Audiobooks narrated by Shelley Atkinson

"Shelves of sequins in a kaleidoscope of colours. Bolts of silk and tulle against the back wall. The sewing room was the last place anyone had seen her daughter alive. Manchester, 1942. Flora Toussaint packs parachutes for the RAF, haunted by the twin daughters she was forced to give up eighteen years ago. When British intelligence shows her photographs of her girls – now young women in occupied Paris – her world shifts. One is safe. One has vanished. And their father, the celebrated couturier Lucien Lumineau, is suspected of collaborating with the Nazis. Flora agrees to a dangerous mission: parachute into France, pose as a seamstress at the Moulin Rouge, and uncover the truth. Lodging above a brothel where Edith Piaf sings after hours and where Pablo Picasso still holds court, she mends costumes between shows, searches for any trace of her missing daughter between curfews, and circles closer to Lucien. But Lucien isn’t the man she remembers. Neither is their history. And what Flora discovers will unravel everything she thought she knew – about Lucien, about her daughters, and about the night she gave them away. A sweeping tale of wartime Paris, family secrets and impossible choices. Fans of Kate Quinn, Pam Jenoff and Kristin Hannah will be mesmerised by The Secret Dressmaker. Readers love Jenny O’Brien’s historical fiction: ‘If I could give this book a billion stars, I would. Impossible to put down... filled with surprising twists... It leaves you with a feeling of unity, compassion, and the warmth of a forever love.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Heart wrenching and captivating that turns into the most remarkable story. Grab your tissues keep them close, this is a true feminist heroine playing a vital part that will have you absolutely sobbing your heart out.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Just a warning... don’t think that you will just read a couple of chapters... Five hours later, I had missed dinner, but I’d finished the book... a spectacular read.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh wow, this is a super addictive read. I’m not a knitter but I was fascinated by the concept of using various stitches to encode information. O’Brien manages to seamlessly entwine fact and fiction in this wonderful story of love and heroism... I’m betting this will end up being a movie!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘For fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, this book is for you!... the reader will discover a heroic woman who sacrifices so much to help the ones that she loves. A terrific read!’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A compelling and fast-moving story with a few twists. The way that knitting is used as code is intriguing and the characters are really thought provoking. Once I started, I could not stop reading.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Jenny O'Brien (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Resistance Knitting Club

"Inspired by the true story of a woman who used knitting patterns to encode intelligence during World War Two. Guernsey, 2010. After a stroke, an elderly woman shocks her family by speaking perfect French - a language they never knew she possessed. As her granddaughter unravels seventy years of silence, a hidden wartime story emerges... Paris, 1941. After her brother is declared missing in action at Dunkirk, eighteen-year-old Lenny Gallienne vanishes into Churchill's secret army. In a bookshop on Rue de la Pompe, she poses as a simple shop girl while encoding intelligence from Nazi headquarters into knitting patterns. Each sweater smuggled to prisoners contains flight paths. Each scarf holds radio frequencies. Each mistake means execution. Fellow agent, Harry Dennison, is the only person who knows her real name. But when the Gestapo close in, Lenny faces an impossible choice in the Metro tunnels beneath Paris - one that will haunt her family for generations. Because in the resistance, the most dangerous secrets are the ones you keep from those you love most. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Alice Network and The Last Bookshop in London. What readers are saying about Jenny O’Brien's historical novels: ‘Nothing short of extraordinary. Evelyn’s courage as a wartime nurse in Nazi-occupied Guernsey was incredibly moving... This book not only sheds light on a remarkable piece of history but also explores the lasting impact of sacrifice, family, and love. It’s a deeply emotional journey that I won’t forget.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read, I honestly loved everything about it and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in a few hours. I loved the writing, I loved the dual timelines...’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Oh, this book warmed my heart and shattered my soul... The author expertly weaves the two timelines together, introducing the reader to unforgettable characters and heartbreaking scenarios... This powerful book is not to be missed, and I will be thinking about it for a long time.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A poignant and heart wrenching story that will stay with you long after you put down the book... O’Brien brings to life the victims of war as no mere historical record can do; her writing is elegant and her portrayal of her characters is moving.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A compelling and captivating read that I won’t soon forget... Jenny O’Brien does an amazing job of bringing the two stories together... The book is beautifully written and I felt like I was right there.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Remarkable story that made me cry... I loved it.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A heartbreaking yet uplifting read... This is a truly emotional read and one that will have you reading well into the night.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An utterly compelling and emotional read that will stay with me for a long time.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"

Jenny O'Brien (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Chaos Theory

"Sometimes the future arrives whether you're ready or not. A charmingly quirky, feel-good Irish comedy about accidentally finding yourself. Maeve McGettigan has just landed a job as Dublin's least prepared robot babysitter. One minute she’s coasting through her boring marketing job; the next, she’s responsible for Kobi: a well-meaning robot assistant with zero filter and a knack for publicly humiliating her. As chaos erupts around her, Maeve finds herself unexpectedly caught between two very different men: Shane – her on-again, off-again messy situationship – and Josh, Kobi's nerdy-in-a-hot-way creator who makes her question everything she thought she wanted for her life. But then Maeve and Kobi’s story takes a truly shocking twist, and it’s suddenly time for her to decide: what – and who – is she really fighting for? A wonderfully heartwarming read about finding your people and embracing the unexpected, even when it’s a mischievous robot. After all, sometimes the most chaotic situations lead you to exactly where you belong."

Sylvia Leatham (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Wired Our Own Way: An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices

"A moving and insightful anthology of personal essays by Irish autistic adults. Wired Our Own Way: An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices is the first collection of personal essays written by autistic Irish adults. One in twenty-seven Irish school children are now diagnosed as autistic, and autism is entering the general population’s consciousness much louder than it did in the past. As understanding about autism spreads, more and more adults are now finding out that they are autistic. This anthology shines a light on how important autism identification is, and how the label of ‘autism’ can enhance ones self-understanding and self-compassion. Throughout this collection of essays, the writers highlight how the lived-experience of autism varies drastically from one autistic person to another, and show that there is no one way to be autistic. From meltdowns to mental health, from being diagnosed in early childhood to being diagnosed in late adulthood, from cultural perceptions of autism to employment, the essays explore the huge range of diversity within the autistic Irish experience. Contributors include: Jen Wallace, Liam Coulson, Nuala O’Connor, Jane Cadman, Eric Crowley, James McClean, Roisin Riley, Fiacre Ryan, Justin Bakker, Naoise Dolan, Colm Brady, Freya von Noorden Pierce, Stefanie Preissner, Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Emil E Osinski, Stuart Neilson, Caoimhe O’Gorman, Adam Harris, Priyangee Guha, Mike McGrath-Bryan, Aisling Walsh, Cliona Kelliher."

Adam Harris, Aisling Walsh, Caoimhe O’Gorman, Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan, Cliona Kelliher, Colm Brady, Emil E Osinski, Eric Crowley, Fiacre Ryan, Freya von Noorden Pierce, James McClean, Jane Cadman, Jen Wallace, Jennifer Poyntz, Justin Bakker, Liam Coulson, Mike McGrath-Bryan, Naoise Dolan, Nuala O’Connor, Priyangee Guha, Roisin Riley, Stefanie Preissner, Stuart Neilson (Author), Liam Gerrard, Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Book of Lost Children

"A wartime nurse risks everything to protect mothers and babies in Nazi-occupied Guernsey. Decades later, a hidden record reveals a devastating family truth. Based on a remarkable true story of one woman’s extraordinary courage. Guernsey, 1943. As German forces tighten their grip on the Channel Islands, nurse Evelyn Nightingale guards a dangerous secret. Within the walls of the Emergency Hospital, she's hidden three babies from the enemy – children who would otherwise face a terrible fate. When a traumatized French woman arrives to give birth, Evelyn must risk everything – with consequences that will echo through the generations. Dublin, 2018. Still reeling from her mother's death, Kitty White is struggling to keep her family's antique shop afloat when a desperate woman arrives with an old violin to sell. Hidden in its dusty case, Kitty discovers a mysterious list of names that shatters her father's composure. Her search for answers leads her to Guernsey, where she is about to uncover a long-buried secret about her family… Inspired by true historical events, this heart-wrenching tale will stay with you long after the last page. If you were gripped by The Nightingale, The Alice Network and The Paris Library, you must read The Book of Lost Children."

Jenny O'Brien (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Moonlight Gardening Club

"New friends. New beginnings. Old secrets… ‘Sweet and heartwarming’ – Bestselling author MARIAN KEYES ‘The word “uplifting” was invented for this tender and poignant story. It’s a beautifully written debut, a must-read’ – Bestselling author JUDY LEIGH Though they come from the same small Irish village, lonely widow Ruby and struggling single mother Frankie couldn’t be more different. Then they discover the Moonlight Gardening Club, founded to remind its members that even on the darkest of nights, beauty and light can still be found. As they plant flowers chosen specially to be enjoyed under a carpet of stars in the gentle glow of moonlight, an unexpected friendship starts to bloom – and it might be just what each of them needs. But when shocking secrets from the past are revealed, both their worlds are turned upside down. If their friendship is going to survive, each of them must face what they’ve been running from… Fans of FAITH HOGAN’s The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club, SHEILA O’FLANAGAN and MARY ALICE MONROE will fall head over heels for this emotional story about secrets, fresh starts and the power of friendship, set in enchanting Ireland. Readers are loving The Moonlight Gardening Club: ‘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), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

She and I: A gripping and page turning Northern Irish crime thriller

"Bloomsbury presents She and I by Hannah King, read by Shelley Atkinson, Finnian Garbutt, Alan Turkington, Amy Molloy and Roisin Rankin. 'Not only beautifully written but gripping and full of soul' SARAH PEARSE, author of THE SANATORIUM 'A nifty fusion of psychological thriller and police procedural' SUNDAY TIMES Best friends share everything. But murder is different. Isn’t it? Keeley and Jude are closer than blood. They share everything: clothes, secrets, drinks – and blame. So when they wake up after a New Year’s party to find Keeley’s boyfriend stabbed to death beside them, they agree to share one more thing: the story they’ll tell the police. But who is their story really meant to protect? As the murder investigation begins to send uncomfortable ripples through their community, the history of the girls’ claustrophobic relationship comes under scrutiny, will the girls find there's such a thing as sharing too much? 'A taut and unrelenting mystery, expertly woven with the bruising drama of girlhood' ANNA BAILEY, author of TALL BONES 'Gripping. Thoughtful. Lyrical ... It's got all the right shades of Tana French. This writer is going places' IMRAN MAHMOOD, author of YOU DON'T KNOW ME 'King really understands suspense' HOLLY WATT, author of TO THE LIONS C 2022 Hannah King P 2022 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Hannah King (Author), Alan Turkington, Amy Molloy, Finnian Garbutt, Roisin Rankin, Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond the Sea

"On a lonely cliff beside the vast blue sea there is a house. In the house there lives a girl, and in the girl there lives a dream. Soon she'll be as free as the fishes that swim beneath the water. But until then she bides her time and lives quietly, her every move ruled over by an uncaring, heartless stepmother. The hope for freedom is all she has to hold onto. So close she can almost taste it. But when her stepmother’s estranged younger brother comes to stay, he presents a mystery that lures her in. The girl doesn’t understand that beneath the allure of the unknown sometimes all we find are horrors. And in searching for the truth, her heart is in danger of falling like a rock to the bottom of the deep dark sea. Beyond the Sea is a standalone Gothic Romance set in modern times."

L.H. Cosway (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Splitting: The inside story on headaches

"Bloomsbury presents Splitting by Amanda Ellison, read by Shelley Atkinson. 'From ice cream headaches to migraine, this fascinating and entertaining account of a common curse draws together modern science, ancient views and personal experience.' – Professor Roy Taylor, author of Life Without Diabetes 'An insightful, entertaining book' – Daily Mail Written by a leading neuroscientist, Splitting tells the fascinating true story about headaches, and the secrets they reveal about your brain and overall health. Did you know... - chocolate doesn't give you a headache – and may in fact prevent one happening? - 30% of us sneeze at sunlight? - you can see off a headache with an orgasm? - that you shouldn't wear a striped top if your spouse gets migraines? From migraines to sinus pain to tension headaches – and everything in between – Splitting separates fact from fiction, putting you in control and helping you practise habits that will protect you from headache. C 2020 Amanda Ellison P 2020 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC"

Amanda Ellison (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Guest: A Changeling Tale

"When her adorable baby brother is replaced by an ugly, ill-tempered changeling, Mollie is determined to find the so-called Kinde Folke who took baby Thomas, return the changeling she calls Guest, and make them give Thomas back. Natural and magical obstacles and her own reckless temperament make her journey arduous and full of dangers, and a plot rich in surprises and twists makes this book a must-listen for Mary Downing Hahns fans."

Mary Downing Hahn (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

A House Full of Secrets

"One of us is lying… When Londoner Vikki receives an invitation from Niall Blake to join him for a weekend at his family home in a remote part of Ireland, she hopes it will be the perfect opportunity to turn their friendship into something more significant. But Niall has a different reason for his proposition. As the weekend takes a sinister turn and Vikki discovers more about Niall, his estranged older brother Alex and his over-compensating sister Lainey, it becomes clear that the family harbours a long-buried secret. But who is out to destroy them? Could it be one of their own? And why did Niall invite Vikki along for the weekend? PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR: “A high voltage blend of drama, intrigue and suspense, and a story line full of twists and turns…Miller delivers again.” IRISH INDEPENDENT"

Zoe Miller (Author), Shelley Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.

"You think you know how the world works? Think again. 21st Century America Magic has faded from the minds of mankind, until an encounter between Melisande Stokes, linguistics expert at Harvard, and Tristan Lyons, shadowy agent of government, leads to the uncovering of a distant past. After translating a series of ancient texts, Melisande and Tristan discover the connection between science, magic and time travel and so the Department of Diachronic Operations – D.O.D.O. – is hastily brought into existence. Its mission: to develop a device that will send their agents back to the past, where they can stop magic from disappearing and alter the course of history. But when you interfere with the past, there’s no telling what you might find in your future… Written with genius and complexity, this vividly realised novel will make you believe the impossible, and question the very foundations of the modern world."

Neal Stephenson, Nicole Galland (Author), Arthur Morey, Charlie Thurston, David Stifel, James Foster, Joe Barrett, Kate Udall, Laural Merlington, Laurence Bouvard, Luke Daniels, Robert Fass, Shelley Atkinson, Tavia Gilbert, Will Damron (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Shelley Atkinson

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