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.
ThickSKN
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Clang Glyph
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient.
Slacker Cat
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one convenient app. I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream!
Betty Cricket
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. Effortlessly switching between stories β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Coldy
I'm grateful for ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats, making it a one-stop solution for audio content. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction.
JigKraken
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I am. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. With this app, I've found a way to make my daily errands more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Spider Fuji
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
Feral Cookie
π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a triumph. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Congo Wire
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze.
Scare Stone
ListenBook has made me fall in love with my audio content all over again β it's a must-have. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my moodβwhat a creative addition! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces.
ShadowDancer
Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! Excellent support for various audio formats. Very satisfied. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Omega Sub
πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Roller Turtle
ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Bom Crossed
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my immersion in every audiobook, regardless of surroundings.
WanderWord
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Y0dler
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. With this app, reading is no longer a task β it's a delightful habit. π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ«
Uncle Buddy
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Mad Jack
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Good William
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Twitch
ListenBook's basic audio filters enhance my listening experience and make it uniquely mine. Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, making my audiobook experience seamless.
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