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
Mauve Cactus
Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. 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.
Twitch
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. ListenBook Pro offers an unbeatable deal β unlimited audiobook length and noise reduction. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading.
Barbera Shift
ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend!
Red Woman
ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ
Double Eerie
π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. π±π
Shady Prairie
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
True Sweetness
The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Titanium Ladybug
With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks β it's truly invigorating. With this app, I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and real life. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Greek Rifle
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. Audiobooks have never been this engaging β this app takes them to the next level. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. ππ§ 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!
RightN0w2
Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. π± My pocket-sized library β this app makes reading accessible anytime, anywhere! ππ± Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Fire Feline
Navigating audiobooks with ease β this app's functionality is a standout. No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient.
Crash Test
Audiobooks have become my bedtime companions, soothing me into a peaceful sleep. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a game-changer.
Oblivion
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Audiobooks on this app have become my go-to entertainment for winding down. The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together. ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise.
Capital F
I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Trouble Mittens
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
Sprinkle Lovenuts
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! Audiobooks made simple β this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
CosPlatoon
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! The app is perfect for long flights. It keeps me entertained the whole time.
Thrasher
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Terror Master
Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Audiobooks made accessible β this app's ease of use is a true blessing. Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. Organization made easy! This app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures I'm always engrossed in a captivating tale. ππ± ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Prometheus
The sleep timer is a brilliant addition β I drift off to sleep with amazing stories. ListenBook's intuitive controls and beautiful layout make my audiobook experience a delightful one. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences.
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