Naomi Frederick has narrated 14 audiobooks on Listento.it by 12 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.3★ across 11 ratings. The most-rated is Her Darkest Hour.
Her Darkest Hour
Summary
"You and me - we’re sisters, not enemies. We’ve got a real enemy at our door and we need to focus on that - together, united. I don’t want to be fighting you as well." In the small French town of Colmar, swastikas hang from lampposts, tanks are lined up outside the town hall, and 21-year-old Marie-Claire is in love. She will do anything for her childhood friend Jacques, including spying on her German boss, Dietrich Kurtz. Anything to make Jacques see her in a new light, as something more than just a silly little girl. But when Jacques rejects her, everything changes. Mortified and stung, Marie-Claire feels the need for revenge. She turns her back on those she loves and is catapulted into a new life. Her little sister Victoire is aghast at her sister’s traitorous behavior, not least because Marie-Claire is endangering Victoire’s own life-threatening mission, hiding Jewish refugees in their mother’s wine cellar. And when Marie-Claire marries Kurtz, Victoire knows her relationship with her sister has been poisoned for ever. But when Victoire learns someone she loves is in terrible danger, her only choice is to trust the sister who betrayed her. Kurtz, Marie-Claire’s cruel and heartless husband, has key information and Victoire must persuade Marie-Claire to obtain it, even if it means risking Marie-Claire’s life. As secrets come to light and close bonds are broken, will the sisters be able to heal old wounds? An unforgettable story of two sisters ripped apart by World War II. Fans of The Nightingale and The Ragged Edge of Night will fall in love with Her Darkest Hour.
©2020 Sharon Maas (P)2020 Bookouture
Before the Rains
Summary
Penguin presents the unabridged downloadable audiobook edition of Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies, read by Naomi Frederick. A gripping, heart-wrenching tale of love against the odds from number one Sunday Times best-selling author Dinah Jefferies. Rajputana, India, 1930. Since her husband's death, 28-year-old photojournalist Eliza's only companion has been her camera. When the British government sends her to an Indian princely state to photograph the royal family, she's determined to make a name for herself. But when Eliza arrives at the palace, she meets Jay, the Prince's handsome, brooding younger brother. Brought together by their desire to improve conditions for local people, Jay and Eliza find they have more in common than they think. But their families - and society - think otherwise. Eventually they will have to make a choice between doing what's expected and following their hearts.
©2017 Dinah Jefferies (P)2017 Penguin Audio Books
Sin
Summary
Ruth calls herself a malevolent creature, ruled since childhood by hatred and envy for her adopted sister, Elizabeth. She grew up in Elizabeth's shadow, always falling short of her goodness and generosity, constantly resenting her very presence in the family. As they grow old, Ruth sets out to destroy her without guilt or hesitation. Ruth will strike Elizabeth where she's most vulnerable - she will steal her husband and send her collapsing into ruin. Written in Hart's concise, striking prose, Sin is a powerful and compulsively listenable exploration of hate - and the destruction and tragedy it begets.
©2010 Josephine Hart (P)2016 Dreamscape Media, LLC
The Lost Daughter of India
Summary
One woman. One impossible choice. Her daughter or her happiness.... When Caroline meets Kamal, the attraction is instant. He's enchanting, charismatic, and she can't wait to set up a new life with him in India. Both their families are against the union, but Caroline is convinced they'll come round, especially when she gives birth to a beautiful daughter, Asha. Asha is an adorable child but Caroline, homesick and beginning to hate the remote Indian village they live in, struggles with motherhood. Kamal is hardly ever there and she feels more and more isolated. In the grips of severe depression Caroline flees back to America, leaving Asha behind. Ten years later.... Caroline recovered from her illness and is consumed by thoughts of the daughter she abandoned. Desperate to find Asha, she reunites with Kamal, intent on tracking her down. Will they ever be able to find their lost daughter? If they have any chance, they must confront the painful truths of the past and a terrible secret that has been kept for many years, until now. A heart-breaking and beautifully written story of loss, secrets, and the strength of a mother's love against all odds. If you enjoyed Diane Chamberlain and Lucinda Riley then this book will find its way into your heart and stay there.
©2017 Sharon Maas (P)2017 Bookouture
The Orphan House
Summary
Baby born September 5th 1934, approximately. Place of birth, unknown; father, unknown; mother unknown. Present day. Sarah Jennings knows there’s one place she can go to find some peace and quiet during her difficult divorce. But arriving at her beloved father’s home in the countryside, she finds him unwell and hunched over boxes of files, studying the records from Cedar Hall, the crumbling orphanage in town. He says that hidden behind the wrought iron gates and overgrown ivy are secrets about their family, and he asks for her help. Sarah goes to speak to Connie Burroughs, the only person left alive who lived at Cedar Hall. Her questions take Connie from the comfort of her nursing home right back to a chilly night in 1934, when as a little girl she saw her own father carrying a newborn baby, bundled in rags, that he said he’d found near the broken front gate. The day Connie began to protect his secrets. But just as Sarah begins to convince Connie that the truth can set her free, she realizes that unlocking the past might have heartbreaking consequences... An emotional and uplifting reminder that incredible acts of courage can change the course of history, Ann Bennett’s powerful tale is inspired by the lives of the children who lived at her great-grandfather’s orphanage. Fans of Before We Were Yours, The Orphan’s Tale, and The Orphan Train will be hooked. This book was previously published as The Foundling’s Daughter.
©2020 Ann Bennett (P)2020 Bookouture
Incredibly Guilty: A Comic Moral Fable
Summary
A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama written by the award-winning screen and stage dramatist Marcy Kahan, and starring Stephen Mangan as Ed, whose life is about to change forever when he accidentally puts National Treasure Penhaligon Rhinehart into a coma. First broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 14 January 2011.
It's an important day for Ed Hanson. He has to do two things: present a 'vision statement' to keep hold of his job and propose marriage to his girlfriend, Lucinda. What isn't on Ed's list of things to do is put Penhaligon Rhinehart - author, barrister, circus-clown, and National Treasure - into a coma. Ed's life will never be quite the same again....
Starring Stephen Mangan (Green Wing, Adrian Mole) as Ed Hanson and Naomi Frederick (The Trial of Tony Blair) as Lucinda. Also featuring Sean Baker, Joanna Monro, Adeel Akhtar, Naomi Sheldon, Lloyd Thomas, and Christine Kavanagh. Directed by Sally Avens.
©2011 AudioGO Ltd (P)2011 AudioGO Ltd
Get Savvi
Summary
Zara seemed happily married. But behind her smile at parties and gatherings was a lonely woman. She found herself neglected by her husband Jay, a successful and preoccupied businessman and was no longer needed by her entitled and wayward son Arun. This all changed when they met the award-winning coach Rita Chowdhry. Through the framework called SAVVI, the three characters, based on real-life stories, transformed their lives. Rita speaks to the likes of Lord Blunkett, politician Nicky Morgan, and hotelier Jasminder Singh who epitomize the SAVVI principles in their own lives in order to achieve success and fulfillment. This is a book for CEOs, parents, entrepreneurs, and those seeking to thrive in their careers and relationships. Get Saavi shows you, in a practical way, how to lead, love, and live your best life.
©2019 Rita Chowdhry (P)2019 Rita Chowdhry
Believe Me
Summary
A BBC Radio 4 drama by Stephanie Dale, originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 10 January 2011.
When art teacher Rachel, walking home festooned with end-of-term gifts from her pupils, bumps into Tyrone on his first day in London it is the beginning of a passionate love affair. Soon it makes sense for Tyrone, now working as a chef in a local up-market cafe, to move into Rachel's flat. But it's not long before there are tiny bits of grit starting to despoil the love oyster. As things get more serious, issues of control, jealousy, trust and violence rise to the surface in this thriller exploring a lesser-known side of domestic abuse. 'Believe Me' stars Naomi Frederick as Rachel and Alex Lanipekun as Tyrone. Also included in the cast are Leah Brotherhead, Sally Orrock, Lloyd Thomas and Sean Baker. Directed by David Hunter.
©2010 Stephanie Dale (P)2011 AudioGO Ltd
The Auguries
Summary
In the 1500s an almanac full of magic spells was put together by someone intent on bringing about the End Times. It has resurfaced and is being used indiscriminately. An unexpected lunar eclipse. A poisonous fog that cripples the capital. Statues that weep blood. As the catalogue of calamities mount, fear and paranoia provoke rumours of terrorist attacks. But from whom? History professor Juliet Harrington is an authority on 16th-century mysticism and a long-time believer in the existence of the Almanac of Forbidden Wisdom, a potent spellbook. Legend insists it was compiled in that period by a cabal of powerful occultists. Its magic is summoned only at disastrous cost, signalled by the Auguries. Juliet is convinced that the recent plague of disasters means someone reckless is using the book - and she has little time left to stop them.
©2019 Francis Cottam (P)2020 Audible, Ltd
The Forgotten Girls
Summary
Elaine was typing out letters from POWs and reminding herself that she would not cry. Poor Sam in Burma doubted whether he would ever see his children again. "Tell them they mean the world to me." Come on, Sam. Elaine wanted to reach out into the letter, hold his hand. Hang in there. If only he knew that she was half a world away, reading, listening.... London, 1943. German bombs rain down on London, but Elaine Parker knows her job transcribing letters from far-away prisoners of war is more important than her own safety. As she pores over each tearful letter from a soldier to his family far away, she's not only making sure the notes reach their destinations, but also looking for secret messages hidden between the lines to help the allies win the war. At home, Elaine's life isn't so simple. What the other clerical girls don't know is that Elaine's family isn't respectable, and with her parents long dead, it's up to Elaine to make ends meet. But with one brother increasingly in trouble with the law, and the other suffering a violent breakdown, it doesn't leave Elaine much time to consider her own future hopes and dreams. And then Elaine meets dark-haired and passionate Bobby - a wartime photographer on the dangerous front line - and her world shifts. The uncertainties of war feel more personal than ever. Will Elaine be forced to choose between her difficult family and her growing passion for Bobby? And how do you let yourself love someone with your whole heart when each moment could be their last? A heartbreaking World War Two novel - emotional and unforgettable. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday, and Before We Were Yours. What readers are saying about Lizzie Page.... "Brought me to tears.... The story has plenty of twists and turns.... If you like romantic historical fiction, particularly which is set in wartime, then this is the book for you! This, at times, bought tears to my eyes and equally a warm glow to my heart." (Stardust Book Reviews) "Lizzie Page has gone and done it again with this beautiful, poignant, and immensely emotional story.... She is by far one of my favourite authors.... I absolutely love how this is written. Lizzie, you have blown me away with your beautiful words, wonderful imagination, and emotional story.... It is a lovingly written story that has real heart, and one that I cannot recommend enough." (Chicks Rogues and Scandals, 5 stars) "I loved it!... I adore Lizzie Page's writing and the way she so brilliantly blends fact and fiction." (Jill Mansell, Sunday Times best-selling author)
©2020 Lizzie Page (P)2020 Bookouture
Night Train to Paris
Summary
Paris, 1945. Fen looked out over the rooftops as the sun was setting. The letter she was holding, written on blue paper, was the clue she’d been searching for. She wiped away a tear and pulled herself together. Who would want to murder her dearest friend? Fen Churche arrives in Paris, determined to put the horrors of the war behind her. But the City of Lights has lost its spark, except inside the beautiful apartment of Fen’s godmother, artist Rose Coillard. Fen can’t wait to hear about Rose’s war work - under the nose of prominent Nazis, Rose created a secret list of the precious paintings they stole. Now Rose will be able to return them to their rightful Jewish owners. But after a blissful few days reuniting with old friends, Fen finds Rose dead: stabbed through the neck with one of her own paintbrushes. Bewildered and scared, Fen is determined to solve her beloved friend’s murder, just like she does with her favorite crossword puzzles. Then she discovers the cypher that unlocks Rose’s list is missing. Could Rose’s death be linked to the brave work she did during the war? When Fen finds a blackmail letter in Rose’s mailbox, accusing her of selling Jewish-owned paintings to the Nazis, she can’t believe what she’s reading. Then another member of Rose’s Resistance network, who transported the artwork, dies in a volley of gunshots, and Fen is sure the deaths are the work of the same villain. One who will stop at nothing to keep their treachery hidden. Can Fen clear Rose’s name and catch this devious killer? The absolutely perfect treat if you love Rhys Bowen, Charles Todd, and Jacqueline Winspear.
©2020 Fliss Chester (P)2020 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.
The Garden of Lost Memories
Summary
Just because you feel ordinary doesn’t mean you aren’t extraordinary to someone else. Sixty-two-year-old Elsie knows what she likes. Custard creams at four o’clock, jigsaw puzzles with a thousand pieces, her ivy-covered, lavender-scented garden. Ten-year-old Billy would rather spend his Saturdays kicking a ball, or watching TV, or anything really, other than being babysat by his grumpy neighbour Elsie and being force-fed custard creams. If it was up to them, they’d have nothing to do with each other. Unfortunately, you can’t choose who you live next door to. But there is always more to people than meets the eye…. Elsie doesn’t know that Billy’s afraid to go to school now, or why his mother woke him up in the middle of the night with an urgent shake, bags already packed, ready to flee their home. Billy doesn’t know that the rusting red tin he finds buried in Elsie’s treasured garden is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode her carefully organised life. And that when he digs it up, he is unearthing a secret that has lain dormant for 28 years…. This moving tale is for anyone who has ever felt the pang of loneliness, or worried that their broken heart might never be the same again. Fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Keeper of Lost Things and The Library of Lost and Found will fall head over heels for this life-affirming novel that shows us that if you’re willing to take a risk, happiness is only ever a heartbeat away.
©2020 Ruby Hummingbird (P)2020 Bookouture
A Dangerous Goodbye
Summary
Your lost love never came home after the war. Would you risk everything to find out what happened to him? The year 1944. While war rages in Europe, Fenella Churche is doing her bit in the green fields of England. But when she finds a letter addressed to her on the scrubbed farmhouse table, she knows the news won’t be good. She hasn’t heard from her fiancé, Arthur, since he was posted to France on a dangerous undercover mission, and from his very first words she knows he may not be coming back. I fear this may be my last letter to you, my darling, Arthur writes. Fen won’t give up hope and calls the war office, wanting to know if Arthur is still alive; they refuse to tell her anything. Searching for answers, she returns to his letter, but parts of it just don’t make sense. Through her tears Fen realizes that her darling Arthur is giving her all the clues she needs to find out what happened to him. The year 1945. With the war behind them and nothing left for her in England, Fen travels to the deceptively pretty French village where she thinks Arthur might be, but there’s no sign of him. She’s close to giving up when she finds his silver cigarette case and another letter full of clues. But when the local priest is killed, it’s clear someone wants to keep wartime secrets buried. If Arthur, a brilliant spy, was outwitted and betrayed, can Fen stay alive long enough to find out what happened to the man she loves? A gripping story of war, mystery, espionage, and murder. Fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Charles Todd, and Rhys Bowen will absolutely adore this World War Two murder mystery.
©2020 Fliss Chester (P)2020 Bookouture
The Runaway Sisters
Summary
I’ll never forget the night when everything changed. I saw the first glimmers of daylight over the roofs from the window before I heard it. We were used to air raids by then and I recognized German engines, but something felt different this time. They were closer than I’d ever heard them before.... Devon, 1940: When 15-year-old Daisy is evacuated from her home in London, she knows she must look after her younger sister, Peggy. She is the only one who can reassure Peggy that life will go back to normal, reading to her from their one battered children’s book, ensuring she takes the cough medicine their mother tucked in the pocket of her gas mask bag. But when the sisters’ new home is suddenly bombed, they are taken into the countryside, and Daisy quickly realizes that not everyone at home is on the right side of the war. Forced to work in fields alongside orphan children, she finds herself drawn to a young boy called John, who has tried and failed to escape many times before. Then Peggy gets sick and Daisy knows that, to save her life, they must run away. But now Peggy is not the only one Daisy is desperate to protect. As war rages all around, Daisy learns that sometimes you have to sacrifice everything if you want to save the people you love. And that the choices you make in your darkest days will affect your family for generations to come.... Perfect for fans of Lisa Wingate, Diney Costeloe, and Shirley Dickson, The Runaway Sisters is a tale of heart-wrenching loss and uplifting courage. It’s a story about family and the light that can be found in the dark clouds of war.
©2020 Ann Bennett (P)2020 Bookouture