Book description
A Time for Friends - Patricia Scanlan (Audiobook Review)
From the moment the narrator's voice opens with that warm, lilting Irish lilt, you know you're in for a treat. The audio version of A Time for Friends feels like being invited into a cosy living room where friends are sharing stories over tea. Patricia Scanlan, already celebrated as a #1 international bestseller, delivers another heart-warming tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered when a friendship is worth keeping or letting go.
The story centers on Hilary Hammond and her lifelong friend Colette O'Mahony, whose bond has survived the usual trials of childhood, careers, and family drama. Scanlan's prose is crisp yet evocative; she paints Dublin not just as a backdrop but as a character that breathes life into every conversation. The conflict ignites when Jonathan Harpur-charismatic, ambitious, and undeniably charming-enters Hilary's world. Colette's instant dislike of him sparks tension that feels both inevitable and surprisingly realistic. As the two women navigate their own fears and aspirations, Scanlan reminds us that true friendship requires reciprocity, courage, and sometimes, a hard look at one's own boundaries.
What makes this audiobook shine is its stellar narration. The voice actor captures the distinct accents of each character, ensuring you can tell who's speaking without any confusion. Subtle inflections convey Colette's snobbishness, Jonathan's pushiness, and Hilary's earnestness with equal ease. Sound design is clean; background music is minimal, allowing the dialogue to remain front-and-center. The pacing keeps the story moving-no long lulls-and each chapter ends on a hook that makes you eager for the next.
Listeners will appreciate how Scanlan weaves humor into the fabric of everyday life: a witty exchange about "flying over oceans" or a sarcastic jab at a "snobby little diva" feels fresh and relatable. The novel's themes-loyalty, ambition, self-discovery-are delivered in bite-size scenes that work perfectly for an audiobook format. Whether you're on a commute, doing chores, or simply unwinding before bed, the audio experience is seamless.
In short, A Time for Friends is more than just another feel-good novel; it's a gentle reminder that our most treasured relationships are built on mutual respect and willingness to grow together. Scanlan's storytelling, combined with an engaging narrator, turns this book into a must-listen for fans of Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly, or anyone who loves a good slice of Irish life wrapped in warm friendship. If you're looking for an audiobook that will lift your spirits and maybe even teach you something about the people you hold dear, this is the perfect pick.
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Undergrad
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience