Audiobooks narrated by Jessica Ball

Our life is brief . . . The definitive English language translation of the internationally best-selling Russian novel - a brilliant dark fantasy combining psychological suspense, enchantment, and terror that makes us consider human existence in a fresh and provocative way. 'A book that has the potential to become a modern classic.' Lev Grossman, best-selling author of The Magicians Our life is brief . . . While on holiday at the beach with her mother, Sasha Samokhina meets the mysterious Farit Kozhennikov under the most peculiar circumstances. The teenage girl is powerless to refuse when this strange and unusual man with a sinister air directs her to perform strange and uncomfortable tasks. He rewards her efforts with a strange golden coin. As the days progress, Sasha carries out other acts for which she receives more coins from Kozhennikov. As summer ends, her new domineering mentor directs her to move to a remote village and use her gold to enter the Institute of Special Technologies. Though she does not want to go to this unknown town or university, she also feels that somehow it's the only place she should be. Against her mother's wishes, Sasha leaves behind all that is familiar and begins her education. As she quickly discovers, the institute's 'special technologies' are unlike anything she has ever encountered. The books are impossible to read, the lessons maddeningly obscure, and the work refuses memorization. Using terror and coercion to keep the students in line, the school does not punish them for their transgressions and failures; instead, their families pay a terrible price. Yet despite her fear, Sasha undergoes changes that defy the dictates of matter and time; experiences which are nothing she has ever dreamed of... and suddenly all she could ever want. A complex blend of adventure, magic, science, and philosophy, filtered through a distinct Russian sensibility, this astonishing work - brilliantly translated by Julia Meitov Hersey - is reminiscent of modern classics such as Lev Grossman's The Magicians, Max Barry's Lexicon, and Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale, but will transport them to a place fantastical and new.

Marina Dyachenko, Sergey Dyachenko (Author), Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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Victoria and Albert - A Royal Love Affair

The second tie-in to ITV drama Victoria unveils the complex, passionate relationship of Victoria and Albert.What happened after the Queen married her handsome prince? Did they live happily ever after, or did their marriage, like so many royal marriages past and present fizzle into a loveless bond of duty? Victoria and Albert were the royal couple that broke the mould - it may have been an arranged match, yet their union was a passionate, tempestuous relationship between two extremely strong-willed individuals. Despite the fact that they were first cousins they could not have been more different people - she was impulsive, emotional, capricious, while he was cautious, self-controlled, and logical. But together they became the most successful royal couple there had ever been, and this book reveals the private and the public face of Victoria and Albert's marriage. Using their letters and diaries, Victoria and Albert charts the constant ebb and flow of power between the couple, and presents a picture of a very modern marriage.This companion book, full of rich historical detail, takes fans deeper into that period than ever before. Discover the inner workings behind the scenes, with profiles of all the major characters, interviews with the actors and fascinating, in-depth information on the production, the costumes and the props.

Daisy Goodwin, Sara Sheridan (Author), Dugald Bruce Lockhart, Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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Victoria & Albert: A Royal Love Affair

More than 16 million viewers watched the first season of the Masterpiece presentation of Victoria, created and written by Daisy Goodwin-the highest-rated PBS drama in twenty years, second only to Downton Abbey. But what happened after the Queen married her handsome prince? Did they live happily ever after, or did their marriage, like so many royal marriages past and present, fizzle into a loveless round of duty? This all-new companion audiobook by Daisy Goodwin and Sara Sheridan transports listeners to the private world of Victoria and Albert. Though first cousins, they could not have been more different: Victoria was impulsive, emotional, and capricious, Albert cautious, self-controlled, and logical. But together they forged a bond with each other and with their people that would change the world. Drawing on letters and diaries and fresh insights into royal history, this compelling audiobook charts the constant ebb and flow of power within the couple's surprisingly ardent and modern marriage. Expertly arranged and full of rich insider detail, Victoria & Albert takes listeners behind the scenes of the magnificent TV drama, including fascinating, in-depth information on the actors, the props, and the costumes - and bringing an extraordinary royal marriage even more fully to life.

Daisy Goodwin, Sara Sheridan (Author), Dugald Bruce Lockhart, Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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The Victoria Letters

The official companion to ITV's hotly anticipated new drama, The Victoria Letters delves into the private writings of the young Queen Victoria, painting a vivid picture of the personal life of one of England's greatest monarchs. From the producers of Poldark and Endeavour, ITV's Victoria follows the early years of the young Queen's reign, based closely on Victoria's own letters and journals. Now explore this extensive collection in greater depth, and discover who Victoria really was behind her upright public persona.At only 18 years old, Victoria ascended the throne as a rebellious teenager and gradually grew to become one of the most memorable, unshakeable and powerful women in history. The extensive writings she left behind document this personal journey and show how she triumphed over scandal and corruption. Written by Internationally bestselling author, historian of 12 books and Victoria historical consultant, Helen Rappaport, and including a foreword by Daisy Goodwin - acclaimed novelist and scriptwriter of the series - The Victoria Letters details the history behind the show. Revealing Victoria's own thoughts about the love interests, family dramas and court scandals during her early reign, it also delves into the running of the royal household, the upstairs-downstairs relationships, and what it was like to live in Victorian England.Come behind the palace doors and discover the girl behind the Queen.

Duguld Bruce Lockhart, Helen Rappaport (Author), Duguld Bruce Lockhart, Gabrielle Glaister, Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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The Seven Year Itch

From the authors of the bestsellers Come Together and Come Again. MEET JACK: Dadness. Women have a sixth sense for it. But, lately, as I've looked around, all I've seen is temptation. From random women in the pub, to my foxy new boss...they've left me doubting whether I've really been put out to pasture at all... MEET AMY: Motherhood, I've discovered, is the great leveller. Having kids automatically makes me the same as all the other mums in 'The Coven' up the park. And being 'the same' makes me want to do something terribly rash - like rediscover the impulsive person I used to be. Don't get me wrong, I love Jack and our son, but everyone else seems to be having so much more fun than me - and so much more sex... Can they resist The Seven Year Itch? "Delicious treat" WOMAN'S OWN

Emlyn Rees, Josie Lloyd (Author), Jessica Ball, Jot Davies (Narrator)

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The Parisian Christmas Bake Off

Welcome to the most celebrated patisserie competition in Paris - ready, steady, bake! Watching snowflakes settle on the Eiffel Tower, Rachel Smithson's cosy English village feels very far way - as, thankfully, does her commitment-phobic ex, probably already kissing someone else under the mistletoe. But Rachel hasn't come to Paris to mope she's come to bake. Hard. Because the search for Paris's next patisserie apprentice is about to begin! And super-chef judge Henri Salernes is an infamously tough cookie. But Rachel isn't about to let her confidence (or pastry) crumble. She's got one week, mounds of melt-in-the-mouth macaroons and towers of perfect profiteroles to prove that she really is a star baker. As well as clouds of flour, and wafts of chocolate and cinnamon, there's definitely a touch of Christmas magic in the air... Rachel hasn't come to Paris looking for a fairy-tale romance, but the city of love might gift-wrap her one anyway... Not even a dusting of icing sugar could make The Parisian Christmas Bake Off a more perfect Christmas treat!

Jenny Oliver (Author), Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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The One That Got Away

Everyone has one. An ex you still think about. The one who makes you ask 'what if'? Fifteen years have passed since Stella and George last saw each other. But something makes Stella click 'yes' to the invite to her school reunion. There's still a spark between them, and although their relationship ended badly, they begin an affair. But once someone gets you back, sometimes they're never going to let you go again...

Annabel Kantaria (Author), Jessica Ball, Thomas Judd (Narrator)

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The Lost Sister: A gripping emotional page turner with a breathtaking twist

'Tracy Buchanan writes moving, gripping, heartbreakingly real family drama.' Susan Lewis 'Twisty, emotional and far too hard to put down.' Katie Marsh From the #1 bestselling author of My Sister's Secret and No Turning Back For the first time in your life, she is going to tell you the truth... Then: A trip to the beach tore Becky's world apart. It was the day her mother Selma met the mysterious man she went on to fall in love with, and leave her husband and child for. Now: It's been a decade since they last spoke, but Selma has just weeks to live. And she has something important to tell Becky - a secret she been hiding for many years. She had another daughter. With the loss of her mother, Becky aches to find her sister. She knows she cannot move forward in her life without answers, but who can she really trust? An emotionally powerful novel full of twists and family secrets. Perfect for fans of Josephine Cox and Susan Lewis.

Tracy Buchanan (Author), Jessica Ball, Josie Dunn (Narrator)

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The Last Will And Testament Of Daphné Le Marche

'Inspired by the life of Coco Chanel, this is the story of the scandalous life of the fictional beauty maven, Daphne Le Marche. Set between 1950's Paris and present day London, it's a lovely-get-away-from-it-all read' - Red Paris, 1956. Eighteen year old Daphné may be from a tiny French village, but she knows she's destined for more. Stepping off a bus into bustling Paris with a suitcase full of her home-made beauty products, she's ready to do whatever it takes to claim her stake in the world. London, 2016. Scandalous love affairs and an iconic cosmetics brand have kept Daphné Le Marche in spotlight - but her darkest secrets have never come to light. Now, in her London penthouse, enveloped in her rich signature scent, the Grande Dame of glamour has died. But not even those closest to her could have been prepared for what came next. The Last Will and Testament of Daphné Le Marche is a sweeping story of heartbreak, scandal and the importance of keeping it in all the family...

Kate Forster (Author), Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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The King's Sister

England's Forgotten Queens 'The gripping tale of Elizabeth of Lancaster, sibling of Henry IV. Packed with love, loss and intrigue' - Sunday Express S Magazine One betrayal is all it takes to change history 1382. Daughter of John of Gaunt, sister to the future King Henry IV, Elizabeth of Lancaster has learned the shrewd tricks of the court from England's most powerful men. In a time of political turmoil, allegiance to family is everything. A Plantagenet princess should never defy her father's wishes. Yet headstrong Elizabeth refuses to bow to the fate of a strategic marriage. Rejecting her duty, Elizabeth weds the charming and ruthlessly ambitious Sir John Holland: Duke of Exeter, half-brother to King Richard II and the one man she has always wanted. But defiance can come at a price. 1399. Elizabeth's brother Henry has seized the throne. Her husband, confidant to the usurped Richard, masterminds a secret plot against the new King. Trapped in a dangerous web, Elizabeth must make a choice. Defy the King and betray her family. Or condemn her husband and send him to his death. Sister. Wife. Traitor. She holds the fate of England in her hands. Praise for Anne O'Brien: 'One of the best writers around...she outdoes even Philippa Gregory' The Sun 'Her writing is highly evocative of the time period... O'Brien has produced an epic tale' Historical Novel Society 'Anne O'Brien's novels give a voice to the "silent" women of history' Yorkshire Post 'Once again O'Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story' Lancashire Evening Post 'An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien' We Love This Book 'This book is flawlessly written and well researched, and will appeal to her fans and those who like Philippa Gregory's novels' - Birmingham Post 'A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won't be able to put this book down' Candis 'A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.' Essentials

Anne O'Brien (Author), Jessica Ball (Narrator)

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The Idiot's Guide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Valuable Advice on Developing Coping Skills and Tech

DK Audio presents The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy read to you by Jessica Ball, who has narrated over 250 audiobooks. Change your behaviour and improve your outcomes by adjusting your thinking. You have the ability to change your thinking and control your actions from the inside out. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or OCD, you struggle with diet or substance abuse, or you're just unhappy with the results you're getting in life, cognitive behavioural therapy can teach you how to think and act more constructively. In this helpful guide, you get: - Powerful tools to help identify and address self-defeating patterns - Effective techniques for coping with anger issues, depression, and anxiety - Insightful tips on using meditation, visualisation, and relaxation to move you closer to your goals - Expert advice on dealing with stress and setbacks - and staying focused on your goals - Helpful exercises for developing a realistic but positive attitude © 2014 Dr Jayme Albin; Eileen Bailey © 2019 DK Audio

Dr. Jayme Albin, Eileen Bailey, Jayme Albin (Author), Jessica Ball (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Good Mother

'Oh. My. Word. This is a one sitting read kind of book. The kind with a twist that will have you gasping out loud.' - Katherine Sunderland, Goodreads The greatest bond. The darkest betrayal. Susan wakes up alone in a room she doesn't recognise, with no memory of how she got there. She only knows that she is trapped, and her daughter is missing. The relief that engulfs her when she hears her daughter's voice through the wall is quickly replaced by fear. The person who has imprisoned her has her daughter, too. Devising a plan to keep her daughter safe, Susan begins to get closer to her unknown captor. And suddenly, she realises that she has met him before. The Good Mother is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller for fans of C L Taylor, Kathryn Croft and S K Tremayne.

A. L. Bird (Author), Aysha Kala, Jessica Ball, Rupert Farley (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Jessica Ball