Marilyn Lightstone Reads

Margaret reflects on her experiences with the Wilcoxes, life, pondering work, duty, and society, while dealing with the impending end of their lease at Wickham Place.

Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret enjoy a shopping trip together when Mrs. Wilcox extends an invitation for Margaret to visit Howard's End. Later, the Wilcox's receive a shocking letter.

The friendship between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox begins with an unspoken understanding. Margaret, feeling ashamed for a prior rudeness, visits Mrs. Wilcox to apologize, leading to a deeper conversation about life's complexities, inexperience, and the challenges of love and human connection.

Leonard Bast, a poor and struggling young man, trudges home on foot as he reflects on his prideful decision to reject an invitation to tea by the Schlegels.

The Schlegels attend a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, where Helen becomes so disturbed by the music’s imagery that she leaves early, mistakenly taking a stranger’s umbrella.

Welcome to the first episode of Marilyn Lightstone Reads: Howard’s End! E.M. Forster’s masterpiece will transport you to turn of the 20th century England where three families intertwine at a moment in history where industrial progress threatens traditional pastoral life. From the idealistic and cultured Schlegel sisters, to the pragmatic Wilcoxes, to the struggling Bests, Marilyn captures them all...

In this 70 minute finale, Master Craven makes his return to Misselthwaite Manor. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

Colin, inspired by the "Magic" of the secret garden, resolves to change and become a scientist, exploring the growth of plants and the power of positive thinking. With the help of Mary, Dickon, and Ben Weatherstaff, he secretly works on improving his health to surprise his father upon his return. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power o...

Colin, determined to keep the garden's location secret, commands the head gardener to keep everyone away as he plans his visit. When Colin finally enters the garden, he is enchanted by its beauty and resolves to get well and live forever. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stori...

After another night of tantrums from Collin, Mary and Dickon begin preparations to bring him into the garden.  Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

After a week of rain, Mary returns to the secret garden, finding it in full bloom with the arrival of spring. In the garden, Mary and Dickon bond over their excitement for the new growth and agree to find a way to bring Colin to the garden, hoping it will improve his spirits and health. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature,...

On one sleepless night, Mary hears the same crying she heard in the corridor. Defying Mrs Medlock’s orders, Mary follows the noise and discovers a young boy. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

Dickon and Mary busily set to work restoring the garden. And later back at the Manor, Mary asks Master Craven for assistance.   Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

Mary explores the long-neglected secret garden filled with oversized rose bushes and vines. Overjoyed by her love for the garden, Mary asks Martha for tools to help her in gardening. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

A rainstorm confines Mary to the indoors. Determined to make the most of her time despite the rain, Mary embarks on a quest to locate Misselthwaite's library and delve into its numerous shuttered chambers. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and the human spirit. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy...

During her first morning at Misselthwaite Manor, Mistress Mary meets Martha, one of the manor’s many maidservants. Martha tells Mary about a Garden somewhere on the property that has been locked up for 10 years. Mary sets out to discover the rumored garden for herself. Marilyn Lightstone reads the heartwarming story of young orphan Mary Lennox and celebrates the power of nature, friendship, and th...

This story follows Mary Lennox, a ten-year-old girl living in India with her indifferent parents. Mary's mother, preoccupied with her social life, has no interest in her daughter, leaving Mary in the care of their servants who spoil her. When a cholera epidemic breaks out in the village, Mary alone, is taken away by British soldiers. The newly orphaned Mary's journey towards healing and self-disco...

In the finale of Sense and Sensibility, Edward looks to set his story straight with Elinor, while they look towards a future together.  Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

On their two day trip home through the Barton Park countryside, Elinor worries that Marianne (despite her recent amount of self-discipline) will fall into grief when she hears Willoughby’s story.  Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a cr...

A drunken Willoughby visits the Dashwood’s to offer “some sort of explanation” and to seek Marianne’s forgiveness. However, the minimal gesture doesn’t last long as he once again creates more agony for Marianne.  Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifull...

Mrs Jennings makes a visit to Lucy Steele who is excited to hear of the news regarding Elinor and Brandon. Meanwhile, Elinor makes a courtesy call to her sister-in-law.  Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

In the depths of Elinor’s grief, Marianne wishes to create solace for her sister. However, Elinor will soon be greeted with some relieving news. Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world. 

After Charlotte Palmer’s son is born, Mrs. Jennings spends some time with her daughter while Marianne and Elinor are pushed to spend more time with the Steele sisters and Lady Middleton. Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

The Dashwoods invited the Middletons, the Steele sisters, Mrs Jennings and Colonel Brandon to an eventful dinner. Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.

Marianne grapples with her newfound grief as Mrs. Dashwood and Mrs. Jennings try to provide support during her time of need. Marilyn Lightstone guides us through the complex world of love, wit and social nuances woven into Jane Austen’s classic romantic novel Sense and Sensibility. Beautiful stories, beautifully read, for a crazy world.