If you’ve never tried audiobooks, you’re not alone—but you’re missing one of the easiest ways to read more, learn more, and enjoy stories on the go! Whether you commute, walk your dog, or relax before bed, audiobooks can turn ordinary moments into mini reading escapes.

Getting started is much easier than you might think—and yes, you can enjoy them even if you’re a lifelong “page loyalist.” Here’s everything you need to know to become a confident, committed audiobook listener. 

 Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Why Audiobooks Are Worth It

Audiobooks have exploded in popularity thanks to their convenience, accessibility, and variety. You can download a new audiobook and start listening in seconds. You can discover new narrators who naturally bring stories to life, and fit books into your day in ways traditional reading can’t.

Top Benefits of Audiobooks:

• 🎧 Listen anywhere: in the car, at the gym, or while folding laundry.
• ⏱️ Save time: multitask while “reading.”
• 💬 Boost comprehension: many listeners absorb and remember more through narration.
• 🧠 Rediscover classics: professional narrators make even dense books feel cinematic. 

Get an Audible Membership – .99/mo for 3 months

How to Choose the Right Audiobook for Your First Listen

Not all books translate equally into great audio experiences. When you’re starting out, look for engaging stories, talented narrators, and strong pacing.

A few tips:

• Pick a book you’ve already read: Familiarity helps you focus on the experience rather than trying to keep up with the plot.
• Start with action, mystery, or romance: These genres tend to have lively narration and keep you hooked.
• Check the narrator: A great voice actor can transform a good book into an unforgettable one. Look up samples before buying.  

The Easiest Ways to Listen

You can listen through almost any device—your phone, tablet, or laptop. Many apps make it seamless to start, bookmark, and sync across devices.

Popular Programs:

• Audible: The largest audiobook marketplace, perfect for most users. Offers include discounted monthly rates + credits.
• Libro.fm: Independent-bookstore-friendly and ethically sourced. Libro.fm Memberships offer credits and discounts--and support local bookstores. You can sign up here.
• Scribd: Subscription-based, great for voracious listeners.
• Spotify & Apple Books: Ideal for quick purchases or trying single titles.

You can create affiliate links for some of these services so that each signup through your blog earns you a commission.

How to Stay Engaged While Listening

If you’ve tried audiobooks before and lost focus, don’t write them off yet. Listening is a skill—one that gets easier with the right strategies.

Try these focus hacks:

• Start small. Go for short audiobooks, around 4–6 hours.
• Listen during routines. Walking, cleaning, or commuting works best.
• Use bookmarks and notes. Apps let you highlight key parts to revisit.
• Adjust narration speed. Many new listeners prefer 1.2x speed—it sounds natural but sharper.

Best Kinds of Books to Begin With

While preferences vary, newcomers usually love:

• Memoirs read by the author: Authentic and heartfelt (try Becoming by Michelle Obama).
• Mystery & thrillers: Great pacing and attention-grabbing.
• Humorous fiction: Laughter keeps you locked in.
• Short story collections: Quick wins to build the habit.

My eBook Recommendation of the Week? I just finished listening to Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah, with narration by Suzanne Toren. Great for fans of attention grabbing psychological fiction!

Make Audiobooks Part of Your Lifestyle

The secret to loving audiobooks is consistency. Instead of carving out extra time to “read,” weave listening into your existing routine. 

Morning coffee? Audiobook. 

Drive to work? Audiobook. 

Evening walk? Audiobook.

The more you listen, the more natural it becomes—and soon, regular reading and listening will feel like interchangeable, enriching habits.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to read,” audiobooks are your answer. They transform downtime into discovery time and open new worlds right through your headphones.

So don’t wait—grab your first audiobook today:

👉 Try Audible or Start Listening with Libro.fm & Support Local Stores

Whether you’re chasing adventure, memoir, or motivation, there’s a story waiting to fill your next quiet moment. All you have to do is hit play. 

Music can elevate the soul—or expose its deepest cracks. In The Well-Tempered Violinist by Barbara T. Carlton, art, ambition, and emotion intertwine in a story that resonates long after the final note. Learn about this historical fiction novel and author--and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 

Book 1 of The Gift

Historical Fiction

Date to be Published: November 5, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

But the violin Marthe’s father left her is a constant reminder of the profound bond between them, and it gives her the strength to begin healing. When the Köln Conservatory offers her an unexpected scholarship, she seizes her chance to reach for excellence.

Under the rigorous tutelage of Professorin Wolff, and subjected to predatory harassment by a fellow student determined to destroy both her self-worth and her chances of success, Marthe quickly learns she will need more than motivation and talent to rise to the top.

Filled with heart, wit, and music, The Well-Tempered Violinist is an enduring coming-of-age tale about an artist striving for greatness against enormous odds.

The Well-Tempered Violinist, Book 1 of The Gift series, is her first novel.

Connect with the Author

Facebook: Barbara Thornburgh Carlton, Writer

Instagram: @btcarlton_writer 

Buy the Book

Amazon

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Enter the Giveaway 

I love finding new thrillers and mysteries--especially novella-length ones--and I have one to share this morning! Beneath Cozumel's shimmering waters lies a secret worth killing for.  Beneath Cozumel’s shimmering waters lies a secret worth killing for. In Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel, bestselling author David R. Long delivers a gripping blend of mystery, history, and nonstop action that will keep you turning the pages! 

Date Published: November 11, 2025

What would you risk to uncover a secret buried for over 150 years?

From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series. 

His debut, Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold, captivated readers and earned a 4.5-star rating on Goodreads. Now the adventure continues with a brand-new novella that plunges deeper into history’s deadliest secrets. 

When historian Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and fellow former Navy SEAL Steve Johnson set out for a Thanksgiving dive off Cozumel, they expect nothing more than warm waters and forgotten wrecks. Instead, they uncover a Confederate ghost ship that vanished in 1865—along with a sealed brass tube containing secrets powerful enough to change history. 

But they’re not alone. Shadowy mercenaries and a black-hulled yacht stalk their every move, determined to silence them before the truth surfaces. From dazzling reefs to the back alleys of Veracruz, Jack and his team are forced into a deadly game where history isn’t past—it’s a weapon. 

Some secrets don’t want to be found. And some will kill to stay buried. 

Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, and James Rollins, Shadows Over Cozumel delivers nonstop action, historical intrigue, and a mystery that spans centuries.

Chapter 1

Cozumel Mexico

Thursday, November 22, 2018

8:56 AM

The black mega yacht waited beyond Cozumel’s harbor mouth, a dark predator lurking in sunlit waters. Cruise ships gleamed at the pier, fishing boats slipped out toward the open sea, but this vessel did not belong. Sleek, silent, and perfectly placed in deeper water, it radiated intent. 

At the bow rail, a man in a white Panama hat with a dark band stood with military stillness, his weathered hands gripping the binoculars trained on the harbor. A gold watch caught the light as he lifted his wrist to check the time. 

A striking young woman approached in a sheer white cover-up over her swimsuit, her smile as rehearsed as the silver tray she carried. She might have been a model from one of the glossy magazines scattered in the salon, another prop in the theater of wealth the man commanded. 

Ice clinking, he took the drink without a glance, eyes locked on the port, as if even beauty and luxury were beneath his notice. 

“Sir,” a subordinate murmured, appearing at his shoulder, “the Americans arrived last evening. Right on schedule.” 

The binoculars never wavered.

“Our marine park contact confirmed they requested to dive La Sombra.” The man paused, then continued in his Caribbean accent, “We’ve been tracking them since they arrived. Sullivan—the professor, the tall one. His Smithsonian curator fiancée. And his fellow former SEAL friend. Our hacker says he’s been digging into the Del Rio.” 

Through the lenses, he watched three figures board the Maria Elena—a tall, blond man helping the athletic woman with her gear, the muscular Black man arranging air tanks with quiet efficiency. 

“Possibly lethal. High profile,” he noted. “We should keep this out of the media if we can. Let them dive.” He lowered the binoculars, his eyes tracking the dive boat pulling from the pier. “But if they become a problem...history will bury them too.” 

David R. Leng, known for his expertise in risk management and insurance, now ventures into the world of fiction with his latest historical thriller, Echoes of Fortune. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, David is the author of International #1 Best Sellers including "Insured to Fail" and "The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction," and has saved clients over $42 million in premiums and overcharges. 

As Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group, David is celebrated for his innovative Risk Profile Improvement Process and has earned numerous accolades, including Advisor of the Year by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. 

An avid contributor to industry publications, David’s passion extends beyond his professional achievements to include boating, skiing, woodworking, and supporting his local high school’s musical productions. His foray into historical thrillers reflects his deep storytelling skills and a lifelong commitment to engaging and captivating audiences.

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Your love of books does not have to break your budget--even if you love all of the books! Whether you love eBooks, audiobooks, or physical editions, countless websites and apps offer free books, deep discounts, and exclusive deals. In this guide, we’ll explore the best resources for affordable reading — so you can fill your shelves (and your e-reader) without emptying your wallet. 

Why Book Deals Matter

Book spending can really add up--especially if you read several books a month. Between new releases, special editions, and audiobooks, the costs add up fast. The good news? You can still support authors, discover new favorites, and explore every genre imaginable — at a fraction of the price — just by knowing where to look.

Below is my go-to list of trusted sites and services that every reader should bookmark.

1. BookBub: Your Personalized Book Deal Finder

BookBub is one of the most popular and reliable sources for daily book deals. Once you create a free account, you’ll receive customized email updates featuring eBook discounts based on your favorite genres and authors. Many titles are free or under $3.

Why It’s Great:

• Personalized recommendations based on your reading habits.
• Frequent deals from major publishers and top indie authors.
• Seamless links to buy directly from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Apple Books. 

2. Libby & Hoopla: Free Books Courtesy of Your Library

Your local library is one of the best and most underrated tools for frugal readers. Apps like Libby (by OverDrive) and Hoopla let you borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and even graphic novels from the comfort of your phone — completely free.

Why It’s Great:

• 100% free to use with your library card.
• Huge catalog covering bestsellers, classics, and new releases.
• Instant digital checkouts — no late fees!

If you haven’t downloaded Libby yet, it takes less than five minutes to connect with your local library and start reading.

3. ThriftBooks: Affordable Used Books with Rewards

If you prefer the feel (and smell!) of a physical book, ThriftBooks is an excellent site for low-cost used copies. Prices often start under $5, and you can earn points toward free books through their ReadingRewards program.

Why It’s Great:

• Massive inventory of gently-used books, including out-of-print editions.
• Free shipping on orders over $15.
• Rewards points for every purchase.

4. Audible & Libro.fm Free Trials for Audiobook Lovers

If you’re always on the go or love multitasking while “reading,” audiobooks are a game-changer. Both Audible (by Amazon) and Libro.fm offer special trial memberships that include drastically reduced monthly rates during the trial or audiobook credits.

Why It’s Great:

• Get a free audiobook during your trial (that you keep forever).
• Libro.fm supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
• Frequent members-only sales and curated recommendations.

After the trial, you can often switch to their lower-cost plans or take advantage of seasonal sale bundles.

Here is the current Audible Trial plan! 

5. Project Gutenberg & Open Library: Free Classics Forever

Love the classics? Project Gutenberg and Open Library are two of the oldest and most ethical sources for legally free books. These digital libraries feature thousands of public domain titles — from Pride and Prejudice to Dracula.

Why It’s Great:

• Completely free and safe to use.
• Download in multiple formats (ePub, Kindle, plain text).
• Great for students, researchers, and vintage literature fans. 

You can even integrate the catalogs with e-reader apps to access offline.

6. Book Outlet: Deep Discounts on New Books

Book Outlet is a goldmine for bargain hunters who still want new copies. It sells publisher overstock and returns at 50–90% off retail prices, often including recent bestsellers.

Why It’s Great:

• Brand-new books for a fraction of the price.
• Great for bulk buyers and gift shopping.
• Frequent clearance events and seasonal sales.

If you have a book blog, Book Outlet also offers affiliate opportunities to help you earn commissions from shared links.

How Can you Maximize Your Book Savings

• Stack Deals: Combine publisher sales with sitewide discounts or coupon codes.
• Join Loyalty Programs: Places like ThriftBooks and Book Outlet reward repeat customers.
• Set Alerts: Use Google Alerts or BookBub’s wish list to be notified when your favorite titles go on sale. 
• Use Browser Extensions: Tools like Honey or Rakuten can apply coupons or give you cashback for purchasing your books online.    www.rakuten.com/r/MAMASW22?eeid=28187

Final Thoughts

Finding affordable or free books doesn’t mean sacrificing quality — it simply means being a smart reader. With tools like BookBub, ThriftBooks, Libby, and more, your next great read is always within reach.

Whether you’re building a personal library or exploring new genres, these resources make reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Remember to share or bookmark this guide — and check back often, as new book deal sites pop up all the time!