Listen to Best Full Audiobooks in Fiction, Historical

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/634632 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: A Backstage Betrayal: 'Full of glamour and intrigue. It slips down as easily as any cocktail' Fern Britton

Author: Michael Ball

Narrator: Michael Ball

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 12 hours 30 minutes

Release date: November 7, 2024

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

THE THEATRE MAY SEEM GLAMOROUS, BUT SECRETS WAIT BEHIND THE CURTAIN 1926. Running a theatre may appear to be all about the showbiz, but times are hard at The Empire. Following a turbulent period Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around. But could Lillian's new admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, be bringing disaster in his wake? Will The Empire be caught up in the scandal surrounding West End star, Stella Stanmore? And what are their enemies in Highbridge planning? While Jack and Grace fight to ensure the show does go on, a royal visitor raises the stakes and a young widow, Sally Blow, dares to dream that the talent contest might be her big break. As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there are strange goings on and a plot afoot. Is everything Jack and Grace have worked so hard for about to come crashing down? And could this be curtains for The Empire? Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this sparkling new Empire Theatre novel. 'A wonderful book. A love letter to the theatre' Rev. Richard Coles 'A fantastic book. Brilliant' Don Black OBE 'A wonderful read' Jeffrey Archer 'A golden debut - charming, funny and romantic' Cameron Mackintosh 'Takes you to the magical world of theatre' Rosie Goodwin

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/629240 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: The Glassmaker

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Narrator: Juliet Aubrey

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 14 hours 22 minutes

Release date: September 12, 2024

Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3.67 of Total 3

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

'Spellbinding' ELIF SHAFAK 'Ingenious' THE TIMES, Book of the Year 'Sparkling'OBSERVER 'A triumph' PHILIP PULLMAN 'As finely wrought as a dazzling Murano bead' INDEPENDENT 'Meticulously researched and evoking the beauty of the Venice lagoon’ PHILIPPA GREGORY ‘A spectacular feat, crafted by a maestra at the top of her game’ SPECTATOR FROM THE GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR OF GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING Venice, 1486. Across the lagoon lies Murano. Time flows differently here – like the glass the island’s maestros spend their lives perfecting. In secret, Orsola Rosso learns to craft glass. As a woman, she must flout convention to save her family from ruin. We follow her through hundreds of years of war and plague, tragedy and triumph, love and loss. Skipping like a stone across the centuries, The Glassmaker is a virtuoso portrait of a woman, a family and a city that are as everlasting as glass.

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/630326 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: The Year of Return

Author: Ivana Akotowaa Ofori

Narrator: Anniwaa Buachie

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 2 hours 48 minutes

Release date: May 21, 2024

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A Ghanaian journalist based in the US returns to Ghana with a few friends for the holidays in December 2019. That month is meant to be the climax of the Ghanaian government’s year-long 'Year of Return' initiative, commemorating 400 years since the first slaves from West Africa arrived in Virginia. 'The Year of Return' takes on a whole new meaning when large numbers of ghosts—formerly enslaved Africans who drowned during the Middle Passage—emerge from the Atlantic Ocean, leading to months of global pandemonium, and a chilling conclusion.

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/636359 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop: Book 3 in the feel-good WWII saga series about a community-run bookshop, from the bestselling author

Series: #3 of The Wartime Bookshop

Author: Lesley Eames

Narrator: Polly Edsell

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 11 hours 10 minutes

Release date: October 12, 2023

Ratings: Ratings of Book: 5 of Total 1

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Brought to you by Penguin. Alice, Kate and Naomi want to keep the magic of Christmas alive in their village of Churchwood but a thief in the area and a new family that shuns the local community are only the first of the problems they face. Naomi is fighting to free herself from Alexander Harrington - the man who married her for her money then kept a secret family behind her back. It could be the start of a whole new life for her, but after years of Alexander controlling - and draining - her finances, two questions remain to be answered: how much of her money is left, and will she be able to achieve the independence she craves? Alice's dreams came true when she married sweetheart Daniel. Now he has returned to the war and Alice misses him terribly, but she is delighted to discover that she's carrying his child. Will she, Daniel and the baby make it through the war unscathed? For Kate, life with her dysfunctional family on Brimbles Farm has never been easy but she now has Land Girls Pearl and Ruby to help, giving her more time for her friends. She's also in love with pilot Leo. But what sort of shadow will be cast over the lives of all at Brimbles Farm when her brother returns from the war with terrible injuries? And why has Leo stopped writing? As ever, the Wartime Bookshop is a source of community and comfort. But disaster is about to strike... Christmas at the Wartime Bookshop is the third novel in the uplifting Wartime Bookshop series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest. **Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop series** 'Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing' 'Wow what a brilliant start to a new series' 'Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on' ©2023 Lesley Eames (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/629236 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: Night Train to Marrakech

Series: #3 of The Daughters of War

Author: Dinah Jefferies

Narrator: Juanita Mcmahon, Stephanie Racine

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 12 hours 38 minutes

Release date: September 14, 2023

Ratings: Ratings of Narrator: 5 of Total 1

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

‘The desert hides dark secrets…’ MARRAKECH 1966 Vicky Baudin steps onto a train winding through Morocco, looking for the grandmother she has never met. It’s an epic journey that’ll take her to the edge of Atlas Mountains – and closer to the answers she’s been craving all her life. But dark secrets whisper amongst the dunes. And in unlocking the mystery of Clemence’s past, Vicky will unearth great danger too . . . Five-star reader reviews for Night Train to Marrakech ‘A love story and a thriller all in one’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Epic storytelling’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly spellbinding’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A book to lose yourself in’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Fabulous, heart-stopping read, absolutely unputdownable in places’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Full of mystery and drama’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Political tensions, murders and love, this book has them all….’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Full of twists and turns’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A historical novel, this is also a suspenseful thriller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Atmospheric, drew me into the souks of Marrakech’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This is a story of family, friendships, love and war’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A ‘gripping story of love, betrayal and danger’ Woman’s Weekly ‘An enthralling story’ Woman ‘An utterly atmospheric, gripping read that transports you to Marrakech . . . a real page-turner’ SUSAN LEWIS ‘A world of stunning beauty and extreme danger . . . Dinah Jefferies is at the top of her game’ GILL PAUL ‘A mouthwatering read, intense and emotional. I loved it. Its characters hooked me irresistibly and stole my heart . . . a wonderful, heart-wrenching tale of love, danger and bone-chilling secrets’ KATE FURNIVALL ‘’The seductive colours, sights, sounds and aromas of Marrakech, with a hidden, darker side, are so powerfully evoked that you are instantly transported there’ LIZ TRENOW ’A tense, thrilling story full of murders and mysteries . . . this atmospheric story will transport you to the heart of Morocco’ Daily Record

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/629243 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: A Beautiful Rival

Author: Gill Paul

Narrator: Lisa Flanagan

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 11 hours 40 minutes

Release date: August 31, 2023

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The world is at war, but on the gilded streets of Fifth Avenue, New York, a battle of a different kind is brewing… New York, 1915. Elizabeth Arden has been New York’s golden girl since her beauty salon opened its famous red door five years prior. Against all odds, she’s built an empire. Enter Helena Rubinstein: ruthless, revolutionary – and the rival Elizabeth didn’t bargain for. With both women determined to succeed – no matter the personal cost – a battle of beauty is born. And as the stakes increase, so do the methods: poaching employees, planting spies, copying products, hiring ex-husbands. But as each woman climbs higher, so too does what she stands to lose. Because the greater the height, the harder the fall… In this stunning new novel, internationally bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women – perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Dinah Jefferies and Karen Swan. Readers adore A Beautiful Rival: ‘I knew absolutely nothing about the lives of the women behind the iconic products, or about the fierce competition between them, but, as she always does so wonderfully, Gill Paul has taken the known facts about their lives (her research is as meticulous as ever), added a dash of her extraordinary imagination, and woven a wonderful story – breathing life into her characters and transporting the reader into their fascinating world.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A terrific read and a wonderful insight into these two giants of the beauty world. I was transfixed throughout. Highly recommend.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book cemented my thoughts that any book by Gill Paul is an excellent one. I loved how the rivalry between Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein was portrayed, it had me hooked.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The knives out jealousy that forged high end glamour. This is such compulsive reading, shocking and cheekily funny… The spying on practices and aesthetics, the poaching of employees and advisors, the tit for tat copying and meddling in strategies, the upward mobility efforts and petty insecurities … The author blew me away with her blend of historically accurate, imaginatively realised and dramatically portrayed narrative. I can't wait for her next book, she is an auto buy author for me now!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The focus on real historical characters, albeit fictionalised, makes this a fascinating story. I like the evocative historical detail, the complex characters and the emotion that runs through this story.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book is rife with rivalry, rage, and rouge. I love how Paul has been sharing tidbits about each woman on her social media channels. Beauty is not for the weak and both women were powerhouses of powder, lipstick, and looking one’s best.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The women in the book were strong characters who didn't suffer fools … Everytime I read one of Gill Paul's books I end up being lost down the rabbit hole which is Google looking for more information about the historical characters she has written about. Gill's research is amazing and she must take so much time before she even starts writing the book.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/628933 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop: Book 2 in the uplifting WWII saga series about a community-run bookshop, from the bestselling author

Series: #2 of The Wartime Bookshop

Author: Lesley Eames

Narrator: Polly Edsell

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 12 hours 53 minutes

Release date: August 17, 2023

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Brought to you by Penguin. The village of Churchwood has never needed The Wartime Bookshop, or its community, more. But when the bookshop comes under threat at the worst possible time, can Alice, Kate and Naomi pull together to keep spirits high? Kate has always found life on Brimbles Farm difficult, but she is struggling more than ever to find time for the bookshop, for her friends - and especially for handsome pilot Leo Kinsella. Can two Land Girls help? Or will they be more trouble than they're worth? Naomi has found new friends and purpose through the bookshop and is happier than she's been in a long time - until she finds evidence that her husband is being unfaithful. With old insecurities rearing up, she needs to uncover the truth. Alice worries for her fiancé Daniel away fighting in the war and frets over the loss of her financial independence following an injury to her hand. With no job opportunities in Churchwood, might she find work somewhere else? Land Girls at the Wartime Bookshop is the second novel in the uplifting Wartime Bookshop series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest. **Real readers are LOVING The Wartime Bookshop series** 'BRILLIANT' 'Oh I loved this book... please carry on the good writing' 'Wow what a brilliant start to a new series' 'Outstandingly fabulous, warm and inviting... so glad there is going to be a follow-on' ©2023 Lesley Eames (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/631050 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: The Invisible Hour: A Novel

Author: Alice Hoffman

Narrator: Jessie Mueller

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 7 hours 44 minutes

Release date: August 15, 2023

Ratings: Ratings of Book: 3.56 of Total 16

Ratings of Narrator: 4.57 of Total 7

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The latest New York Times bestseller from beloved author Alice Hoffman celebrates the enduring magic of books and is a “wonderful story of love and growth” (Stephen King). One June day when Mia Jacob can no longer see a way to survive, the power of words saves her. The Scarlet Letter was written almost two hundred years earlier, but it seems to tell the story of Mia’s mother, Ivy, and their life inside the Community—an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts where contact with the outside world is forbidden. But how could this be? How could Nathaniel Hawthorne have so perfectly captured the pain and loss that Mia carries inside her? Through a journey of heartbreak, love, and time, Mia must abandon the rules she was raised with at the Community. As she does, she realizes that reading can transport you to other worlds or bring them to you, and that readers and writers affect one another in mysterious ways. She learns that time is more fluid than she can imagine, and that love is stronger than any chains that bind you. As a girl Mia fell in love with a book. Now as a young woman she falls in love with a brilliant writer as she makes her way back in time. But what if Nathaniel Hawthorne never wrote The Scarlet Letter? And what if Mia Jacob never found it on the day she planned to die? From “the reigning queen of magical realism” (Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author), this is the story of one woman’s dream. For a little while it came true.

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/633637 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: The Canary Girls: A Novel

Author: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 13 hours 52 minutes

Release date: August 8, 2023

Ratings: Ratings of Book: 4.8 of Total 5

Ratings of Narrator: 5 of Total 2

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Rosie the Riveter meets A League of Their Own in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini’s lively and illuminating novel about the “munitionettes” who built bombs in Britain’s arsenals during World War I, risking their lives for the war effort and discovering camaraderie and courage on the football pitch. Early in the Great War, men left Britain’s factories in droves to enlist. Struggling to keep up production, arsenals hired women to build the weapons the military urgently needed. “Be the Girl Behind the Man Behind the Gun,” the recruitment posters beckoned. Thousands of women—cooks, maids, shopgirls, and housewives—answered their nation’s call. These “munitionettes” worked grueling shifts often seven days a week, handling TNT and other explosives with little protective gear. Among them is nineteen-year-old former housemaid April Tipton. Impressed by her friend Marjorie’s descriptions of higher wages, plentiful meals, and comfortable lodgings, she takes a job at Thornshire Arsenal near London, filling shells in the Danger Building—difficult, dangerous, and absolutely essential work. Joining them is Lucy Dempsey, wife of Daniel Dempsey, Olympic gold medalist and star forward of Tottenham Hotspur. With Daniel away serving in the Footballers’ Battalion, Lucy resolves to do her bit to hasten the end of the war. When her coworkers learn she is a footballer’s wife, they invite her to join the arsenal ladies’ football club, the Thornshire Canaries. The Canaries soon acquire an unexpected fan in the boss’s wife, Helen Purcell, who is deeply troubled by reports that Danger Building workers suffer from serious, unexplained illnesses. One common symptom, the lurid yellow hue of their skin, earns them the nickname “canary girls.” Suspecting a connection between the canary girls’ maladies and the chemicals they handle, Helen joins the arsenal administration as their staunchest, though often unappreciated, advocate. The football pitch is the one place where class distinctions and fears for their men fall away. As the war grinds on and tragedy takes its toll, the Canary Girls persist despite the dangers, proud to serve, determined to outlive the war and rejoice in victory and peace.

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/633636 to listen full audiobooks.

Title: Counting Lost Stars: A Novel

Author: Kim Van Alkemade

Narrator: Andi Arndt

Format: Unabridged Audiobook

Length: 13 hours 54 minutes

Release date: July 18, 2023

Genres: Historical

Publisher's Summary:

New York Times bestselling author of Orphan #8, Kim van Alkemade returns with a gripping and poignant historical saga in which an unmarried college student who’s given up her baby for adoption helps a Dutch Holocaust survivor search for his lost mother. 1960, New York City: College student Rita Klein is a pioneering woman in the new field of computer programming—until she unexpectedly becomes pregnant. At the Hudson Home for Unwed Mothers, social workers pressure her into surrendering her baby for adoption. Rita is struggling to get on with her life when she meets Jacob Nassy, a charming yet troubled man from the Netherlands who is traumatized by his childhood experience of being separated from his mother during the Holocaust. When Rita learns that Hitler’s Final Solution was organized using Hollerith punch-card computers, she sets out to find the answers that will help Jacob heal. 1941, The Hague: Cornelia Vogel is working as a punch-card operator at the Ministry of Information when a census of Holland’s population is ordered by the Germans. After the Ministry acquires a Hollerith computer made in America, Cornelia is tasked with translating its instructions from English into Dutch. She seeks help from her fascinating Jewish neighbor, Leah Blom, an unconventional young woman whose mother was born in New York. When Cornelia learns the census is being used to persecute Holland’s Jews, she risks everything to help Leah escape. After Rita uncovers a connection between Cornelia Vogel and Jacob’s mother, long-buried secrets come to light. Will shocking revelations tear them apart, or will learning the truth about the past enable Rita and Jacob to face the future together?