Throughout literature, the trope of found family has brought so much joy. From The Fellowship of the Ring to Savannah, Bernadine, Robin, and Gloria in Waiting to Exhale, the lives of characters in many beloved novels are enriched not by blood relations but by who they choose to spend time with. These found families can offer comfort and companionship to those who may not be wholly accepted by their own family or who may otherwise feel alone in the world. We’re drawn to these stories time and again; after all, there’s nothing more heartwarming than when someone finds their people and can finally feel accepted, loved, and seen for who they are.
As winter’s chill keeps us longing for cozy stories, these audiobooks offer the perfect amount of warmth and connection. Whether fantasy, romance, or mystery, the listens here all feature characters who have chosen who they want to spend time with—and are all the better for it.
Making a deal with the Devil was probably not the best idea violinist Shizuka Satomi ever had, but desperate times call for desperate measures. In order to escape eternal damnation, she must get seven other violin prodigies to agree to sell their souls for success. Six souls later, Shizuka happens upon the most talented violinist yet, a trans runaway named Katrina. She's sure she has found lucky number seven, but a chance stop at a donut shop owned by Lan Tran, a retired starship captain, changes Shizuka's trajectory. Lan's nurturing manner and kindness draw her in, making her feel welcomed and loved. She begins to reconsider her deal, even though her very soul is on the line. This book also has the perfect narrator—listeners have praised award-winning voice actor Cindy Kay's vocal style as “lovely,” “melodic,” and “calming.”
Being an adventurer and battle orc offers no rest for the weary, which is why Viv finally decides to call it quits and pursue her real dream: opening a coffee shop. Once she gets it up and running, her regular customers and small staff—from sweet succubus Tandri to rattkin baker Thimble—start to feel like a family. Even though Viv still needs to use her muscles to stop the few who try to wreck her new enterprise, it's her heart that guides her actions now. The narration of this delightful audiobook feels extra special coming from author Travis Baldree himself, who has worked as an acclaimed voice actor for many years.
This is a passionate, heartbreaking historical novel based on actual history. Set in New York City during the 1980s and '90s, The House of Impossible Beauties is the story of young trans and queer club kids in Harlem who are fiercely loyal and protective of their community, even as they are all trying to navigate a world that is actively telling them they don't belong. It's a powerful audiobook that will inspire tears of both joy and sadness, guided by Christian Barillas's compassionate narration.
Who doesn’t love a good "getting the band back together" story? That's what awaits you in this audio adventure following a retired pirate captain who agrees to one more voyage. Notorious pirate Amina al-Sirafi is lucky to have made it to retirement, given her lifestyle, and plans to now live out the rest of her days away from danger. But when a woman pleads with Amina to save her former crewmate's granddaughter, she must admit she's missed sailing the high seas with all her friends, who knew her better than anyone on land. (The obscene amount of money she's getting doesn't hurt, either.)
When you're on a spaceship, you're basically trapped with the other crew around you; it's not like you can step outside for some fresh air. You can only hope that you all get along, especially if you're headed on a years-long mission to the outer edges of the known universe. Luckily, everyone on the Wayfarer manages to bond—for the most part—early on in their voyage. They bicker, squabble, and tease like family does, but always watch each other's backs when it counts. Rachel Dulude does an excellent job of injecting emotion into all the experiences this group of friends goes through, making listeners believe the Wayfarer crew has been a family all along.
When Linus Baker, a case worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is assigned the job of assessing the Marsyas Island Orphanage, he has no expectations beyond doing his job. He certainly didn't plan to find six wonderful, much-maligned children who welcome him with open hearts. Nor did he expect to fall in love. But the visit teaches Linus that he's been missing something in his life, and now he's finally found it with these unusual, magical children and their handsome guardian. Multi-award-winning voice actor Daniel Henning really makes listeners feel like they're a part of the family too in this enchanting, touching fantasy.
Listening to an audiobook is always a great way to relax, but if you're in need of maximum comfort, look no further than this cozy fantasy, splendidly narrated by Phyllis Ho. Tao is a fortune teller who leads a solitary life, traveling from town to town with only her pet donkey to keep her company. Keeping people at a distance ensures that nothing can go wrong, just like telling the teeniest, low-risk fortunes means no one can be disappointed. But all that changes when Tao is pulled into a quest to find a missing child by a reformed thief, a baker, an ex-mercenary, and a magical cat. Suddenly, Tao's life is filled with purpose and companionship, and it changes her forever.
Mika Moon is a witch, but unfortunately, she's not allowed to tell anyone. She's not even allowed to hang out with other witches, so instead she channels her energy into making YouTube videos showing off her magic, which most viewers assume is fake. But one person recognizes her for what she truly is and invites her to a country estate to help three young witches learn to control their powers in secret. Keeping secrets is nothing new to Mika, but the love and friendship she discovers there is, and before long, she's the happiest she's ever been. Narrator Samara MacLaren is a wizard at conveying Mika's joy at finally finding a place where she belongs.
Love is the answer in this heartfelt debut romance. Grace Porter has always done the right thing, following the path needed to become an astronomer and never rocking the boat or coloring outside the lines. So when she wakes up in Vegas shortly after getting her PhD, married to a woman she doesn't know, no one is more surprised than Grace. Realizing that perhaps she's been chasing the goals her strict father expected her to, and not going after the life she actually wants to live, Grace runs off to New York to spend time with her new wife and get to know her. There, she discovers the acceptance, love, and answers she didn't know she needed. Narrator York Whitaker expertly relays all the emotions that Grace experiences along her journey.
When lonely, nosy widow Vera Wong finds a dead body in her San Francisco tea shop, she decides she's going to solve the case herself. After all, she's watched police procedurals—how hard can it be? Armed with a list of customers who also had the opportunity for murder, Vera goes about organizing gatherings, where, to everyone's surprise and delight, friendships and romance blossom. Sure, okay, one of them might be a killer, but that doesn't mean the rest of them can't be friends, does it? Award-winning actor Eunice Wong makes listeners feel like they're one of the group with her warm narration.
