Audiobooks narrated by Jilly Bond

The Last Empress of France: The Rebellious Life of Eugenie de Montijo

The dramatic, untold story of Eugénie de Montijo, the woman who created haute couture, fought for women's rights, opened France's schools to girls and ruled the country as its last empress, yet today remains almost unknown. Although a nineteenth-century woman, her almost twenty-first century outlook was key to the creation of modern France. Viewed frequently as a mere "ornament of the throne" of her husband, Emperor Napoléon III, this Spanish-born aristocrat proved to be almost as fiery as her red hair, fighting against institutional limitations, establishing innovations in childcare and women's health, scientific research and education, battling anti-Semitism and "sex prejudice," all the while displaying a political acumen so sharp that her husband gave her sole control of the government during his absences and consulted her daily when he was home. But the triumphs and glamour of her life were coupled with heartbreak and tragedy. This first definitive American biography of Eugénie restores her far-reaching legacy to history.

Evelyne Resnick, Petie & Evelyne Kladstrup & Resnick (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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Two Old Fools Down Under: Old Fools Book 6

When Vicky and Joe wave goodbye to their beloved Spanish village, they face their future in Australia with some trepidation. Now they must build a new life amongst strangers, snakes, and spiders the size of saucers. Accompanied by their enthusiastic new puppy, Lola, adventures abound, both heartwarming and terrifying. Will the Two Old Fools embrace the Aussie way of life or is it time to stop gallivanting around the globe and return to Britain?

Victoria Twead (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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Lady Glenconner's Picnic Papers: and other Feasts with Friends

From the peaks of the Himalayas to the historic grounds of Hampton Court, there's always a perfect spot for a picnic! Anne Glenconner invites both old friends and new acquaintances to join her in The Picnic Papers. Featuring contributions from Bryan Adams, Graham Norton, Lorraine, Rupert Everett, Tina Brown, Freya Stark and many more, they explore the curious British obsession with dining alfresco, despite our famously unpredictable weather. Picnics, it turns out, spark strong opinions. HRH Princess Margaret insisted on having hers at a proper table, while the indefatigable John Julius Norwich enjoyed 147 picnics over seven weeks in the Sahara. In stark contrast, writer James Lees-Milne simply loathed them. Brimming with extraordinary tales and a few nostalgic recipes (though this is not a recipe book!) Lady Glenconner's The Picnic Papers is an invitation to a delightful feast of memories and culinary delights.

Anne Glenconner (Author), Anne Glenconner, Jilly Bond, Jonathan Keeble (Narrator)

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Two Old Fools in Turmoil: Old Fools Book 5

When dark, sinister clouds loom, Victoria and Joe find themselves facing life-changing decisions. Happily, silver linings also abound in this, the fifth Old Fools chronicle. A fresh new face joins the cast of familiar characters but the return of a bad penny may be more than some can handle. What does the future hold for the Spanish village of El Hoyo and the two old fools?

Victoria Twead (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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Two Old Fools in Spain Again: Old Fools Book 4

When Victoria and Joe return to their Spanish mountain village, they are still reeling from their year in the Middle East. Sighing with relief, they prepare to settle down to a peaceful life with the familiar characters of the village. But life refuses to stand still, even in tiny El Hoyo. Lola Ufarte's behaviour surprises nobody, but when a millionaire becomes a neighbour, the village turns into a battleground. Can Victoria and Joe help restore peace to the village?

Victoria Twead (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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For the First Time, Again

Brought to you by Penguin. When you don't know The Rules it's hard to stay safe. After a traumatic incident, Aster finds that her blood work comes back with some unusual readings. Unsurprising, as she's the last of an alien race called the Kibsu. But Aster doesn't know this. Immediately, Aster finds herself the focus of a hunt, with her mortal enemies, the Trackers, on one side, and the American government on the other. There seems to be nowhere she can run. But help often comes from the most unexpected quarter . . . One thing is certain. Whoever finds Aster first will hold the fate of the Kibsu - and our world - in their hands. © Sylvian Neuvel 2023 (P) Penguin Audio 2023

Sylvain Neuvel (Author), Imogen Wilde, Jilly Bond, Kevin Shen, Kristin Atherton, Lance C. Fuller, Rory Alexander, William Hope (Narrator)

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When It's Over: A Novel

Coming of age in Prague in the 1930s, Lena Kulkova is inspired by the left-wing activists who resist the rise of fascism. She meets Otto, a refugee from Hitler’s Germany, and follows him to Paris to work for the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War. As the war in Spain ends and a far greater war engulfs the continent, Lena gets stuck in Paris with no news from her Jewish family, including her beloved baby sister, left behind in Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Otto, meanwhile, has fled to a village in England, and urges Lena to join him, but she can’t obtain a visa. When Lena and Otto are finally reunited, the safe haven Lena has hoped for doesn’t last long. Their relationship becomes strained, and Lena is torn between her loyalty to Otto and her growing attraction to Milton, the son of the eccentric Lady of the Manor. As the war continues, she yearns to be reunited with her sister, while Milton is preoccupied with the political turmoil that leads to the landslide defeat of Churchill in the 1945 election. Based on a true story, When It’s Over is a moving, resonant, and timely read about the lives of war refugees, dramatic political changes, and the importance of family, love, and hope.

Barbara Ridley (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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A Winter Affair

A wonderful warm, seasonal treat, whisking you on a magical adventure to the Swiss Alps. Full of food, laughter and fun. Perfect for the fans of Trisha Ashley. With a recent divorce and empty nest Eloise Brandon is facing Christmas alone until a harried phone call from her godfather changes everything. Accepting his challenge, Eloise finds herself en-route to Verbier and to her godfather's chalet in the beautiful Swiss Alps to help cater for some seriously rich, high rolling guests. What ensues makes it a Christmas to remember. A heady alpine mixture of old friends, ex-husbands, mega-rich, super demanding guests, a dishevelled proprietor and Bert the dog. What people are saying about 'A WINTER AFFAIR' 'This is the perfect winter read' 'Really exciting and page turning' 'Magical, wonderful and Christmassy' - Minna has had an exciting career in fashion journalism and now writes full time, whilst enjoying time with her grandsons and working as an occasional film and TV extra. She lives in London.

Minna Howard (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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The Arrangement

Grace is living through every mother's worst nightmare. Her student daughter Abi went away on a dream vacation-and was murdered. Overwhelmed by grief and fighting off old demons that have resurfaced, Grace tries to make sense of it-who would want to kill her beautiful girl? But as she learns more about Abi's life, she realizes she didn't know her own daughter very well. How did Abi acquire all those designer clothes? And what was she doing on those mysterious trips to the city? Grace desperately needs to find answers. But soon it becomes clear that someone doesn't want her digging into Abi's secret past-someone who knows how to use Grace's own weaknesses against her, sending her on a journey to the darkest hell...

Miranda Rijks (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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Annie's Autumn Escape: A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a twist!

Annie's big birthday is looming. Sixty! She feels half that age, even if the mirror tells her otherwise. Hubby Keith promises her a birthday to remember, and doesn't let her down, but packing his suitcase to shack up with a forty-something isn't quite the memory Annie wants to make. Suddenly she's single and – as an empty nester – very, very alone. The Bucket List she and Keith had promised to work their way through is but a dream, until besties Bella and Caz rally around Annie and whisk her away for a trip that will be remembered for ever. Dubai. But it's not all skyscrapers, bling, sand dunes and sheikhs. As the sun sinks over the horizon of Jumeirah Beach… might there also be love?

Debbie Viggiano (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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A Certain Darkness: Verity Kent Mysteries, Book 6

The 1920s are off to an intriguing start, but even as a new decade dawns, the shadow of The Great War persists... March 1920: Life has turned unsettlingly quiet for former British Intelligence agent Verity Kent and her husband, Sidney. But even that false calm is about to end. As threats remain, the French authorities soon request Sidney's help with a suspect who claims to have proof of treason--shortly before she is assassinated. And Verity, too, is called to investigate a mystery. The murder of a Belgian lawyer aboard a train seems at first to be a simple case of revenge. But the victim was connected to British Intelligence, and possessed papers detailing the sinking of a gold-laden German ship during the war. As Verity and Sidney dig deeper, they discover their cases are intertwined--and a lethal adversary persists. Officially, the Great War may be over, but this is a battle of nerves and wits they cannot afford to lose...

Anna Lee Huber (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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The Golden Oldies Guesthouse

'I ended up reading until the wee small hours of the morning... Certainly took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs, the happiness and sadness, the laughs and the sobs.' Tess and Simon Sparrow may have a few more grey hairs than they used to, but that doesn't stop them from being swept up in a whirlwind romance and starting over. Swapping their city lives for an escape to the Cornish countryside, they fall in love with a crumbling hotel and impulsively buy it to renovate as their forever home. But soon the newlyweds have had their first fight (and their second and third...) and building costs are spiralling out of control. Their families think they're mad and Tess is starting to agree - she just wants to escape back to civilisation. Doing up the glorious, wisteria-clad property was meant to be a delightful retirement project. But the electrics are faulty, there's no central heating, and the kitchen ceiling's fallen in: the dream has become reality and things only get more chaotic when the first guests arrive... Mysterious Celia, hapless romantic Dominic and tarnished, lovelorn actress Titania are all looking for a fresh start. Everyone in this eclectic group has their own reasons for being in Cornwall, but the summer is full of secrets and surprises. As plans go awry and truths are revealed, Tess and Simon realise that they've taken on a bigger challenge than they intended to: can their happily-ever-after survive the chaos or will this end up being the biggest mistake of their lives? From the bestselling author of The Runaway Wife and The Silver Ladies of Penny Lane, this is a completely uplifting page-turner about embracing new friendships, finding love and making each day count. Perfect for fans of The Kicking the Bucket List and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Why readers are loving The Golden Oldies Guesthouse: 'Five golden stars for Dee McDonald's latest... charming... The Golden Oldies Guesthouse features humour with a deft touch, charm, fun, love and romance.' Jena Books 'Utterly charming!... It's gentle, humorous, heart-warming and packed full of characters that you will remember long after the book is finished. I adored every word and my only complaint is that the story ended!' NetGalley Reviewer 'A hilarious romp... larger than life characters...Told as only Dee Macdonald can tell these stories of 'older folk' having another swipe at life and all that follows this book is funny, heart-warming, makes you feel good... a joy to read... 10/10.' Goodreads Reviewer. Top 50 Amazon UK author - Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years. She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise. Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70! Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

Dee Macdonald (Author), Jilly Bond (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Jilly Bond