Book description
Imagine a Victorian drawing room where the air crackles with unspoken longing, not from scandal, but from the quiet ache of two wounded hearts finding solace. That's the magic of The Widower and the Wet Nurse as an audiobook, where Elizabeth Roubaix's prose comes alive in the most intimate way. Hugh Carnifex, a fifty-year-old Earl still wrapped in the grief of his late wife, feels utterly adrift-no heir, no warmth, just the weight of solitude. Then, his orphaned heir arrives, accompanied by Isabel, the young wet nurse whose presence is a quiet storm.
The brilliance here is how the audiobook captures Hugh's internal struggle-the way his voice, when narrated, holds that deep, aching tenderness beneath his stoic exterior. You hear the hesitation in his thoughts as he watches Isabel, her simple actions (parting her bodice, a gesture of pure, unguarded care) becoming the most potent temptation he's ever known. The narrator doesn't shout the longing; they whisper it, making every glance, every accidental brush of hands feel like a shared secret. You're not just hearing the story-you're feeling the heat of that denied connection, the tension thick enough to touch.
Isabel's voice, warm and grounded, contrasts perfectly with Hugh's quiet sorrow. Her dialogue, delivered with a gentle strength, makes you believe in her quiet resilience, her refusal to be defined by her role. The audiobook shines in these small moments: the softness in her voice when she speaks to the child, the subtle shift in Hugh's tone when he finally allows himself to see her, not just as a nurse, but as a woman. There's no rushed romance here-just the slow, beautiful unfolding of trust, the way two people, each carrying their own scars, begin to heal together.
What truly elevates this short tale (a perfect bite-sized escape) is how it avoids cliché. This isn't just a forbidden affair; it's about two people rebuilding their capacity to love after loss, finding family in the most unexpected places. The audiobook's pacing is flawless-slow enough to savor the emotional depth, quick enough to keep you turning pages (or pressing play). You'll find yourself leaning in, captivated by the quiet power of their connection, the way a single touch, a shared glance, becomes a lifeline.
And yes, it stands perfectly fine alone-no need to dive into the series first. This is a complete, emotionally resonant journey in under two hours. If you love stories where love blooms not in grand gestures, but in the tender, everyday moments of healing, this audiobook is pure, unadulterated comfort. It's the sound of hearts mending, whispered in the quietest, most beautiful way possible. Trust me: you'll want to press play again the moment it ends.
Sw33per
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
Mule Lock
Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination.
Blinker
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. 🌌🎧 ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Valley Guardian
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch – it's like having a personalized reading.
Impulsive Flower
I'm exploring new genres and authors I wouldn't have considered otherwise. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
Shay
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. I'm impressed by ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically. This app's convenience has made my downtime more rewarding and enriching. 🧘♂️ Finding serenity through the soothing tones of audiobooks – mindfulness and stories in perfect harmony. 🧘♂️🎧 The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience.
Wild Hair
Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Red Pepper
ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Drift
ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. 📚 Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! 📱🎉 ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like my personal audiobook oasis. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook library. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences.
Biscuit Meg
I never thought I'd enjoy audiobooks as much as I do now – all thanks to this app. With ListenBook, I can enjoy my own audio content with unparalleled ease and comfort. 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. 🎧📱 This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Burn
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
ForumFusion
ListenBook has transformed my daily routine into an opportunity to learn, relax, and enjoy. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. 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! The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
TrinitySoul
Kudos to the developers for making this app iOS 16 optimized. It runs like a dream! The interface is clean and intuitive. I was up and running in seconds.
1st Degree
ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. 💪 Flexing my reading muscles with this app's easy-to-use controls – I'm devouring books while managing my busy schedule. 💼📚 ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. 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.
RiddleRover
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization – top-notch. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. I love the ability to change the playback speed. It’s perfect for my needs.
MindfulMingle
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Nibbler
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Navigating through my audiobook collection is a breeze – this app's intuitive interface and convenient controls have made my reading journey effortless. 📱📖 Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly. Very convenient. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Troubadour
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. 📱 Carrying my favorite stories with me wherever I go – this app is like a portable library in my pocket. 📚👜 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters has never been smoother – the app's streamlined functionality keeps me on track with my reading goals. 🏃♂️🎧 Audiobook excellence simplified – this app's functionality is a true delight. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
Mule Skinner
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Daisy Stick
ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze.
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