Book description
"Spence-Ash has written the novel in eight points of view, but each character is utterly three-dimensional and distinct. This debut novel captivated me from start to finish."--Julia Quinn, author of the Bridgerton Series A sweeping, tenderhearted love story, Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash tells the story of two families living through World War II on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and the shy, irresistible young woman who will call them both her own. As German bombs fall over London in 1940, working-class parents Millie and Reginald Thompson make an impossible choice: they decide to send their eleven-year-old daughter, Beatrix, to America. There, she'll live with another family for the duration of the war, where they hope she'll stay safe. Scared and angry, feeling lonely and displaced, Bea arrives in Boston to meet the Gregorys. Mr. and Mrs. G, and their sons William and Gerald, fold Bea seamlessly into their world. She becomes part of this lively family, learning their ways and their stories, adjusting to their affluent lifestyle. Bea grows close to both boys, one older and one younger, and fills in the gap between them. Before long, before she even realizes it, life with the Gregorys feels more natural to her than the quiet, spare life with her own parents back in England. As Bea comes into herself and relaxes into her new life--summers on the coast in Maine, new friends clamoring to hear about life across the sea--the girl she had been begins to fade away, until, abruptly, she is called home to London when the war ends. Desperate as she is not to leave this life behind, Bea dutifully retraces her trip across the Atlantic back to her new, old world. As she returns to post-war London, the memory of her American family stays with her, never fully letting her go, and always pulling on her heart as she tries to move on and pursue love and a life of her own. As we follow Bea over time, navigating between her two worlds, Beyond That, the Sea emerges as a beautifully written, absorbing novel, full of grace and heartache, forgiveness and understanding, loss and love.
Junkyard Dog
With ListenBook, I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. Audiobook adventures simplified β this app's functionality is a revelation. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
BuzzMouse
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playbackβit's all up to me!
Necromancer
This app is my secret to staying ahead on my reading list, even during my busiest days. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. The listening stats feature is awesome. I can track my audiobook habits effortlessly.
Little Cobra
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Tse Tse Guy
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. Itβs so easy to navigate.
NightWonka
Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true triumph. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π
Jetta Talent
ListenBook's support for chapters and bookmarks ensures that I never lose my place in a story. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has never been easier or more convenient. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Slug-em-dog
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. 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!
JK Friend
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
Pink C
Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Z-Boy
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. Navigating through my audiobook library is a joy with this app's intuitive interface and easy controls. It's like having a personal reading companion at my side. π±π ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Fire Queen
This app has rekindled my passion for storytelling in the most convenient way. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is top-notch.
Pexxious
This app's customizable features, from playback speed to filters, are fantastic. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
High Deck
Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
True Sweetness
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time.
PixelPioneer
I used to struggle to find time for books β now, I listen while doing chores! ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! π©βπ³ Elevating culinary experiences with auditory tales β cooking has never been this entertaining and educational! π³π§ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
CommandX
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am.
Disco Thunder
With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze β this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. π±π ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Electric Saturn
ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. 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 wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
SpellTansy
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
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