Lucinda Brant

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Mary Jane Wells narrates the Roxton Foundation Series

Dear readers,

It may surprise you to learn that when I set out to write the Roxton Foundation Series several years ago, it was with the intention of having as its narrator the award-winning, multi-talented actress, writer, and voice artist Mary Jane Wells.

At that stage in the writing (I was busy on book 2 His Duchess) I had no idea if MJ would agree to take on the project or would even be available to do so.

Mary Jane Wells was my first and really my only choice (I didn't have a Plan B). She was the voice I had in my head. And I was prepared to wait until she could fit me into her busy schedule, if only she would say yes.

Almost three years ago, we met over Facetime, chatted about the project and, to my absolute delight, she said yes!

Mary Jane Wells is the recipient of three Audie awards (the audiobook equivalent of an Oscar), most recently for the enhanced audiobook to accompany her one-woman show, HEROINE: THE PLAY, which debuted in the U.S. at the Kennedy Center to critical acclaim. AudioFile Magazine has also recognised her exceptional talent with six earphones awards, and you can read the in-depth interview with MJ here.

Why was I adamant that only a Mary Jane Wells performance would do for the Roxton Foundation Series? Quite simply, I couldn’t imagine anyone else giving voice to Antonia as the Duchess of Roxton. Antonia is the light in the room, that once in a lifetime, larger than life character that when met is never forgotten. She is sweet, honest, forthright, fiercely loyal, intelligent—and a force of nature. To navigate her early married life with Roxton required an exceptional performance to balance these facets of her personality.

And not only did MJ rise to the challenge, she has done an exceptional job with all our favorite characters, from imbuing Roxton with ducal gravitas, Vallentine with that wide-eyed physicality of the fiercely loyal sidekick, and his sister Estée as the epitome of the spoiled French aristocrat.

I can’t wait for you to dive into the wonderful world of Roxton and Antonia’s early married life, and with Mary Jane Wells narrating, you are in for a real treat! ;)

Happy listening!

Lucinda xo

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