Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan Published by HarperAudio on August 2, 2022
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Julia Whelan
Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
Genres: Contemporary, Women's Fiction, Romance
Audible
From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and 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. She’s 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 world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice. Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and 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.
As someone who listens to audiobooks regularly, I was in heaven listening to Thank You for Listening. I mean, does it get any better than an audiobook about an audio narrator who falls for her co-narrator sight unseen? The only thing that could top that was if the book was written and narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Julia Whelan. Mission accomplished!
The banter between Sewanee Chester and Brock McNight is sublime, but I also enjoyed Sewanee’s humorous and emotional relationship with her eccentric grandmother. The story is more contemporary fiction than romance. Even though there are romantic aspects, the emphasis is on Sewanee embracing her life following tragedy and in the face of challenges.
Who better than Julia Whelan to give a behind the scenes peek into the nuts and bolts of the audiobook industry? The creation of romance audiobooks was particularly fascinating to me. Of course Whelan nails the narration. Thank You for Listening is well worth the listen.
Recommended for fans of:
Romance audiobooks
Pseudonyms
Quirky grandmothers
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong 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 certified tea sommelier.
I keep seeing this and it sounds lovely and perfect for audiobook lovers.
Great review! I loved this one too!
Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed this one. It’s on my radar.
I adored that boo, too! So much!