Book description
A Winter Dream - A Warm, Humorous Journey Through Family, Love and Redemption (Audiobook Review)
Richard Paul Evans has a way of turning the ordinary into something that feels like a holiday miracle, and his new title A Winter Dream is no exception. The narrator's voice-steady, warm, and peppered with just enough humor-guides listeners through Joseph Jacobson's tumultuous life with a comforting familiarity that makes the story feel both epic and intimately personal.
From the very first line we learn that Joseph is the twelfth of thirteen children in a bustling Colorado advertising dynasty. The family's success masks a bitter undercurrent of jealousy, and when the father's favoritism threatens to crown one son as heir, the rest of the siblings strike back. The narrator captures the tension with a subtle shift in tone-whispering conspiracies between brothers, then booming accusations that echo through the halls of their company.
What makes this audiobook shine is how it balances drama and levity. When Joseph is forced out of his Denver home and severed from his fiancée, the narration slows, allowing us to feel his heartbreak. Yet Evans's script never lets despair linger too long; instead, it offers a glimmer of hope when Joseph lands a job in Chicago and meets April-a kind-hearted woman with her own secrets. The narrator's light chuckle whenever April drops a hint keeps the mood buoyant, even as the plot takes its inevitable twists.
The climax-April's secret revelation-hits with both emotional weight and comic timing. The narrator's pacing builds suspense, then delivers the twist with an almost theatrical flourish that makes you feel like you're in a small theater room, watching the story unfold in real time. It's a testament to Evans's skill that he can weave biblical allusions (the coat of many colors) into a modern tale of forgiveness and redemption without making it feel contrived.
By the end, Joseph confronts his past and learns that true inheritance isn't about titles or wealth-it's about love, loyalty, and the courage to let go. The narrator wraps up with a gentle, almost reflective tone that invites listeners to sit back and reflect on their own families and relationships.
For fans of heartwarming holiday novels and anyone who enjoys an audiobook that blends humor, drama, and spiritual insight, A Winter Dream is a must-listen. Evans delivers a story that will have you laughing one moment and wiping away a tear the next-an experience as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.
Pop Bee
ListenBook's audio filters and controls have revolutionized the way I enjoy my audio content. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend!
57 Pixels
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook has turned my audio content into an immersive, personalized, and unforgettable experience. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature! The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
Venious
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with maximum comfort and convenience. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Bad Bunny
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Eye Candy Kitten
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. 🌟 Simplifying my reading routine – this app's user-friendly design ensures I'm always in sync with my favorite stories. 📚✨ Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Auto-rewind feature is extremely helpful. Great functionality.
Prez Dog
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail.
Tokyo Dream
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. This app is a time-saver – I can 'read' even when I'm on the move. Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Insane SweepKick
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ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life.
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ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine – it's my ultimate audio companion. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient.
Pogue
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Potato Sub
The family subscription option is a money-saver – everyone gets to enjoy their favorite books. This app is a blessing for those with busy schedules – it's like time travel through stories. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
Demolition Queen
ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. I love the ability to change the background color. It’s a nice touch.
Irish Dze
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design – it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Bowie
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. ListenBook Pro takes my experience to the next level. Unlimited audiobook length, noise reduction, and voice tone adjustment? Count me in! I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Coma Stalk
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Blizzard Vixen
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. ListenBook has given me the gift of time – turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. I can't believe how easily this app has fit into my daily routine. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature!
Stacker of Wheat
No more hassle with converting files – ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. I can't imagine my daily routine without ListenBook's intuitive layout and easy-to-access controls. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
3P-own
I love that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features, catering to all types of users. Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. ListenBook is a game-changer for audiobook lovers. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
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