learn lessons about themselves that they never could have imagined. © Claire Alexander 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Claire Alexander (Author), Sarah Barron, Sorcha Groundsell (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal

"All he wants is a quiet wife. But she wants something more . . . 19th Century, Liverpool. As wife to an errant husband, the art patron and industrialist Frederick Leyland, Frances is losing her sense of self. Living in the beautiful Speke Hall with her family, she is shocked when Frederick announces he has commissioned American Artist, James Whistler to paint her portrait and the beautiful old house. Added to that, Whistler is also going to renovate the artwork in their new London home. But when Frederick, as usual, dismisses his wife’s desires to help, telling her she doesn’t have the taste or style needed, this time her focus is drawn elsewhere when James Whistler, the handsome, brooding American artist, arrives at Speke and sweeps Frances and the family off their feet. Unlike her husband, he not only listens to Frances, he sees her. He sees the Frances that no-one else does. Under the painter’s intense gaze, Frances begins to realise that like the house, there is neglected splendour within her, too. Inspired by the possibilities the artist arouses in her, she begins to wonder if love might still be in the picture for her, after all… Based on a true story, this is the heady, slow-burn tale of a woman reinventing herself, while embarking on a daring, forbidden love affair with James Whistler. * * * All of Felicity York's novels can be read as standalones. If you love The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal, read The Runaway Bride: A Lyme Park Scandal, and pre-order The Secret Sister: A Chatsworth House Scandal now!"

Felicity York (Author), Allie Croker (Narrator)

Audiobook

Loved One

"'THE FUNNIEST BOOK YOU'LL EVER READ ABOUT GRIEF' MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD 'PERFECTLY CAPTURES THE MESSINESS, HEARTACHE AND BEAUTY OF GRIEF' RED MAGAZINE ‘For years I'd known exactly who I was to Gabe. It was a long story but I could tell it confidently, like a bartender sharing a recipe for her signature cocktail. Now things were so jumbled, I didn't know where to begin…’ When Julia’s first-love-turned-close-friend Gabe, a successful indie musician, dies unexpectedly aged 29, Julia is launched into an intercontinental quest to recover the possessions he left with friends and acquaintances across the world. The search for these items leads Julia to Elizabeth, the last woman Gabe loved, in an interaction that leaves Julia with more questions than answers. Both women, it turns out, have something to hide, and soon find themselves engaged in a complex dance of withholding and revelation. Together, the two must reconcile their conflicting memories of Gabe and who he was to each of them…and who they now are to each other. From the Emmy Award-winning writer behind Hacks and Parks and Recreation, Loved One is a wise, witty and profoundly moving coming-of-age story with a powerful love at its heart, set to become an instant classic."

Aisha Muharrar (Author), Emma Ladji (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Cover Girl

""Thrilling and glamorous as its runways and backstage parties, The Cover Girl is also heartbreaking and redemptive with an ending that made me cry. Birdie is a singular, unforgettable character whose story encapsulates so much of what led up to the #MeToo movement, and why the movement was so necessary." -Ana Reyes, New York Times bestselling author of The House in the Pines Find them early enough, and they will always be her girls. Birdie Rhodes was only thirteen when legendary modeling agent Harriet Goldman discovered her in a department store and transformed her into one of Harriet's Girls. What followed felt like the start of something incredible, a chance for shy Birdie to express herself in front of the camera. But two years later, she meets a thirty-one-year-old rock star, and her teenage heart falls hard as he leads her into a new life, despite Harriet's warnings. Then, as abruptly as it began, it's over, like a lipstick-smeared fever dream. Birdie tries hard to forget that time-starting over in Paris, in the dying embers of the LA punk scene, in Boston at the height of the AIDS crisis. She's not that person anymore. At least, that's what she's been telling herself. Decades later, Birdie lives a quiet life. She works modest gigs, takes Pilates and mostly keeps to herself. Maybe it's not the glamor she once envisioned, but it's peaceful. Comfortable. Then a letter arrives, inviting Birdie to celebrate Harriet's fifty-year career. Except Birdie hasn't spoken to her in nearly thirty years-with good reason. Almost famous, almost destroyed, Birdie can only make her own future if she reckons with her past-the fame, the trauma, the opportunities she gave up for a man who brought her into a life she wasn't ready for. Just like she's not ready now. But the painful truth waits for nobody. Not even Birdie Rhodes. For fans of My Dark Vanessa and Taylor Jenkins Reid, this striking debut novel explores the dizzying fallout of being seen and not heard in a high-stakes industry that leaves no silhouette unscathed."

Amy Rossi (Author), Hillary Huber (Narrator)

Audiobook

Through An Open Window: A Novel

"A charming, heartfelt novel about the bonds of family, whether found or foretold, from the author of The Sweet Taste of Muscadines. In the small Southern town of Wesleyan, Georgia, where the air smells of red clay and sea salt, Margaret Elliot has lived a seemingly charmed life-until the recent loss of her beloved husband. Since then, Margaret has been seeing visions of her aunt Edith, the indomitable woman who raised her after her parents died when she was a baby. As these mysterious and undeniable visitations continue, Margaret becomes convinced that Aunt Edith is trying to tell her something important. As she follows the clues that almost magically present themselves, it becomes clear there is a secret from Margaret's past waiting to be uncovered. As Margaret grapples with each new revelation, she also worries about her three grown children. Her stoic and inscrutable eldest daughter, Mouse, continues to struggle with the grief of losing her father. Her son Lawrie, always his mother's favorite, faces life-altering changes that he both longs for and fears-while Tom, Lawrie's twin, must wrestle with the consequences of a work decision that has blown up his entire life. Despite the tensions among the siblings as they argue about how best to support their mother, the whole family is soon embroiled in uncovering the truth the ghost of Aunt Edith is striving to expose. Through an Open Window invites us to see the grace that is so often there in the background, just waiting to be revealed. And reminds us that not even death can keep love from winning out in the end."

Pamela Terry (Author), Xe Sands (Narrator)

Audiobook

Game Point

"Brought to you by Penguin. When Aussie Dylan Bailey walks away from her tenth grand slam without a title, she decides to call in for early retirement. But after spending time with fellow pro and British player Oliver Anderson, he convinces her she still has one last title fight left in her. Together, they embark on a journey of rediscovery and second chances, as Dylan and Oliver navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis while falling deeper in love with each passing match. © Meg Jones 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Meg Jones (Author), Mary Jane Wells, Will Watt (Narrator)

Audiobook

Contemporary Women Audiobooks in Fiction