If this is for a one-off project, consider using one of the old ISD voice chips, such as
the ISD1420 'Chipcorder'. That gives you twenty seconds of addressable speech, and
has a very simple parallel interface. It can even be used as a stand-alone device without
using a microcontroller. They are almost always available cheaply on eBay from a variety
of Chinese sellers. The sound quality isn't fantastic, but for an alarm/clock/etc, it's fine.
Do a google search for 'Chipcorder' for lots and lots more info and examples.