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...
Bowie
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Wildcat Talent
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. 💼 Juggling tasks while exploring narratives – this app is my multitasking hero! 💻📖 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is fascinating. I can alter the reader's voice to match my mood—what a creative addition! Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Lope Lope
I'm amazed at how this app has brought back the joy of reading into my daily routine – thank you! 📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features.
Double Eerie
With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. 📖🔊 ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
Abyss Tamer
An audiobook I’ll listen to again! The story was engaging, and the narrator’s performance made it even better. Some parts were so well-delivered that I replayed them just to hear the emotion again. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Thrasher
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any hassle.
Dr. Jam Man
ListenBook Pro's sharing features allow me to spread the joy of audiobooks with my friends and family. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Pink Stream
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Absolutely in love with this audiobook app! The seamless functionality and easy navigation make my reading time pure bliss. 📚🎧 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends, sparking engaging conversations and connections that transcend boundaries.
Emerald Vine
The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
Moxie
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app – it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction.
SkyGod
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook has redefined my audiobook experience. It's a true companion for all my literary adventures. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent.
Bit Sentinel
ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Steel Cut Toe
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Midnight Bat
This app has completely transformed my commute – I look forward to it now! This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. I can't get enough of this app – it's like having a personal library with me. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 ListenBook's easy sharing options make it a breeze to introduce friends to my favorite audiobooks. Sharing is caring!
Night Train
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection – it's a parenting win! Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. 🎧📱 Organization made simple – this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. 📖📱 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Athens Fire
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey effortless and rewarding. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Shadow Chaser
💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 Bookmarks are a fantastic tool for keeping track of important moments. They're a game-changer.
Freeway
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Campfire Mama
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. 👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧
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