Audiobooks narrated by Virginia Leishman

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini illuminates the fascinating life of Ada Byron King, Countess of Lovelace-Lord Byron's daughter, the world's first computer programmer, and a woman whose exceptional contributions to science and technology have been too long unsung. The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, the most brilliant, revered, and scandalous of the Romantic poets, Ada was destined for fame long before her birth. Estranged from Ada's father, who was infamously "mad, bad, and dangerous to know," Ada's mathematician mother is determined to save her only child from her perilous Byron heritage. Banishing fairy tales and make-believe from the nursery, Ada's mother provides her daughter with a rigorous education grounded in mathematics and science. Any troubling spark of imagination-or worse yet, passion or poetry-is promptly extinguished. Or so her mother believes. When Ada is introduced into London society as a highly eligible young heiress, she at last discovers the intellectual and social circles she has craved all her life. Little does she realize that her delightful new friendship with inventor Charles Babbage-brilliant, charming, and occasionally curmudgeonly-will shape her destiny. Intrigued by the prototype of his first calculating machine, the Difference Engine, and enthralled by the plans for his even more advanced Analytical Engine, Ada resolves to help Babbage realize his extraordinary vision, unique in her understanding of how his invention could transform the world. All the while, she passionately studies mathematics-ignoring skeptics who consider it an unusual, even unhealthy pursuit for a woman-falls in love, discovers the shocking secrets behind her parents' estrangement, and comes to terms with the unquenchable fire of her imagination. In Enchantress of Numbers, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini unveils the passions, dreams, and insatiable thirst for knowledge of a largely unheralded pioneer in computing-a young woman who stepped out of her father's shadow to achieve her own laurels and champion the new technology that would shape the future.

Jennifer Chiaverini (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Agnes Grey

In her daring first novel, the youngest Bronte sister drew upon her own experiences to tell the unvarnished truth about life as a governess. Like Agnes Grey, Anne Bronte was a young middle-class Victorian lady whose family fortunes had faltered. Like so many other unmarried women of the nineteenth century, Bronte accepted the only "respectable" employment available--and entered a world of hardship, humiliation, and loneliness. Written with a realism that shocked critics, this biting social commentary offers a sympathetic portrait of Agnes and a moving indictment of her brutish and haughty employers. Separated from her family and friends by many miles, paid little more than subsistence wages, Agnes stands alone--both in society at large and in a household where she is neither family member nor servant. Agnes Grey remains a landmark in the literature of social history. In addition to its challenge to the era's chauvinism and materialism, it features a first-person narrative that offers a rare opportunity to hear the voice of a Victorian working woman.

Anne Bronte (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Little Lord Fauntleroy

Imagine that you are a little boy. Your handsome father is dead, and each day your beautiful mother grows weaker from grief. The two of you have little money, and even less hope for the future. Would you want to give up, or can you be brave? Now a surprising message comes from England. You are heir to a title, a lordship. Soon, you will be on your way to live with a wealthy but grumpy old uncle, whom you have never met. But you are going to live with him in a castle! This is the story of Little Lord Fauntleroy. Listen to his journey from rags to riches; it is a story full of surprises. Often, the caricature festooned with golden curls and velvet suits has kept readers from discovering Little Lord Fauntleroy for themselves. No matter what age you are, take this opportunity to listen to a classic that will captivate you with its delightful charm, humor, and insight. Narrator Virginia Leishman's delicate phrasing is the perfect complement to Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless novel.

Frances Hodgson Burnett (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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The Railway Children

Father has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. Now Mother has moved Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis from London to an old English country house. Missing the hustle and bustle of the city, the children are ecstatic to find that their new home is near a railway station. Making friends with both the porter and the station master is great fun. So is waving to a kindly old gentleman who rides through on the 9:15 every morning. When mother gets sick, it is he to whom they turn for help. And later, when a fortunate twist of fate returns their father to them, they are surprised to find the old gentleman involved once again. Written by an unconventional woman whose friends included H.G. Wells and George Bernard Shaw, this classic has been popular since it was first published almost 100 years ago. Virginia Leishman's enthusiasm translates these adventuresome children into heroes for modern listeners.

Edith Nesbit (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Five Children and It

On a summer holiday in the countryside of England, five children suddenly find themselves without the supervision of their parents. Left alone with the housekeeper, the children anticipate a dull vacation. However, they soon find more adventure than they can handle. The first day after their parents leave, the children head for a gravel pit to pretend that they are at the beach. While digging in the sand they find a Psammead, or a sand fairy. The grumpy genie promises to grant the children one wish a day that will last until sunset. But as often happens with wishes, none turn out quite the way the children expect. They are led through a series of hilarious adventures by the Psammead as they learn to appreciate what they already have. Edith Nesbit was one of the first authors to write children's books that captured what it was like to be young. Her humorous stories are sure to entertain as they gently teach children about the things in life that are truly valuable.

Edith Nesbit (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Bright Shadow

Young listeners will be enchanted by this wondrous tale of magic and wizardry written by Newbery Medal-winning author Avi. When Morwenna is given the gift of wizardry, she must guard the five wishes she has been granted. She must protect herself and the peasants from vengeful King Ruthvin. Virginia Leishman's spellbinding voice coupled with Avi's mesmerizing story make this magical audiobook a must-listen.

Avi (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Glimpses of Truth: The Wycliffe Translation

Life holds great promise for 14th-century intellectual Thomas Torr, chosen by the illustrious John Wycliffe to help translate the Latin Vulgate into English. But the Roman Church punishes possession of an English Bible with death, and Thomas soon faces a baptism of fire that takes him from the British hinterlands to the catacombs of Rome. Jack Cavanaugh's award-winning novels bring significant events in the history of Christianity to life with thrilling drama and compelling characters.

Jack Cavanaugh (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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The Tale of Castle Cottage

Agatha and Anthony Award nominee Susan Wittig Albert has garnered popular and critical acclaim for her whimsical mysteries based on the life and times of Beatrix Potter. Set in the summertime splendor of 1913 England, this seventh tale finds Beatrix eager to marry her fiancE, solicitor William Heelis. But a few obstacles are still blocking the happy couple's path to the altar-like the troubled remodeling of Castle Cottage, Will and Beatrix's future home.

Susan Wittig Albert (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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The Tale of Oat Cake Crag

Works by best-selling author Susan Wittig Albert have been nominated for the Agatha and Anthony awards. In The Tale of Oat Cake Crag, Miss Beatrix Potter is frustrated by distractions near her home. As the noisy test flights of a hydroplane disrupt her concentration, Beatrix investigates a string of bizarre letters threatening a friend's reputation. Then life becomes even more complicated when the body of the hydroplane project funder is found at the foot of Oat Cake Crag.

Susan Wittig Albert (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Mozart's Sister

Christy Award winner Nancy Moser is the best-selling author of more than 16 popular books of faith and inspiration. In this compelling historical novel, Wolfgang Mozart's little-known sister Nannerl tells the tale of her own bittersweet life. Eleven-year-old Nannerl is arguably the best keyboard player in all of Europe. Yet because her six-year-old brother Wolfie can play almost as well as she, he receives virtually all the praise and adulation. Traveling far and wide with her family, she and her brother perform before the crowned heads of Europe. Social convention and public clamor relegate her to living life in the shadow of a prodigy. But when will Nannerl ever realize her own dreams and aspirations? "Moser's writing is smooth" and replete with "fascinating historical details" Publishers Weekly "Mozart's Sister is a masterpiece of lyrical prose; a deeply moving story that embodies a love for music and a fascination with history. Bravisima, Ms. Moser!"-Tamera Alexander, best-selling author of Rekindled (RB# K1233).

Nancy Moser (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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The Tale of Applebeck

In this sixth charming episode by Agatha and Anthony Award nominee Susan Wittig Albert, Miss Potter helps her rural friends solve a knotty problem. After his haystacks are burned, Farmer Harmsworth barricades the common path through Applebeck Orchard. Reliable witnesses say the arson was the work of a lantern-bearing specter. But has the culprit left clues Miss Potter can decipher?

Susan Wittig Albert (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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The Tale of Briar Bank

In this fifth delightful entry, Anthony and Agatha Award nominee Susan Wittig Albert re-imagines Beatrix Potter wearing her sleuthing cap as the village of Sawrey lies buried beneath a blanket of Christmas snow. While she and her animal friends investigate a puzzling death, Miss Potter wonders if she can acknowledge her fondness for Mr. Heelis and still remain loyal to her fianc's memory.

Susan Wittig Albert (Author), Virginia Leishman (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Virginia Leishman