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.
BlacKitten
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained.
Mirage
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Lady Peach
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Demo Tequila
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Unleashed
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Flash
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MeeP
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place.
Sun Washer
The app's stability and reliability make it my go-to choice for audiobooks. ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library.
WanderWord
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Kazami of Truth
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Unseen
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Bridge Whip
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sβmore Vixen
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. The statistics feature is a fantastic addition β knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze.
QuantumQuill
ListenBook has reignited my love for storytelling and learning, one audio file at a time. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Listening to books while doing chores? This app makes it possible!
WanderWord
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2nd Hand Joe
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Crossing Guard
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Sand Whiskers
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King Panther
I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits. Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Genghis Glyph
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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