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.
Pixie Taze
This app has rekindled my passion for literature in a whole new way. The narrators have a way of bringing characters to life – it's a unique experience. No need for file conversion is a game-changer. Love using ListenBook on my iPhone.
Foot-long Fry
I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze.
Grave Scuttlebutt
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality.
Ember Master
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read – this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime.
Moon Cricket
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? No more hassle with formats – this app ensures my audiobook adventures are smooth, and my favorite tales are just a tap away. Highly recommended! 📚🎧
Midas
This audiobook app is a true gem – it brings stories to life with every click. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures! This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Mental Prophet
I've never been so excited about my daily commute – thanks to this app. ListenBook's features are a bookworm's dream come true – from chapters to bookmarks, it's got everything. Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. Listening stats motivate me to read more. Great feature!
Feline Devil
As a language enthusiast, this app has been a fantastic tool for learning new languages. ListenBook has truly transformed my audiobook experience. The sleek interface, extensive format support, and easy downloading options make it my go-to app! is a breeze. It's incredibly convenient for building my collection. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. ListenBook’s interface is beautiful and functional. It’s my favorite app for audiobooks.
Sky Bully
I'm amazed at how this app has turned my errands into exciting reading sessions. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is truly commendable. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Reno Monarch
I can't imagine a day without this app – it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Jack Cassidy
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Uluru Walker
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. Audiobooks have become my escape from reality – a journey into captivating worlds. I can't get enough of this app – it's a true game-changer for book lovers. The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
RetroMirage
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations – they're spot on. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. 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!
Tin Fox
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening.
Winded On Friday
Listening to audiobooks has become my ultimate way to unwind after a long day. 💡 Balancing learning and living effortlessly – audiobooks on demand, thanks to this app! 🎧💫 AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. It's like getting a clear, immersive listening experience.
Moonflower
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Polar Bee
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. 🏃♂️📚 Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. 🏃♂️📖 I can't thank this app enough for making my audiobook experience exceptional. Its intuitive interface and diverse compatibility are a true game-changer. 📱🎧
Scarlet Mary
This app has turned my daily commute into a source of inspiration and entertainment. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats – it truly supports all my audio needs. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional.
Trash Sling
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
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