Comforting and mellow, with just a hint of spice, Rebecca Gallagher's voice is well suited to the narration of this cozy mystery. In northeast Ohio, Amish Fannie Miller and her friend, retired police officer Foster Bates, seek to uncover who is killing the contestants in the Tuscarawas County baking contest. Gallagher does a great job switching voices and maintaining a tone of... Read More

Not all of the damsels in this audiobook are in distress. One of them needs Galahad only to lend her a sword. Aside from that, these "rediscovered" tales hew pretty closely to the style and tone of medieval Arthuriana. A lot of the humor comes from the puckish introduction and footnotes, which treat the tales as serious historical documents. Narrator Simon Vance does his usual... Read More

Pastor, speaker, and podcaster Davey Blackburn shows his talent for storytelling, his knowledge of the Bible, and the strong religious belief that centered him after the murder of his wife. He calls this audiobook the book he "never wanted to write." Blackburn's transitions are clear as he weaves the multiple elements of his memoir. His narration varies from accounts of... Read More

Speaking with a Wisconsin accent, Brian Reisinger pours a lot of passion into this audiobook, so it's appropriate that listeners can hear the emotion in his voice. This audiobook is part memoir and part history of the ongoing challenges faced by American farmers. Reisinger weaves the two narrative threads skillfully. Sometimes the narration sounds rushed, and occasionally even... Read More

Author and narrator Herbie Pilato stitches together the facts surrounding the attractive, highly talented English-born actress Dame Enid Diana Elizabeth Rigg. She is most famous for her role as Emma Peel in the iconic 1960s television series "The Avengers." Pilato's narration is understandable, workmanlike, and without much flair or intonation. Direct quotes from other sources... Read More

Narrator Natasha Soudek finds the voices to depict four amazing employees of Wynton's: Audrey, secretary to the owner; Gigi, a lunchroom waitress; Mary Jo, a wife and mother; and Vivian, owner of the in-store bridal salon. Wynton's is a massive department store that sells glamorous fashion to women. But it's struggling to keep its doors open because someone is stealing money.... Read More

Historian Tevi Troy offers listeners an engaging treatise on executive power, in particular, highlighting the use of that power with corporate chief executives over the course of American history. Narrator Timothy Andres Pabon does an outstanding job with a measured yet incisive performance. At times, there were epic historic clashes; at other times, smooth sailing. The CEOs... Read More

Many characters are featured in this sweet little mystery--all focused on finding the little red truck named Tilly by Raelynn Hadley. Narrator Anne Marie Lewis keeps the story moving at a nice pace and effectively creates an authentic Texas accent. She narrates with skill, talent, and a joyful attitude. Tilly is stolen from Raelynn, and so the hunt begins for the perpetrator.... Read More

A native speaker of Japanese is essential for this audiobook, which takes the listener inside the world of Nippon Professional Baseball. Tokyo-born Brian Nishii is an ideal choice, not only for his handling of the Japanese names, but also for his seeming familiarity with baseball terminology. The gaijin (foreigner) in the title is Tony Barnette, an American Minor League pitcher... Read More

Ellen Quay narrates a new series, The Fae Dynasty, which begins with Thea's story. Each year a new queen is chosen from the mortals and is whisked off to the fae realm. Thea learns quickly that mortal queens never go back home; in fact, they seem to vanish. She is determined not to let that happen to her. At first, Quay portrays Thea as naïve; even though her life hasn't been... Read More

In this audio mystery, listeners follow the adventures of Kit--wife, mother, devout Christian, and dedicated detective--as she investigates criminal acts in late Victorian London. The marvelously theatrical voice of Nan McNamara animates Kit, as well as a whole cast of characters, ranging from a baby to a cruel murderer who runs an opium ring. The plot is rather improbable but... Read More

Using the video game paradigm of advancing to higher levels, Christian teacher Chris Pace offers a dynamic lesson on how to awaken our desire, define our purpose, and begin taking action toward our potential. Audibly flowing from his unshakable faith in divine grace, Pace's vocal energy makes everything he says glow with promise. But the foundations of this audio go beyond the... Read More

Every Holocaust memoir offers a unique perspective. This audiobook shows its horrors through the eyes of innocent children, Stefan and Marion Hess. Tavia Gilbert delivers their story of life with their parents in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp with tenderness and care. She manages to depict the reality and fragility of their existence without surrendering its fleeting moments... Read More

This audio play is drawn from letters written over several years between Major Warren Lewis, brother of C.S. Lewis, and Blanche Biggs, a missionary in Papua New Guinea. Their story is brought to life by two stellar narrators, Simon Vance and Anne Flosnik. Vance sets the scene, interjecting stage directions when appropriate as a deep friendship develops between the... Read More

In 1939, David Reid, an American photographer who is half Jewish, meets Nadia, the daughter of a Polish baron, during the invasion of Poland by the Nazis. Her father asks David to take Nadia to safety in England. Natasha Soudek creates a sense of urgency for these characters with clipped German and Polish accents that drop listeners into this historical period. Natasha and... Read More

Simon Vance's pleasant, inviting tones draw listeners into Chaney's expansive examination of J.M. Barrie's remarkable life. Chaney traces Barrie's modest beginnings as a Scottish weaver's son whose mother paid little attention to him, preferring instead his older brother, David. Sadly, David died in a skating accident at 13, and Jamie made up stories to assuage his mother's... Read More

Podcasters Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos have long engaged in conversations focusing on today's culture and its rocky connections to Christianity. In this audiobook, their warm voices outline the harsh realities dividing today's Christian communities--infighting, hatred, and factionalism, among them. Bringing harmony to this discord, Khang and Mikalatos present a method to... Read More

The effervescent, purposeful voice of Pamela Klein delivers this Christian murder mystery set in Venice and featuring two newly wed self-styled detectives, Lord and Lady Astley. Some listeners will be charmed by this romantic duo who delight in God's love, their mutual love, and their love of adventure. Every mystery writer's trick is employed in this story. There is a treasure... Read More

Delightful and lighthearted, Rosanna Pilcher's voice is ideal for this collection of short cozy mysteries. Her soft, musical delivery brings the food truck characters to life as they investigate a series of murders within a food truck park in Birch Tree, Maine. The stories are written by four authors; each story stands alone and has a Christian influence, mentioning prayer,... Read More

Amy Seiffert narrates her audiobook with a joyful energy that she says everyone can have when they discover the grace and acceptance that can be found in Christianity. We can try to satisfy the hunger, emptiness, and generalized anxiety many of us feel by filling our lives with distractions like shopping, social media, or addictive TV series. But the hunger she's talking about... Read More

Author/narrator Rachel Anne Ridge offers encouraging words on how to embrace your unique strengths and abilities and welcome your inner donkey. She softly and pleasantly shares insights on how to overcome tough moments, establish positive change, and achieve a personal definition of success--while also explaining that what can be perceived as character flaws or weaknesses can... Read More

Rachanee Lumayno brings a dystopian world to life and delivers a pulse-pounding plot without sounding over-the-top. Lee Urban lives in New Beijing, where social position is the highest priority. The Enhanced gain superpowers from gene-editing paid for at birth. Naturals, who can't afford it, are banished to the outskirts of the city. Lee has been adopted into an enhanced... Read More

Simon Vance's precise narration and softly shaded voice might seem unsuited for Victor Hugo's sprawling melodrama of passion and violence in fifteenth-century France. The many characters include a dancer, a lusting priest, and his love-struck, hunchbacked foster son. Vance's narration suits the audio medium and the text, with its intrusive narrative voice, better than full-on... Read More

Narrator Aimee Lilly inhabits the character of 17-year-old debutante Violet Strange, who leads a secret life as a private investigator for early-twentieth-century New York society. Here, Violet recounts nine of her cases, or "problems," which range from murder to missing heirs, from unsolved intrigues to long-forgotten rooms. Lilly adopts subtle accents for cultured and... Read More

Aimee Lilly's narration is ideally suited to a story structured around six different points of view. Each character offers their perspective on the theft of the Marchioness of Castlecourt's diamonds in early-1900s London. Lilly clearly delineates each character and cleverly delivers a variety of accents ranging from received English to broad rural brogues and generic American.... Read More

Memory lies at the heart of this chilling audiobook, which comes through clearly, thanks to Stacey Glemboski's versatile narration. She brings to life Sephone Winters, a young "mem"--a person who has the gift of manipulating memories. While Sephone wants to remember her missing past, Lord Adamo seeks to forget tragic recent events. Adamo steals Sephone away from her abusive... Read More

Narrator Pamela Klein shares Julie Busler's story of being a young Christian mother in Turkey and the depression that almost ended her life. Sucked down into deep depression and idealizing suicide, she is stunned to a stop as she begins to write a goodbye letter to her family. She finds herself turning back to her religion and finding her calling in being with the broken and... Read More

Victor Hugo's genius for verbosity is on ample display here; he never used two words when a hundred would do. Simon Vance's narration is fluid and evocative, but even his excellent work may not be enough to get many listeners through sections of this audiobook such as the exposition on English lighthouses. The story of a man whose mutilated face makes him a successful clown has... Read More

Jeff Lockyer is likely an excellent preacher who gives a great sermon. He clearly manifests his passionate belief in Jesus through his energetic pace and warm tone. Sadly, the very qualities that make for an excellent sermon do not necessarily translate well to a full-length audiobook. Additionally, Lockyer's description of how he and his leadership team enlarged the scope of... Read More

Because they have entered the public domain, many more vintage mysteries have been appearing in the audiobook format. There are numerous productions of this Mary Roberts Rinehart classic about a wealthy, urbane spinster who rents a remote country estate. Rinehart has been labeled the Agatha Christie of America, but her female detective is unlike Miss Marple. Patrician Rachel... Read More

Home decorator Melissa Michaels gives suggestions and tips on how to make small changes at home to bring more serenity and happiness to your life. In a warm, conversational style, Michaels offers guidance on how to have a lovely life of renewal, refreshment, reconnection, and rest during each season. Narrator Natasha Soudek's feminine tone is soft and relaxing, enveloping the... Read More

Sybil Johnson narrates a quartet of inspirational historical romance novellas set during the latter half of the nineteenth century. These stories about independent young women and the lumberjacks who fall for them take listeners west through lumber towns from Maine to Idaho. Though the situations and time periods may differ, each story features the protagonist's trials and... Read More

Author Tricia Goyer uses a refreshingly honest approach to share the practical advice she used to overcome life's hardships and grow closer to God. Jennifer Jill Araya captures the author's heartfelt tone as she narrates Goyer's spiritual testimony on how to achieve a joyful and peaceful soul through God's help and love. There is a perfect balance of comfort and excitement in... Read More

There can be no doubt that narrator Aimee Lilly is having fun portraying Maxine Justice, who is feisty, resilient, and a bit down on her luck. Lilly captures all of Max’s dry wit, which makes this whimsical sci-fi story even more effective. In addition to humans, Lilly has a broad cast of nonhumans to depict, including robot judges and aliens who tempt Earthlings with an offer... Read More

The theme of deception is key throughout this Christian fiction story narrated by Cecily White with clarity and depth of emotion. During WWII, Eloise Marshall and Phillip Clayton face tough decisions as they track down a traitor. Along the way, the two are put into awkward and, at times, dangerous situations. White captures the characters' feelings, offering appropriate levels... Read More

Adam Verner narrates a mind-bending military science-fiction adventure from the point of view of a journalist. Raymin eschews his father's storied military career to enlist as a writer for the media arm of the colonial government. In a heart-pounding turn of events, he's forced to assume the identity of a captain to negotiate with grendels, a group of humans that have allowed... Read More

In a soft but subtly resolute tone, narrator Lauren Ezzo discloses a possible solution to the mystery of the lost colony of Roanoke. McNear has written a novel that is both scholarly and imaginative. The Roanoke settlers are portrayed as reverent, righteous, and hardworking. The central character is Elinor Dare, mother of the first white child born in the New World. Much of the... Read More

This biography gives listeners fascinating insight into the life of Dorothy L. Sayers, whose creation, Lord Peter Wimsey, is much loved by Golden Age Mystery fans but whose writing is only a part of her interesting life. Simon Vance's clear narration draws the listener into Sayers's life and helps to create a vivid picture of this strong and unusual woman. His warm reading... Read More

Narrator Taylor Meskimen portrays the Recorder--who has no name, just a number--in a time when the Consortium controls society. The story is presented as journal entries, which Meskimen reads in a perky voice to start. As the Recorder is sent on her first mission to a space research station, Meskimen describes the implant that removes essentially all of the Recorder's... Read More

An origin story of the tale of Frankenstein, narrated by Nan McNamara, brings the listener to 1815 England. A travel writer named Amelia delays a prime writing assignment that would take her to Cairo, instead fulfilling her father's deathbed demand. She returns home to care for her disfigured brother as he endures an experimental medical procedure. There she meets Graham, one... Read More

It's 1897, and Agents Valiantine and Cabot are sent to investigate strange events being reported in the Midwest. Narrator Johnny Heller portrays all the characters while conveying the agents' determination to uncover what is behind the sudden appearance of phantom soldiers, the mysterious disappearance of residents, and the presence of airships said to haunt the night skies.... Read More

This extensively researched audio biography of the iconic star who made sex fun and funny casts Mae West as a subversive trickster who pushed the boundaries of race and gender. Listeners follow West's evolution from exploited child actor to Broadway siren and movie star. Lesser known is how West created and controlled all her dramatic content--as a playwright, novelist,... Read More

California State University professor Jill Watts's newest effort offers a highly politically and socially focused examination of actor Hattie McDaniel's life and career. McDaniel is best known for her Oscar-winning role in the iconic film GONE WITH THE WIND. Bahni Turpin's heartfelt, evocative narration is remarkable as she tries her best to provide some enthusiasm and... Read More

Narrator Renee Ertl helps chronicle the decline of Millennial and Gen Z involvement in the Christian church and what positive churches-- known as "Brightspot" churches--are doing to retain and encourage belief among younger generations. With a positive tone, a thoughtful delivery, and infectious enthusiasm, Ertl makes sure to keep this audiobook light. While the text of the... Read More

Christmas just isn't complete without Ebenezer Scrooge and a rousing performance of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. And so it is in this happy send-up of all things Christmas and community theater. Despite excellent high-end sound effects and an old-time radio feel, the thirteenth season of the fictitious Majestic Theatre isn't going so well. They have a new stage manager who is falling for... Read More

The late Stan Toler was a beloved minister and author of numerous books about the opportunities we have to do good in life. This audiobook offers a heartwarming reminder of the many ways we impact people. Everything from casual interactions with strangers to intimate conversations with co-workers and loved ones affects them. Notable for its palpable optimism and graced with... Read More

Narrator John McLain sounds like one of the many voices that listeners have been hearing on newscasts as he asks at the start of this audiobook whether we could have anticipated the pandemic. He keeps that urgent tone as authors Michael Kinch and Lori Weiman examine the evolution of pharmaceuticals, the rules that govern them, and their current high cost. Listeners will feel... Read More

Lavish sound effects and music weave through this Persian fairy tale, narrated by an ensemble cast. Hear the swords swinging and the sailors shouting as Sinbad the adventurer, portrayed by Mark Redfield, encounters the Pirate Princess Junah, portrayed by Caroline Munro. Redfield's Sinbad is a bold rogue intrigued by Junah, who sounds restrained and ethereal. Storyteller... Read More

Pamela Klein's crisp narration of this account of the friendship between Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis helps convey both writers' personalities and perspectives. The assertive mystery author Sayers initiated correspondence with Lewis via fan mail, kicking off a fifteen-year friendship that ended with her death in 1957. A man of intellect and faith best known for his Narnia... Read More

Author/narrator Kathryn Leigh Scott smoothly transitions between the two settings of this novel. In New York City in the mid-1960s young Olivia Hammond is a single working woman at a news magazine. Many years later, when she is much older and newly widowed, she discovers an engagement ring that was never given to her by the hard-living, relationship-phobic lost love from that... Read More

Narrating his 2009 memoir, Nicholas Meyer is every bit the storyteller, a skill honed from years of writing and directing in Hollywood. The title references his work on the Star Trek series--he developed and directed several of the franchise's most successful entries. How Meyer came to have so much creative impact on the legendary series is almost accidental; he recalls not... Read More

Narrator Natasha Soudek guides listeners through the setting and characters of this Christian sci-fi audiobook. Lady Firebird of Netaia is a "wasteling," too far down in the birth order of her royal family's lineage to be of any worth. When she is chosen to lead an attack on the neighboring planet of Veroh, she knows that if she survives, she will be eliminated soon after her... Read More

Narrator Jeffrey Combs brings welcome ease and humor to the customarily dark and dreary world of Edgar Allan Poe. With energy, insightful asides, and an enthusiastic live audience hanging on his every word, Combs re-creates a much-less-known Poe persona--that of the sought-after 1840s traveling lecturer. Combs recounts Poe's personal anecdotes about his mother, who was an... Read More

Narrator Mark Redfield performs the hilarious story of an American family caught up in their very own ghost story after purchasing an estate in England. Redfield provides the perfect inflections and timing for this story of cultural miscommunication, secret murders, and a ghost who is as malleable as any good actor. Redfield is joined by Mackenzie Menter, who provides the... Read More

Author/narrator Lauren Crews delivers her own words to provide a clearer picture of Proverbs 31 and what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman. This oft-maligned passage in the Bible can seem like an overwhelming list of rules and requirements for being an ideal biblical woman, but Crews works to share a more approachable view of the text. Using Hebrew references and her own... Read More

Narrator Tavia Gilbert’s voice is perfect for this intelligent exploration of risk by an international crisis analyst. Gilbert’s mature, assertive tone fits the author’s command of her topic. Even when sentences are packed with information, Gilbert’s flawless phrasing makes them clear. Michele Wucker examines how gender and age, cultural and family norms, and economic status... Read More

In this collection of 12 short stories, listeners are introduced to the fanciful world of Hibaria and the Islands, which are inhabited by the Skylords, dragons and sea serpents, and magic. Each story is inspired by one or more illustrations by the author (not included with the audiobook). Siobhan Waring and Robert Hook alternate narration of the stories, which feature children... Read More

Ann Richardson's captivating narration enhances this suspenseful fantasy, the first book of The Songkeeper Chronicles. The reluctant heroine, 12-year-old Birdie, is the naïve heir to a powerful gift--she is the Songkeeper. As her story unfolds, everything that happens is bound to a melody that only she can hear. But no one can, or will, tell her what the song means or how to... Read More

Actress Gemma Dawson's British training and experience shine in this account of how Tolstoy's ANNA KARENINA was written. Blaisdell's account gives perceptive insights on how, as in WAR AND PEACE, Tolstoy's life is mirrored in the novel. Insights on Tolstoy's family life, especially his relationship with his wife, Sonya, along with his interactions with his servants and his... Read More

Lucinda Secrest McDowell's sincere narration conveys her passionate message about living a soul-strong life. In this comforting audiobook she shares seven decisions that every woman needs to make to build a deeper relationship with herself and God. Her gentle voice offers practical guidance through reflections, suggestions, and scripture readings. McDowell's smooth and... Read More

To author Megan Margulies, "Daddy Joe" was a kind, loving grandfather with perpetually ink-stained fingers who doted on her as she grew up and he grew old. Narrator Natasha Soudek brings out all the emotions in Margulies's relationship with her grandfather, who was known to the world as Joe Simon, the revered co-creator of Captain America. Soudek voices the tenderness and love... Read More

Naturalist John Muir is best known for his intimate writing about the Sierra Mountains in California, but he was far more complex, as this audiobook shows well. His entire life was shaped by religion, literature, an inquiring mind, and a love of nature, especially wilderness. John McLain offers a solid narration. The audiobook is packed with details about Muir's life, but... Read More

The smooth-sounding Simon Vance employs an authoritative and engaging narration of Clive Irving's gossipy yet highly articulate biography of Queen Elizabeth II. Irving argues that the Queen's discomfort with significant social changes during her reign is the reason she likely believes she will be the final queen of the British monarchy. Vance applies a pleasing melding of a... Read More

Fans of the classic graphic novel series Tintin will enjoy this biographical audiobook about its creator, Herge. Listeners will learn about his lower-middle-class childhood in Belgium, his experience as a teenage illustrator for a Boy Scout magazine, and his years as the illustrious and sometimes controversial originator of the beloved boy reporter. With his hefty catalog,... Read More

Soft-spoken Adam Verner narrates this audiobook with the steady persistence of its subjects--nonviolent activists. In five chapters, he calmly details the work of noted activists Mahatma Gandhi, suffragist Alice Paul, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., César Chávez, and Václav Havel. The conclusion highlights young climate activist Greta Thunberg and other contemporary movements--for... Read More

Golden Voice Simon Vance recounts the prodigious life and lively times of writer Jules Gabriel Verne (1828-1905), most famous for 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, AND AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS. One of the inventors of science fiction, his numerous books are replete with adventures, science, and engineering. Vance's performance smoothly... Read More

Rebecca K. Reynolds's enthusiastic narration ably differentiates the many characters in this complex tale and highlights its whimsical language. Henry, an artist who is much more imaginative than his classmates, draws a chalk dragon on his bedroom door. When it escapes, Henry finds himself on a quest to catch it in order to save his entire elementary school. Reynolds emphasizes... Read More

Reanimating the dead. Shunning the living result. Terrible revenge. By combining radio-drama sound effects and performance styles with novelistic descriptive passages, this 2018 stage adaptation brings a theatrical energy and immediacy to Shelley's classic horror tale. A scientist's relentless search for immortality leads to mankind's loss of innocence at the dawn of the age of... Read More

Sports journalist Sean Deveney originally wrote this work on basketball great Kobe Bryant in 2016. An added chapter is a tribute completed after Bryant's tragic death. Narrator Leon Nixon uses a serious tone that is clear and understandable throughout. Among the figures who discuss competing against Bryant are Stephen Curry, Charles Barkley, Grant Hill, and Reggie Miller. With... Read More

Talented narrator Rebecca Gallagher is no stranger to narrating Christian audiobooks. She continues to shine in this new audio adaptation of a classic guide to living simply in a Christian way. While much has changed for author Jen Hatmaker since the initial release of this book, her message and encouragement shine through in Gallagher's upbeat narration. This audiobook... Read More

The Amish community of Middlebury, Indiana, rolls out in cozy fashion through the voice of narrator Rebecca Gallagher. Courting couple Sadie Kuhns and Wyman Kauffman face challenges as Wyman seeks satisfying employment and Sadie receives a financial windfall. Gallagher uses a style respectful to the Amish culture and vocabulary. Her voice brims with empathy and wonder as she... Read More

From "Hansel and Gretel" and "Rumpelstiltskin" to "Snow White" and "The Brave Little Tailor," narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds brings charm and zest to 12 of the Grimm brothers' most popular stories, making these old classics feel new and fresh. Her breathy voice projects a sense of wonder at the magical elements. And with artful delivery, she laughs along with the humorous... Read More

Listeners will find themselves on Mars in 2039 A.D. as 14-year-old Tyce Sanders, a disabled specialist in virtual reality, finds himself in a desperate situation as the air runs out of his colony. Narrator Adam Verner provides distinct voices for the main characters, including a robotic voice for Tyce when he is involved with his virtual reality program and is being seen as... Read More

This is an audiobook history of a film that is on almost everyone's list of favorite classics. It's also a penetrating history of moviemaking in the age when the studios ruled. Harmetz, a longtime film critic and historian, traces the development of CASABLANCA from playscript to filmscript, from major to minor casting, and through each stage of production. Her analysis is... Read More

Respected expert on the Golden Age of Hollywood films Charles Tranberg offers a thorough primer on the 1930s and '40s MGM film series The Thin Man and its sequels. Holly Palance's slightly nasal narration exudes confidence and gravitas. Her enunciation and pronunciation are spot-on. Expansive background information on each film, which includes the author's favorite quotations,... Read More

Fiona Hardingham is the perfect narrator for this darkly twisted Peter Pan story, told from Wendy's perspective. When Wendy and her younger brothers are swept away to Neverland with the charismatic Peter, they are expecting nothing more than a quick, thrilling adventure. But the longer they stay on the island, the harder they find it to remember--and return to--their former... Read More

Narrator Jorjeana Marie presents this modernized mystery from the classic Nancy Drew series. Listeners will be as excited as Nancy when she receives a splendid surprise--an invitation to a party from local artist/benefactor and recluse Duchess Strickland. The buildup to the festivities includes Nancy's trusted friends, flirty Bess and gender-neutral George, who shines... Read More

Simon Vance's narrations often center on his gentle but authoritative gravitas, and this one is no exception. His voice is a perfect fit for the story of author C.S. Lewis's life. Listeners should not anticipate a deep academic dive into Lewis's work; the author aims his audiobook at listeners who are generally aware of Lewis through his work, or the movies based on his work.... Read More

Narrator Peter Berkrot's smooth, assured tone perfectly suits author Fred Nadis's thorough exploration of humanity's long-held spacefaring aspirations, with Mars a particular focus. Nadis reveals how the popular imagination--from nineteenth-century sci-fi novels to blockbuster films--along with scientific research and government and commercial endeavors, has delivered the... Read More

Strap yourself in for a shameless, bold, and endearing romance, narrated by Aimee Lilly. Hadley Beckett has had enough of the hot-tempered celebrity chef Maxwell Cavaungh after competing against him in a widely televised cooking contest. At the conclusion of the show, he's fired. Hadley has nowhere to go, but she's determined to not look back. When Max waltzes back into her... Read More

Narrator Pam Turlow gives a precise narration of this debut fantasy. The first installment of The Weaver Trilogy features Tanwen, who has the ability to weave stories into actual sculptures. Tanwen's quest is to escape her cruel leader and become the king's storyteller. Turlow lends a youthful-sounding voice to this engaging character. Turlow's ability to transition from one... Read More

In the retelling of this evergreen tale by Carlo Collodi, narrator Rebecca Reynolds's enchanting voice first introduces listeners to Geppetto, an old carpenter who has always wanted a son. In deep and jolly tones, Gepetto tells stories to the puppet he is carving--and then his project begins speaking to him. The raspy voice soon becomes the boyish, and slightly arrogant,... Read More

This sinister classic starts off gently, with Rebecca K. Reynolds giving an elegant voice to the lawyer from whose perspective it is told. But his inner turmoil emerges even before listeners hear of his first encounter with the evil Mr. Hyde. With a report of a witnessed murder, Reynolds's tempo picks up. Throughout, she narrates with a tone of gravitas that fits the lawyer... Read More

In this latest in the Classic Starts series, narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds zestfully introduces 11-year-old newly orphaned Pollyanna Whittier after her dour Aunt Polly reluctantly offers her a home in Vermont. Listeners will join Pollyanna, who always sees the best in every situation (including her prickly Aunt Polly), as she explores her new town and meets her neighbors.... Read More

How far would you go to protect your child? How does faith impact our response to tragedy? These are the central questions in this suspenseful thriller. Narrated by Pamela Klein, the story addresses politics, media, religion, and family. Klein shines as Elise Carmichael, a widow and court sign language interpreter who encounters a possible death threat against her... Read More

When Betty Sweet's life implodes in LaFontaine, Michigan, in the 1960s, she finds a new purpose as she works through her grief. Narrator Tavia Gilbert brings Betty's voice alive in a story that shines a light on the power of family to help us navigate life's storms and the power of stories to bring us together. Gilbert's voice quavers with love and grief as Betty copes with the... Read More

Narrator Natasha Soudek brings believable teenage angst to a Peter Pan retelling that combines the magic of Neverland with the consequences of real life. The story follows two siblings living in London as they try to move on with their lives after Peter returns from Neverland. Soudek smoothly shifts between the voices of the two main characters, giving Peter a low pitch and... Read More

Narrator Jaimee Draper delivers a dynamic performance in this young adult steampunk fantasy with themes of spirituality, war, and self-discovery. After a devastating betrayal, Kat must determine whom she can trust as she races against time to quash a dark power aiming to consume her soul. As the pressure escalates, Draper's portrayal of Kat ratchets up the tension and showcases... Read More

Narrator Thomas Day brings his calming voice to this complicated discussion of how technological advances affect human beings and their sense of belonging. This audiobook is less about phones, televisions, and car windshields, and more about the concept of loneliness and the drive to form community, which are examined mostly from a Christian perspective. Day soothingly reads... Read More

Narrator Aimee Lilly tells the story of Archie, a 12-year-old who creates a new persona while attending summer camp by pretending that he and his family are wealthy. The trickery continues as he works cons on other kids throughout the summer. When fellow camper Vivian realizes what Archie is up to, she wants in on the action. Lilly adds attitude to the voices of the two tweens... Read More

Simon Vance offers an agreeably smooth and engaged performance of this revealing literary biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author and Oxford professor who made Bilbo, Frodo, Gollum, and Gandalf into household names. Born in 1892, Tolkien was a brilliant student of languages and inventor of fantastical tales from childhood on. An ardent Catholic in Anglican England, he was... Read More

Bestselling author Beth Moore uses scripture and personal stories to explain how listeners can achieve a meaningful life with God. Her tone is filled with passion and encouragement while being immensely convincing in speaking of God's love for His followers and His devotion to their prosperity. Moore's Christian views are presented clearly and adamantly; her signature Southern... Read More

Exuberant character voices and fast pacing whisk the listener through the latest entry in the Basil of Baker Street series. Narrator Ralph Lister uses a variety of British regional and class accents to create the cast of mice, providing them with ample personality and differentiation. Dr. Dawson recounts his travels with Basil to Ratcliffe College, the alma mater of the... Read More

Narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds flawlessly renders this magnificent story, abridged with children in mind. Buck, a mixed St. Bernard and Scottish shepherd, has an enviable life in Southern California until he is stolen and sold to be a Gold Rush sled dog in the Yukon. Listeners will be mesmerized as they share Buck's joys, sorrows, and pain as he adjusts to his new life.... Read More

Rebecca K. Reynolds's vibrant narration makes this rendering of Lewis Carroll's classic for young listeners a comic literary delight. Although these tales have previously been retold in a variety of art forms, and in many variations, Reynolds finds ways of making each marvelous adventure that Alice experiences seem fresh. The nonsensical wordplay that Carroll took great... Read More

Author Beth Moore reads her own work with love and encouragement that listeners can hear in every word. Moore's goal is to encourage people who feel discouraged and are desperately searching for a purpose in life with lessons on how Christ can help them through the darkest times. Each section is designed for particular difficulties in life, such as loss, frustration when facing... Read More

Johnny Heller's gravelly voice shifts into character mode as he narrates this classic sci-fi story. He uses a Russian accent to portray Dr. Zarkov, Flash Gordon's ally, as part of a range of voices that gives the planet Pandor a full cast of characters. Flash and Dale are enjoying the planet's pastimes until a concert they're attending is hit with a devastating sound wave.... Read More

No stranger to putting herself out there for the sake of a good laugh--and perhaps to teach somebody a worthwhile lesson--author and comedian Carolanne Miljavac brings personal moments of humor and horror to life for her listening audience. With her sweet Alabama drawl and sarcastic sense of humor on display, Miljavac opens up about the importance of choosing joy despite what... Read More

Christian writer and speaker Rhonda Robinson narrates her audiobook on how to live the life one is designed to live, even when what is normal has been ripped away. Robinson lost her child in a tragic car accident, and her life was broken in the process. Her audiobook addresses why bad things happen to good people and what it means to walk with Christ when these things do... Read More

Rebecca K. Reynolds deftly renders this lively series, which is oriented to kids. Six stories offer an excellent sampling of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Reynolds introduces Holmes as confident, clever, and sometimes vague, while her Dr. Watson is kind, humble, and has a subtle sense of humor. In "A Scandal in Bohemia," listeners will savor meeting wisecracking, indomitable... Read More

Narrators Rebecca and Dean Gallagher team up to share the powerful story of Dr. Tyler Sexton. As a child with cerebral palsy, Tyler was tormented by his classmates and endured countless surgeries so he would be able to walk. He's now a successful doctor who works with children, wears superhero shirts, and pays special attention to his patients. Rebecca and Dean Gallagher share... Read More

Brandon Batchelar narrates this unique take on truly following the path of Jesus Christ. Batchelar's voice is equal parts confident and calming, making him the perfect choice to deliver the detailed real-life examples and hypothetical situations that illuminate what makes Christian spirituality truly different from that of other belief systems. Batchelar's endearing style makes... Read More

Skilled narrator Tavia Gilbert provides a compelling performance as young widow Ruth Neufeld. After Chandler Neufeld and his father are killed in a bombing in war-torn Afghanistan, Ruth is left to pick up the pieces of her life and the lives of her two daughters. She retreats to Chandler’s Mennonite family’s farm to find solace. What first appears to be the story of a simple... Read More

Author Niki Hardy gives a stellar performance in the audio version of her book about life lessons she learned while fighting rectal cancer. With humor and wit, Hardy acknowledges the many challenges in life, refusing to be trite in her narrative. In doing so, she connects to listeners in a unique way that few authors who are not professional narrators are capable of doing.... Read More

Leah Gabriella Allen has had a rough life. Having no choice but to escape the violence of her abusive husband, she ends up in the charming town of Rivertown, South Carolina, where she is captivated by a quaint café and its sympathetic owner, Lulu. Narrator Natasha Soudek deftly channels Leah's emotions, reactions, and internal dialogue, adding authenticity to Lowe's novel.... Read More

Narrator Rebecca K. Reynolds energetically conveys the spirit of this abridged classic, which is intended for young listeners. Reynolds's Tom is memorable when he slyly "invites" his buddies to paint Aunt Polly's fence. Twain's humor and sarcasm are deftly rendered, along with his story's sometimes funny superstitions, nostalgia, and old-time words, such as "confound it." To... Read More

In the first of a new series called The Ravenwood Saga, narrator Jaimee Draper sets a tone of solemnity as the Great House of Ravenwood awaits the changes of young Lady Selene. Draper adds intensity as Selene suffers pain while receiving her gift of dreamwalking. More horrific, Selene learns that entering others' dreamscapes might mean their deaths. Draper introduces Damien,... Read More

From author Jen Hatmaker, the renowned writer who brought us 7: AN EXPERIMENTAL MUTINY AGAINST EXCESS, comes a new, festive challenge. The audiobook, narrated by Rebecca Gallagher, invites listeners to take a thoughtful approach to the holiday season--to move away from the busyness and materialism that are often associated with Christmas and move toward a simpler, more... Read More

Narrator Romy Nordlinger sets the dramatic tone of a classic pulp novel with her narration of this audiobook. Jan Davis has inherited her grandfather's home, Phantom Manor. While her new home has a history of haunting tales about ghosts and murdered monks, there is also the possibility that the strange people she's come to know in the Manor may be more dangerous. Nordlinger... Read More

Narrator Tim Gregory does a masterful job re-creating a legend who began as a comic strip in 1937. Prince Valiant, who has been exiled from Norway, dreams of becoming a knight in King Arthur's Round Table. In search of a mentor, he seeks out a number of knights. Most memorable is Gregory's portrayal of Sir Gawain, who is a patient, witty teacher with an infectious laugh.... Read More

Narrator Kathryn Leigh Scott's deep, rich timbre and earnest tone evoke the ominous atmosphere of Ross's mystery. When Victoria Winters accepts a position as a governess at the remote Collinwood estate, she encounters troubled inhabitants, a history of suspicious accidents, and a family with much to hide. Skillful characterizations build the confusing world Victoria must... Read More

Narrator Adam Verner guides listeners through the bizarre story of the Marah family and the events that lead to a man ending up in the hospital with a wound in his head from a surgical instrument. When Cohen Marah discovers his father's body in their family mortuary, he immediately leaves, hoping that no one will realize he's been there. Did he kill his father, or is there... Read More

Listeners travel from 1904 Chudniv, Ukraine, to 1994 South Haven, Michigan, through narrator Natasha Soudek's honeyed voice. Jakob lives a long life, having survived horrific pogroms at age 5, along with his 14-year-old brother, Peter. They escape to America, where he continued his family's craft of carving jewels and stones. When his daughter, Nel, a jewelry designer, comes... Read More

Narrator Teri Schnaubelt serves up an elegant romance simmering with cooking references. Responding to an article written by freelancer Alex Kanin, high-end Denver chef Rachel Bishop commits a social media faux pas and loses her job. Wanting to atone, Alex teams up with Rachel to offer a Saturday Night Supper Club to entice a new investor for Rachel. Schnaubelt’s smooth pacing... Read More

Tricia Lott Williford provides a cheery narration of her own audiobook as she discusses the difficult periods of waiting in life from the perspective of an evangelical Christian. Williford has a bubbly voice that makes it difficult for listeners to remain in a negative state of mind even if they are going through a particularly rough season of life. Along with occasional verbal... Read More

Pastor Rachel Billups delivers a lively performance as she narrates her audiobook encouraging listeners to be bold and "live their fierce." Using biblical histories and personal experiences as examples, Billups does not shy away from the hard truths of life but works to inspire the listener to find the lessons in these trials. Billups's emotions are powerful in this audiobook... Read More

Writer and narrator Tiffany Bluhm takes listeners on a journey through the heart and into their dreams with her new audiobook. Bluhm's cheerful voice and positive attitude lift the spirit with stories of women who used their gifts of courage, grace, and dreams to live the lives that they felt God was calling them to. She keeps the listener engaged with personal stories and... Read More

Using a young-sounding voice, Tavia Gilbert narrates this hopeful story of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. Ten-year-old Pearl Spence moves from Oklahoma to Michigan to settle with her father's cousins. Gilbert imbues Pearl with a subtle twang that contrasts with her father's deep emotional tones. Gilbert assigns Pearl's 12-year-old friend, Ray, a gruff voice, while her... Read More

Aubrey Sampson narrates her impactful audiobook about discovering hope amid sorrow. Sampson's performance offers listeners the opportunity to meet her not only through the words she has placed on the page, but also through the way she speaks to her audience. Delivering the audiobook's chapters as one would converse with a close friend, Sampson sounds steady and familiar,... Read More

Narrator Thomas Day sounds like he's giving a sermon as he narrates Jennings's thoughts on divisiveness in the Christian church. In a deep and clear voice, Day introduces each chapter of the audiobook to listeners, working his way through each section at a steady tempo. His tone is often conversational, reminiscent of a teacher who has much to share and wants students to remain... Read More

Narrator Johnny Heller invites listeners back to Freestone as he portrays the apprentices who are fighting to save the elves' city of Llethanyl. Zed and Brock are drifting apart, a fact that Heller emphasizes with their cold tones toward one another. Liza and Micah are both given English accents, while dwarf son Jett and elven ranger Callum speak with Scottish accents.... Read More

Popular blogger Lincee Ray invites listeners to follow along as she walks them through a life full of insecurities. As narrator, her voice, with its endearing Texas drawl, instantly sets listeners at ease as they learn about her earliest memories of green beans, why she came to hate them so much, and other crazy things that have happened in her life. Ray keeps listeners on the... Read More

Rebecca Gallagher narrates Brunstetter's wagon train adventure with straightforward simplicity. In 1850, Cynthia heads to California with her mother, her fiancé, Walter, and two other families. When snow leaves them stranded in the Sierra Nevadas, they focus on faith and on creating a memorable Christmas for the party's children. Gallagher paces her words carefully. She uses a... Read More

Host and executive producer of the award-winning children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” LeVar Burton has long been sharing worthy stories with expectant audiences. In his narration of THE GOOD NEIGHBOR, Burton warmly invites listeners into the life of American icon Fred Rogers, creator and host of the PBS television show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” He also introduces Fred’s... Read More

Employing a subtle use of pitch and accent, narrator Johnny Heller differentiates the voices of a wide array of characters in the opening volume of a planned fantasy-adventure series. When a group of young people are conscripted into the dreaded Adventurers Guild, they learn just how dangerous it is to protect Freestone, one of the last cities standing against the monsters... Read More

Todd Gerelds continues his journey to honor his father, the legendary Alabama high school football coach Tandy Gerelds. First in a book, then in a movie, and now in this devotional, the theme is looking to God while being centered on football. Though the author narrates with passion and care, he cannot escape the difficulty of presenting a 52-week devotional as an audiobook to... Read More

Calvin Robinson narrates Reverend Perkins's final manifesto on race reconciliation with care and conviction. His delivery has a lingering effect as the author's words are built upon years of pain and struggle, comfort and victory. Robinson's grizzled voice and tone of longing, which capture Perkins's experience and hope for a peaceful world, will leave an impression not soon... Read More

Let's be honest, talking about one's Christian faith is intimidating. Having a husband-and-wife team narrate this audiobook demonstrates the authors' intended message that anyone at any time can initiate evangelistic and spiritual conversations. With a hint of excitement and the earnestness necessitated by the subject matter, the narrators join together in a compelling... Read More

An ongoing conversation is taking place today regarding the veracity of the Christian faith. Narrator Jon Gauger connects with this audobook in a way that promotes the continuation of this dialogue. Gauger offers a tone of deference to the reality of the book's cultural context, buttressing it with the authority of the scriptures. The listener will be exposed to the need for... Read More

Chances are you're reading this amid an ordinary and mundane life. This very ordinariness excites God. Narrator Brandon Batchelar's steady, almost listless voice belies the excitement found in the truth that God works in and through everyone, despite their lack of fame. The audiobook is an odd contrast of glorious content and lackluster voice, but the listener will genuinely... Read More

Who knew a difficult life of child abuse would lead to a worldwide ministry through music? One of the most popular songs in the history of contemporary Christian music was written on a bus in 10 minutes and spawned one of the most successful music careers, a movie, and this autobiography, which fills in details missing from the movie. Bart Millards's heartfelt narration is akin... Read More

Sometimes the lucky audiobook listener has every expectation met and exceeded. Narrator John McLain dazzles with his deadpan delivery of humor, of moments that tug on one's heartstrings, and of every emotion in between. A memoir of adventure stories delivers an adventure of its own as one hears about the author's dramatic life and wonders what could befall him next. As... Read More

As narrator, Todd Wagner offers deeper insight into his own words as he describes his call back to the Christian church and the importance of being a part of the church. Though his delivery lacks polish, he brings authenticity to a work that requires more legitimacy than others. Throughout the audiobook, one can hear his excitement at the promise of returning to the church and... Read More

This audiobook is really a modern adaptation of the Puritan classic THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN. Bevere urgently explains that we must destroy that which kills the strongest of people. Though there are some interpretation concerns and charismatic leanings in this work, every discerning Christian would do well to hear Bevere's message, delivered in a tone of pastoral concern. He... Read More

Daniel Fusco's upbeat conversational tone invites listeners into a narrative about our relationship with God and the transformation that takes place inside us when we focus solely on Him. In a way that is similar to discussing life with a dear friend, Fusco presents his perspective with tenacity, wit, and brutal honesty, challenging his brothers and sisters in Christ to make it... Read More

With the care of a pastor and the skill of a conference speaker, Greg Holder narrates his own work with energy and enthusiasm. Using John 17 as a starting point, he offers an apologetic on the importance of changing any culture, including our own culture, by being of one mind. Gleaning from his experiences in psychology, counseling, and leading a megachurch, he delivers a... Read More

John Van Sloten has sought to understand how God reveals Himself in every aspect of living--specifically in this audiobook, through our jobs. Peeling back the superficial and mundane "do everything for the glory of God," Van Sloten not only shows listeners how but also leads them to plumb the depths of the unseen. His excited yet articulate narration alerts listeners that there... Read More

At a time when manhood is under attack from almost every corner of the culture, Pastor Mark Batterson offers a clarion call to understand biblically what it means to be a man. He reads his own work with care and articulation that is sometimes clunky but mostly enjoyable. One can hear his excitement at understanding and cultivating true manhood, a feeling that is tempered by his... Read More

Two lifelong best friends who have been tested and tried by illness are on full display in this story of trial and triumph. The fact that the authors of this autobiographical audiobook are also the narrators allows the listener to join them on the precipice of the canyon of life, with all of its ups and downs. It's obvious that these men are not professional narrators, but that... Read More

Ralph Lister returns for his second narration of this series. Listeners now find Pinocchio and Princess Lazuli adjusting to life as "presters" in the Moonlit Court. Just as things are looking up for their kingdom, a monster appears to challenge their rule and the strength of their magic. Lister's storytelling is accompanied by sound effects and short musical passages, new... Read More

Ann Richardson’s voice adds a tone of comfort and joy as she narrates an invaluable resource on preparing for the inevitable surprises of life encountered by young and old. Oddly enough, Richardson is so smooth and exuberant that her young-sounding voice conflicts with the aged wisdom of the author. Regardless, the wisdom pours through one’s speakers as she delivers these much... Read More

Tom Hatting offers a wonderful narration of this short devotional concerning the Holy Spirit composed of sermons preached by A.W. Tozer in the middle of the twentieth century. Hatting's ability to narrate a different style of writing than what we are accustomed to today will largely go unnoticed by many. This says much about his great ability to narrate a theological work as... Read More

Jon Gauger adds an element of excitement as he narrates a controversial but necessary book. As Nyquist addresses the serious question of whether a just world can be achieved, Gauger personalizes the author's message with a degree of sincerity and joy appropriate to each story. Gauger's tone reflects Nyquist's belief that, while not everyone will agree, the answer to his... Read More

Listeners will hear the joy and excitement in Pastor John Mark Comer's voice as he delivers his own work detailing his understanding of how we should spend our time in a fallen world striving for the hope of returning to the Garden of Eden. It's obvious, however, that he's constrained by reading from his own manuscript instead of being able to flow with his notes, as he does... Read More

Eighty-six-year-old Mississippi sharecropper's son John Perkins has seen it all, and narrator Calvin Robinson's powerful yet graceful voice tells his story with gentle wit. Robinson deftly delivers Perkins's descriptions of promoting voters' rights and school desegregation during the Civil Rights movement despite being imprisoned and abused. Listeners will enjoy Perkins's... Read More

Calvin Robinson returns to narrate a John M. Perkins work. This time, Perkins is joined by his good friend, Wayne Gordon. Robinson's seasoned voice suggests a man who has seen much in the way of race relations through his eight decades of life. You can hear the weariness of this centuries-old problem mixed with the hope of legitimate racial reconciliation because of the gospel... Read More

Pull up a comfortable rocker on your front porch and be prepared to learn civil rights history in Mississippi as voiced by Calvin Robinson. Doing more than simply reading, Robinson recounts the life of John M. Perkins, an unassuming Christian civil rights leader of the '50s and '60s, who struggled to understand what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. I could not stop... Read More

Listening to narrator Ova Saopeng deliver contemporary artist and author Fujimura's reflections is an arduous task for the Western ear. The audiobook will make sense only to those who have read Shusaku Endo's novel--or seen the movie SILENCE--about the seventeenth-century persecution of Christians in Japan. With that background, the audiobook is a beautiful account of... Read More

Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke discusses race, the media, politics, and religion in the rough-and-tumble fashion that has propelled him to the national stage and to becoming an advocate for President Trump. Experienced as he may be with public speaking, he lacks the skills to narrate and should have opted for a professional audiobook narrator. Too often, the... Read More

Narrator Aimee Lilly portrays endearing, friendly Whitney Richards, who has it all. The A-student is a cheerleader, her boyfriend is the football captain, and she drives a really cool Jeep. Things change, though, when she gets a "D" on a calculus test and Brent breaks up with her on Valentine's Day. Lilly captures Whitney's conflicting emotions and presents splendid verbal... Read More

The author's message on human trafficking is grave, so Nicol Zanzarella treats it accordingly in her narration. However, the organization of the book itself challenges her effectiveness. Repetition may be an effort to reinforce details, but it also has the potential to desensitize some listeners to the horror contained in the narratives. Also, while Zanzarella infuses those... Read More

Lively music and Ralph Lister's rousing narration enhance this charming story, written in 1958 and set in 1885 London. Basil, a mouse who lives in Sherlock Holmes's home, learned his detecting from the master. Dr. David Q. Dawson, his assistant, recounts Basil's adventures with aplomb, particularly when he must find kidnapped twins Agatha and Angela Proudfoot. Lister's mice all... Read More

Narrator Jill Monaco uses her gentle, soothing voice to convey Pope's message to have patience in discovering God's plan for one's life. Waiting to discover one's purpose can be tedious and frustrating, but-- using the story of King David and other scripture--Pope has a comforting way of reminding listeners to trust in God's timing and embrace the period of ambiguity. Monaco's... Read More

Narrator Romy Nordlinger’s animated voice captures a variety of compelling characters in this unusual mystery, whose title alludes to Edgar Allan Poe’s poem of the same name. Nordlinger’s accomplished portrayals capture the story’s main characters: a frightened 11-year-old named Annabel Lee; her mysterious uncle, Truck; a Special Forces sniper called “Mute”; and private... Read More

Written by a Christian life coach, this inspirational audio describes how listeners can change their lives to be happier and more in sync with God's intentions. Renee Ertl's performance is a good fit for the author's enthusiasm and worldview. At the edge of sounding perky, Etrl is a believable cheerleader for the idea that living well requires that we step away from... Read More

Narrator Tim Gregory delivers a son's moving account of his "millionaire-turned-missionary" father with clarity and sensitivity. Mike Fechner, the father, was a wealthy white Texas businessman when he was inspired by a poor and humble black woman to change his life. He sold his vast holdings and used the funds to cofound the urban ministry H.I.S. Bridgebuilders. Then the... Read More

Father (Brad) and son (Drew) find meaningful common ground despite what some might see as fundamental differences. It's a powerful story of reconciling religion and sexuality made all the more memorable because each half of the conversation is narrated by the actual person involved. The audiobook feels especially authentic due to the balancing of emotions one hears as each... Read More

A Christian pastor with a large congregation and 400 employees offers an inspirational lesson on character and leadership. Carl Cartee's youthful, almost innocent-sounding, speaking style helps the author sound immensely likable. With spontaneous-sounding articulation and a comfortable tone, he makes listeners want to hear these ideas and incorporate them into their lives.... Read More

Narrator Kelly Dolan conveys great respect for his audience in his delivery of this well-crafted personal growth book. Its backdrop is the culture of literal Christianity, and its message is how a love of God can be expressed through Christian social enterprise--in this case, a collaboration with coffee growers in Rwanda. The author sees his church as a vehicle for economic and... Read More

Bemis’s wonderful steampunk version of “Pinocchio” is elevated far above the ordinary by Ralph Lister’s incomparable narration and the story’s accompanying music and sound effects. Lister’s handling of each character transition is seamless. Pinocchio, a young automa, is taken from the Venetian palace and sent to the fugitive alchemist Gepetto. As he bonds with his new master,... Read More

Narrating this down-to-earth guide, Peter Berkrot brings a dramatic flair that makes listening both entertaining and inspiring. His vocal tone is clear and masculine, and his phrasing has a lot of appealing twists and turns that make the dialogue, in particular, sound familiar and believable. Principal author Gary Chapman, a minister and author of the classic relationship book... Read More

Dean Gallagher's skilled narration clarifies why Pastor Vince Antonucci believes that the breadth, depth, and scope of God's love is often underestimated by those he ministers to on the Las Vegas strip. With sensitivity Gallagher captures the pastor's sometimes lighthearted message about God's outrageous, extravagant, and sometimes scandalous love. He adopts a more animated... Read More

John Bevere, minister and bestselling author, narrates his own life-changing study with skill as he explores why being good without believing in God isn't enough, although many think that "good" and "God" are synonymous terms. In a skilled narration he clarifies why he believes that the real evil to be faced is what he describes as the "evil of good" because some things that... Read More

Reading this pointed advice based on the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Virtues, Tom Hatting performs with exceptional skill and a notable degree of friendliness. He's so pleasing to hear that he makes the message in this audiobook irresistible, even to listeners who may not identify with fundamentalist Christian views. Prayers and interpretations of God’s wishes aside, the... Read More

Brandon Batchelar and Jason White's narration is so powerful that it may make listeners want to join the author in his quest for justice in a faraway land. When Los Angeles lawyer Jim Gash hears about children who are falsely accused of crimes and imprisoned for years without a trial, he believes his discovery is Divine Providence, so he travels to Uganda to effect change. As... Read More

Exchange a life full of fear for a life full of the freedom that comes from faith. Often humorous and sincerely honest, Patsy Clairmont succeeds in explaining how faith can destroy crippling anxieties and worries. Her energetic and colorful dialogue makes for an enjoyable and enthusiastic listen. She shares her own struggles with fear in a personable and supportive way that... Read More

In this self-assessment tool, Pastor Wintley Phipps provides eight keys that will shift your focus from your possessions and actions to who you are as a person of God. Phipps speaks in an authoritative yet soothing tone as he shares what he’s learned about becoming one's best self, according to biblical teachings. His guidance may be forceful during his most passionate key... Read More

Sabra Ciancanelli narrates with sensitivity and warmth as she describes her own and others' experiences with what she calls the "thin places." These are moments in time when the "veil" that usually separates heaven and earth parts and the deep presence of God's eternal love, grace, power, and peace is felt. Her inspiring prose is conversational and engaging as she recounts... Read More

Tavia Gilbert uses an animated voice and a varied pace to deliver these practical teachings on how to rise above a painful past. The author believes such "baggage" is an underlying cause of addictions, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and more. Gilbert adds a subtle emphasis to Alcorn's first "key" to success--a commitment to follow Christ--without which, the author says,... Read More

Shigeru Yabu, a Japanese boy, and his family must leave their comfortable home in San Francisco for the Japanese-American detention camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, during WWII. Narrator Ova Saopeng brings this sad chapter in American history to life. Using subtle Japanese intonation, Saopeng performs this story of Shigeru Yabu's childhood, his adaptation to life in Wyoming,... Read More

Nicole Unice's pleasing voice and conversational style capture her down-to-earth philosophy, which teaches women to be "brave enough" to face their fears in order to become all they can be. She explores why facing long-held anger, worries, and fears leads to "bold and free" living, even though she's quick to note it's never easy to acknowledge personal shortcomings and the need... Read More

Narrator Jorjeana Marie captures the essence of what makes Nancy Drew such a timeless fictional icon. Nancy's sleuthing instincts are on high alert when the produce from a friend's local organic farm becomes contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The members of Nancy's beloved team--Ned, George, and Bess--are easily recognizable. As the tension mounts, listeners will revel in... Read More

Pastor John Hagee thoroughly describes "The Three Heavens," using biblical references and miraculous stories that compel the listener to have no doubt that a spiritual war is currently being fought. With a clear and distinctive tone, narrator Dean Gallagher differentiates between scripture and Hagee's testimony with ease and effectiveness. He stresses important points with... Read More

Coauthor Joel Clark guides listeners through the final battle between the evil assassin and "the awakened," who are the heroes in this series. His delivery of the narrative and the voices of the three children who are prophesied to save the world is distinct and steady throughout. Deftly handling the nervous babble of Arthur, Clark makes it clear that Arthur doesn't think of... Read More

This audiobook adds to the body of work that asserts that atheism could not exist without Christian theology. Narrator John McLain uses his sonorous voice splendidly to dissect the many points discussed. His delivery helps the listener develop a basic understanding of how atheists use Christian precepts to create their own philosophy. Though not an easy task, he moves through... Read More

Jon Gauger's upbeat performance is a good vehicle for the author's optimistic message that feeling rich is more about your habits, more about what's in your heart, than your bank account. The positive energy in his narration goes right to the edge of excess, but he's a clear and effective interpreter whose performance is always believable. Stanley, an influential Christian... Read More

In this day of great monotheistic confusion, many think Jews, Muslims, and Christians worship the same God. Christian pastor Michael Yousseff offers a clear and cogent correction to this assumption. With seeming ease, narrator Jon Gauger tackles the difficult task of speaking in the place of a familiar voice known worldwide through a popular radio and Internet ministry. He... Read More

Looking to break from the drudgery of prayer, Jared Brock and his wife left on a one-year journey to experience prayer at a global level. Brock obviously enjoyed his one-year adventure of learning how various Judeo-Christian denominations and sects pray to God. Even more noticeable to the listener are his fond recollections of his journey. His excitement and anticipation will... Read More

In this second installment in Bergren's adult Christian fantasy series, the story is told from two points of view. Adriana, an empath, and her knight, Ronan, are on a quest to rescue the emperor's brother. Their romance is forbidden but a challenge to resist. Jorjeana Marie narrates in gentle tones that reflect the characters' affection. Her male voices are a little strained,... Read More

This deceptively layered story of mental illness, lies, infidelity, and forgiveness is served up with a supernatural twist that will at times confuse the listener. Yet the complex mystery and suspense are satisfying. When Tavia Gilbert narrates in the voices of the father, who has recently died, and the mother, who committed suicide years earlier, it's difficult at times to... Read More

Narrator Pamela Klein delivers the author's discussion of how women need to take charge of their lives if they want to walk hand-in-hand with God. Her soft voice takes on an edgy quality as she explains how overscheduling, assumed responsibilities, and growing to-do lists leave little time for God and cause women to suffer from exhaustion and frustration. Her delivery of... Read More

Pastor Alec Rowlands's polished delivery of his first audiobook demonstrates his years of speaking experience. He engages listeners with a touch of humor before taking a more serious tone to explore the different ways God can make His presence known through the Holy Spirit. With a tenderness that draws listeners emotionally close, he shares the joy and wonder of his own... Read More

Patty Fogarty narrates Tippetts's memoir with appealing warmth. Her raw and vulnerable delivery of what Tippetts learned while dying from Stage IV cancer is compelling--especially as she puts forth the author's life-changing truths and Christ-centered insights about her life, children, and husband. Listeners learn the importance of dealing with anger and bitterness and of... Read More

An enchanting and enthusiastic performance by Brooke Heldman reveals the magical world of this classic. As a miner’s boy helps Princess Irene escape from threatening goblins, Heldman’s buttery voice and gentle lilt create a bedtime-story quality in her narration. She skillfully captures the surprising and suspenseful moments with speedier pacing or drawn-out words. Her range of... Read More

Shaunti Feldhahn presents her work with the relaxed confidence of an experienced speaker. With perky pacing and true-believer enthusiasm, she's a wonderful ambassador for the values behind her Christian perspective on marriage. With concise references to published research, she and her coauthor make the point that couples are much more likely to stay together when they go to... Read More

Pastor Chris Hodges explores the Four Promises of the Jewish Seder and their significance to Christians. Narrator Brandon Batchelar's powerful delivery of Jewish history, teachings, and traditions provides authenticity to the author's message. Beginning in the Old Testament, the author examines the Passover meal the Israelites ate the night before their exodus from Egypt, which... Read More

Brandon Batchelar's engaging voice and easy-to-understand phrasing capture Stone's biblical descriptions and vivid examples of spiritual warfare. Stone richly characterizes different aspects of spiritual armor with dynamic, true-to-life stories of ancient Roman soldiers and how they used armor to protect themselves. His emphasis throughout is that spiritual battles are fought... Read More

Lotz's nuanced narration uses the biblical story of Hagar, along with personal examples, to illustrate how Christians wound one another. She vividly describes Hagar's spiritual and emotional wounding by Abraham, who sent Hagar and her son, Ishmael, away at his wife's insistence. The story is a good example of how those who feel wounded retaliate and wound others, and the cycle... Read More

The enthusiasm in narrator Jon Gauger’s performance adds optimism to this updated edition of the author’s HOPE FOR THE SEPARATED. Conversational pacing and never-miss phrasing are part of his magic, and he keeps his message friendly by not overdramatizing Bible quotations and by understating Chapman’s authority in these matters. The author has always been a kind and inviting... Read More

James L. Snyder's pleasing voice and conversational phrasing capture A.W. Tozer's unique ability to communicate complex and profound biblical concepts with persuasive eloquence. Tozer, a twentieth-century American pastor, author, and spiritual mentor, was considered a prophet, although he never predicted the future. He gained a prophet's reputation because he spoke God's truth... Read More

This book is a distillation of interviews that David Frost did with evangelist Billy Graham over decades. The content is interesting, revealing, and provocative. But it's hard to get past the fact that neither Frost nor Graham is actually speaking. With two narrators standing in for such well-known voices, it takes effort to concentrate on the content. Frost's portion is not... Read More

The Bible is full of people who are driven to despair by circumstances beyond their control, says the author/pastor, whose own depression made him consider suicide at one point. Connecting these examples to engaging stories from his own life, he shows how faith in Jesus and the power of the human spirit can help us look beyond life's pitfalls and regain positive momentum. Lee... Read More

Narrator Bob Souer delivers Charles Swindoll's biography of Abraham in a straightforward manner that powerfully portrays the desert nomad's life of faith. He uses conversational phrasing to deliver Old Testament stories, such as the account of Abraham's fear for his life when he compromises the truth about his wife, Sarah. Swindoll credibly depicts Abraham's complete trust in... Read More

Brooke Heldman narrates this biography as if it were a fairy tale, and that's appropriate as THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ is considered an American fairy tale. The author shows how influences and incidents in the childhood of L. Frank Baum are reflected in his books. Heldman captures the author's sense of wonder for her subject and his work. She modulates her voice when quoting... Read More

Jeremy Courtney puts a human face on war as he skillfully narrates his own work about the effects of chemical warfare on Iraqi children. His clear and steady voice adds authenticity to his family's decision to move to Iraq to make a difference, to somehow counteract the violence of war with acts of love. With accomplished pacing, he recounts their adjustments and difficulties... Read More

Narrator Renee Ertl strikes just the right balance between the two major characters of this mystery, village manager Amber Wright and young Amish clerk Hannah Troyer. When Ethan Gray is found dead in his coffee shop, everyone is shocked when the police rule it a heart attack. Ertl renders the Englisher (non-Amish) and Amish characters with warmth and distinction. Her best... Read More

Listeners may want to start with Book 1 of Dotta's series as this audiobook begins precisely where that book left off, with no backstory. Narrator Amanda McKnight's soothing English accent is well suited to this story, set in London society during the reign of Queen Victoria. McKnight captures every emotion as 17-year-old Julia Elliston Pierson is pulled in different directions... Read More

Narrator John McLain enthusiastically delivers radio personality Hugh Hewitt's secrets to success. Seven personality traits, referred to as gifts, and seven different types of givers are introduced to listeners. The author's premise is that recognizing one's own and others' gifts will lead to a happier life. The author showcases the impact of givers using witty personal... Read More

In this second Jack Crittendon mystery, the small-town newspaper reporter continues to confront evil and face down his doubts through his faith in God. This is a Christian book, written for Christians who like lots of references to God, prayer, and the Bible in their fiction. Tim Gregory's tough-guy voice conjures the gritty world of police and reporters in a small Ohio... Read More

Narrator Amy Rubinate's soft Southern accent and manner are perfect for Cantrell's compelling story of rape, shame, and abuse in 1943 Mississippi. Rubinate vividly renders Millie Reynolds's tapestry of emotions when she falls in love and marries Bump, a horse wrangler. Listeners will empathize with Rubinate's portrayal of Millie's struggle to tell Bump the dark secret that... Read More