Book description
Maria von Trapp. You know the name and the iconic songs, but do you know her real story? This dramatic novel, based on the woman glamorized in The Sound of Music, brings Maria to life as never before. "As immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive as the musical . . . This one is not to be missed."--Allison Pataki, author of Finding Margaret Fuller In the 1950s, Oscar Hammerstein is asked to write the lyrics to a musical based on the life of a woman named Maria von Trapp. He's intrigued to learn that she was once a novice who hoped to live quietly as an Austrian nun before her abbey sent her away to teach a widowed baron's sickly child. What should have been a ten-month assignment, however, unexpectedly turned into a marriage proposal. And when the family was forced to flee their home to escape the Nazis, it was Maria who instructed them on how to survive using nothing but the power of their voices. It's an inspirational story, to be sure, and as half of the famous Rodgers & Hammerstein duo, Hammerstein knows it has big Broadway potential. Yet much of Maria's life will have to be reinvented for the stage, and with the horrors of war still fresh in people's minds, Hammerstein can't let audiences see just how close the von Trapps came to losing their lives. But when Maria sees the script that is supposedly based on her life, she becomes so incensed that she sets off to confront Hammerstein in person. Told that he's busy, she is asked to express her concerns to his secretary, Fran, instead. The pair strike up an unlikely friendship as Maria tells Fran about her life, contradicting much of what will eventually appear in The Sound of Music. A tale of love, loss, and the difficult choices that we are often forced to make, Maria is a powerful reminder that the truth is usually more complicated--and certainly more compelling--than the stories immortalized by Hollywood.
About the Author
Michelle Moran is the internationally bestselling author of eight historical novels. A California native with a Master's in Education, she was inspired to write historical novels by her experiences on archeological digs. Her novels, translated into more than twenty languages, include Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra's Daughter, Madame Tussaud, The Second Empress, Rebel Queen, Mata Hari's Last Dance, and Maria. A frequent traveler, she currently lives with her family in England, where she is researching her ninth book.
McDreamy
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Handsome
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun and unique feature I can't get enough of. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. This is exactly what I look for in an audiobook! The narrator's pleasant voice and excellent diction made even complex passages easy to follow. I appreciated the subtle but effective use of pauses and emphasis that added depth to the listening experience. Finished it in record time because I couldn't stop listening.
Pepper Legs
π± No more lugging around heavy books β this app brings the library to my phone! ππ± Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable.
SunVolt
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 Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app.
Bad Beret
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines β it's a game-changer. π Long road trips? No problem β this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! ππ
Hyper
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's audiobook player is a true workhorse β chapters, controls, and filters are all seamlessly integrated. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Venom Charms
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ π± Carrying stories wherever I go β this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. πποΈ π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere.
ThoughtTrailblazer
The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Night Magnet
ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Mule Skinner
π Indulging in soothing bedtime stories β this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. ππ πββοΈπ Experiencing stories while staying active β this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. π§ποΈ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle.
101
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ποΈπ§ Packing for vacation just got better β this app is my getaway entertainment! π΄π
K-9
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Indestructible Potato
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. It's like having virtual bookshelves! Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
Clang Glyph
My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. ListenBook's detailed statistics feature helps me keep track of my listening habits. It's amazing to see how much I've learned from all those audiobooks! ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. This audiobook spoiled me for others! The narrator's professional delivery set a high bar - perfect diction, ideal pacing, and emotional authenticity. The recording quality was equally impressive with no distracting artifacts. I finished it far too quickly because I couldn't stop listening.
HOV
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate β it's like they know my taste perfectly! This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
QuestWeaver
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Tan Stallion
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π
Boost Princess
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. I'm blown away by how this app has revolutionized my reading experience. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph.
Twinkle
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook enjoyment to a whole new level β it's a must-have for any audio enthusiast. Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Impulsive Flower
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. π§ββοΈ Finding zen through storytelling β this app makes meditation even more calming. π§ββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. 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