Audiobooks narrated by Phyllida Nash

Why Love Matters: How affection shapes a baby's brain

"Why Love Matters explains why loving relationships are essential to brain development in the early years, and how these early interactions can have lasting consequences for future emotional and physical health. This second edition follows on from the success of the first, updating the scientific research, covering recent findings in genetics and the mind/body connection, and including a new chapter highlighting our growing understanding of the part also played by pregnancy in shaping a baby’s future emotional and physical well-being. The author focuses in particular on the wide-ranging effects of early stress on a baby or toddler’s developing nervous system. When things go wrong with relationships in early life, the dependent child has to adapt; what we now know is that his or her brain adapts too. The brain’s emotion and immune systems are particularly affected by early stress and can become less effective. This makes the child more vulnerable to a range of later difficulties such as depression, anti-social behaviour, addictions or anorexia, as well as physical illness."

Sue Gerhardt (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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A French Fling for the Golden Gals - A BRAND NEW heartwarming story of adventure, romance and self-discovery for 2026 (Unabridged)

"Let MILLION COPY bestselling author Judy Leigh whisk you off to the French sunshine for a BRAND NEW story of friendship and fresh starts. Sixty-one-year-old Maxine Sweet has a new life stretching in front of her. Her longed-for retirement is finally here and she's ready to enjoy it with partner Russell. Ready that is, until she gets home early to find Russell in flagrante delicto with a female friend. With her best laid plans in tatters, Max has a choice to make - mope at home or spread her wings. And when a chance comes to bask in the French sun for a glorious month, there's only one thing for it. Suitcase packed, Max heads off to the Brittany town of Plouvannec-Sur-Mer - home of tempting boulangeries, breath-taking beaches, not to mention some rather fine looking men of the perfect vintage. As the irresistible French joie de vivre takes over and new friends welcome her, Max realises that perhaps it's not too late for a whole new life. A new future full of adventure and maybe even some romance is just one brave decision away... Fans of Celia Anderson, Kate Galley and Maddie Please will love Judy Leigh's warm-hearted and fun-filled stories of seizing the moment - at every stage of life. Readers love Judy Leigh: 'A gorgeous story, a celebration of life - optimistic & hopeful, full of love for family & friends of all ages, & community.' 'This book is like a huge hot chocolate on a cold day full of marshmallows and cream! Feel good, hilarious and makes me feel good about getting older.' 'Judy's writing is always perfectly pitched, and I love the way she breathes life into her more senior characters whilst ensuring the younger ones remain relatable.' 'Brilliant, further words just fail me. Such a wonderful, emotional and descriptive writer.' 'Funny, sad, touching, and unique I just love these tales and recommend for inspiration and hope as the years gather speed and pass!! Hugely recommended for a holiday read, or for a first flavour from this author, it's a joy!!' Authors love Judy Leigh: 'Judy's books are always delicious romps, full of energy, adventures and love. Bring on the next one!' Celia Anderson 'I loved this book. It's funny, emotional and a book that fills you with determination not to let life pass you by as you get older.' Jennifer Bohnet 'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson"

Judy Leigh (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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The Golden Girls' Getaway - The perfect feel-good, funny read from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh (Unabridged)

"From MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh 'Judy's done it again. Every woman over a certain age should read this wonderful book' Jennifer Bohnet It has been a long and lonely year for neighbours Vivienne, Mary and Gwen. All ladies of a 'certain age', their lockdown experience has left them feeling isolated and alone. They are in desperate need of a change. Things start to look up however, when Gwen comes up with a plan to get them out of London by borrowing a motor home. In no time at all the ladies are on the road - away from the city, away from their own four walls, and away from their worries. The British countryside has never looked more beautiful. As they travel from Stonehenge to Dartmoor, from the Devon and Cornish coasts to the Yorkshire moors, gradually the years fall back, and the three friends start to imagine new futures with no limitations. And as their journey continues and their friendships deepen, and while the seaside views turn into glorious mountains and moors, Mary, Vivienne and Gwen learn to smile again, to laugh again, and maybe even to love again. Now they can believe that the best is still to come... Funny, joyful and with a spring in its step that reminds you to live every day like it's your last. Judy Leigh has once again written the perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French and Cathy Hopkins. Readers love Judy Leigh: 'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely... a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson 'Loved this from cover to cover, pity I can only give this 5 stars as it deserves far more' ️️️️️ Reader Review 'The story's simply wonderful, the theme of second chances will resonate whatever your age, there's something for everyone among the characters, and I do defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the perfect ending' ️️️️️ Reader Review 'A lovely read of how life doesn't just end because you're getting old' ️️️️️ Reader Review 'A great feel-good and fun story that made me laugh and root for the characters' ️️️️️ Reader Review"

Judy Leigh (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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Golden Girls on the Run - A BRAND NEW hilarious and heartwarming read from Judy Leigh (Unabridged)

Judy Leigh (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Throwaway Children: A gripping and emotional historical novel by bestselling author Diney Costeloe

"Bloomsbury presents The Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe, read by Phyllida Nash. Gritty, heartrending and unputdownable – the story of two sisters sent first to an English, then an Australian orphanage in the aftermath of World War II. Rita and Rosie Stevens are only nine and five years old when their widowed mother marries a violent bully called Jimmy Randall and has a baby boy by him. Under pressure from her new husband, she is persuaded to send the girls to an orphanage – not knowing that the papers she has signed will entitle them to do what they like with the children. And it is not long before the powers that be decide to send a consignment of orphans to their sister institution in Australia. Among them – without their family's consent or knowledge – are Rita and Rosie, the throwaway children. What readers are saying about THE THROWAWAY CHILDREN: 'I haven't felt so immersed in a book in a very long time and have recommended to just about everyone' 'Heart wrenching' 'A truly powerful book' C 2015 Diney Costeloe P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Diney Costeloe (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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The New Neighbours

"Bloomsbury presents The New Neighbours by Diney Costeloe, read by Phyllida Nash. THE NEW NEIGHBOURS was previously published as DARTMOUTH CIRCLE. A gripping contemporary drama from the bestselling author of The Throwaway Children. When one of the houses in an exclusive cul-de-sac is sold to students, dramas begin to unfold and secrets long hidden come to the surface. Local battle-axe Sheila Colby is appalled when Ned Short sells his house as student accommodation. The residents of Dartmouth Circle look on themselves as an exclusive little club, where everyone knows each other and privacy is respected. But now that is about to end and all kinds of things long hidden will come out into the light of day, with dramatic consequences. 'Brilliant novel! Excellent characters. A very enjoyable read' 'Funny, sensitive, sad. Good holiday read' 'A great read, loved it' 'Diney Costeloe never fails to keep you entertained' P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC C 2001 Diney Costeloe"

Diney Costeloe (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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Blame Not the Wind: A tragedy at sea. A cover-up. One mother’s search for justice.

"'Very occasionally a tragedy turns into a triumph. This wonderful, searing book is such a moment. Rush to read it & be thankful.' – Miriam Margolyes Last night Ben phoned from Bermuda, collect as usual. I’d asked – though heaven knows why, as we avoid soppy talk – if he still loved me. He had said, ‘Course I do.’ He would be home for a visit once the race was over. He could not say exactly when but would keep in touch. It is early June: the third day of June, to be precise, and a day I will never forget. Something feels wrong. Better get up. Shirley’s sixth sense was all too real: tragedy had struck Ben’s ship, Marques. The government announced that it was a ‘freak accident’. But something did not add up. On 2 June 1984 the British-registered tall ship Marques left Bermuda Harbour, cheered on by watching crowds. With other sailing vessels from across the world, the barque was heading for Halifax, Nova Scotia, having won the first leg of the internationally famous Tall Ships Race. As they sailed out to sea, there was not a cloud in the sky. But by midnight the weather had changed and the seas became violent. Just 80 miles from Bermuda, things took a turn for the worse – the ship lurched and water poured in through the wide-open hatches. In 40 seconds the Marques had vanished. Of the 28 people on board, 19 were lost: crew and passengers, hailing from Britain, Canada, the US and the Caribbean. Among the missing was Shirley Cooklin’s 18-year-old son Ben. Driven to seek answers, Shirley finds only dead ends and denials. She begins to wonder – what if this was not a freak accident caused by the wind? What if the tragedy was the result of a gross act of negligence? And why is the Thatcher government so interested in the incident? This is the riveting true story of one mother’s lifelong search for justice. 'Shirley Cooklin has a moving story to tell: and she tells it with a keen intelligence and warm heart.' – Joan Bakewell 'A powerful and moving account.' – Sasha Bates, author of The Languages of Loss 'A brilliant book' – Daily Mail"

Shirley Cooklin (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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The Graces: The Extraordinary Untold Lives of Women at the Restoration Court

"Bloomsbury presents The Graces by Breeze Barrington, read by Phyllida Nash and with the prologue read by Breeze Barrington 'Sparkling ... Britain’s only Italian queen is brought vividly to life' LINDA PORTER A spellbinding work of history that uncovers the inner lives and work of Maria of Modena and her ‘graces’, the extraordinary women who practiced art, poetry and politics within the misogyny of the Restoration court. In 1673, fifteen-year-old Maria d’Este travelled from Italy to marry James, Duke of York, the future King of England and a man twenty-five years her senior. Thrust from a pious life on the path to become a nun, at the debauched court of Charles II she set about recreating the world she’d left behind – a world where women were highly educated, exercised power and celebrated art and artists with concentrated patronage. The Graces resurrects the life of Maria, later Mary of Modena, and those of the extraordinary young women she surrounded herself with at the Restoration court. From Sarah Jennings, later Sarah Churchill, keen politician and ‘favourite’ of Queen Anne, to revered poet Anne Finch and founder of legendary literary salon Hortense Mancini, these were women who defied the conventions of their time and the forces of misogyny working against them. The era they lived through would be one of the most tumultuous England had seen: one where parliament would invite a foreign power in the form of William of Orange to invade England, depose its king, and risk thrusting the country back into civil war. What is much less well-known is that within this world existed another: a world of female friendship, learning and artistic endeavour. The Graces is that story. C 2025 Breeze Barrington P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Breeze Barrington (Author), Breeze Barrington, Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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The Silver Ladies Seize the Day - A wonderful, full of life read from Judy Leigh (Unabridged)

"A BRAND NEW feel-good read from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh You're never too old to fall in love...again! Cecily Hamilton is months away from her ninety-second birthday. She's lived life to the full, choosing work over romance, friendship over love. And now she has a host of silver-haired friends living nearby, ready to fill her time with picnic lunches, prosecco and cheer! Cecily thought she was content. She thought her cup was full... But when the granddaughter of Cecily's first and only love arrives on her doorstep, claiming that her grandfather, Eddie, is still in love with Cecily after all these years, Cecily wonders if there might be room for a little romance after all. Especially since, one by one, her friends keep falling head over heels for old flames and new. Can the oldest silver lady of the bunch really hope for her own second chance at love? Is it finally time for Cecily to seize the day? Praise for Judy Leigh: 'I loved this book. It's funny, emotional and a book that fills you with determination not to let life pass you by as you get older.' Jennifer Bohnet 'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson 'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins 'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life... a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson 'Judy Leigh's great strength is her wonderful, full-of-life characters. I especially love how so many of her starring roles in her novels go to strong women, and particularly older women... Highly recommended.' 'You can only love the beautiful writing style of Judy Leigh. It's light, fresh and breezy, She gives aging a sparkle, that doesn't make it seem scary but something to embrace and enjoy to the maximum.' 'Judy Leigh has become one of my favourite authors. Her writing is amazing. I have read most of her novels and look forward to the next one.' 'I hope you too pick up this heart warming, fun filled frolicking story of friendship and love. It is well worth a read.' 'As usual, Judy Leigh excelled at imagining her characters, and it was a treat to follow their adventures. Of course, I don't include spoilers, but I can certainly promise a story filled with the very best kind of people, love, and a reminder that age is just a state of mind.'"

Judy Leigh (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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Madame Sosostris & the Festival for the Broken-Hearted

"Bloomsbury presents Madame Sosostris & The Festival for the Broken-Hearted by Ben Okri, read by Phyllida Nash. What do you do when your heart has been made a wasteland by love? Viv, who’s in the House of Lords, had the idea for the festival on the twentieth anniversary of the day her first husband left her. Six months later, crowds descend on the grounds of a dreamlike chateau in the South of France, avidly awaiting the experience of a lifetime, Viv’s inaugural Festival for the Broken-Hearted. Everyone is in fancy dress. No one knows who anyone is. They wander the beautiful woods with just one night to change everything. And to crown it all, a very special guest is expected: world-renowned clairvoyant and fortune-teller Madame Sosostris, known as the wisest woman in Europe, and not seen since the pages of T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land. She will attend for one night only. But will she actually appear at all, or will Viv’s carefully orchestrated festival fall to pieces? Will Viv and her husband make it through the night? Will anyone else? Part vision, part mystery, this story of a midsummer night’s madness is also an homage to Eliot's famous poem, in Ben Okri’s inimitable style, as alive with echoes and reverberations as the enchanted forest itself. Think Ingmar Bergman meets William Shakespeare, with a dash of Mozart. Hearts will be healed, and hearts broken, but nobody will leave this festival exactly as they arrived. C 2025 Ben Okri P 2025 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Ben Okri (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

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Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations

"‘Grandparenting is a long-awaited, well-informed, personal and well-researched insight into what it means to be a grandparent... A wonderful book’ JULIA SAMUEL, author of Every Family Has a Story The birth of a grandchild is a cause for celebration. But when a child becomes a parent themselves, existing family structures are radically altered. Old tensions between parents and their adult children may come into sharp relief, while new relationships with in-laws must be navigated carefully. And at the heart of two families is a small person, whose life will benefit hugely from the love of their grandparents. In this warm, wise guide to being a modern grandparent, leading psychologist Terri Apter builds on cutting edge research as well as her own experience as a grandparent. Drawing on case studies from across the world, Apter examines the crucial and changing role that grandparents play in our society, from those grandparents who find themselves caring for a grandchild, to how to support a grandchild through their parents’ divorce. This innovative book is for grandparents and for their adult children as they reimagine their relationships with each other, and become the best parents – and grandparents – that they can be."

Terri Apter (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Highland Hens - The uplifting, feel-good read from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh (Unabridged)

"From MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Judy Leigh'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda DickinsonIn the imposing Glen Carrick House overlooking Scotland's famous Loch Ness, lives eighty-eight-year-old Mimi McKinlay, cared for by her three adult sons. Hamish has inherited his mother's musical talents, Fin is the responsible brother, and Angus has the complicated and brooding personality to match his dashing good looks. But what all the brothers share is a concern that their beloved mother is living in her memories of her days on stage, while letting her present days pass her by. Jess Oliver is at a turning point. Amicably divorced after years of being married, this trip to the Highlands is a first taste of independence. It isn't long before the beauty and hospitality of Scotland captures her heart. When Mimi and Jess's paths cross, a friendship is formed that will change both women's lives. And as together they find ways to look forward instead of to the past, long forgotten dreams are within reach, and every new day is fresh with possibilities. Take a trip to the Highlands with Judy Leigh for an unforgettable story of glorious pasts and fabulous futures, of love, friendship, family and fun. The perfect feel-good novel for all fans of Dawn French, Dee Macdonald and Cathy Hopkins. Readers love Judy Leigh:'Lovely. . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life. . . a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson'This book, like its main character Mimi, exudes a certain joie de vivre feeling as you turn the pages. Highly emotional in places but heart warming and uplifting. Highly recommended' Jennifer Bohnet'The story's simply wonderful, the theme of second chances will resonate whatever your age, there's something for everyone among the characters, and I do defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye at the perfect ending' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'With brilliant characters and hilarious antics, this is definitely a cosy read you'll not want to miss' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A lovely read of how life doesn't just end because your getting old' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review"

Judy Leigh (Author), Phyllida Nash (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Phyllida Nash

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