Audiobooks narrated by Penelope Freeman

Doctor of Kowloon - A heartbreaking, epic, historical saga from Lizzie Lane (Unabridged)

"War is frightening, but so is the man who would possess her. HONG KONG - 1941 One sultry evening at the Victoria Hospital for Women, Dr Rowena Rossiter is off-duty and in search of fun. With the world on the brink of war, she meets two men, Connor O'Connor, a rough Irish soldier and Kim Peloung, who will fight for her heart for the next four years. Captured and imprisoned, Rowena navigates the brutal extremities of a prisoner of war camp and falls under the personal 'care' of Kim Peloung, a criminal and collaborator with the Japanese. Whilst captive Rowena gives birth to a daughter, who due to the circumstances surrounding her conception, she struggles to bond with. Kim uses the child as a bargaining chip and Rowena fears for their safety, until Kim's jealous mistress helps them escape. When the war finally ends, Rowena sets up a home for abandoned orphans and to her great joy is reunited with Connor O'Connor. Both are scarred by war. Connor mourning the loss of friends, and Rowena wondering if she can ever learn to love the child born of war and violence. A sweeping, gripping historical saga set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies. Previously Published as Tears of a Dragon by Jean Moran"

Lizzie Lane (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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Friends for Keeps - A BRAND NEW uplifting and witty story about friendship and fresh starts from Celia Anderson (Unabridged)

"Violet Silverwood loves her life by the sea in East Sussex, but as a widow with grown-up children, she's ready for a new sense of purpose - and more fun! So, along with her outspoken best friend Marigold and their surprising new neighbour Iggy, Violet launches 'The Seaside Singles' Club', for people who refuse to believe that friendship (or romance) has an age limit. Meanwhile, Violet's daughter Beth arrives home hoping for some breathing space, but is swiftly pulled into village life and her mother's plans, as well as coming face-to-face with an old flame. As mother and daughter navigate old tensions and new beginnings, they discover that life truly is better... together. Praise for Celia Anderson: 'Warm, romantic and different, in the very best way' Katie Fforde 'Celia's stories are always a delightful read.' Bella Osborne 'Celia tells a story with warmth and heart - you'll be rooting for her wonderfully vivid characters, and want them to be your friends too!' Fiona Gibson"

Celia Anderson (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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To Find My Mother

"A harrowing, yet uplifting, story of survival and love. Best friends Jana and Eva are carefree eight-year-olds in Prague – until Nazi occupation tears them apart. As their mothers are taken away and the girls face the horrors of war, survival becomes all that matters. In Theresienstadt, two desperate women make unimaginable sacrifices to one day find their children. But will love and hope be enough to help them reunite?"

Mary Wood (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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Old Girls Go Off the Rails - A BRAND NEW feel-good story of friendship, mischief and adventure for 2026 (Unabridged)

"The BRAND NEW hilarious, uplifting read, full of friendship and fun - from BESTSELLER Maddie Please A one way ticket to misadventure! When Lizzie Stevens was eighteen, life took a wrong turn. While her best friends Harriet and Anna went interrailing across Europe, Lizzie stayed behind-shunted into a dusty bank job and a sensible life that never quite got back on track. Now sixty-four, freshly divorced from terminally dull Freddie and wondering how she ended up here, Lizzie is unexpectedly reunited with the friends who left her behind. This time, she's not missing the train. Their plan? A gloriously reckless rail adventure across Europe. The women are older, allegedly wiser, and considerably less flexible-but their bags are packed and they're ready to depart. Yet once the train pulls out of Worcester, it's clear this journey won't be smooth. Old secrets derail fond memories, Harriet and Anna barely tolerate each other, and Lizzie discovers the trip she idolised for decades wasn't quite first-class. As they rattle from city to city - Paris to Venice before embarking on a cruise along the Croatian coast - the old girls are fuelled by laughter and questionable decisions. And Lizzie begins to realise it's never too late to change direction-and that the best adventures are the ones without a timetable. All aboard for another hilarious and heartwarming adventure with bestselling author Maddie Please Praise for Maddie Please: 'Sea, sunshine, romance and fabulous characters; Maddie's light touch and sense of fun will lift your spirits!' Bestselling author Judy Leigh 'Warm, funny and poignant with engaging characters, it reminds us that you're never too old for fun, romance and to learn new things!' Bestselling author Karen King 'A new lease of life under the Greek sun. As fresh and delicious as chilled retsina!' Sunday Times Bestselling author Phillipa Ashley 'For a book that's as cheering and restorative as a long lunch with your very best friend, Maddie Please is the author you need to know!' Bestselling author Chris Manby 'Genuine and life-affirming...a wonderful, lighthearted novel about how it is never too late to find happiness.' Bestselling author Kitty Wilson 'A heart-warming story filled with friendship and fun. It's official - I want to be an Old Duck!' Bestselling author Maisie Thomas"

Maddie Please (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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Echoes of the Past at Orchard Cottage Hospital - A BRAND NEW instalment in the heartwarming Orchard Cottage Hospital series from Lizzie Lane for 2026 (Unabridged)

"A BRAND-NEW heartwarming 1930s hospital saga of love, secrets and second chances from BESTSELLING author Lizzie Lane. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin, Jean Fullerton and Katie Flynn! 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked!' - Bestselling author Rosie Goodwin When a mysterious stranger arrives in Norton Dene, old secrets refuse to stay buried... May Day, Somerset, 1934: The May Day celebrations are underway and offer some light relief from the daily hardships and a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for the folk of Norton Dene. Conscientious Sister Edith Harrison has her fortune told and a handsome, tall dark stranger is predicted to be on the horizon for her affections. Imagine her surprise when a mysterious stranger arrives in town with a hidden agenda that will upset those at Orchard Manor House. It seems like there are some ghosts from the past that need to be put to rest. Drawn to Ben Tyler, Sister Edith makes it her mission to discover the reason for his arrival and protect him from those who mean him harm. Meanwhile, Doctor Frances Brakespeare has been handed an ultimatum by the Reverend Gregory Sampson and is torn between love and duty - or can she have both? As May Day dawns, will love conquer duty-or will the past change everything? If you love this, try Lizzie's Tobacco Girls and Coronation Close series Praise for Lizzie Lane: 'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' - Rosie Goodwin 'A heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans' - Jean Fullerton 'Lizzie Lane has done it again! Fantastic writing, beautifully drawn characters and wonderful plotlines! What's not to love?' - Rachel Brimble An absorbing and fascinating read that kept me turning the pages until the early hours. Simply wonderful.' - Tracy Baines 'What a fantastic, unforgettable new series by the fabulous Lizzie Lane. I loved it!*' - **AnneMarie Brear* 'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane' - Fenella J Miller 'I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A New Doctor At Orchard Cottage Hospital' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lizzie's work in the future' - Ginger Book Geek 'Such a delight to read and by the end I felt invested in every character. Strong women and gorgeous men, combined with some brilliantly written baddies made it a perfect read. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next instalment' - Reader Review 'This is a heartwarming read, with some endearing characters (and some not so!) and in such an idyllic setting, I could completely visualise the setting' - Reader Review 'I didn't want it to end I'm hoping there would be a follow on as I'd like to find out more' - Reader Review"

Lizzie Lane (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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A Northern Lass: A gripping and page-turning historical fiction book from the bestselling author

"Brought to you by Penguin. She’s fallen on hard times but she’ll come back stronger… Slung out from her home and onto the slum streets of Manchester at the tender age of twelve, Perdita Barratt has fallen on hard times. Each day she must toil to earn a penny to secure a bed at a lodging house. Each day is a struggle to survive. But after a chance encounter with Silas Winkworth, a widowed cart driver who is in search of someone to look after his household, things start to look less bleak… And as Perdy settles into the domestic routine of her new life as a daily, Winkworth Cottage becomes her safe haven. Yet this soon falls to the wayside when Honora, Silas’s estranged granddaughter, appears on their doorstep. Unbeknownst to Silas, who has welcomed Honora into his home with open arms, Perdy must steel herself to rise above her incessant snide remarks and wicked taunts… But is there a darker motive than greed behind Honora’s return to Collyhurst, and how far will Perdy go to uncover the truth? © Emma Hornby 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Emma Hornby (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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A Wife's Betrayal - A heart-wrenching and uplifting instalment in Liz Harris' historical saga (Unabridged)

"From AWARD-WINNING author Liz Harris comes the second gripping novel in the Linford Family Sagas - a story of lost love, secrets, and the courage to reclaim a life almost destroyed. London, 1923 Alice Linford arrives at a grand Victorian house in Belsize Park - a home that isn't hers, but that brings her heartbreakingly close to the man she still loves. Once, she was Mrs Thomas Linford. Now, she is a companion to Mrs Violet Osborne, a stranger whose house stands only streets from her past. Determined to reclaim her happiness and the love she once lost, Alice must navigate a tangled web of secrets, betrayals, and lingering family tensions. Every choice carries risk, and the shadow of the past threatens to undo everything she holds dear. Rich, romantic, and full of suspense, A Wife's Betrayal is perfect for readers of Evelyn Hood, Rachel Brimble and Jane Lark. Previously published as The Flame Within. Praise for A Wife's Betrayal: 'Deliciously unexpected and moving' Reader Review 'An intriguing read from the first to last page' Reader Review 'Great saga you won't want to put down' Reader Review 'This is a gripping tale which keeps the reader glued to the pages throughout' Reader Review"

Liz Harris (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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The Widow's Vow - A powerful and atmospheric Victorian drama of love, loss and starting over from Rachel Brimble (Unabridged)

"An unputdownable historical saga set in Victorian Bath, where one woman must fight for freedom, friendship and a second chance. Perfect for fans of Catherine Cookson, Rosie Goodwin and Mary Wood. From grieving widow... 1851, England. After her merchant husband saved her from a life of prostitution, Louisa Hill was briefly happy as a housewife in Bristol. But then a constable arrives at her door. Her husband has been found hanged in a Bath hotel room, a note and a key to a property in Bath she knew nothing about the only things she has left of him. To a new life as a madam... Knowing the debt collectors will arrive any moment, Louisa must leave everything she knows behind, and move to Bath. But left with no means of income, Louisa knows she has little choice but to return to but her old way of life. But this time, she'll do it on her own terms - by turning her new home into a brothel for upper class gentleman. And she's determined the horrors she was forced to endure in the past are not experienced by the girls she saves from the streets. Enlisting the help of Jacob Jackson, a quiet but feared boxer, to watch over the house, Louisa is about to embark on a life she never envisaged. Can she find the courage to forge this new path? The Widow's Vow is the first in a gripping and gritty Victorian saga series from the bestselling author of The Home Front Nurses, Rachel Brimble. Readers love Rachel Brimble's captivating historical sagas: 'Heart-warming yet gritty and gripping... Compelling reading.' Lizzie Lane 'Fantastic!' Rosie Clarke 'Heartwarming! ... Hard to put down!' Patricia McBride 'Skilled and vivid storytelling.' May Ellis 'Absolutely 10/10! Amazing storyline and loved the characters and setting.' Reader Review 'A hopeful story about friendship and learning to trust. I love stories about women who strive for their own goals in life independent of men and who understand the joy and security of close female friendships.' Reader Review Previously published as A Widow's Vow."

Rachel Brimble (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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A Sister's Hope - A richly emotional addition to the Linford Saga from Liz Harris (Unabridged)

"From AWARD-WINNING author Liz Harris comes the third enthralling novel in the Linford Family Sagas - a story of love, survival, and the bonds that endure through dark times. Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Dilly Court. Germany, 1930s When Dorothy Linford defies her father to marry Franz Hartmann, a former German internee, she's cast out from the Linford family and forced to build a new life in Germany. For a time, happiness thrives - until the 1930s bring fear and suspicion that threaten to tear their world apart. Across the Channel, Dorothy's sister Nellie and cousin Louisa face struggles of their own as the Linford family fractures under the weight of old secrets. Separated by distance but bound by love, the sisters must cling to hope - even as the shadow of war darkens their lives forever. Richly emotional and utterly absorbing, A Sister's Hope is perfect for fans of Fenella J Miller, Patricia McBride and Rachel Brimble. Previously published as The Lengthening Shadow. Praise for A Sister's Hope: 'An excellent story perfectly plotted and peopled with characters to love' Reader Review 'I was engrossed with this deeply insightful story' Reader Review 'This was a beautifully written book...the ending had me with a lump in my throat and tears threatening.' Reader Review 'The blurb intrigued me, but the story itself bewitched me.' Reader Review"

Liz Harris (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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The Widows' Book Club - A BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud story of friendship, fun and second chances from Julia Jarman for 2026 (Unabridged)

"The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, feel-good read for ladies of a certain age! Perfect for fans of Maddie Please, Judy Leigh, and Karen King. 'Uplifting, funny, poignant, resonant, this is a pacy tale of friendship, frolics and solidarity.' Judy Leigh Welcome to the Widows' Book Club, where the wine flows freely and the gossip is irresistible... Janet, Viv and Zelda's monthly meet-ups have been a safe haven over the past few years: a chance to share life's ups and downs and laugh their way through widowhood with a glass of wine in hand. But when Janet's old flame Lewis walks back into her life - still charming, still handsome, and still very much married to his formidable wife Christobel - the widows find themselves caught up in unexpected drama. Keen to show they are as cultured as Lewis and Christobel's other friends, Janet fibs that the widows have a book club. So they set one up. But when Christobel demands she join and then promptly starts to take over, real life becomes much messier (and more exciting) than fiction... What will this next chapter bring for them all? A warm and witty tale of friendship, rivalry, love and second chances - perfect for anyone who knows a book club is about so much more than just the books! Praise for Julia Jarman: 'This is a book that made me laugh, it put a lump in my throat and most of all gave me hope that I'll still be drinking wine and laughing with my friends for many years to come. A joyous romp of a read.' 'Full of laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected twists. I can't wait to read the next one!' 'This is the nicest, happiest, saddest most unputdownable book that I have read since...... Since forever!!!! Absolutely lovely!!!!' 'Loved loved this book- so enjoyed the relationships of all the characters a real page turner, with some unexpected twist and turns. An excellent book would highly recommend this it will bring a smile to your face.' 'A cracking fun read. Loved every page. The characters fascinating. Poignant and found it very moving. Strongly recommend!' 'Julia Jarman has an original entertaining style that makes you want to read on.' Katie Fforde 'What a tonic! Julia Jarman's books should be bottled and handed out on the NHS.' Judy Leigh 'Julia's writing is a sparkling delight.' Sophie Hannah 'Full of humanity, heartache and humour. I loved it!' Adèle Geras"

Julia Jarman (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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The Child We Lost - The BRAND NEW page-turning emotional family drama from Sheila Norton (Unabridged)

"What would you do if your lost child came back? ❤️ An emotional family drama, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Kate Hewitt and Susan Lewis. ❤️She pouts, looking upset, and I want nothing more than to kiss her better and say 'All right then, yes. Perhaps he can come back, perhaps he will, perhaps he has!' But I can't. I know I can't lie to her about this... The day we lost Josh, a part of me broke. He was only three-and-a-half years old. His twin, Ruby, suddenly an only child. We thought we were doing as well as expected. But when Ruby comes to me and says she saw Josh - alive - I assume she's struggling more than we realised. It's her way of holding on. Of refusing to let go. But then I see him too. A boy with Josh's same pale blue eyes, the silvery-white hair that falls across his forehead in exactly the same way. It's more than a similarity. This boy could be Josh's twin. How can that be possible? I know I have to listen to my rational brain, that this must be my grief messing with my mind. But I can't let go of the feeling that something is going on. Who is this boy? And does someone know more than they're letting on? A gripping, emotional page-turner about loss, love and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Praise for Sheila Norton: 'A well-crafted and brilliantly suspenseful novel that kept me guessing until the end.' Jo Bartlett 'Loved this book!!!!!... Addictive. There was no way I was putting it down, I literally started reading the book around 10am and couldn't put it down until around 4am. Hahaha I'm so glad it was the weekend!!!!... I definitely recommend it!!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'A breathtaking novel about motherhood... I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion.... Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy.... Grabbed my heart... Phenomenally emotive.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'A masterpiece story of a family finding their way... Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact... Truly captivating.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review"

Sheila Norton (Author), Meg Travers, Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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A Daughter's Courage - Discover the passionate first instalment in the Linford Family Saga from Liz Harris (Unabridged)

Liz Harris (Author), Penelope Freeman (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Penelope Freeman

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