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.
Lucky Aurora
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked on this app's ability to transform my ordinary moments into exciting opportunities for learning. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy.
Nickname Master
This app's dedication to providing high-quality narration has made all the difference. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time.
Z-Boy
I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ⭐️ Loving the fact that I can learn and listen at the same time – multitasking made easy! 🧠🎧 👀📚 Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed – bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! 😴🎧 ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length feature is fantastic.
StormCake
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧 ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldn’t call it unforgettable.
Geneva Cuffs
Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. ListenBook’s support for Apple Watch is a great touch. I can control my audiobooks on the go. 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.
ThreadTraveler
I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! This was my first audiobook in this genre and I'm hooked! The performance brought the story to life in a way reading never could. Already downloaded another by the same narrator.
Bad Bunny
Finally, an app that values usability – navigating and listening is a breeze! Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win.
Sass Burst
The app's intuitive design makes it easy to find and listen to my favorite authors. ListenBook has made my audiobook journey effortless, turning every moment into an escape. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. My audiobook collection has never been more organized. Library management is a breeze. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce listening fatigue. Great feature!
DriftDetector
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Berry Succubus
This app has become my go-to companion, making my daily routine more exciting and insightful. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook.
Kinged
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, making even the busiest days enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds.
Silver Rose
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. ListenBook is the perfect blend of technology and art, turning audio into an unforgettable experience. Sharing books with friends via AirDrop is so convenient. Thanks, ListenBook!
Whip 2T
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Mauve Cactus
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. 🧘♂️ Finding zen through storytelling – this app makes meditation even more calming. 🧘♂️🎧 This audiobook was a fantastic listen! The narrator's voice was clear and engaging, making it easy to follow along. The pacing was just right—not too fast, not too slow. Perfect for long commutes or relaxing at home. Highly recommend!
Duke Electro
I can't believe how much more productive I am – I'm learning and growing while multitasking! Bookmarking my favorite parts of audiobooks is now a breeze. Love this feature!
QuestQuill
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use.
Racy Babe
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. Audiobook enjoyment redefined – this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study. Love the silky-smooth playback and easy-to-use interface. ListenBook is the best!
Sprinkle Lovenuts
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. ListenBook's versatility and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for audiobook lovers. I love the compatibility with iOS 16. The app runs smoothly and flawlessly. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app!
Nacho
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits.
Shy Warrior
I'm blown away by the quality of narration on this app – it's like being in the story. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition!
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