A Country Escape by Katie Fforde

A Country Escape

Warm romance blooms in the British countryside

Written byKatie Fforde
Narrated byJilly Bond
Length8h00m
Release dateFebruary 22, 2018
LanguageEnglish
★★★★☆ 4.6 (6 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorKatie Fforde
NarratorJilly Bond
Runtime8h00m
PublishedFebruary 22, 2018
Rating★★★★☆ 4.6 / 5 (6 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance, Contemporary
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Katie Fforde never fails to deliver cozy escapism, and *A Country Escape* is no exception. Set against the rolling hills and honeyed stone cottages of rural Somerset, this novel follows three women—each at a crossroads in life—as they swap city stress for a year in the sticks. There’s practical Anna, relocating after a heartbreak; quirky artist Emily, hiding from an old flame; and enigmatic teacher Libby, nursing a private sorrow. Their shared rental, a creaky old farmhouse, becomes the unlikely stage for second chances, unexpected friendships, and the kind of slow-burn romance that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Fforde’s signature charm lies in her ability to balance lighthearted banter with genuine emotional depth, ensuring the story never veers into saccharine territory.

Narrator Jilly Bond elevates the experience with a velvety British voice that shifts effortlessly between playful sarcasm and heartfelt vulnerability. Her delivery of Anna’s dry wit, Emily’s scatterbrained energy, and Libby’s quiet introspection feels so natural you’ll forget you’re listening to a performance. The production is rich with ambient sounds—rustling leaves, crackling fires, distant sheep—that immerse you in the countryside’s cozy embrace. If you’ve ever dreamed of trading your commute for a slower pace, this audiobook will have you packing your bags by the final chapter.

Tags: uplifting romance audiobookBritish country life fictionfriendship and second chancesJilly Bond narrationfeel-good women's fiction

Why Listen to A Country Escape?

  • Expert narration by Jilly Bond brings every character and scene to life across 8h00m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 6 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
  • Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
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Editor's Review ★★★★☆

AudioBook Atlas

I popped in my headphones planning to listen to *A Country Escape* while folding laundry, but two hours later, I was still curled up on the couch, tissues at the ready and the laundry long forgotten. Jilly Bond’s narration is the secret weapon here—her voice is like a favorite aunt who’s both hilarious and deeply wise, making even the silliest misunderstandings feel poignant. She nails the rhythm of Fforde’s dialogue, giving each character a distinct cadence: Anna’s clipped, no-nonsense tones; Emily’s breathless enthusiasm; and Libby’s softer, almost hesitant delivery. The production, too, deserves praise; the subtle audio cues (a creaking floorboard, a distant church bell) pull you into the story without ever distracting. That said, the pacing stumbles once or twice when Fforde lingers a beat too long on a subplot involving a meddlesome neighbor, slowing the momentum. And while the romance arcs are satisfying, the resolution to Libby’s backstory feels a tad rushed, leaving me wanting more emotional payoff. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful listen. By the time Bond delivers the epilogue with a wistful smile in her voice, you’ll be plotting your own countryside escape.

Download: A Country Escape

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A Country Escape by Katie Fforde is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Jilly Bond with a runtime of 8h00m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.