Tough Topics Audiobooks

Whispers of Dawn' Journey of Healing and Rediscovery: Journey of Healing and Rediscovery

"Whispers of Dawn' is a heartfelt narrative that explores the journey of Ethan Miller through the intricate layers of grief, faith, and the healing power of love. The book captures the essence of the human experience, portraying the protagonist's struggle with loss, the weight of silence, and the solace found in prayer. Throughout the chapters, the narrative delves into the themes of community support, unexpected connections, and the resilience required for single parenthood. The titles of the chapters, such as 'Anchored in Prayer,' 'A Community of Comfort,' and 'A Hand to Hold,' reflect the emotional and spiritual aspects of Ethan's voyage toward healing.   The symbolism within the chapter titles, like 'The Language of Flowers' and 'Footprints in the Sand,' adds depth to the narrative, offering readers a nuanced exploration of Ethan's emotional landscape. The book gracefully navigates moments of doubt and the fragility of moving forward, ultimately weaving a tapestry of hope, forgiveness, and the enduring strength found in love. When Ethan Miller loses his wife Sarah in a tragic accident, his world crumbles. He's left adrift in a sea of grief, clinging to shattered memories and a faith that feels distant. But through the kindness of his community, unwavering prayers, and the gentle nudges of fate, Ethan embarks on a journey of healing and rediscovery. As he navigates the complexities of single parenthood, grapples with lingering doubt, and opens his heart to unexpected connections, Ethan learns that love truly has no end. 'Whispers of Dawn' is a poignant tapestry woven with faith, hope, and the enduring power of second chances."

Derick Chibilu (Author), Rick Font (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Letter: A Novel

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Gloria never imagined her life would spiral into a nightmare. Forced to feign love for Eric, a man who adored her but received none of her affection in return, she found herself ensnared in a web of power and manipulation. Believing his wealth could buy her love, Eric's desperation led him to a dark path. When persuasion failed, he resorted to kidnapping, trapping Gloria in the darkest corners of his world. In the midst of her captivity, Gloria discovered an inadvertent pregnancy with the man she considered the embodiment of evil. With no choice but to face her grim fate, she decided to conform to societal expectations, delight her parents, and marry the man who had imprisoned her. As she prepared for a future she never wanted, Gloria realized that wealth could never buy true love or happiness. Her story is a stark reminder for young adults about the dangers of rushing into marriage and the futility of equating money with fulfilment. 'The Letter' is a gripping tale of love, power, and the ultimate quest for freedom and self-love, highlighting the indomitable human spirit and the profound truth that true love cannot be bought."

Umuhire Joyce (Author), Digital Voice Mia G (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Blue Castle

"Valancy Stirling's dull life as a 29-year-old 'old maid' - living with her oppressive, stuffy family - is entirely transformed when she receives a life-changing terminal medical diagnosis. Wishing to enjoy her remaining days, she throws off tradition and adventures bravely into the world of romance, in search of the man and 'Blue Castle' of her dreams! 'The Blue Castle' is a delightful, inspiring 1926 Canadian novel from author Lucy Maud Montgomery (best known for her 1908 book 'Anne of Green Gables')."

L.M. Montgomery (Author), Angela Stokes (Narrator)

Audiobook

Red

"A Christian girl is stigmatized by her peers after seeking an abortion in this modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter for the #MeToo era. Moving to Hawthorne was something Tess and her mom never anticipated, but after Tess's mom loses her job, it's their only option. Tess's grandparents welcome them into their home, on the condition that Tess and her mom attend church, something Mom isn't too pleased about. But Tess enjoys the church community, finding a place in youth group and the church choir. Faith fills a void Tess didn't know she had. After a very personal decision goes public, Tess faces daily harassment and rejection by her former friends, and singing in the church choir is no longer an option. When she meets some kids in the music room, her only place of solace in the school, she finds they don't judge her for what's happened, and she learns to find her voice again. Against the backdrop of the Spirit Light Festival, Tess will need to find the strength to speak out if she is to have any chance of ending a silent cycle of abuse in Hawthorne. Perfect for fans of YA books like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, or Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E. K. Johnston, Red is a timely and relevant young adult novel about finding your voice and rising above shame. Anyone looking for teen girl books that explore the complex themes of reproductive rights, religious hypocrisy, and overcoming adversity will appreciate this story of judgment and redemption."

Annie Cardi (Author), Emily Ellet (Narrator)

Audiobook

If My Words Had Wings

"A life affirming story of rehabilitation and hope after prison. The third novel from multi-award-winning Danielle Jawando, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Elizabeth Acevedo.   'Jawando's writing is incredibly raw and real; I felt completely immersed' Alice Oseman, author of the Heartstopper series   When fifteen-year-old Tyrell Forrester gets caught up in a high-profile armed robbery, he's sentenced to eighteen months in a young offenders' prison. Now he's getting out, and he's determined to turn his life around. Despite his release, systemic discrimination makes it difficult for Ty to truly be free. Inspired by a visiting poet while inside, Ty discovers a whole new world through spoken word and is finally finding his voice. But will society ever see him as anything other than a criminal? Praise for And the Stars Were Burning Brightly: 'An outstanding and compassionate debut' Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy 'One of the brightest up and coming stars of the YA world' Alex Wheatle, author of Crongton Knights 'An utter page turner from a storming new talent. Passionate, committed and shines a ray of light into the darkest places - the YA novel of 2020!' Melvin Burgess, author of Junk Praise for When Our Worlds Collided:   'A raw, unflinching and powerful story that will stay with me for a long time' Manjeet Mann, author of The Crossing   'A beautiful ode to found family, and a compassionate look at the power of connection borne from the ashes of tragedy and apathy' Christina Hammonds Reed, author of The Black Kids   'Hard-hitting yet still hopeful, this is an emotional powerhouse of a book' Alexandra Sheppard, author of Oh My Gods Warning - this novel contains themes that some readers may find upsetting, including suicide and self harm."

Danielle Jawando (Author), Kenton Thomas (Narrator)

Audiobook

All That's Left to Say

"A poignant and powerful story of a grieving girl willing to risk everything, perfect for fans of Robin Benway and Jandy Nelson. On prom night, Hannah MacLaren sits in the headmaster's office in her fanciest dress, soaked to the bone. She pulled the fire alarm right as the queen was about to be crowned, and she's in huge trouble. But Hannah had her reasons for ruining the biggest night of everyone's lives. One year ago, her cousin Sophie, who was also her best friend and the person she loved most in the world, died of an overdose. Drowning in grief, Hannah became obsessed with one question: Who gave Sophie those pills? Then she concocted a plan: enroll at her cousin's fancy private school with a new look and a mouthful of lies, and find out the truth once and for all. But she didn't expect all the lines to blur. She didn't expect Sophie's friends to be so complicated. She didn't expect to fall for her longtime enemy. Now, she has a choice: let herself really mourn Sophie and move on, or see her search through to its explosive end--even if it means destroying herself."

Emery Lord (Author), Krystal Hammond (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Names They Gave Us

"Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake and spending quality time with her parents. But when her mom's cancer reappears, Lucy falters--in her faith and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend 'pauses' their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp--one for troubled kids--Lucy isn't sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means? Emotionally charged and unforgettable, Emery Lord's storytelling shines with the promise of new love and true friendship, even in the face of life's biggest challenges."

Emery Lord (Author), Yinka Ladeinde (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Night Is Ours

"For one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance-perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon! It's the longest day of the year, and eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey has just received the worst news of her life: She's been accepted to a top nursing school, making her mother overwhelmingly proud. The thing is, Brandy wants to be an artist. She knows all the risks of chasing her dream. She's heard them from her mother over and over. On top of that, Brandy's annoying classmate from high school, the startlingly handsome Ben Nolan, is catching his far-fetched dream of being an actor. Why does he get to be fearless while she has to be practical? Ben is the last thing Brandy wants on her mind, so of course today is the day he decides to glue himself to her hip. Now his perfect face is right there in the cacophony crashing through her head. Spinning in too many directions, Brandy's emotions clash with the flashing lights at the town's summer carnival. Can she have one extraordinary night before everything changes?"

Ronni Davis (Author), Erin Ruth Walker (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hurdles in the Dark: My Story of Survival, Resilience, and Triumph

"This program is read by the author and includes music written by Ernesto Villalobos, Alberto Villalobos, Luis Villalobos and Humberto Flores, and performed by the Villalobos Brothers. Educated meets Athlete A in this YA memoir about survival and strength by Elvira Gonzalez, a Mexican-American track star who found freedom from poverty and violence by becoming one of the top U.S. athletes. Twenty-four hours: that's how long fourteen-year-old Elvira Gonzalez is given to come up with the $40,000 she needs to save her kidnapped mother from a drug cartel. It's 2006 and Elvira's hometown of Laredo, Texas, has become engulfed by the Mexican Drug War. Elvira's life is unraveling around her—setting her on a harrowing path that leads her to being locked up in one of South Texas's worst juvenile detention centers. After Elvira's released from juvie, she's resolved to never go back. That's when her unexpected salvation arrives in the form of 33-inch-high plastic hurdles. Determined to win a track scholarship out of Laredo, Elvira begins breaking into the school, alone, at 5:30 in the morning to practice hurdling. Soon, she catches the attention of a renowned high school coach, an adult man in his 30s. As they train, their coach-student relationship begins to change, becoming sexual. At just seventeen years old, Elvira experiences the dangers many young athletes face, especially those who are marginalized. In spite of these towering obstacles, Elvira eventually propels herself to become one of the top ranked hurdlers in the USA and the first in her family to go to college. This inspiring true story of grit, tenacity, and hope traces Elvira's path as she overcomes impossible hurdles in her race to freedom. A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press."

Elvira K. Gonzalez (Author), Elvira K. Gonzalez (Narrator)

Audiobook

Thirsty: A Novel

"From Jas Hammonds, award-winning author of We Deserve Monuments, comes a gripping read about a girl willing to risk it all for the chance to join an underground sorority with her wealthy best friends—perfect for fans of Euphoria and Girl in Pieces. It’s the summer before college and eighteen-year-old Blake Brenner and her girlfriend, Ella, have one goal: join the mysterious and exclusive Serena Society. The sorority promises status and lifelong connections to a network of powerful, trailblazing women of color. Ella’s acceptance is a sure thing—she’s the daughter of a Serena alum. Blake, however, has a lot more to prove. As a former loner from a working-class background, Blake lacks Ella’s pedigree and confidence. Luckily, she finds courage at the bottom of a liquor bottle. When she drinks, she’s bold, funny, and unstoppable—and the Serenas love it. But as pledging intensifies, so does Blake’s drinking, until it’s seeping into every corner of her life. Ella assures Blake that she’s fine; partying hard is what it takes to make the cut . . . But success has never felt so much like drowning. With her future hanging in the balance and her past dragging her down, Blake must decide how far she’s willing to go to achieve her glittering dreams of success—and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process. A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press."

Jas Hammonds (Author), Alaska Jackson (Narrator)

Audiobook

In Repair

"Nathaniel Conti doesn’t feel real when he’s alone. Maybe that’s why he has a reputation as a troublemaker—he’ll do just about anything to have everyone’s eyes on him. But things are about to change. Nathaniel is in his first year of college, flung into new circumstances with new people to meet. There are public speaking classmates, lacrosse players—and then there’s the aspiring photographer who asks Nathaniel to be their model, who’s interested in more than what’s on the surface. Nathaniel feels like he’s moving forward—until a former friend shows up, someone who reminds him of habits and hurts he thought he’d left behind. From the author of Icebreaker comes a deeply felt, gorgeously told story about confronting what's buried, coming into your own, and finding your people. A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company."

A.L. Graziadei (Author), Zach Barela (Narrator)

Audiobook

Summer Nights and Meteorites

"From the two-time Sydney Taylor Honor author comes another sweet Nantucket-set summer romance, perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and K.L. Walther. Jordan Edelman's messy dating days are over. After a few too many broken hearts, and a father who worries a bit too much, she's sworn off boys-at least for the summer. And since she'll be tagging along on her father's research trip to Nantucket, she doesn't think it'll be too hard to stick to her resolution. But hooking up with the cute boy on the ferry doesn't count, right? At least, not until that cute boy turns out to be Ethan Barbanel. As in, her father's longtime research assistant Ethan Barbanel, the boy Jordan has hated from afar for years. And to make matters worse, Jordan might actually be falling for him. As if that didn't complicate her life enough, Jordan's new summer job with a local astronomer turns up a centuries-old mystery surrounding Gibson's Comet-and as she dives into her research, what she learns just might put her growing relationship with Ethan in jeopardy."

Hannah Reynolds (Author), Karissa Vacker (Narrator)

Audiobook