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 fiancรฉe, 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.
Prone
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions.
Glyph
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Twine X
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising โ thanks to this app! ๐ถ๐ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs โ this app is my go-to playlist! ๐ง๐ The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes.
Versace-Cat
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative.
Toxic-oxide
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is a game-changer for my on-the-go listening. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Audiobook lovers, rejoice! This app's functionality is a game-changer. Seamlessly switch between formats and enjoy a hassle-free reading experience. ๐ฑ๐ง ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
Hog Butcher
The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Flashpoint
This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. Seamless audiobook integration โ this app's functionality is a technological marvel. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to jump between sections.
Tall Honey
Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. ListenBookโs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itโs perfect for my needs.
Prone
๐๐ On-the-go listening has never been smoother โ this app's functionality keeps me engaged during long commutes. ๐๐ ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. Perfect for studying with its playback controls and audio filters. Excellent app!
Gold Bentley
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy.
Darkside Isis
Simplifying my reading routine โ this app's ease of use is remarkable. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Fresh Peper
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Effortless audiobook management โ this app's usability is a triumph. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Howitzer Rise
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! ๐ฑ๐ Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app. The app is so well-designed. Itโs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Sky Dahlia
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. ๐ Long road trips? No problem โ this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ๐๐ ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Storm Master
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. โฐ Waking up to audiobooks โ mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! โ๏ธ๐ง Audiobook immersion without complications โ this app's ease of use is commendable. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Acetic Princess
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks โ it's truly invigorating. Audiobook excellence โ this app's design enhances my reading experience. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Carrot Joker
๐ Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ๐๐ ๐๐ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page โ this app is a bedtime dream! ๐ด๐ง
QuestWeaver
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
QuestQuill
This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! Binaural audio processing is a game-changer โ my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Carrot Joker
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. Quick access to chapters and controls ensures a seamless listening experience with ListenBook. It's effortless to use.
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