Book description
Forgiving Paris - A Warm, Audible Journey Through Memory and Mercy
Karen Kingsbury's Forgiving Paris is one of those rare books that feels like a gentle hug whenever you press play. As an audiobook, it's a perfect blend of the author's trademark emotional depth and a narrator who brings each character to life with just enough nuance to keep listeners fully engaged.
From the very first chapter, Kingsbury pulls us into Ashley Baxter Blake's world-an ordinary woman in Indiana who has carried a heavy secret for two decades. The sound of her voice, tinged with hesitation and longing, draws you in right away. When she receives that unexpected call from her niece, the stakes rise instantly: a chance encounter in Paris could finally unearth the past that has haunted her. Kingsbury's prose is "emotional, heart-tugging," as Woman's World praised it, and the audiobook delivery magnifies this effect. The narrator's pacing mirrors Ashley's emotional journey-slow and reflective when she recalls old memories, quickening with tension during the reunion scenes.
The other major character, Alice, is portrayed with equal care. Her own story of almost ending her life in Paris feels poignant and realistic; Kingsbury does not shy away from the darkness, but she balances it with moments of hope that keep listeners rooting for healing. The dialogue between Ashley and Alice is crisp and authentic, and the narrator's subtle shifts in tone help differentiate the two women without a need for separate voices.
What makes this audiobook especially compelling is its sense of place. Kingsbury paints Paris almost as another character-its cafés, cobblestone streets, and quiet cafés become an audible backdrop that transports listeners right into the City of Lights. The narrator's inflection captures the romance and melancholy of the setting, turning each scene into a sensory experience.
Beyond the story itself, Forgiving Paris offers a universal theme: the power of forgiveness-both toward others and oneself. Kingsbury's narrative is gentle but firm in its message that it's never too late to confront past mistakes. The audiobook's pacing gives you time to breathe with the characters, making the eventual moments of closure feel earned rather than rushed.
In sum, this audiobook is a soothing yet powerful listening experience. Whether you're on a long commute or winding down before bed, Kingsbury's heartfelt storytelling-enhanced by a skilled narrator-will leave you reflecting on your own capacity for forgiveness. If you've enjoyed her other works or are simply looking for a comforting narrative that reminds us of the resilience of the human heart, Forgiving Paris is a sound choice.
Chameleon
ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Round Kick Boomer
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a thoughtful touch I appreciate. The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster. Elegant design and easy-to-navigate interface. Very pleased with ListenBook. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
Thrasher
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury – it's an essential part of my day. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience.
Kinged
ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Innocent Ghost
ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring! ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Spitfire
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing.
Leaf Assassin
The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Lord Pistachio
I've been able to tackle my reading list like never before, thanks to this app. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
Daffy Girl
This app's convenience has revolutionized the way I experience books. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. 🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 From novels to speeches, this app's versatility in playing various audio formats has turned my daily activities into enriching listening sessions. What a game-changer! 🌟📚 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.
Acid Gosling
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. Flawless support for various audio formats. Highly satisfied.
BlackExcalibur
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. 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. 📱🔊 ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise.
Hitch Frenzy
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist! The app is perfect for bedtime listening. The sleep timer is a must-have.
Pitfall Whiskers
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Trixie
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. ListenBook's basic audio filters allow me to fine-tune the audio playback to suit my preferences. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears.
Blue Despair
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. With this app, reading has become an integral part of my daily routine. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Shadow Chaser
This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Pop Bee
ListenBook has made my commutes more enjoyable, transforming them into learning sessions. 🎶📚 Tuning in to the symphony of stories – audiobooks are the soundtrack of my daily routines. 🎵📚 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Black Walnut
ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener. Tone adjustment is a brilliant addition that lets me personalize the narration to my liking. It adds an extra layer of connection to the audiobooks. The app's compatibility with CarPlay has made my road trips so much more enjoyable.
Burn
This app's library is a treasure trove – I'm always discovering new favorites. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use!
Keystone
Unlocking a world of literary wonders – this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. 📱🔊 The app is perfect for people who love to read but don’t have the time. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
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