Showing results by narrator "Rowena" in All Categories

In a remote Lakeland dale, whitewashed cottages nestle in lush gardens, sheep roam the fells and the Rutting Beck runs crystal clear. In short, it is a Cumbrian paradise. But Melinda Pink, visiting on holiday, knows better. For there are serpents in paradise: dead sheep go unburied, tax dodges and benefit fraud are rife, even the proprietor of the tearooms falls prey to a rumour of salmonella poisoning. And then the village busybody is found caught up in the jetsam of the flooded beck.

When Pee Wee Poston and his wife, Beulah, are offered the chance to swap New York for London, they jump at the opportunity. But life for a black family in inter-war London isn't easy. And when the Nazi bombs arrive, life gets tougher still.

Stepsisters Olivia and Emily are at daggers drawn until the arrival of their half-sister, Rosie, when they unite in their hatred of the newcomer. Rosie can look after herself, though, and cunningly throws secret spanners in the works for her sisters.

Nell lives with her grandmother, the local cunning woman and healer, in 17th century Somerset. When one of the minister's daughters falls pregnant, she and her sister attempt to conceal it by accusing Nell of putting a curse on them.

Moll Flanders is the epitome of a "bawdy" woman, who makes few excuses for herself and is unashamed of her shady past. Now converted to religion, Moll recounts her history, which includes thievery, prostitution, incest, and deception amongst a list of other necessary evils. Often shocking and always funny, Moll's story is poignant and captivating, and our charismatic narrator is sure to bring joy to a listener's ears and heart.

Rowena’s community is called the Silversmiths and is settled in Romania. Although the ones who stayed behind were made slaves in the 19th century and were deported during World War II, they never gave up on their country. Listen carefully to hear the great-great-grandmother’s song, enslaved in her youth. Close your eyes, and see the caravan where Rowena’s grandmother was born. See the slum of Alexandria, where her mother grew up. Bathe yourself in the enticing smells of a Gypsy dinner of what is allowed or forbidden for these Romani women.

Deryn’s father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island, keeping the lantern lit to protect passing boats from the treacherous rocky coastline. But when an emergency arises and Deryn is left alone to keep watch over the lighthouse, she finds herself in a terrible situation when the lamp runs out of oil during a wild storm. With a fishing boat in peril on the sea, Deryn has to seek help from an unusual source. Will she be able to keep the lantern lit through the dark, dangerous night?