About
EARPHONES AWARD WINNER WITH A Masters Degree in Fine Arts in Creative Writing, Laura has an intrinsic appreciation of the mechanisms and techniques which comprise the art of the tale. She's able to analyse the underlying moods and currents of a book and bring these into her interpretation of the author's work. Her conversational understated style leads the listener through the author’s work transparently and confidently.
She has narrated titles for major publishers but is just as proud of her work with independent authors. Her past lives include many years of work as a geophysicist in the oil business.
She is also the Communications and Casting Manager for Eljin Productions Inc..
Audiobook Narration Samples
Audiobook narration samples in a range of styles, accents, and characters.
A Few Reviews
Into The Free by Julie Cantrell
Powerful narrator Laura Jennings brings young Mississippi native Millie Reynolds to life with her emotional portrayal in this new audiobook. Being raised by an abusive father and a drug-addicted mother during the Depression, she looks to escape "into the free" and to break the cycle of abuse in her family. Jennings's believable but generic Southern accent keeps listeners focused on the story. She captures the emotional life of a teenager who is struggling to discover where she belongs amid the trauma she experiences. Listeners will find themselves wanting to hug Millie and urge her to get away from her destructive family.
What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton
Narrators Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings portray sisters May and June. The pair thought their childhood summer home, Avril Island, had been sold after the mysterious disappearance of their father. But after May dies, June discovers that their manipulative mother never sold it. When June returns to the island, May's ghost is with her, guiding her as she attempts to learn what happened to their father, why their mother lied, and what the locals know. Mollo-Christensen's soft voice showcases June's vulnerability and grief. And she successfully portrays males with a lower register that is not distracting. Jennings, with an authoritative yet loving quality in her voice, creates a believable ghost who wants to help and protect her sister.
Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath by Heather Clark
Laura Jennings's narration is just as focused and steady as this lengthy biography of poet Sylvia Plath. The meticulous details of Plath's schooling, relationships with her parents, unique courtships, and female friendships, as well as the inner workings of her mind, unfold in yearly segments. There are moments when Jennings conveys passion, most often when it relates to Plath's literary heroes. Her voice takes on a matter-of-fact tone when discussing Plath's literary works and the traumas that led to her suicide. Jennings captures the spirit of this brilliant trailblazer who dealt with the conflicting pressures of pre-feminist social norms and her quest to reach the highest level of excellence in her artistry.
KEY LIME CRIME by Lucy Burdette
Narrator Laura Jennings creates authentic-sounding voices for the characters in this 10th audiobook in the Key West Food Critic series. First, Hayley Snow's mother-in-law, Helen Bransford, comes to visit her and Nathan, Hayley's new husband, a police detective. When the women discover the strangled body of a pastry chef dressed up as a drunk Santa, Hayley is dragged into yet another investigation. Jennings's portrayal of the 80-something Miss Gloria conveys her age and vivacity. Jennings ensures listeners' enjoyment of this audiobook.
AMAZON WOMAN by Darcy Gaechter
A narrator needs to sound strong to deliver a one-of-a kind adventure story, and Laura Jennings fully succeeds. The natural huskiness in her voice matches the author's determination to become the first woman to kayak the Amazon River from its source to the sea. Gaechter is leading two other explorers on the river, and Jennings amps up the adrenaline as the team dodges mining explosions, Shining Path rebels, and a handful of near-death mishaps in the ever-changing water. She softens her delivery, in turn, as the author marvels at wildlife, connects with locals, and shares her insecurities about continuing a life on the river through middle age. Hearing how Gaechter pulls off an expedition of this breadth is audio listening at its most exciting.
TRUTH BEHIND THE LIE by Sara Lövestam
Narrators Neil Shah and Laura Jennings deliver the story of an unusual private investigator, a young Iranian refugee who is living illegally in Stockholm… Shah portrays Kouplan with a slight accent and convincingly voices Pernilla. Intermittently throughout the audiobook, Jennings delivers Pernilla's internal dialogue in a voice that conveys a fragile person on the edge. The plot slowly peels away layers, leading to the surprising truths that drive Pernilla and her young private investigator.
PROTECTING POLLINATORS by Jodi Helmer
Narrator Laura Jennings delivers this important environmental call to action…Jennings’s slightly breathy voice is steady throughout, carefully enunciating each thought while maintaining an even tone, save for instances when emphasis is necessary due to an argument's urgency or the shocking nature of a statistic.
Hearts of the Missing by Carol Potenza (EARPHONES AWARD)
Narrator Laura Jennings believably delivers the intonations of a number of Native American characters in this mystery. What appears to be a straightforward missing persons case involving members of a local Pueblo tribe takes on a supernatural twist when police sergeant Nicky Matthews has a vision of an old woman who may or may not be the Wind Mother, or "kachina." Jennings portrays characters who range from deep and serious young men to gravelly and steady old women. She seamlessly transitions to the youthful voice of Matthews, a non-native, who is surrounded by skeptical colleagues and must fight to get to the truth. Overall, Jennings's reserved tone and low pitch give a note of solemnity and respect to a culture that has been historically marginalized.
HOW TO CHANGE A LIFE by Stacey Ballis
…Narrator Laura Jennings has a soft, airy voice that lends itself well to the story of three high school friends who reconnect at age 39, vowing to accomplish some of the goals they had set for their younger selves by the time they reached 40…A new romance unfolds sweetly for her, and the relationship between the three friends is well told.
JUST CALL MY NAME by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Teens Sam and Emily found each other in I'LL BE THERE. Now, Laura Jennings's deliberately paced narration highlights their deep emotions as their blossoming relationship is threatened. Jennings's quiet, even delivery suits the serious teenagers who are desperate to hold on to each other even as a new, quirky girl looks to capture Sam's attention. Jennings's gruff timbre and somber tone are well suited to many of the characters and the tension that arises as Emily is kidnapped. Through the climax, Jennings's pace never wavers, allowing profound emotions like fear and desperation to shine without being overshadowed by melodramatics.