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.
Gingersnap Woman
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JigKraken
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Snow Cream
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Gamer Bean
Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality. The ability to download audio from various sources without syncing is fantastic. ListenBook makes it so easy.
Lady Peach
Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
LunaStar
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Stud Buster
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NightWonka
No more hassle with file conversion. This app handles all formats effortlessly. A decent listen overall. The narration was clear, though some character voices sounded similar. The story was interesting but had moments where it dragged slightly. Still, it was a good way to pass the time.
PixelPioneer
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Spicy Thunder
ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
ByteBard
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
SunnySnap
Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. Audiobook immersion simplified β this app's ease of use is a true asset. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app! Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Hella Fella
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Dredd
ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Popeye Wipeout
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The app is worth every penny. Itβs packed with features and works flawlessly. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
Skirble
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Murder Matter
Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Twinkle Cutlass
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ ListenBook has become my go-to app for exploring a diverse range of audiobooks. It offers a wide array of features that cater to different preferences and needs. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Nice Gnome
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick access to chapters enhance my overall listening experience.
Bleachers
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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