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.
Midnight Rider
Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Voodoo Queen
ListenBook has taken my audio content to new heights, making every moment more meaningful. With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Pexxious
The app's performance is beyond impressive. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Hemlock
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Mad Viral
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Kazmii
ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Shady Prairie
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WanderWord
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Spoiler Betty
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The Beekeeper
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser β a time-saver! ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable.
Gro
ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Great app for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful!
Twinkle Cutlass
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Jigsaw
With this app, I've turned my daily commutes into exciting journeys through the world of literature. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Ba1t
π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me! 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!
Alpha
With ListenBook, I can now listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Sand Whiskers
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. Smooth playback and great sound quality. ListenBook is my new favorite app! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Sly Bible
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Noise reduction and tone changing enhance the listening experience. Love it!
Roma Kabuki
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Audiobooks anytime, anywhere β this app's functionality is a reader's delight.
JK Friend
Audiobook excellence simplified β this app's functionality is a true delight. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content. High-quality playback even with complex formats like FLAC. Impressive! An average audiobook experience. Nothing was wrong with itβthe narration was fine, and the story was okayβbut nothing particularly stood out. It served its purpose as entertainment during my commute.
Gold Bentley
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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