Listen free for 30 days
-
The Children's Hour
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £19.69
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Birdcage
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was Felix who named it The Birdcage, the tall house in Bristol where Miss Pidgeon lived with her tenant, the beautiful and talented actress Angel, and Angel's daughter, Lizzie. It was Felix whom they all adored and who was so in love with Angel, but while Lizzie longed for a father, Felix had other commitments: to his insecure, possessive wife Marina and to their son Piers, both living at beautiful, mellow Michaelgarth, the family home on the edge of Exmoor.
-
-
As always - Fabulous!
- By Lynne Burton on 18-08-17
-
Mothers and Daughters
- By: Erica James
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea. Her eldest daughter, Martha, is sensible and determined - just like her father was - and very much in control of where her life is going. If she could just get pregnant with her husband, life would be perfect. Willow, the youngest, was always more sunny and easy-going, yet drifted through life, much to her father’s frustration. But now, with charming new boyfriend Rick, she has a very good reason to settle down.
-
-
Another enjoyable family saga from Erica James
- By eGJ on 19-03-22
-
Echoes of the Dance
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nearly 25 years after a tragic accident forced Mim to give up her successful career as one of the world's leading ballerinas, history is repeating itself. Daisy, Mim's most talented former pupil, is suffering from injuries and she too will have to rethink her career. Mim arranges for Daisy to take a holiday in Cornwall, in the strange and beautiful house on the edge of Bodmin Moor where Mim's brother, Roly Carradine, is living.
-
-
Such a good book!
- By Lynne Burton on 24-08-17
-
Memories of the Storm
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Clio is staying with her aunt, Hester, at Bridge House on the edge of Exmoor. A beautiful house, it is the scene of many happy childhood memories. But Clio has no idea that it was the setting for a terrible incident after the Second World War.
-
The Golden Cup
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Paradise has been home to generations of Trevannions: paradise, the house at the head of a sheltered Cornish valley where Mrs Trevannion lives, surrounded by her family. Frail and elderly, Honor Trevannion, bedridden following a nasty fall, is inexplicably anxious and distressed by the arrival of a young American bearing an old black and white photograph of a double wedding and looking for a long-lost relation.
-
-
Poor storyline!
- By nanasheila on 25-09-17
-
The Prodigal Wife
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Keep that beautiful, ancient family home where the Chadwick family had lived for generations is still a haven from the heartbreaks and storms of life. Jolyon Chadwick, a famous television presenter, takes his new girlfriend Henrietta home to meet his extended family and also to meet Marie, the mother who deserted him and his father many years ago, now reappeared and seeming to want forgiveness. Jolyon, however, is not in the mood for forgiveness.
-
-
Easy to relate to!
- By Kitty Kat on 29-10-12
-
The Birdcage
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was Felix who named it The Birdcage, the tall house in Bristol where Miss Pidgeon lived with her tenant, the beautiful and talented actress Angel, and Angel's daughter, Lizzie. It was Felix whom they all adored and who was so in love with Angel, but while Lizzie longed for a father, Felix had other commitments: to his insecure, possessive wife Marina and to their son Piers, both living at beautiful, mellow Michaelgarth, the family home on the edge of Exmoor.
-
-
As always - Fabulous!
- By Lynne Burton on 18-08-17
-
Mothers and Daughters
- By: Erica James
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Since the sudden death of her husband, Naomi has steadily rebuilt the life they shared in the village of Tilsham by the sea. Her eldest daughter, Martha, is sensible and determined - just like her father was - and very much in control of where her life is going. If she could just get pregnant with her husband, life would be perfect. Willow, the youngest, was always more sunny and easy-going, yet drifted through life, much to her father’s frustration. But now, with charming new boyfriend Rick, she has a very good reason to settle down.
-
-
Another enjoyable family saga from Erica James
- By eGJ on 19-03-22
-
Echoes of the Dance
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nearly 25 years after a tragic accident forced Mim to give up her successful career as one of the world's leading ballerinas, history is repeating itself. Daisy, Mim's most talented former pupil, is suffering from injuries and she too will have to rethink her career. Mim arranges for Daisy to take a holiday in Cornwall, in the strange and beautiful house on the edge of Bodmin Moor where Mim's brother, Roly Carradine, is living.
-
-
Such a good book!
- By Lynne Burton on 24-08-17
-
Memories of the Storm
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Clio is staying with her aunt, Hester, at Bridge House on the edge of Exmoor. A beautiful house, it is the scene of many happy childhood memories. But Clio has no idea that it was the setting for a terrible incident after the Second World War.
-
The Golden Cup
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Paradise has been home to generations of Trevannions: paradise, the house at the head of a sheltered Cornish valley where Mrs Trevannion lives, surrounded by her family. Frail and elderly, Honor Trevannion, bedridden following a nasty fall, is inexplicably anxious and distressed by the arrival of a young American bearing an old black and white photograph of a double wedding and looking for a long-lost relation.
-
-
Poor storyline!
- By nanasheila on 25-09-17
-
The Prodigal Wife
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Keep that beautiful, ancient family home where the Chadwick family had lived for generations is still a haven from the heartbreaks and storms of life. Jolyon Chadwick, a famous television presenter, takes his new girlfriend Henrietta home to meet his extended family and also to meet Marie, the mother who deserted him and his father many years ago, now reappeared and seeming to want forgiveness. Jolyon, however, is not in the mood for forgiveness.
-
-
Easy to relate to!
- By Kitty Kat on 29-10-12
-
The Way We Were
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was in the middle of a snowstorm when Tiggy arrived at the remote house on Bodmin Moor. She was alone, her partner tragically dead in an accident, and Julia, her dearest friend, welcomed her into her warm and chaotic family.
-
-
The way we were
- By debra bradshaw on 27-10-17
-
The Summer House
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: June Barrie
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Matt’s mother kept all his childhood memories in a small box, amongst the many photos of Matt as a child. But something about those photos has always puzzled Matt. Is that really him? Why does he not remember those clothes and toys? And where, in the photos, is his sister Imogen? Imogen, meanwhile, is living with her husband and their baby in a rented cottage.
-
-
Okay
- By Denise on 13-12-11
-
The Impulse Purchase
- By: Veronica Henry
- Narrated by: Fenella Woolgar
- Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cherry, Maggie and Rose are mother, daughter and granddaughter, each with their own hopes, dreams and even sorrows. They have always been close, so when, in a moment of impulse, Cherry buys a gorgeous but run-down pub in the village she grew up in, it soon becomes a family affair. All three women uproot themselves and move to Rushbrook, deep in the heart of Somerset, to take over The Swan and restore it to its former glory. Cherry is at the helm, Maggie is in charge of the kitchen, and Rose tends the picturesque garden that leads down to the river.
-
-
Refreshing
- By CATRIONA on 06-03-22
-
Seven Days in Summer
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Busy mum of twins Liv is looking forward to a week at the Beach Hut in Devon, even if she feels that something's not right between her and Matt. She’s sure he’s just too busy at work to join them on their summer holiday, not that he wants time alone. Baz loves having his family to stay by the sea, but when an unexpected guest arrives, he finds himself torn between the past and the future. Still reeling from a breakup, all Sofia wants is a quiet summer – until she meets Baz and her plans are turned upside down.
-
-
Enjoyable!
- By Amazon Customer on 24-09-21
-
Homecomings
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the end of the row of fishermen’s cottages by the harbour’s edge stands an old granite house. First it belonged to Ned’s parents; then Ned dropped anchor here after a life at sea and called it home. His nephew Hugo moved in too, swapping London for the small Cornish fishing village where he’d spent so many happy holidays. It’s a refuge - and now other friends and relations are being drawn to the the house by the sea.
-
-
Delightful !
- By Amazon Customer on 27-06-21
-
Starry, Starry Night
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Childhood friends and cousins Leo and Alice had imagined their whole lives playing out on their beloved Devon beach. But one night when they are teens, sitting on the sand beneath the stars, Alice tells Leo a secret that must never be shared with anybody else...then packs her bag and flees. Leo is left to build his own life - without Alice. He surrounds himself with other family and friends and on the whole is content and fulfilled. But he is left with a sense of what - or who - is missing.
-
-
Bad reading voice
- By JSC on 01-10-21
-
Indian Summer
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sweeping powers of description transport her listeners to another time and place. Rosanna Ley, author of best-selling The Villa and Return to Mandalay. Some memories can be forgotten.... Others won't ever go away. For renowned actor Sir Mungo, his quiet home village in Devon provides the perfect retreat. Close by are his brother and his wife, and the rural location makes his home the ideal getaway for his old friends in London.
-
Reflections
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After her husband dies, Cara no longer wishes to live in their London home. On impulse, she sells it and goes to stay with her brother in Salcombe, Devon, while she plans her next move. There, she begins to look back at her life and reflect on the choices that have led her to this moment. Cosmo has also escaped - temporarily - from his life in the city, finding the south-west a relaxing and appealing fit, especially when he meets local girl, Amy. But is he being entirely truthful about what he’s left behind?
-
-
Delightful !
- By Amazon Customer on 30-07-21
-
Amy Wingate's Journal
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Phyllida Nash
- Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Amy consults her doctor about her increasing mood swings, she is advised to keep a diary as an outlet for her bursts of irritation. And her life obligingly becomes eventful enough to provide interesting reading. But it is the tantalising allusions to Amy's past - so at odds with her appearance as the stereotypical retired schoolmistress - that intrigues, delights, and eventually reveals a woman of surprising qualities.
-
The Garden House
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Emma Powell
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the death of her father, El moves into his home just outside Tavistock in Devon. Fresh out of university and dangling on the precipice of adulthood, she questions what it is she really wants from life. Although her childhood friend, Will, is there to help her through her grief she soon realises there were things her father was hiding from her.
-
Summer on the River
- By: Marcia Willett
- Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein
- Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Evie loved the house. The bright, sunny rooms looking across the river. The terraced gardens with fruit trees growing against the high stone walls. The scent of lavender at the end of a hot day. It was a family house. As summer beckons, Evie's family gathers once more at the beautiful old riverside house they all adore. But when Evie discovers a secret that threatens their future, a shadow falls over them all: this summer by the river could be their last together.
-
-
great story
- By Amazon Customer on 09-04-21
-
Here and Now
- By: Santa Montefiore
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Marigold has spent her life taking care of those around her, juggling family life with the running of the local shop, and being an all-round leader in her quiet yet welcoming community. When she finds herself forgetting things, everyone quickly puts it down to her age. But something about Marigold isn’t quite right, and it’s becoming harder for people to ignore. As Marigold’s condition worsens, for the first time in their lives her family must find ways to care for the woman who has always cared for them.
-
-
Slow moving but touching family story
- By Dorothy2578 on 04-12-20
Summary
Critic reviews
More from the same
What listeners say about The Children's Hour
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- Carolyn
- 13-11-06
A very good way to relax after a stressful day
I loved this story for it's easy listening style and many threads that eventually came together. I felt I knew the house and the characters well and didn't want to say goodbye to them. It is not a taxing tale in any way and may be too slow moving for many people, but brought to me cosy feelings of sitting around a fire with my family while someone read a book to us.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- L. Ellis
- 03-10-17
Narration dreadful
This is a really good story but I'm afraid I won't be buying anything else narrated by June Barrie. I'm sure she's a perfectly lovely woman but she is so terribly, terribly 'posh'. Every single character is endowed with the same 'well-bred gels' accent it's like listening to a BBC drama from the 1940s. Shame as I really enjoyed the story but the narration really spoilt it for me.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- I C Harding
- 05-06-15
such a comforting book
my second 'listening ' of this story and probably not my last. This beautifully written and comfortingly read novel is like a warm blanket wrapping g itself around you.
-
Overall

- Faith
- 05-09-05
Wonderful Read
I absolutely loved listening to this book. It was truly wonderful. June's voice plays each character so well. It is a very moving tale. It was the most memorable story I have heard since joining audible. Thank you.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Linda
- 05-09-07
a well read tale
At first I was a bit disappointed in my purchase thinking this book nothing more than fluff, but then suddenly I found myself invested in the characters and curiously caring about their circumstances. For me the narration made the story - fluff or not. I doubt anyone else could have drawn me in. Before I knew it, I was extending my walks just a little further . . . I may just chance another book by this author provided the same narrator is on board.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- J. E. JONES
- 11-09-09
Great Story!
I loved the characters in this book. They sort of drew you into their lives. The setting on the sea was beautiful too. I really enjoyed it.
2 people found this helpful