If you haven’t guessed by now, I LOVE audiobooks. I’ve talked about them before, and I just can’t help talking about them again today (and giving some away!).
Audiobooks have been a lifesaver for me. And in recent years, Audible in particular has been my go-to.
Why are audiobooks a lifesaver?
I love reading and I love books. But because of the busy nature of my life, I rarely have time to sit down and read. My reading time is shoved to a narrow thirty minutes in bed before I go to sleep (or longer depending on the book!).
Audiobooks have allowed me to squeeze in more “reading” time than I ever could have imagined. Last year, I read close to 50 books. I know that number pales in comparison with some of my influencers who read 100-200 books a year. But for me, an average of about 1 book a week wouldn’t be possible without audiobooks.
Audiobooks also allow me to try new authors and new books. For example, I tried the first book in Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family Series—Take a Chance on Me. I’d never read any of her books before that. But after I listened to the audiobook, I went on to gobble up every book in the series and now eagerly look forward to her new releases. The same thing happened with Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor.
Audiobooks help me hone my skills as an author. There’s just something about listening to a narration that gives me a different perspective on story-telling. As I listen to the narrator bring the story to life, I’m able to pick up on natural story rhythms, nuances in character, and emotions in a more vivid way which helps me to analyze my own writing better.
Audiobooks help to facilitate a love of books among my children. While I have raised a couple of avid readers, I also have a couple of reluctant readers as well. Audiobooks have been especially helpful for them. One of my daughters just finished listening to Kisses From Katie for the third time. My youngest son will spend hours listening to audiobooks—which is better than him playing hours of video games, right?
Why has Audible been my go-to for audiobooks?
This is not a commercial for Audible. And no, they aren’t paying me a cent to promote them. The fact, is I truly with-all-my-heart adore Audible.
It’s SUPER easy to get the books. All you need is a smart phone (or tablet or even computer) with the ability to download the app (which is free). And you also need to sign up for an account with Audible. They offer a variety of monthly plans with “credits” to apply to books. I figure if I can pay a monthly plan to have Netflix, I can most certainly pay to have a monthly plan for Audible books. After all, books are far better for my brain than TV!
(For those who don’t want a monthly plan, the prices can get a little steep. I recommend signing up for the “Daily Deal” emails. Books are on sale every day for $4.99 or less, and they frequently have other specials. Also, sometimes you can get audio books cheaper if you have the Kindle version of the book.)
Once the Audible app is on your device and you have an account, then you can start selecting books. After purchasing the book (through your monthly plan or otherwise), it downloads to your device. Then the book is always just the click of a button away!
Because I have my books downloaded on my phone, I can listen to the books anywhere and anytime—when I’m driving, cooking, folding laundry, exercising, etc. In fact, I honestly don’t know how I’d have kept up my regular running schedule without always having an audiobook to keep me from thinking about the pain!
Today I’m celebrating the release of Rebellious Heart into audiobook format. This book is inspired by the true love story of John and Abigail Adams and has previously been available in print and ebook. This summer I worked with a wonderful narrator to bring it to life in an audiobook.
I’m super excited to share this new audio release of Rebellious Heart with you! And to celebrate, I’m giving away FIVE copies of the audiobook. To enter to win, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
What about YOU? What’s the last audiobook you listened to? What do you find to be the biggest benefit from audiobooks?
The WINNERS are of the audiobooks are:
Carolyn Astfalk, Vickie Couturier, Joelle, Strandquist, Dawn Nicol, Jennifer Hibdon! Congratulations!
Jody Hedlund
Latest posts by Jody Hedlund (see all)
- Saying Farewell - October 7, 2022
- Another New Book Release - September 16, 2022
- The Beauty of Weddings - September 2, 2022
I’m listening to The Memory Man by David Baldacci. I love that I can “read” while I do other things!!
I recently listened to Anne of Green Gables in the car with my kids. It was a set of ads from the library, but I prefer Audible on my phone, too. End of the Affair by Graham Greene is up next.
For about 2 years I have been listening to audio books, I used to only want a book in my hands, but I’m that person who would 24 7 if I could and I realized I could do with audio books. I have an audible account and I love it. I’ve found some great books just from following narrators that I love. One of the best books I’ve heard lately was The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley, Katherine Kellgren was an amazing narrator, probably one of my top 5.
1. What’s the last audiobook you listened to? I listend to the Chronicles of Narnia dramatized version.
2. What do you find to be the biggest benefit from audiobooks? I can listen while I’m working around the house or when taking a road trip.
Because of glaucoma, I have very.little vision in my left eye. I recently had to have surgery on my right eye, my “good” eye, to prevent additional loss of vision. While recovering from the surgery my vision and activities are very limited, so I began to listen to audio books. It was difficult at first because I am such a visual learner and avid reader, but they have been a Godsend during this difficult time!
Jody, with the exception of your new book release and having kids at home, I could have written this post. I used to listen to the occasional audiobook on CD (and before that cassette tapes), but I couldn’t afford the unabridged because even a short unabridged book could cost $60 or more. Then came Audible. I downloaded my first Audible audiobook in August 2005. Eleven years! With the plan I currently have, an unabridged audiobook costs me less than $10. Oh, the joy! I listen to books whenever I am in the car. I listen when I get out of the shower and am getting ready for the day. If there is a spare moment, I’m listening. Sometimes I have two going. One my pleasure reading and one that I only listen to during my quiet time (a Christian living book, i.e. on prayer). I’ve read 43 books so far this year, the vast majority being audiobooks.
So I’ll just end with a big YES to your post.
I haven’t tried audio books yet, but they sound like a good way to be able to get my household chores done while listening to them. I will have to try that sometime.
I shared this giveaway on my Pinterest account.
I am currently listening to Undetected by Dee Henderson. I am just starting to use audio books, and I think I really like them!
Audible books can certainly make “work” more pleasant but I mostly listen when in the car.
Now I see the question. The last book I listened to was Not This Time by Vicki Hinze who was a new author for me. I really enjoyed the book.
Jody, I love audiobooks, too!! In fact one of the last ones I listened to was one of yours: Unending Devotion. They are absolutely wonderful for long car trips, but I also like to listen while doing things around the house! I am a church librarian and we have several of your books. I THINK we have Rebellious Heart. We have read two of your books in our book club, and I plan to share this post with them. Keep up the good work!
I love audiobooks because I can listen to them while I’m doing other things–cleaning the house, driving, cooking dinner, etc. I just love that they give me more time to “read” 🙂
I’m going to have to try this! I have never listened to an audio book! Often I’ve said if only I had this book on audio or someone to read to me! You’ve got some great points as to why I should give it a try. Audible is already on my phone too!
Oh my goodness, this is my favorite one of your books and I LOVE Audible and listening to my books when I don’t have time to read or when I have a headache/my eyes hurt from reading so much in one day (I’m a student and an influencer/book reviewer) so this helps me continue to be able to get through books!! What a fantastic giveaway!! Thanks so much for the opportunity.
the last one we listened too was Richard Castle tape,,it was so good,,and when we travel from TN TO VT and back it helps make the time go faster
I LOVE audio books for all the reasons you mention, Jody! I’m currently listening to Where’d You Go, Bernadette? — a quirky, funny epistolary novel about a teenage daughter trying to figure out where her mom disappeared to. 🙂
The biggest benefit of listening to audio books is that I can clean my apt and listen to the book at the same time.
Shared on pinterest
I LOVE audiobooks, I have a long commute and they are what keeps me sane lol, at this current time I am listening to Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty, next up is Redeeming Love!
I listened to “Leonard” by William Shatner. I love audiobooks because it’s something to keep my mind engaged when I’m working on “boring” stuff like laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. I still prefer reading to listening, but having the option to listen is very nice!
Audio books make travel in the car go fast!
I’m so excited for this book! 🙂 I love audiobooks because I can listen to them while I’m working around the house. I get to “read” without feeling guilty about it.
Audiobooks are helpful for exercising and cleaning, yes. 😀
The last one I listened to was Kate’s Innocence by Sarah Holman, which I really enjoyed. It was actually my first time with Audible!
I listen to audiobooks about 12 hours per week on my long daily commute. Last one is the one I’m finishing on the drive home: The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz.
John and Abigail Adams are my favorite historical couple. Their correspondence during their long separations give us a glimpse of what it really was like in the early days our country. I admire them both. I look forward to reading/listening to Rebellious Heart!
I love the flexibility of audio books. They are great to listen to anywhere. Whether I am sewing or working in the garden I enjoy listening to the latest book on my phone or laptop. Audio books make traveling even more fun. Listen in the car or on the plane you can enjoy your favorite book and even the most tedious trip can be more enjoyable. Today I am listening to The Scent of Cherry Blossoms by Cindy Woodsmall.
The last book I listened to was The Girl From The Train by Irma Joubert
I like that I can be cleaning or driving but still getting my book fix!
The thing I like most about audiobooks is that you can listen to them everywhere and anywhere! The beach, in bed, at the coffee shop, in the car, etc.
The last audiobook I listened to was Fair Play by Deeanne Gist. I love listening to Audible because it distracts me from cleaning and exercising.
Audiobooks get me through so many mundane chores. 😉
The last book I listened to on audio was once upon a prince by Rachel Hauck. I listened to it while I got a filling put in.
It’s easier for me to read ebooks thrn listen to them now. I tend to listen to a lot of kids music. I’m hoping to do more kids audio for the boys.
The library system has a bunch of audio books and overdrive and 3m library has quite a fe ebooks or audio books to check out too. 🙂
I am currently listening “No Other Will Do” by Karen Witemeyer. I started it a while back but had some technical difficulties and an ear infection, so I just restarted it. I am loving audible.com. I started out with a 90-day trial, then got an audible gift from a loved one, I only have 4 months left of that gift. You mentioned cheaper prices if you already own the Kindle version. I have purchased many unabridged classics for $1.99 on audible where the kindle version was free! I don’t know if you know this or not so I will share. If you have a Kindle Unlimited account, there are many books that have a listen for. free option. You have to have the audible app but you do NOT have to have an audible subscription. I don’t get paid to promote audible.com either, I just like it so much!
I used to rarely listen to audiobooks, but within the last year, I’ve been listening to one pretty much all of the time. I love them for several reasons:
1. Sometimes I really want to re-read a book, or am craving another genre, but I don’t have time. This year I’ve listened to some old favorite classics, Sense and Sensibility and Jane Eyre. I’ve also listened to some YA fantasy because it seems I never get to read those anymore.
2. It helps pass the time at work, at the gym folding laundry, you name it.
3. It helps (especially with Classics) in comprehension. And it’s just fun to hear those accents. 🙂
I most recently finished Jane Eyre and am now listening to God’s Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert. I love Audible because if you already have a Kindle copy, you can often get the audio book way discounted. I also check them out through the library. I would love to win a copy of Rebellious Heart – it remains to this day my favorite of your novels. I would love to re-read it through listening.
Beth
I really like Audible because I can listen to multiple books at the same time. I have been listening to Liz Curtis Higgs’ Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible and Cary Elwes’ As You Wish. Both are narrated by the authors, which is pretty fun. I’ve already heard them both before, but I still like them. I like audiobooks because you can do something else at the same time. I like to crochet and knit while listening. I also find I just get through books faster sometimes, and avoid eyestrain if I listen instead of always reading traditionally.
I just finished Royal Chase by Sariah Wilson, I loved it by the way! I have a hard time sleeping sometimes and audio books are a life savor during those times! I also listen to them while I do dishes, laundry and on long car trips. Audiobooks rock!!
The last audio book I listened to was The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck.
I just read the “Butterfly and the Violin” by Kristy Cambon. Great read. I have found that I am stressed driver and driving about 40 minutes each way to work drives (pun intended) me crazy. By listening to the book, I can relax and not think about hurrying to get home. 🙂
I actually just finished listening to Harry Potter book one 15 minutes ago! So great on audio as well :))
I lately have been thinking a lot about audio books. I’m a stay at home mom of four and would love to be able to still read a book while doing those mindless tasks like zillions of loads of laundry to fold or various cleaning tasks. So, I’m a newbie to audio books and think that I look at the monthly plan rates. Your post is quite timely for me.
I love to listen to audio books while I crochet or at night before bed. I am in crunch time to get a crochet project done so I have listened to both of Frank Peretti’s “Darkness” books. I am anxious to get a new audible audio book on my kindle soon. I’ve listened to all I have so far.
Yes!! Audiobooks are a new find for me. I LOVE to read so I thought that I would just zone out listening to audiobooks. But I recently had to drive 3 hours to pick up my grandparents from the airport so I got a free audible trial…WOW! I’m hooked. While I still prefer reading, it’s an amazing way to incorporate reading into times that used to be at war with my favorite pastime, like driving and cleaning. So far I have mostly stuck to Georgette Heyer audiobooks. She is such a brilliant writer that her books almost read like plays! I’m nearing the end of The Foundling right now. Such a fun story!! Next is North and South for my book club. Another thing I enjoy about audiobooks is that it takes 20 hours to listen to a book that I can usually read in about 4. So I actually get to savor them! I like what you said about how it benefits your writing. I hadn’t thought about that but it does become more apparent when an author writes poorly or reuses the same phrases over and over. Anyway, I am a big and newly discovered fan of Audiobooks!
I am a HUGE audio-book fan! I thought I would hate them – there’s something about holding a book that is magical – but when one of my patrons (I work in a library) kept telling me to give it a try, I thought…. What could it hurt?
Well, a several years later- I am HOOKED! I often have 2 different audio-books going at one time (along with my paper books) 1 in the car and 1 in the house. I love it when I’m cooking/cleaning/etc. I can pop one in and be swept away! When one is really good – I have to ask myself, Did I read it, Listen to it or watch it? It’s just that good!
I just finished an Amish read in audio called “A Love Undone” by Cindy Woodsmall – awesome read!
So excited to have a chance to win not only a great sound read but one I can listen to – how cool is that!
Thanks for the chance to win! Have a Blessed day!
I’m also a huge Audible fan. The last book I finished was The Third Target by Joel C. Rosenberg. I generally listen to his audiobooks rather than read the hard copy. I just started The Auschwitz Escape by the same author.
I shared on Pinterest
I just signed up for audio books. I have the Bible on audiotape and occasionally listen to it when I have a really busy day.
I love audio books and check them out regularly through my local library. I recently finished the Masie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. And not too long ago I listened to The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund.
I enjoy listening to audio books as well as reading. I can relax and just enjoy the story with an audio book, and take care of other things at the same time.
Bless you and thanks for the opportunity to enter the drawing.
Love to listen to audiobooks when I clean my house! The last one I completed was Anne of Green Gables!
My last audible book was one of Janette Oak’s books quite awhile ago and I believe it was a cassette or CD so it has been awhile. I do like that you can listen while traveling as I get carsick if I read BUT I just haven’t signed up for it and used it yet. Should do though as you are so right when you say it would allow more books read throughout the year! Thanks!
I am currently listening to Chapel Springs Revival. Just finished Flight Patterns (good book). I like being able to multitask w/audiobooks.
I just finished Our Own Country. Now I am listening to From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden. I like having something to listen to on trips and to work. It is relaxing when my eyes are tired.
The most recent audio book I listened to was Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch which I read for Challies’ 2016 Reading Challenge.
I started listening to audiobooks six years ago when we moved from a place where most everywhere we needed to go was five minutes away to a place where they were considerably farther. I could.not.stand all that time in the car, and audiobooks helped pass the time driving. Now I listen to them while dressing and getting ready for the day and cleaning house as well. I especially like to listen to classics – some of them are so lengthy that I wouldn’t want them to monopolize my reading time for so long, but I don’t mind spending the time listening. Plus some of them are much more wordy that modern fiction, which I also don’t mind as much listening rather than reading. Audible has many classics on sale for just a few dollars.
Another advantage to listening is that I don’t always think in the accent of the story I’m reading, and hearing the story in the accent of its setting adds a lot to it. Plus a good narrator brings out many nuances I would not have picked up on.
I’m currently listening to The Green Ember by S. D. Smith – a children’s book, but I have heard it is good. A recent listen was City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell – beautiful story.
I’d love to win one of your audiobooks!
Strong willed child….lol audiobook. For one thing I have my hands free so I can do laundry and other things around the house when I have an audiobook!
I am so old-fashioned! I still love to hold “real” books. I have listened to them when I used to travel a long distance in my work, but now I am retired and I don’t travel as much. With an audio book I’d like one that is not on a CD since that isn’t convenient for me. The library has really good ones too.
I haven’t listened to an audio book in years.
The last book I listened to was Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist. I love listening to audio books on my way to work and on road trips since I sometimes get car sick when I read in the car.
I listened to Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon
The last audio book I listened to was “Seasons of the Heart” by Susette Williams I like audio books because I can work and listen to a book also. When I was working on my last job, music and audio books on my mp3 player were a definite blessing.
I love audible books. I have listened to all three of the Gifting series by KEGanshert. I just finished The Gathering. I had read the books but they really come alive when listened to.
My husband listens to audible books all the time. I guess it’s time to see what all the fuss it about! lol! 🙂
I’m listening to All the Light I Cannot See on Audible now…but I really must pay close attention, and sometimes I miss actually seeing the names and various words. But I like that I can squeeze in extra books as you mentioned.
I love Audible! The last book I listened to was “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. They really have a great selection of books and if you watch some of your favorite authors, you might find the book on sale. I think one of the greatest advantages of audio books is that you can listen to the book while you are doing something else. With so much going on each day, it’s nice to have the book read to you that you might not have time to read.
I listened to Secrets of a Charmed Life on audio recently. Great book.
The last audiobook I listen to was A Case for a Creation by Lee Stroble. He read it himself and I listened while driving. Create way to get a book in and I find it often puts you deeper into the story!
I listen to a lot of children’s fiction. Audiobooks help me stay in touch with books in my field. (I am a children’s librarian.) Audiobooks also make driving very enjoyable. The latest books have been tearjerkers – When Friendship Followed Me Home and Waiting for Augusta.
It’s been a few years since I’ve listened to an audio book. We would often borrow audio books from our library or from Cracker Barrel while traveling. It kept the kids entertained and quiet.
I haven’t started Audible yet, but I definitely see the advantages!!! Thanx for he giveaway.
I just completed “A Pattern of Lies” by Charles Todd- this was my first experience with audiobooks, it won’t be my last.
I haven’t used an audiobook. My husband loves to use them. I suppose I should give them a try.
I have never listened to Audiobooks so I do not know whether I would like them or not but I would love to try one.
I’m currently listening to the Children of Hurin narrated by Sir Chistopher Lee. Generally my attention span is too short to listen audio books unless I’m in the car. My commute had recently gone from 5 minutes to 50 so I’m really getting into audio books now.
I haven’t listened to an audio book, but my sister loves them. She has a job requiring driving from city to city in a 3 state area. She listens to the books while traveling. It makes the drive time more pleasurable. I might try it. Thanks for the giveaway.
My fave Audio book was Her Lost Love by Linda Weaver Clarke. I love listening to audio and find I can multi-task and still enjoy a great book. And no extra eye strain after a long long long day at work.
I honestly cannot remember the last audiobook I listened to:(. However, I adore audiobooks!They give me more time to do things I otherwise wouldn’t be able to do with a book and they don’t strain my eyes. Thanks a bunch for the giveaway!
Actually, I’ve only listened to one audiobook ever, The Last of the Mohicans. When my daughter was young, years ago, we’d listen to Adventures in Odyssey or FOTF Radio Theatre; I really liked those, even though they weren’t true audiobooks, but adaptations. I guess, being visual, I prefer print. But lately, I’ve been contemplating giving audiobooks a chance, mainly because of time constraints. I could easily cover more reading ground if I could listen while driving, cleaning house, etc. When I saw this giveaway, I thought I’d give it a try. Thank you for the opportunity and for the post. I hope one day to be as enthusiastic about audiobooks as you. 🙂
I’m new to audio books. Listening to Alana Terry’s book Torn Asunder.
I am now listening to Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello, and I am mesmerized by Anne Flosnik’s voice! I am REALLY enjoying having audible now!
I pinned the audio giveaway on Pinterest.
I love listening to audio books. I am currently reading-listening to A Spy’s Devotion by Melanie Dickerson.
Blessings,Tina
I shared on facebook.
Blessings, Tina
I shared on Pinterest.
Blessings, Tina
I LOVE audible, like you, I can still read books but also do housework, etc. I’veachieved Master status on Audible, got 166 books in my audible library, and yep I’ve listened to everyone of them 🙂 They’re especially great to listen to in car rider lines for school. I’m currently listening to An Elegant Facade by Kristi Ann Hunter.
I have never “read” an audio book! I drive 35-40 minutes to work though and would love to try it!
Answer either question or both: 1. What’s the last audiobook you listened to? The last one was a Preston and Childs book Fever Dream. 2. What do you find to be the biggest benefit from audiobooks? Can listen anywhere and drive or being doing something else.
Mention in a comment that you pinned the audio book cover on Pinterest. Pinned!
I love audiobooks! I guess it comes from all the classics my dad read aloud to my brother and I when we were little kids. Sadly, I can’t really afford them. On the opposite side I have a nice collection of them ex-library audiobooks on cassette tape. I love the few Audible books that I have, it’s so easy to listen to them on my Kindle with headphones or the external speaker I have. Thank you for this great giveaway!
Blessings!
Jasmine
I pinned the giveaway graphic on PInterest.
It would be awesome to win one of your audio books!!! I love audio books 🙂
I am currently listening to Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd and loving it!!! I enjoy listening to audiobooks because it allows me to work on another task while listening to the book. 🙂
I have never listened to an audiobook. Scratch that. My DH loves the audio Bible, so I’ve heard THAT plenty of times. But, novels? Nope, I’m a newbie. 🙂
I am currently listening to The Count of Monte Cristo. And I LOVE it! I am a bit picky about the voices…But if I find the right one…I am HOOKED! I enjoy being able to listen to my books while doing laundry or dishes…painting or drawing…It provides another level of escape for my brain. But if it is a story I have not read yet, sometimes I have a hard time following along. I am much more likely to retain information if I see it with my eyes. But I am LOVING listening to Monte Cristo. Also recently listened to Death Comes to Pemberly, Northanger Abbey (dramatized), and in the middle of Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld…LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
I haven’t listened to an audio book in years, the last time was when I went with a group of friends to a ski resort and we listened to a story on the way. At the time I thought it was the coolest things ever.
Fast forward to now, and I have yet to listen to another audio book and it isn’t for lack of interest! I think it would be so handy for those long road trips or when you are stuck in traffic.
My youngest son is also a reluctant reader so we are listening to Geronimo Stilton audiobooks we borrowed from the library. So glad for this option because it lets him participate in the summer reading program and is something we enjoy listening to together. Thanks for the chance to win!
My husband listens to audio books all the time! I’m glad REBELLIOUS HEART is an audible book now!
The last audio book I listened to all the way was Sad Cypress by Agatha Christie. With audio books I like that I can listen in bed with the lights off once my eyes are too tired to keep read!
I use audio books as a way to help large tasks become smaller 🙂 right now relistening to one if Susan May Watrens books. Side note: audio books are always better when they are unabridged…