From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelanâs uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narratorâwho has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accidentâand her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.
For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her. Sheâs found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger.
On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the worldâs most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last bookâwith Brock McNight, the industryâs hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesnât buy what romance novels are sellingânot after her own dreams were tragically cut shortâand she stopped narrating them years ago. But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her.
As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity. Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more.
If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers.
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan is about an audiobook narrator, written by a fantastic audiobook narrator. This lovely story includes one of my favorite romance tropes, the epistolary trope.
Sewanee Chester is a very popular audiobook narrator who lives in Los Angeles and she used to be an actress. She enjoys that her job allows her to take care of her Grandmother, charmingly nick-named Blah. When she goes to Las Vegas for an audiobook convention, she meets a charming man named Nick in the bar. Nick is Irish and they both only have one night left in the city. They have a wonderful night together and split up in the morning, knowing they will probably never see each other again.
When Sewanee arrives back home, sheâs invited to narrate a book written by her favorite author who has recently passed away. She doesnât narrate romance but decides to make an exception as itâs for her favorite author, and she needs the money to help care for her grandmother. Her co-narrator is the infamous Brock McNight, with the hot voice that keeps listeners swooning. Brock McNight is obviously a pseudonym and he is very secretive. As Sewanee and Brock work together on the book narration, they correspond mostly through emails and texts. But, eventually, they must meet, right?
Thank You For Listening had everything I love in a book. The characters were original and charismatic, the settings were well described, and the plot believable and fast-moving. It made me laugh, made me cry, and made me think, and thatâs what I loved about the book. I also enjoyed the inside peek at what an audiobook author goes through and how they do their job, and that was super fun.
Thank You for Listening I also enjoyed the side characters. They were enough to move the story forward without getting in the way of the main characters.
The narration was wonderful with the author, Julia Whelan narrating her own book. She had all the right inflections and did all the voices and accents beautifully.
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a novelist, screenwriter, actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator of over 500 titles. Her
performance of her own debut novel, the internationally bestselling My Oxford Year, garnered a Society of Voice Arts
award. She is also a Grammy-nominated audiobook director, a former writing tutor, a half-decent amateur baker, and a
I absolutely loved this one as well. My review is scheduled for next week, I think…lol She writes characters you find yourself caught up in. Lovely review!
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve had to do some voice recording and editing. (I wasn’t the voice artist. I just meant I was in charge of the script, recording the voice artist, and editing the audio so it sounded good.) It was an interesting experience.
Great review, Wendy! Since you enjoyed the narrator so much I’m gonna put it on my audiobook list. I’m always on the look for great narrators. I can be kind of picky when it comes to the right narrator but I’m sure Julia is great!
She has a note at the end that pretty much says it’s not biographical, except for some of the technical details of audiobook narration. But, it’s fun to think it is.
I think it would be fun to learn about the process of creating an audio book. They are so popular right now.
I absolutely loved this one as well. My review is scheduled for next week, I think…lol She writes characters you find yourself caught up in. Lovely review!
She sure does! I’m looking forward to your review!
I love it when a book actually makes you laugh or cry, just shows how good it is, great review đ
Thank you, Jenny! I like emotional books too
Wonderful review, Wendy. I also enjoyed this book and now want to read her first one, which I missed.
Me too! My Oxford Year, I have it on my TBR, and of course I want to listen to it!
Excellent review, Wendy! This sounds so fun! I finished another Jen Turano audiobook today đ
Oh, I love to alternate between audiobooks and ebooks.
It’s always great to find books about books. đ
Yes it is! Thank you!
So thrilled you loved this one, too! I’ve been a fan of her narrations for a while but had no idea she was such a talented writer, too.
I know! She’s such a talent!
This was such a good story. I loved how it was formatted. Very cool! Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve had to do some voice recording and editing. (I wasn’t the voice artist. I just meant I was in charge of the script, recording the voice artist, and editing the audio so it sounded good.) It was an interesting experience.
Oh wow! I bet it was interesting.
Great review, Wendy! Since you enjoyed the narrator so much I’m gonna put it on my audiobook list. I’m always on the look for great narrators. I can be kind of picky when it comes to the right narrator but I’m sure Julia is great!
She’s done a LOT of books, I’m sure you’ll enjoy her narrations.
I love epistolary tropes, too! Can’t wait to read this one. đ
It was better than I expected! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
I loved this one too. It had all the feels with great character growth.
It sure did, Anne!
Sounds like a lovely story! Thanks for the review! Happy Labor Day!
I hope you enjoyed your Labor day, Jolene!
Great review Wendy! I loved this book too! Not only is Julia Whelan my favourite narrator, but sheâs become a favourite author of mine too.
Yes, her writing is so good, and her narration. What a talent!
Fun idea and I do like the book cover.
It was a cute book.
Interesting…I wonder if it’s slightly biographical…
She has a note at the end that pretty much says it’s not biographical, except for some of the technical details of audiobook narration. But, it’s fun to think it is.
Glad you enjoyed this one! I’m listening to it now and struggling to stay invested, but I’m going to see it through. Great review!
I hope you end up enjoying it, Amanda
Excellent review Wendy! This sounds really good. Have a Happy Labor Day!đ€đđ
Thank you, Susan!