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.
Bad Bunny
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Unlocking a world of literary wonders β this app's extensive format support and user-centric approach have rekindled my love for books. π±π Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. Iβll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
All Natural
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
Judge
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail.
Osprey
π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! 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.
Danqqqqq
Audiobooks have made my workouts more enjoyable, and I'm seeing results! Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. I love that ListenBook Pro allows me to customize the tone of the sound β it adds a personal touch. The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
ByteBard
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narratorβs voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Pearl Girl
Audiobooks have become my companions during daily chores, making them enjoyable. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. A perfectly acceptable audiobook that fulfilled its purpose. The narration was competent if not particularly memorable, and the production quality was standard for the genre. It served as decent background entertainment during mundane tasks.
HOV
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. πΆ Music? Nah, I prefer immersing myself in captivating stories with this app! πΆπ Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Lightening Trip
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. Gone are the days of fumbling with different formats β this app's comprehensive support ensures I can enjoy any audiobook without a hitch. ππ
57 Pixels
I've found my new favorite way to relax β cuddled up with an audiobook. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. π Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures β audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy.
LocKz
This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable.
Princess Dove
Thanks to this app, I can enjoy the world of literature without missing a beat in my fast-paced life. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. I'm impressed by the app's performance β it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts.
Lord Theus
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. I'm amazed at how this app's narrators bring characters and stories to life. With this app, reading is no longer confined to a specific time or place. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
Thunder Nut
ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. π My audiobook haven β this app is like a door to endless adventures and knowledge! ππ ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever.
Neophyte Believer
π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³ Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Liquid Science
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. It's my go-to app for literary adventures.
CuriousCrafter
π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ It was fine. The narrator did an adequate job but nothing about the performance particularly stood out to me. Got me through my commute though.
Leaf Assassin
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate. Library organization and book groups make managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
Mr. Spy
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts.
The Beekeeper
I'm addicted to this app's ability to seamlessly blend books into my life. ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. Looping playback is my secret weapon for language learning. It's revolutionized my approach. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
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