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.
HOV
This app's compatibility with different devices ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
Automatic Slicer
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient – it's like having a personal narrator. Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is impressive.
Princess Dove
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! ListenBook's audio filters are a valuable tool for customizing my audiobook playback to perfection. 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!
Suicide Crusher
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive.
LuminaLore
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚
Marine Dre
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life.
Third Moon
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Freeze Queen
Book Groups on ListenBook make it easy to categorize and access my audiobooks. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. The unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true. With support for various audio formats, ListenBook ensures I can enjoy my favorite audiobooks without worries.
Sweetness
🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Snapple Whistler
🎉 Rekindling my literary flame – this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. 📖🚀 Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
SunnySnap
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 📱 An entire library at my fingertips – this app is a book lover's dream come true! 📚🌟 The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Sleek Assassin
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a portable audiobook library that I can carry everywhere. The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful – I'm hooked! I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Low Voltage
Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch.
Badger the Burglar
This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. 🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Bliss
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Barbwire
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. Finally, an app that caters to audiobook enthusiasts like me. The diverse format support and user-friendly design are a game-changer. 📱🔊
Mud Pie Man
This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life – it's incredible. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. This app's playback controls and features make it a breeze to customize my listening experience. 🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Twinkle Cutlass
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my daily dose of literary magic. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. Audiobooks made accessible – this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a true winner. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Hermopolis
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. 🎙️ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! 🚶♀️📖 Audiobooks made easy – this app's functionality is truly a gift. Say goodbye to monotony – this app's diverse format support and intuitive controls have turned my daily activities into thrilling audiobook adventures. 📱🔊
Undergrad
Audiobooks have turned my mundane activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook is my trusted partner for all things audiobooks. It's reliable, intuitive, and 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