Chelsea Stephens

Chelsea Stephens skillfully narrates this horror novel set in the small town of Raeford. When journalist Marshall suffers two great losses, her worried boss sends her there to cover an unbelievable story: a horse birthing a human baby. Marshall finds a town beset with mystery, death, and folklore that is under the thumb of Mr. Daily. What do the women in this town know and practice, and how is it connected to horses, babies, and Daily? Stephens fills Daily with so much menace that listeners will loathe and fear him as much as the town does. She brings the women of the town from fear to righteous retribution that will have listeners celebrating their autonomy. The threat, horror, and mystery of the novel's folklore is substantial and palpable.

For those who have never read Katherine Anne Porter, and those who haven't read her in 50 years, this audiobook of three of her finest stories is an opportunity long missed. Until now, her only fiction on audio has been SHIP OF FOOLS, her big book of the 1960s, which overshadowed her earlier, far better, short fiction. Chelsea Stephens gives this matchless storyteller full due in her precise, subtly nuanced performance. These three short novels, among the best in American literature, live as vibrantly here as they did 80 years ago. Porter's famous story of the 1918 flu pandemic gives the collection its title, and that somber image links the very different "Old Morality" and "Noon Wine," whose counterpoint melodies and sharp humor are so expressively captured here. D.A.W Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Chelsea Stephens fully embraces the complexities that result from dragging emotional baggage into a new relationship in this queer rom-com. Olive Murphy's life confirms Murphy's Law: What CAN go wrong WILL go wrong. But when she meets a captivating pilot named Stella after saving a man's life on her first-ever flight, Olive gets a new lease on her once fearful life. To win Stella the captain's seat and protect Olive from the limelight, the duo pretend to date--that is, until pretending turns into reality. While the story involves classic romance tropes, Stephens's performance offers contemporary twists and all the joy, steaminess, and trepidation of new love.

This audiobook, set in Las Vegas, is a dark fantasy with some BDSM scenes. Bryn Meara, portrayed by Avery Reid, gets a free stay at Nightfall Hotel, owned by Caiden Verran. Caiden, portrayed by Aiden Snow, is king of the Fae Night Court. In short order, a curse prevents them from being separated--if Bryn dies, so does Caiden. Reid's emotional narration is well matched to her characters; she distinguishes them by fluently changing tones and rhythm. Aiden's performance is riveting as he provides vocal variations and intensity that connect with each scene. The narrators' pacing reflects the moods of the story, enhancing it for listeners.

In this audiobook, chef Sophie Brunet, a former reality show finalist, wants only to cook out of the spotlight and to explore her newly realized bisexuality. But her boss, Amy Chambers, is trying to keep her restaurant alive, and an opportunity on a new TV show could be the solution. Chelsea Stephens and Natalie Naudus split the narration as the two women learn to work together to save the restaurant and confront their growing feelings. This dynamic creates many funny moments, as well as some tender scenes, and both narrators find a great balance between them. Their voices are distinct, but there is a quiet intensity in both performances that helps listeners understand how much is at stake for both women. Between the story and some behind-the-scenes looks at running a restaurant, this is a captivating listen for romance fans and foodies alike. C.J.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2022]