https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christmas-hirelings--6879265enFictionCopyright Family and Culturehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/50030fbce7c3f82720320ff24a2d9e55.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/christmas-hirelings--6879265Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:24:35 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonFamily and Culturespreaker25@adfreesounds.comAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...false3e3b9120-9f05-51b9-97a8-3526a4339957episodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/floyd-s-flowers-or-duty-and-beauty-for-colored-children-one-hundred-short-stories-silas-x-floyd--74435248https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74435248Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:04:58 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Floyd's Flowers, or Duty and Beauty for Colored Children: One Hundred Short Stories" by Silas X. Floyd is a rich collection that celebrates the beauty and complexity of life through a series of poignant narratives. Each story invites listeners to...24414falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/palmetto-leaves-harriet-beecher-stowe--74379966https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74379966Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:04:40 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Palmetto Leaves" by Harriet Beecher Stowe offers a vivid portrayal of life in the South, reflecting on the region's culture and its complex social dynamics. Stowe's keen observations and rich descriptions transport listeners to a world where the...19112falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brittain-s-ida--74307860https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74307860Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:04:16 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Brittain's Ida" invites listeners into a poignant exploration of identity and resilience, capturing the essence of personal struggle and triumph. This timeless narrative resonates with themes of perseverance and the human spirit, making it a...1946falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/little-colonel-maid-of-honor-annie-fellows-johnston--74204763https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74204763Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:05:31 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Little Colonel Maid of Honor" by Annie Fellows Johnston invites listeners into the charming world of the Little Colonel series, where themes of friendship, loyalty, and the joys of childhood come to life. This heartwarming tale captures the spirit of...24361falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quicksand-nella-larsen--74144565https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74144565Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:06:02 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonQuicksand by Nella Larsen delves into the complexities of identity, race, and the search for belonging in a society marked by rigid social boundaries. The narrative explores the protagonist's internal struggles as she navigates the intersections of...18220falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/chaucer-storybook-geoffrey-chaucer-eva-march-tappan--74099235https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74099235Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:05:41 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Chaucer Storybook" by Geoffrey Chaucer, adapted by Eva March Tappan, brings to life the timeless tales of one of literature's greatest storytellers. This collection captures the essence of Chaucer's work, showcasing his vibrant characters and rich...14173falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/footsteps-of-fate-louis-couperus--74048384https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74048384Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:06:16 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Footsteps of Fate" by Louis Couperus delves into the intricate interplay of destiny and human experience, exploring how choices shape our lives and the paths we tread. This timeless narrative invites listeners to reflect on the profound impact of...10725falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/as-i-lay-dying-william-faulkner--73999684https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73999684Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:06:31 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs I Lay Dying by William Faulkner is a profound exploration of family, mortality, and the human condition, told through the voices of a Southern family's journey to bury their matriarch. This novel resonates with timeless themes of grief, duty, and...23096falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gleanings-in-buddha-fields-lafcadio-hearn--73947930https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73947930Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:06:17 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonGleanings in Buddha Fields by Lafcadio Hearn offers a rich exploration of Eastern philosophy and spirituality through the lens of the author's experiences in Japan. This collection of essays delves into the beauty and profundity of Buddhist thought,...23104falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/consequences-e-m-delafield--73892951https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73892951Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:07:53 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Consequences" by E. M. Delafield delves into the intricate dynamics of personal choices and their far-reaching impacts on life. This thought-provoking narrative explores themes of responsibility and the weight of decisions, making it a timeless...35444falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gudrun-ferdinand-schmidt--73797650https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73797650Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:03:04 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Gudrun-Ferdinand Schmidt" invites listeners into a world of exploration and reflection, capturing the essence of human experience through its rich narrative. This audiobook delves into themes of identity, connection, and the complexities of life that...8492falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aurora-floyd-volume-2-mary-elizabeth-braddon--73761296https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73761296Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:03:01 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAurora Floyd Volume 2 by Mary Elizabeth Braddon continues the captivating tale of its titular character, exploring themes of identity, social constraints, and the complexities of love. Braddon's masterful storytelling delves into the intricacies of...23630falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/old-fashioned-thanksgiving-dramatic-reading-louisa-may-alcott--73729567https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73729567Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:03:38 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving" by Louisa May Alcott is a charming tale that captures the essence of family, gratitude, and the warmth of traditional holiday celebrations. This dramatic reading brings to life the timeless themes of togetherness and the...2371falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-weston-translation-version-2-the-gawain-poet--73705493https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73705493Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:03:32 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," a timeless tale from the Gawain Poet, invites listeners into a world of chivalry, honor, and the complexities of human nature. This captivating story explores themes of bravery and the quest for integrity as Sir...7208falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tales-from-silver-lands-charles-finger--73682658https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73682658Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:03:45 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonTales from Silver Lands by Charles Finger invites listeners into a rich tapestry of stories that capture the essence of adventure and the human spirit. This collection weaves together narratives that resonate with timeless themes of exploration,...23315falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/old-christmas-washington-irving--73657397https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73657397Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:03:40 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Old Christmas" by Washington Irving invites listeners to experience the warmth and charm of traditional Christmas celebrations. 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This delightful story captures the essence of romance and the trials that...30844falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/our-little-russian-cousin-mary-hazelton-blanchard-wade--73551528https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73551528Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:48:53 +0000Mary Elizabeth Braddon"Our Little Russian Cousin" by Mary Hazelton Blanchard Wade invites listeners into the charming world of a young Russian girl, offering a glimpse into her life and culture. This delightful tale captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood,...4319falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ashton-kirk-investigator-john-thomas-mcintyre--73515173https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73515173Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:50:00 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAshton-Kirk, Investigator by John Thomas McIntyre invites listeners into the intriguing world of a skilled detective whose sharp instincts and analytical prowess lead him through complex cases. This timeless tale captures the essence of mystery and...11298falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/013-chapter-vii-part-6--70051469https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051469Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:38 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...669adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/012-chapter-vii-part-5--70051468https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051468Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:37 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...792adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/011-chapter-vii-part-4--70051467https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051467Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:35 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...778adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/010-chapter-vii-part-3--70051466https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051466Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:34 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...703adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/009-chapter-vii-part-2--70051465https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051465Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:32 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! 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Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...965adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/006-chapter-v--70051462https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051462Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:27 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...2090adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/005-chapter-iv--70051461https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051461Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:24 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...954adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/004-chapter-iii--70051460https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051460Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:22 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...1643adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/003-chapter-ii--70051459https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051459Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:19 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...1719adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/002-chapter-i--70051458https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051458Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:16 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. Sir John muses, If only I had a pack of children of my own, I would celebrate Christmas the way it should be! Enter his clever friend...1221adventure,celebration,children,christmas,family,friendship,holiday,joy,mischief,traditionfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/001-preface-prologue--70051457https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70051457Fri, 13 Feb 2026 21:45:14 +0000Mary Elizabeth BraddonAs the festive season descends upon Penlyon Castle, the adults find themselves yearning for a touch of excitement. 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