Book description
When Lenny's voice cracks on the phone as she tells her mom she's taking the babysitting gig, you hear the exhaustion beneath the words. That's the magic of Cara Bastone's Promise Me Sunshine as an audiobook-the narrator's voice carries the weight of grief so real, you feel it in your own chest. Lenny's world shattered when her best friend Lou died, leaving her adrift in a tiny apartment that still smells like Lou's lavender soap. She's avoiding everyone, even her own life, until she meets Reese and her sharp-eyed daughter, Ainsley. And then there's Miles.
He's the uncle who's always hovering, all sharp edges and muttered complaints about Ainsley's bedtime routines. Lenny bristles-another person to pretend for. But Miles sees her unraveling. "You're not fooling anyone," he says, not unkindly, later that night when she's trying to fix a broken toy. He offers a deal: help him bridge the gap with Reese and Ainsley, and he'll help her tackle her "live again" list. She's skeptical-how could anything replace Lou? But Miles is quiet, steady, and he knows. He's been through the dark, too.
The audiobook's brilliance lies in how the tension builds. You hear the hesitation in Lenny's voice when she agrees, the way Miles' roughness softens when he talks about his own losses. Their connection isn't fireworks-it's the quiet moments: Miles teaching Ainsley to make pancakes (burnt, but perfect), Lenny realizing she's stopped counting the days since Lou died. You feel the slow thaw as they help each other-Miles learning to let go of his guilt, Lenny remembering how to laugh without guilt.
Bastone avoids easy answers. Grief isn't a puzzle to solve; it's a space you learn to carry. When Miles finally says, "I don't need you to fill the hole Lou left," it's not a grand gesture-it's the quietest, most honest thing in the book. And in that moment, you understand: love doesn't erase loss. It just reminds you you're still here, breathing.
The audiobook's pacing is perfect-slow enough to savor the ache, quick enough to keep you turning pages. You'll find yourself pausing the narrator's gentle, warm voice just to sit with the moment, like when Lenny finally walks into the apartment she shared with Lou and doesn't run. It's not about moving on. It's about finding a way to live with what's left. And in that, you'll find yourself smiling through the tears.
Sleepwalker
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly β this app's functionality is commendable. Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
Gothic Slacker
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
Shamrock
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ 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. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Spoiler Betty
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant companion for literary adventures.
Toy Dogwatch
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. π Whether I'm cooking, commuting, or relaxing at home, this app's seamless functionality keeps me engaged in captivating narratives. π§β¨ The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits.
Wrangler Jim
π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
NecroBull
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience.
Emerald Goddess
π§ Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app β pure listening pleasure! ππ₯ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app! I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Liquid Death
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. ListenBook's statistics feature is both enlightening and motivating. It's incredible to see the time I've invested in learning through audiobooks. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
RealmRanger
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. π§ββοΈ Finding zen in the art of listening β this app takes mindfulness to a new level! π§ββοΈπ§ Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening.
Bad Beh8vior
This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening into a personalized experience. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive. Download via WiFi, WebDAV, iTunes β options galore to suit everyone's preferences. 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!
Broomspun
The extensive audiobook collection for children is a blessing for my little ones. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection β this app's functionality is a winner. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
DanimalDaze
ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
Mad Rascal
ListenBook's library organization and Book Groups feature make it easy to keep my audiobooks organized and accessible. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook journey. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I can enjoy clear recordings. An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Liquid Death
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! The statistics tracking is a nice touch. ListenBook helps me keep track of my audiobook habits. The ability to organize my library is a huge plus. Everything is so neat and tidy.
SereneScribe
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Shady Lady
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes.
Fiend Oblivion
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Hemlock
ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Venom Charms
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. ListenBookβs support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go.
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