Contemporary Women Audiobooks | Fiction & Literature

USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Springer brings holiday cheer in this festive story about fresh starts and unexpected love blooming on a snow-covered Christmas tree farm. It's three weeks until Christmas, and Lucy Gable is not in the holiday spirit. She's the assistant to bestselling romance author Brynn Dixon, who's been suffering from major burnout. Hoping to reduce Brynn's stress, Lucy's organized an intimate book tour-one that includes a charming little Christmas tree farm. And they're still hoping that no one discovers that Lucy was the one who finished writing Brynn's last book… But Lucy's carefully planned book tour is going completely awry. The Christmas tree farm owner is a reluctant host, the fans are going wild for the changes Lucy's made to the book and Brynn's adult son-who no one else knows about-is an unexpected (if handsome) distraction. And, as if those challenges aren't enough, a winter storm at the farm is ensuring that hiding the truth is all but impossible. Yet somewhere between snowy sleigh rides, a cozy bonfire, caroling and the promise of new love, Lucy is experiencing her first winter wonderland. And Brynn is discovering that it might not be too late to find her own happy ending. With a little courage and a sense of adventure, it might just be the start of whole new chapters for both of them-and an accidentally perfect white Christmas. "A tender, touching story filled with memorable characters who will sweep you away on a journey of hope, second chances, and new beginnings." -Bestselling author Irene Hannon on The Gathering Table

Kathryn Springer (Author), Ann Marie Gideon (Narrator)

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Under Her Spell: A Novel

K. L. Cerra (Author), TBD (Narrator)

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The Enchanted Lies of Céleste Artois

In this lush and lyrical fantasy, Ryan Graudin transports readers to the hidden magical pockets of early 1900s Paris, a place of enchanted salons, fortune tellers who can change your stars, and doorways that can take you to the most unexpected places-and introduces readers to the delightful Céleste Artois, a con artist who will make a deal with the devil in exchange for her life...and change the fate of the world. Once, Céleste Artois had dreams of being an artist. But when the creative elite of Paris dashed those plans, she turned her talents to forgery and cons. She and the Enchantresses-her two fellow thieves and best friends-see Paris as a rich hunting ground for marks. Yet even though their hideout in Peré Lachaise cemetery is bursting with francs, Céleste cannot rest. There is always more to take. And the blood she has begun to cough into her handkerchief means her time is running out. But everything changes when she encounters Rafe, a mysterious and beautiful stranger who leads her to an enchanted salon-a place where artists can bring wondrous imaginations to life. Céleste is captivated by this establishment, and learns of the existence of magical Paris, hidden in the pockets and alleys of the ordinary world, if one only knows where to look. Rafe offers Céleste an irresistible deal: the gift of time in exchange for lending him and his benefactor her forging talents. But one must be careful making deals with devils, and there's more to this hidden world than meets the eye. Shadows have begun to circle Paris. And soon, the Enchantresses will find that true magic is far more powerful, and deadly, than they ever imagined.

Ryan Graudin (Author), TBD (Narrator)

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A Poisoner's Tale: A dark and gripping feminist retelling of notorious Italian Poisoner, Giulia Tofa

Brought to you by Penguin. 'They will forget that we are flesh-and-blood women who have lived, and who now die, at the mercy of those who judge us.' Palermo 1632: Giulia is thirteen years old when she learns her mother Teofania's greatest secret. Her mother knows how to brew an undetectable lethal poison, which she uses to free the broken and abused women of Palermo. Now Teofania wants to pass her recipe on to her daughter, and Giulia soon learns that, in a time when women have no voice, justice is sometimes best served in a cup of wine. Rome, 1659: Years later, Giulia ends up alone and poor in Rome. Within the alleys and shadows of the Eternal City, she forms her own circle of female poisoners, who work together under the guise of an apothecary to sell poison to women in need. But even in a time of Plague, when death looms over the city, it does not go unnoticed that the men of Rome are starting to fall like flies. And with the newly elected Pope determined to rid the city of witches and heretics, Giulia is in more danger than ever. How far is she willing to go to continue her mother's legacy? ©2024 Cathryn Kemp (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Cathryn Kemp (Author), TBD (Narrator)

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The Book of Thorns

Hester Fox (Author), Ell Potter, Fiona Hardingham (Narrator)

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Cassandra in Reverse: The unforgettable Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick

Brought to you by Penguin. If you had the power to change the past. . . where would you start? Cassie has never really fitted in. She remembers everything. Understands nothing. And consistently says the wrong thing. So when she gets dumped, fired AND her local café runs out of banana muffins - all in one day - it feels like the end of the world. But then Cassie discovers she has the power to go back and change things. With endless chances to get it right, can she stop it all from going wrong? As featured on Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 2 Book Club, The Times & Daily Mail 'A time-twisting delight' REESE WITHERSPOON 'Utterly brilliant!' ZOE BALL 'Everyone should read it and everyone will love it' LINDSEY KELK First published in the UK as The Cassandra Complex. ©2024 Holly Smale (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Holly Smale (Author), TBD (Narrator)

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Daughters of Fire

The sweeping new novel from the bestselling author of Hiding from the Light and Whispers in the Sand switches between Roman Britain and the present day where history dramatically impacts on the lives of three women. The Romans are landing in Britannia… Cartimandua, the young woman destined to rule the great Brigantes tribe, watches the invaders come ever closer. Her life has always been a maelstrom of love, conflict and revenge, but it only becomes more turbulent and complicated with power. Her political skills are threatened by her personal choices, and Cartimandua finds she has made formidable enemies on all sides as she faces a decision which will change the futures of all around her. In the present day, historian Viv Lloyd Rees has immersed herself in the legends surrounding the Celtic queen. Viv struggles to hide her visions of Cartimandua and her conviction that they are real. But her obsession becomes more persistent when she finds an ancient brooch that carries a curse. Bitter rivalries and overwhelming passions are reawakened as past envelops present and Viv finds herself in the greatest danger of her life. Readers LOVE Barbara Erskine: ‘Atmospheric’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Enthralling’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Spellbinding’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another fabulous read from the mistress of the genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Immensely and deeply immersive fiction’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved every minute’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An exceptional writer of great books’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘You can rely on this author to keep you wanting more’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A joy to read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Captivating and engrossing’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Barbara Erskine (Author), Ffion Aynsley (Narrator)

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All My Secrets

Bestselling author Lynn Austin returns with a luminous work of historical fiction set amid the opulence of Gilded Age New York, where three generations of women in one family must reckon with the choices they have made and their hopes for the future. New York, 1898. The only thing more shocking than Arthur Stanhope III’s unexpected death is the revelation that his will bestows his company and most of the vast fortune that goes with it to the nearest male heir, leaving his mother, wife, and daughter nearly impoverished. His widow, Sylvia, quickly realizes she must set aside her grief to ensure their daughter, Adelaide, is launched into society as soon as the appropriate mourning period passes. If Sylvia can find a wealthy husband for Addy before anyone realizes they’re practically destitute, there will be little disruption to the lifestyle they’re accustomed to. Sylvia’s mother-in-law, Junietta, believes their life could use a little disruption. She has watched Sylvia play her role as a society wife, as Junietta once did, despite what it cost them both. Junietta vows to give her granddaughter the power to choose a path beyond what society expects. But for Addy to have that chance, both mother and grandmother must first confront painful truths about their own choices. Only in bringing their secrets to light can they hope to reshape their family inheritance into a legacy more fulfilling than they ever dared dream.

Lynn Austin (Author), Sarah Zimmerman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Haunted: Tales of the Supernatural: Ten Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

Haunting tales from legendary writer Rosemary Timperley Delve into the world of Rosemary Timperley if you dare! In this chilling collection, discover ten chilling full-cast dramatisations of sinister stories and suspenseful tales and immerse yourself in a totally unique listening experience. Recorded with a full musical score, these standalone tales are perfect for fans of the supernatural and will raise goosebumps on even the warmest of days. Listen to ten of Timperley’s most thrilling tales, available to download as a collection for the first time and discover a terrifying and haunting world from a talented writer like no other. Walk on the Water - A young girl finds her whole life blighted by an encounter with a mysterious stranger. Listen to the Silence - Mary must face her fears but can she refuse an offer made by a strange voice claiming to be her grandfather? Channel Crossing - Can a holiday overcome the issues dividing a bickering family? Starring Peter Sallis and Nicholas Lyndhurst. Shadows of the Past - An amnesiac seeks answers in the house where he was traumatised as a child. Mists of Memory - Young cellist Janet meets a confused old man who seems oddly familiar. But what does he mean by 'music is where I live’? Dare Game - A chance meeting of old school friends revives memories of a very dangerous game… Little Girl Lost - Can Mrs. Grove really talk with her husband beyond the grave? Where are you, Juliet? - Rowena moves into a flat haunted by the presence of its previous owner, Juliet. But where is she and what is the mystery surrounding her disappearance? Hanged on Tuesday - Married on a Tuesday? A haunting exploration of the old folklore saying… Christmas Meeting - A woman is alone on Christmas, and it can be the loneliest day in the world. Born in 1920, Rose Timperley authored over 60 novels as well as hundreds of short stories and feature articles for the most popular publications of the day. A writer in tune with her society and its treatment of women, Timperley injects horror into her work in a way that makes her stories as relevant now as when they were written. Her work has been collected in many anthologies, including Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories. Timperley also wrote several acclaimed radio and television scripts with her short story Harry adapted into film several times. ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Credits All pieces written by Rosemary Timperley With thanks to Keith Wickham for sourcing audio files. Walk on the Water First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, Nov 1979 Listen to the Silence First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, Jan 1982 Channel Crossing First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, 5 Jul 1984 Shadows of the Past First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 Feb 1972 Mists of Memory First broadcast on the BBC World Service, Mar 1982 Little Girl Lost First broadcast on the BBC World Service, Oct 1979 Dare Game First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, Apr 1964 Where are you, Juliet? First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, Oct 1987 Hanged on Tuesday First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Jan 1971 Christmas Meeting First Broadcast on BBC Home Service Basic, 19 Dec 1963

Rosemary Timperley (Author), Anna Cooper, Full Cast, Gwen Watford, Helen Worth, Jenny Linden, Joan Matheson, Julie Berry, Mary O'farrell, Peter Sallis, Sheila Grant, Shirley Cooklin, Trader Faulkner (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Sunrise Swimming Society

A heartwarming novel to fall in love with The day Heather, Niamh and Lauren met, they promised to be best friends for life, and that instant connection only grew stronger with their weekly sunrise swims in their stunning local lake. When they left school, they agreed that, no matter where life took them, every year on midsummer’s dawn, they would meet at their old spot and swim together. Now, fifteen years later, the tradition has disappeared in the face of life’s realities. In fact, they don’t speak any more – not since that night . . . But this summer, they find themselves back in their Irish hometown and realise this could be their last chance to recapture what they have lost. Will their return to sunrise swimming heal each of them, and help them rekindle the friendships they once treasured? Readers are loving Rosie Hannigan: ‘This book is about second chances, forgiveness and friends that become family. It's beautifully written, it made me smile and cry, and I definitely want more from this author.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A beautiful, poignant read … filled with loss love and laughter. With the help of friends and a shared love of gardening everything seems better. This was my first book by this author and I will look out for more of their books.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What a truly stunning read this book is – it certainly didn't disappoint. Heart-warming and beautifully written.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Frankie and Ruby are empathetic, strong characters, and the Irish coastal setting is beautiful. The garden descriptions made me long to sit outside.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An emotional story, full of heart.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rosie Hannigan (Author), Shirley Atkinson (Narrator)

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Glory Bishop

Glory Bishop lives her life in pieces. At work and with her friends, she reads novels, speaks her mind, and enjoys slow dances and stolen kisses with her boyfriend, JT. But at home, Glory follows strict rules and second-guesses every step. Though she dreams of going to college and living like a normal teenage girl, her abusive mother has other ideas. When JT leaves to join the navy, Glory is left alone and heartsick. The preacher's son, Malcolm Porter, begins to shower her with lavish gifts, and her mother pushes Glory to accept his advances. Glory is torn between waiting for true love with JT or giving in to the overzealous Malcolm. When a stranger attacks Glory on the street, Malcolm steps in to rescue her, and her interest in him deepens. But the closer she gets to him, the more controlling he becomes. Glory must eventually decide whether to rely on others or to be her own savior.

Deborah L. King (Author), Dara Brown (Narrator)

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Ladies' Lunch: and Other Stories

'For almost six decades Segal has quietly produced some of the best fiction and essays in American literature . . .' -The New York Times Beloved New Yorker writer Lore Segal, at ninety-five years old, is a national treasure. Working at the height of her powers, in this story collection she turns her gimlet eye and compassionate humor on aging and life in the slow lane. From the master of the short short comes a collection of sixteen new stories featuring old friends who have loved and lunched together for over forty years. These erudite, sharp-minded nonagenarians offer startling insights into friendship, family and aging. Can the group organize a visit to one of their number in her new, and detested, assisted living situation? Is this a fabulous party with old friends, or a funeral reception? And does who was sleeping with whom, way back when, still matter? In story after story, Segal's voice is always hilarious and urbane, heartbreaking and profound, keen and utterly unsentimental, as she tackles aging's affronts.

Lore Segal (Author), Callie Beaulieu (Narrator)

Audiobook

Contemporary Women Audiobooks in Fiction & Literature