Book description
This paperback edition is only available at Barnes & Noble! Against the backdrop of the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe in turn-of-the-century New Orleans, Diane McPhail’s mesmerizing historical novel tells of two strangers separated by background but bound by an unexpected secret—and of the strength and courage women draw from and inspire in each other.The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage. Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence. But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building…
Pepper Mouse
ListenBook's dedication to providing a top-quality audio player is evident in every aspect of the app. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go.
Cuff Queen
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Hang 11
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze.
Unseen
The statistics feature is a fantastic addition – knowing how much time I spend on audiobooks is eye-opening, and ListenBook makes tracking it a breeze. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Sneaky Lady
I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
LoreLoomer
Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. With ListenBook, my iPhone and iPad have become a gateway to a world of captivating stories. 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 feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Grabber
This app is like having a personal library with me wherever I go. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits – truly impressive. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook has made managing my audiobook collection a breeze. Library organization is top-notch. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Trash Pocky
Effortlessly enjoying audiobooks on the go – kudos to this app's functionality. 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!
Mustard Centaur
📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. 🌌🎧
Nutmeg
🎧 Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs – this app has it all! 📚💼 Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. I love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Low Menace
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. CUE playlist support is a rare gem. Perfect for organizing content efficiently.
BuzzMouse
ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Looping playback has transformed my study sessions. It's an invaluable tool for retaining information.
Miss Mustard
ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking has never been this productive – exploring new worlds while I exercise! 🏞️💫 🛌 Indulging in soothing bedtime stories – this app is my nightly retreat into imagination. 🌙📚
ByteBard
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook has revolutionized how I consume content. It's like having a personal library in my pocket. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Brick Mooch
🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Nightmare King
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
101
The app's stability is impressive – it runs smoothly without any glitches. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Mental
Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to spread the joy of captivating stories with friends. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional.
NexusNinja
I can't believe how easy it is to discover new titles and genres. Pure delight! I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
General Finish
I can't believe how much more I'm able to read with the help of this app. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 💪 Achieving double wins – workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! 💪🎧 Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite 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