Barbara Niven

Barbara Niven Profile Photo

Characters played by Barbara Niven

Megan O'Brien — Chesapeake Shores (2016)

Abby's estranged mother who returns to town. Her reappearance intensifies the already troubled family dynamics and adds complexity to the siblings' efforts to reconcile.

Rebecca Westridge — A Perfect Ending (2012)

Rebecca is a wealthy, middle-aged wife who has built a seemingly perfect but deeply unhappy family life with Mason Westridge. Emotionally unfulfilled, she seeks intimacy through Paris and discovers genuine happiness. She is Jessica Westridge’s mother, secretly dying of inoperable cancer, and ultimately helps Paris leave escort work before saying goodbye.

Delores — Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2026)

Shortened reference to Hannah's mother and amateur sleuthing partner.

Delores Swensen — Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts (2017)

Hannah's supportive and witty mother who provides emotional guidance and comic relief.

Gaia Hoxey — Summer's Blood (2009)

Tom's overprotective and security-obsessed mother who lives with him. She initially supports his basement captivity but grows terrified as Darwin investigates. She pressures Tom to dispose of the girls but is ultimately murdered by her husband Gant, who reveals he orchestrated the situation to replace his family.

Carol Shaw — Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy (2019)

Family member or close friend navigating holiday traditions and relationships.

Sally Martin — Redline (2007)

Natasha's mother. Initially contacted by Natasha from a motel to reassure her of her safety. Later kidnapped by Michael's henchmen to coerce Natasha into competing in the final high-stakes race. Rescued by Carlo, which helps Natasha make her final racing decision.

Delores Swensen — Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2026)

Hannah's supportive mother and co-owner of the local bakery.

Delores Swensen — Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2021)

Hannah's mother, supportive and involved in her life and career.

Delores Swensen — Pie To Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2025)

Hannah's mother and owner of a local theater, often entangled in town drama.

Aunt Candace — Crossword Mysteries: Terminal Descent (2021)

Tess Harper's supportive aunt who provides emotional backing and local gossip.

Delores Swensen — Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015)

Hannah's ambitious mother and real estate agent who frequently stumbles upon crime scenes.

Career Overview

Barbara Niven has 93 screen credits in a career dating back to 1986. Their work spans 6 cinematic universes — most prominently Hannah Swensen Mysteries Collection with 15 titles. Signature works include Chesapeake Shores, A Perfect Ending, 'Tis the Season for Setups. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
female
Known Credits
93
Birth Date
1953-02-26
Birth Place
Portland, Oregon, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 6 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q3634664), public domain (CC0).