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
Danger Menace
ListenBook's features make it the ultimate audio companion for any audiobook enthusiast. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§ Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now.
RiddleRover
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it the perfect companion for any audiobook lover. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘
Darkside Hooker
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use. 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.
Evil Smith
πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ No more limits on the genres I can explore! This app's versatility in downloading and organizing audiobooks ensures I always have a captivating tale at my fingertips. ππ± ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling.
NeoGermal
This app's ease of use has made my downtime more enriching and enjoyable. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume.
NightWonka
π Dancing to the rhythm of stories while I dance through house chores β pure joy! ππ Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's functionality is a reader's delight. 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! A reasonable choice for casual listening. The audiobook was well-produced, but the pacing felt uneven in places. I didnβt dislike it, but I also didnβt feel strongly about it one way or another.
The Shield Toronto
With ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks with enhanced sound quality and personalized settings. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. Finally, an app that respects my busy lifestyle. Whether I'm commuting or exercising, this app's smooth playback and smart controls keep me engaged. πββοΈπ§ ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
3P-own
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. ListenBookβs playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
Black Hole Necromancer
I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. No more worries about compatibility β ListenBook handles numerous formats flawlessly. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook!
Street Jolly
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Most Wanted
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. π§ An audiobook treasure trove in the palm of my hand β this app is pure convenience! ππ ποΈ Grocery shopping has taken an exciting turn β I'm on a mission to explore new worlds through audiobooks! ππ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature elevates my listening experience, allowing me to focus on the content. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Sneaky Lady
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding.
Twine X
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. It's reliable, versatile, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day. I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
LifeRobber
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward β thank you, app!
Squatch
π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Frenzy
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising β thanks to this app! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique feature that adds a personalized touch to the listening experience. I was thoroughly impressed by this audiobook. The combination of engaging content and skilled narration made my daily commute something to look forward to. The narrator's timing and intonation were spot-on, enhancing rather than distracting from the material. Definitely worth a credit!
Frosty
ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its user-friendly interface and smooth playback. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Bambi Wings
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a fun and convenient way to share the magic of storytelling with friends and family, sparking meaningful discussions. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
Dark Horse
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. The app is perfect for people who love to read but donβt have the time.
Killah Goose
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls β it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. Bookmarks are a lifesaver for audiobook lovers. They help me keep track of important moments.
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