Book Review:
Thank You For Listening
Thank You For Listening
BY JULIA WHELAN
Women’s Fiction | Contemporary Romance
Published by Avon
August 2, 2022
432 pages
SYNOPSIS
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.
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.
You’re absolutely right. You’d regret trying and failing. But I’ll do you one better. If you don’t try, give it all you’ve got, you’ll regret the hell out of never knowing if you would have succeeded.
REVIEW
Thank You For Listening is equal parts fun and heartfelt and gives an interesting view into the world of audiobook production.
Julia Whelan is a Queen! She is, in my opinion, one of the absolute best audiobook narrators (my personal favorite), and I have really enjoyed her work as an author. Her evocative writing and character interactions (banter, chemistry, and conflict) have won me over with both her debut and this novel.
The premise of this book is so intriguing! In Thank You For Listening, which is written by a women who has made a career as an audiobook narrator, we have the story of two audiobook narrators and their relationship that evolves while they work together on the same project. I absolutely loved the “behind-the-scenes” view of the production of an audiobook. I also really liked the epistolary elements. I just found this to be a very fascinating read!
While I did love the storyline, wit, and emotion, I didn’t always connect with the characters, so I felt some parts dragged a bit.
Overall, I think fans of Women’s Fic that toes the line of Romance and fans of audiobooks, in general, will enjoy Thank You For Listening.
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book. This did not affect my opinion or the content of my review.
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