Book description
Step into the frost-kissed streets of 1463 Kronstadt with Patricia Furstenberg's When Secrets Bloom, where the crackle of a hearth fire and the murmur of whispered secrets become your soundtrack. This isn't just historical fiction; it's a masterclass in immersive storytelling, perfectly realized for the audiobook format. You'll feel the chill of Transylvania's Advent night as healer Kate Webber defies her powerful Magyar husband to save a mother and newborn-a choice that ignites a storm of envy, accusation, and hidden danger. The narrator's voice, rich with the weight of history and the quiet resilience of its protagonist, makes Kate's world utterly tangible. Hear the creak of her workshop door, the tension in the town physician's voice as he plots against her, the hesitant hope in Margit's plea for a love potion.
Furstenberg weaves a tapestry far deeper than a simple plot. You'll walk alongside Kate as she navigates the razor's edge between reverence and suspicion in a city ruled by fear, where her healing skills are both a gift and a threat. The haunting presence of Vlad Dracula's shadow-felt not through legend, but through Kate's wary, intimate perspective-adds a layer of chilling realism. Equally compelling is Moise, the Jewish apprentice at the printing press, whose discovery of a missing manuscript unravels a conspiracy that threatens everyone. His story, alongside Kate's, unfolds with perfect pacing, each revelation deepening the mystery and the stakes.
What elevates When Secrets Bloom is its authentic portrayal of life beyond the castle walls. You'll hear the daily rhythms of Kronstadt: the quiet power of women managing healers' workshops, the endearing hopes of Vlach and Jewish communities, the ever-present dread of plague and Church suspicion. The narrator doesn't just tell you about 15th-century Transylvania; they make you live it, from the scent of herbs in Kate's shop to the hushed fear in the streets during the mob's approach. It's the kind of historical fiction that feels less like reading and more like stepping through a time portal, guided by a voice that understands the soul of the era.
This audiobook is a triumph for fans of feminist historical fiction. Kate's journey-her defiance, her rekindled trust with Iancu, her quiet courage in the face of injustice-is deeply moving, never preachy. You'll find yourself rooting for her as fiercely as the townsfolk who begin to notice her skill. If you loved the atmospheric depth and strong female leads in The Stone Witch of Florence or Eleanore of Avignon, When Secrets Bloom delivers that same rich, character-driven experience, but with the added intimacy of a voice that brings every shadow and whisper to life. It's a story where some secrets truly do heal, and the audiobook format makes that healing resonate with unforgettable power. Don't just read this history; let it envelop you.
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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