Applaud my restraint. I have waited until November to post holiday audiobook reviews. Just ask my coworkers—it was June when I announced the schedule for a certain “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movie festival that I plan my weekends around. So for my fellow Christmas-philes, these audiobooks should add to your festive spirit.
A VERY MERRY ROMANCE
by Brenda Jackson, read by Ron Butler
Harlequin Audio
AudioFile Earphones Award
Narrator Ron Butler doesn’t take sides as he presents the romantic journey of Marilyn Bannister and Jonathan Madaris. A Houston principal, Jonathan can’t date his new teacher, so he secretly transfers her to begin his courtship. Butler embodies the suave confidence Jonathan uses to attract Marilyn’s attention and overcome her misgivings while subtly differentiating Marilyn’s dialogue. The holiday warmth comes near the end of the recording, so this is a good warm-up to the holiday season.
ALASKAN HOLIDAY
by Debbie Macomber, read by Laurel Rankin, Luke Daniels
Random House Audio
For a little more festivity, try ALASKAN HOLIDAY. Laurel Rankin and Luke Daniels narrate Macomber’s family-friendly romance set in remote Ponder, Alaska. Rankin’s direct, declarative narration showcases the conflict Josie Avery feels as she decides between a marriage proposal and a chef job in Seattle. The snowy Alaskan setting will put you into a cozy mood, even before Josie and Palmer’s first Christmas together.
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
by Wanda Brunstetter, read by Rebecca Gallagher
Oasis Audio
For Christmas atmosphere, it’s hard to beat A CHRISTMAS PRAYER. Rebecca Gallagher narrates Brunstetter’s wagon train adventure with straightforward simplicity. When snow strands Cynthia’s family in the Sierra Nevadas, they focus on faith and creating a memorable Christmas for the party’s children. The narration well represents the hopeful spirit of Brunstetter’s beloved stories.
HOT WINTER NIGHTS (Heartbreaker Bay, Book 6)
by Jill Shalvis, read by Vivienne Leheny
Harper Audio
What could be better than investigating a case of a not-so-nice Santa for the holiday season? It certainly would help put Molly’s forgettable one-night stand with investigator Lucas Knight behind her. Narrator Vivienne Leheny gets listeners involved in the story and plays up the laughter in the holiday-themed dialogue.
Love your holiday listening!
