Audiobooks narrated by Catherine Bilson

"Jane Austen commenced writing in her adolescence and continued right up to her untimely death in 1817. Her novels are reflections of the socially constricted world in which she lived, and the plots are built around the search of one or more young women for a suitable spouse. Austen’s works are noted for the perceptive elegance of her prose and for vigor and detail of characterization. Celebrated critic F. R. Leavis considered Austen as one of the four great English novelists, along with George Eliot, Henry James, and Joseph Conrad. This collection contains the following titles:Sense and Sensibility (1811)Pride and Prejudice (1813)Mansfield Park and Lovers’ Vows (1814)Emma (1816) Works published posthumously: Northanger Abbey (1818)Persuasion (1818)Lady Susan (1871) Unfinished works:The Watsons (1871); completed by L. Oulton (1923)Sanditon: Fragment of a Novel (1925)"

Jane Austen (Author), Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Graham Scott, Linda Barrans, Sarah Jane Rose, Terah Tucker, a full cast (Narrator)

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The Valkyrie Returns

"When fate beckons, the Valkyrie will rise. Queen Brenna of Gyldarhagi has found peace in both her life and her kingdom. Until the gods send a cryptic message warning that her enemies are gathering once more. Who are these enemies and why are they set on taking from her that which she holds most dear? Circumstance keeps Brenna and Vali apart, forcing each to face their battles alone. As the enemy advances, Brenna must determine if this outlaw army is after the kingdom, or something much more personal. A storm is coming, but after the thunder and lightning has rained destruction across the land and in the hearts of all who dwell there - will anyone be left alive? The Valkyrie Returns is the final chapter in the Valkyrie of Birca series. A gripping Viking saga full of bloodthirsty battles and heartstopping romance."

Tanya Nellestein (Author), Catherine Bilson (Narrator)

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Eight Shakespeare Comedies

"This collection contains eight of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies. Each exhibits the vigour, humour, and optimism of the young master before he turned to the gloom and bitterness of the great tragedies. Contents A Midsummer Night’s Dream All’s Well That Ends Well Twelfth Night Much Ado About Nothing The Comedy of Errors As You Like It Measure for Measure The Merchant of Venice Featuring the voices of:Aisling Gray, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Cate Barratt, Catherine Bilson, Claudia Anglade, Dara Brown, David Shears, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary D. MacFadden, Graham Scott, John Burlinson, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Laura Richcreek, Lillian Rachel, Linda Barrans, Mark Crowle-Groves, Marty Krz, PJ Morgan, Roberta Jackson, Ron Altman, Simon Paxton, Susan Iannucci, Tom Saer, and Trisha Rose. Texts kindly provided by playshakespeare.com Songs created and arranged by Alan Weyman and Marty Krz Audio edited by Denis Daly"

William Shakespeare (Author), Aisling Gray, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Cate Barratt, Catherine Bilson, Claudia Anglade, Dara Brown, David Shears, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary MacFadden, Graham Scott, John Burlinson, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Laura E. Richcreek, Lillian Rachel, Linda Barrans, Mark Crowle-Groves, Marty Krz, P. J. Morgan, Roberta Jackson, Ron Altman, Simon Paxton, Susan Iannucci, Tom Saer, Trisha Rose, a full cast (Narrator)

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Sanditon: Fragment of a Novel

"In January 1817, Jane Austen commenced work on a new novel, to which she never assigned a name. By mid-March, she had completed twelve chapters, at which time she ceased working due to illness. The unfinished work was eventually published in 1925 under its working title: Fragment of a Novel Written by Jane Austen, January–March 1817. It has since become known simply as Sanditon, and a number of completions by other authors have since been published. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are visiting Sanditon, a village on the coast of Sussex. Unfortunately, Mr. Parker suffers an injury but he receives assistance from a local farmer, Mr Heywood. The latter’s daughter, Charlotte, is of marriageable age and has three eligible suitors, including the son of local patron, Lady Denham. Lady Denham is very keen to find a suitable match for her son Sir Edward—one of Charlotte’s suitors. Accordingly, she seeks an introduction with a Miss Lambe, a wealthy young heiress from the West Indies who is to take lodgings at Sanditon. Meanwhile, Charlotte finds herself attracted to the witty and debonair Sydney. The narrative ceases at this point, with little indication about the final results of the various romantic encounters. However, it appears clear that Charlotte is intended to be the heroine of the story."

Jane Austen (Author), Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Graham Scott, Linda Barrans, Sarah Jane Rose, a full cast (Narrator)

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Lady Susan

"This epistolary novel was probably written in 1794, but was not published until 1871. Lady Susan Vernon, middle-aged and recently widowed, has retained her looks and appealing vivacity. She makes use of her bereavement and her loss of wealth by imposing herself on the hospitality of relatives, and by amusing herself in flirtation with the various men who fall under her spell. Lady Susan has a daughter, Frederica, who is bashful and innocent—in stark contrast to her unfeeling and manipulative mother. Her mother is anxious to marry Frederica off to a spouse of appropriate wealth and social standing, and also, perhaps, to capture a new mate for herself. The forty-one letters between the various parties in this tale of twisted courtship describe Lady Susan’s path to marital satisfaction for her daughter and herself."

Jane Austen (Author), Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Linda Barrans (Narrator)

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Dragon Kings Omnibus: Books 1-5

"'Woman- the biggest mistake you can make is removing jewels from your crown, to make it easier for a man to carry. When this happens, realize... You do not need a smaller crown— You need a man with bigger hands.”- Michael Reid. Enter a realm of the paranormal, where danger thrives and sweeping romance shapes the world. Where Dragon Kings rule, and their Fated Mates are the only ones who can unlock their hearts and tame the wild beasts within! Book 1: Taken by the Dragon King This is Stavrok and Lucy’s story… a Dragon King, a curvy girl with spirit, and a daring adventure to re-claim and rescue the woman who is destined to be his. Book 2: A King for the Sorceress This is Erik and Marienne’s story… a widowed sorceress, a Dragon King with a throne to inherit, and a fate that only love can hope to overcome. Book 3 - Rebuilding his Dragon Kingdom This is Cass and Damon's Story... a fiery dragon princess and the prince of the winter kingdom find love amongst the rubble of his kingdom. Book 4 - The Heir of Winter This is Dymitri and Sarah's story... the bastard dragon prince's fated mate is the human woman he saved from slave traders. Book 5 - The Dragon's True Mate This is Lucian and Katerina's story... a curvy girl's insecurities and the dragon shifter determined to love her no matter the cost to his dragon shifter. This omnibus contains the first five books of the Dragon Kings of Fire and Ice series by bestselling author Amelia Shaw!"

Amelia Shaw (Author), Catherine Bilson (Narrator)

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Ocean's War

"Loose lips aren't the only thing that can sink ships…but sending submarines into Sirena's seas can only lead to one thing: war. William said that Singapore would fall, but Sirena didn't expect it to happen while she was there. With a submarine on her tail as she tries to preserve her grandfather's precious treasure, Sirena finds herself on the other side of the ocean from her daughters…and with no choice but to fight to protect the human city she once called home. With the human world at war on land, air and sea, one siren will answer the call. But it will take more than one siren to win this war…"

Demelza Carlton (Author), Catherine Bilson (Narrator)

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The Watsons: A fragment by Jane Austen and concluded by L. Oulton

"Jane Austen probably commenced writing The Watsons in 1803 and discontinued it after her father’s death in 1805. The original text contains no chapter divisions. It was first published in 1871 as an appendix to A Memoir of Jane Austen, by the novelist’s nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh. The story concerns the young and vivacious Emma Watson, one of six children of a widowed clergyman. Emma has spent most of her life under the care of a wealthy aunt of liberal views, and has received a good education. However, when her aunt enters into a second marriage, Emma is forced to return to the family home, where she is affronted by the crass hunting for husbands undertaken her sisters, Penelope and Margaret. Emma herself attracts the notice of local nobleman, Lord Osborne, and also of Mr. Howard, vicar of the nearby parish church. The sisters are invited to visit the home of their brother, Robert, an attorney in Croydon, but Emma refuses to join them. The original text concludes at this point. Several completions of the novel have been composed after the author’s death. The first appeared in 1850, and was written by her niece, Catherine Hubback, who expanded the story into a three volume novel entitled, The Younger Sister. In 1923, the completion by L. Oulton was published. And in 1928, another completion appeared, this time written the granddaughter of Catherine Hubback, Emily Brown, and her husband Francis Brown. In the version completed by Oulton, the narrative concludes with a resolution fairly typical of an Austen novel. However, the full text is considerably shorter than any of the novels completed by the Austen. There has been much speculation as to why Austen discontinued writing the novel. One surmise is that the author may have felt the narrative was uncomfortably close to the events of her own life."

Jane Austen, L. Oulton (Author), Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Graham Scott, Linda Barrans, Sarah Jane Rose, a full cast (Narrator)

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The Merchant of Venice

"Antonio, a wealthy and popular merchant, is in financial difficulty. He approaches a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who agrees to provide 3000 ducats, with a very curious bond – a pound of the merchant’s flesh, to be levied if Antonio fails to make a timely repayment. Feeling confident that his argosies will arrive in time to cover the debt, Antonio agrees to this bizarre transaction. Meanwhile, a wealthy gentlewoman, Portia, must choose a suitor using a curious ritual mandated by her father’s will. Applicants must choose from three locked caskets, one of which contains a picture of Portia. He who chooses the casket with the picture will wed Portia immediately; the unsuccessful applicants will cease courting not only Portia, but all prospective partners. Portia’s preferred suitor is a young Venetian, Bassanio, who is a close friend of Antonio. Antonio’s ships fail to arrive in time to satisfy his debt to Shylock and Antonio is hauled into court. In a male disguise, Portia appears in court to represent Antonio. Will her skillful representation free Antonio from Shylock’s demands? Written between 1596 and 1598 and published in 1600, The Merchant of Venice most notably touches on the troubling subject of antisemitism. While critical debate rages about Shakespeare’s actual attitudes toward Jewish culture, it is difficult to deny that the eventual fate of Shylock is not in accord with today’s view of social justice. Featuring the voices of Denis Daly, Catherina Bilson, Alexandra Lee Smith, Gary D. Macfadden, Blaise Doran, Graham Scott, Roberta Jackson, Josh Innerst, Simon Paxton, Alan Weyman, Emma Faye and Marty Krz."

William Shakespeare (Author), Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary MacFadden, Graham Scott, Josh Innerst, Marty Krz, Roberta Jackson, Simon Paxton, a full cast (Narrator)

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The Country Cousins

"He’s arrogant and handsome… But is he a spy? Miss Caroline Barnes is shocked to discover she has a secret family she’s never met! Aristocratic Mr Hartwell tells her of her cousin’s lonely plight, and Caroline reluctantly agrees to visit Julia at the gothic sounding Canons Grange. Her stay in the English countryside is more intriguing than she expected, with smugglers, secrets, and the dashing but mysterious Mr Bell, as well as delightful walks and a faithful if naughty dog! It would be perfect if not for the vexing Robert Hartwell, with his cryptic knowledge of details about the war and furtive nighttime activity. Could the man who, for all his sarcastic ways, she’s coming to admire and even love be a traitor working for the enemy? Who should Caroline trust? With spies, the Napoleonic war, and warring siblings, The Country Cousins is a standalone romance featuring cameos of beloved characters, human and animal, from The Country Gentleman. A sweet and clean romance perfect for fans of charmingly detailed historical romance like those by Georgette Heyer and Mimi Matthews. "

Dinah Dean (Author), Catherine Bilson (Narrator)

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The Future King's Queen

"Take a leap through time, a whole decade back, to the moment when Prince Carlak first discovered Princess Jessa was his fated mate. You might know how their story ultimately ends, but you'll be dying to know how their journey actually began! Jessa One minute I'm enjoying my epic shared twenty-first birthday celebration with my triplet siblings and the next? My world is turned upside down! I can't believe it and I scarcely understand it, but I know what I feel… Prince Carlak is my fated mate. He's never even liked me, nor I him; but the bond between us can't be denied, until it can. As Carlak controls his inner dragon, my own parents begin to doubt that we're meant to be. After all, it's an irrefutable truth that a dragon shifter can't rein in his beast when confronted by the woman who's destined to be his… Carlak Given forewarning, albeit unintentionally by my mother, I discover that Princess Jessa, the beautiful, bright, and eldest daughter of King Stavrok is my fated mate. But knowing and feeling are two very different things. Dancing with her, I barely manage to hold onto my dragon. It takes all my worldly strength and a decent amount of liquid courage to prevent me from destroying the triplet's special day. But the call of fate is undeniable, and I return to claim my mate… only life is never quite as fair as it should be—and Jessa fears the worst. If you love your romance filled with angst and personal discovery, rife with passion, and sprinkled with a dash of hardship, then you'll fall head over heels for Carlak and Jessa in this steamy and exciting tale!"

Amelia Shaw (Author), Catherine Bilson (Narrator)

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Mansfield Park and Lovers’ Vows

"The unlikely heroine of this novel is the bashful and unadventurous Fanny Price, who occupies a Cinderella-like position in the residence of her wealthy cousins, the Bertrams, at Mansfield Park. Fanny is the butt of ridicule for the young Bertram sisters (Maria and Julia), and is relentlessly bullied by her manipulative and penny-pinching aunt, the widowed Mrs Norris. Maria, Julia, and their brother Tom are symbols of social irresponsibility, while their brother Edmund, is earnest and upright. Although Sir Thomas Bertram’s wealth is derived largely from a sugar plantation in the West Indies, Austen largely avoids discussion of slavery and other evils of colonialism. The young Bertrams form a close friendship with the dashing and unscrupulous Henry Crawford, and his glamorous sister Mary. Henry decides to pursue Fanny with a view to marriage, but she, discerning his devious nature, resists all his advances. After a visit to her family in Portsmouth, Fanny returns to Mansfield Park and finds herself attracted to the worthy Edmund, who is recovering after being rejected by Mary Crawford. Interestingly, Mansfield Park features the abortive amateur production of a popular sentimental drama, Lovers’ Vows, planned by members and friends of the Bertram family while Sir Thomas is absent in the West Indies. His unexpected return brings these plans to an abrupt halt. This audiobook recording also includes a multicast presentation of Lovers’ Vows. In Lovers’ Vows, the widowed Baron Wildenheim, by a twist of circumstances, comes into contact with a poor woman whom he had abandoned while a young man. The Baron has since married a wealthy woman and they have a daughter, Amelia. Unbeknownst to the Baron, his first relationship resulted in the birth of a son. He now has to decide how he is to acknowledge his new-found son and the young man’s mother. At the time of its publication, the plot was considered controversial because it centered on the issue of illegitimate children."

August Kotzebue, Jane Austen (Author), Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Graham Scott, Linda Barrans, Sarah Jane Rose, a full cast (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Catherine Bilson