Book description
24 Merrion Square. The house stands empty, the old stone steps overgrown with thorny rose bushes. But Mary Kate feels a deep connection to the neglected, silent rooms. Could this be the place to help her heal? Dublin 1952. When Mary Kate Ryan receives a surprise inheritance from the woman who abandoned her as a tiny baby, she's stunned. All her life, she has longed to know why her mother disappeared, and now she's devastated to realise that every lonely night she spent without a home or family of her own, her mother knew exactly where she was. Mary Kate is about to refuse the money when she sees a beautiful, deserted house for sale and something sparks in her heart. She will reawaken it, as the Dublin Boarding House for Single Ladies, and provide a shelter for others as lost and alone as her. Can she help the two young girls left at the local orphanage, desperate for a home of their own? Or the pregnant teenager on the run, who only wants to keep her baby safe? The boarding house brings Mary Kate love and friendships she never dreamed of, but just as her heart is about to burst with joy, a new guest arrives. The stern older woman won't speak about her past, but when Mary Kate uncovers her story, it reveals a devastating secret about her mother. With her life in turmoil once more, can Mary Kate draw on the strength of the women in the house to help her face her past, or will the tragedy she uncovers spell disaster for them all...? A heart-wrenching story full of family secrets. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe. What readers are saying about Sandy Taylor: 'Outstanding!... It gripped me from the first page until the last!... When a book makes your heart break it deserves all the stars.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'Beautiful... heart-warming, and heartbreaking all at the same time... 5/5 stars.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars '5 stars... Heartbreaking.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars 'I loved this book - I lost my whole day reading - just couldn't bear to put it down!' Goodreads reviewer 'I fell in love... Such an emotionally raw story can only be written by someone who has left a little piece of their heart behind in such a special place.' Goodreads reviewer 'Rarely do I find a book that can double me over with laughter and break my heart with tears... This book delivers and then some!' Netgalley Reviewer, 5 stars 'Brought me to tears numerous times with its emotive words and insightful views on life and love. The writing was simply breathtaking, it was witty and beautiful in the same measure and it has quite frankly stolen my heart.' Stacy is Reading, 5 stars 'Writing this through tears, the funniest, most tearful book I've ever read. Fantastic.' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars 'Wow... deserves more than 5 stars. It is a heart-warming as well as a heartbreaking story all at the same time. I absolutely loved this book. Warning: keep the tissues handy!' Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
Low Voltage
I've found hidden gems in genres I never thought I'd be interested in. I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
Electric Player
Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique feature. I'm loving it! Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Dredd
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections – I'm discovering hidden gems! Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Star Killer
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is such a fun way to spread joy. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Bug Blitz
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
Guillotine Trigger
🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 Every moment is a chance to explore new stories with this app. Its intuitive features and compatibility ensure my audiobook journey is seamless. 🌌🎧 The customer support is amazing. They responded to my query within hours.
Winter Underdog
This app makes traffic jams a breeze – time flies by while I'm engrossed in a story. The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. 📱 Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's ease of use is a booklover's dream come true! 📚🔥 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.
Granola
I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, all thanks to this app. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality.
Hobo Samurai
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Cereal Killer
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. 🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 ⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have!
Genghis Glyph
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 – it shows their dedication to excellence. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's thoughtful features, such as auto-rewind and chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our storytelling cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips.
Dahlia Bumble
With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. The layout is not only beautiful but also intuitive. Controls are easy to access. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Steel Cut Toe
🎙️ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt – what a game-changer! 🛒📚 🚶♂️🌟 Staying entertained during leisurely walks – audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! 🚶♂️🎧 ListenBook’s playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend! Good for background listening. I didn’t get fully immersed, but it was pleasant enough to have on while doing chores. The narrator’s voice was easy to listen to, even if the delivery lacked some energy.
Wings
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Vicious Street
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time.
Twinkle Cocoa
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments – I'm forever grateful. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Gone are the days of struggling with formats. Thanks to this app, my audiobook journey is a breeze, and every tale is a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
SWAT Honey
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Mindless Bobcat
ListenBook has turned my everyday moments into extraordinary journeys of imagination. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful!
Fire Bite
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique touch that adds personalization to my audiobook journey. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Morbid Angel
🚶♂️🌟 Strolling through stories on a lazy afternoon – this app is my relaxation buddy! 🏖️🎧 🎉 Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks – this app turns errands into epic quests! 🛒📖 Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
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