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
Miss Fix It
ListenBook's library organization and book groups make managing my collection effortless. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is impressive. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly.
QuestQuill
The app's design is sleek and modern β it's a pleasure to navigate. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! The user-friendly interface and precise controls make listening to audiobooks an absolute delight.
Scratch Man
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! With ListenBook, I can finally enjoy my audiobooks without worrying about format compatibility. It handles everything! The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine. Iβve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Are Ess Tee
πΆ Saying goodbye to tangled headphones and complex controls β this app's easy navigation has made audiobook listening a breeze. π΅π ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app! With ListenBook Pro, I'm no longer limited by audiobook length. It's a liberating experience! The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
DreamWeaver
With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Knuckles
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. Adjusting the tone of the voice is so innovative. It's like personalizing the narration.
Green Scavenger
ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. I love how ListenBook caters to various formats, making it versatile and accommodating for all my audiobooks. Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable β this app's design is a triumph. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Bambi Wings
ListenBook's integration of artwork and metadata adds a visually appealing touch to my library. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Neophyte Believer
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly.
Gentle Avenger
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I consume audiobooks. I can cover more ground while maintaining comprehension. Perfect for both first-time listeners and audiobook veterans! The narrator's warm, inviting tone made this an incredibly comfortable listening experience. I particularly appreciated how well they handled dialogue - each character felt distinct without being cartoonish. The pacing kept me engaged throughout.
Cinder Coffee
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Rummy Stickers
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. πΆββοΈπ Exploring stories as I stroll β audiobooks have turned my walks into inspiring journeys of imagination. ποΈπ§ is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Emerald Goddess
ListenBook's versatile controls and playback options have made my study sessions more productive and enjoyable. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. π Making each day a new chapter β this app keeps me hooked from morning to night! ππ π‘ This app truly understands the needs of audiobook enthusiasts β it delivers an effortless and enjoyable listening experience. ππ§ I love the quick access to settings. It makes tweaking the app so easy.
Dance Cannon
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive design β it's like a personal library right at my fingertips. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
HOV
πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files.
Keystone
The app's features, like the sleep timer, make it clear that it's designed with readers in mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! ListenBook has broadened my horizons by introducing me to a diverse range of audiobooks. It's a gateway to endless knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
Milan Call Back
I'm in awe of how technology has enhanced my reading experience through this app. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Looping playback has made memorization so much easier. I'm acing my exams! CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable.
Buckshot
This app is not just about convenience β it's a gateway to new horizons of knowledge. ListenBook's library organization features have transformed my chaotic audiobook collection into an organized masterpiece. The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice.
Con Mammoth
The convenience of downloading audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ The statistics feature in ListenBook adds an element of self-awareness to my audiobook consumption. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Firefly Caramel
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's support for various audio formats means I never have to worry about compatibility issues. This app is a time-saver β I can 'read' even when I'm on the move.
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