Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan Narrator: Julia Whelan
Published by HarperAudio on August 2, 2022
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 11 hours, 16 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
I enjoyed this author’s first book and have consistently enjoyed her narrations. Since Thank You For Listening was in the world of audiobook narration I couldn’t pass it up.
Of course, it was so much more than a story about audiobook narrators. It’s more than a contemporary romance. It’s solid Life Fiction, with characters developed, growing and learning to live their best lives. Along the way are obstacles, various friends and lovers, family, careers and their hopes and dreams.
I loved Sewanee with her solid compassion for others and ability to make the best of her life after an accident which changed her career path. She loves her family and cares for them, whatever their problems. Her efforts to support her grandma, who is starting to have dementia were heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Sewanee is our point of view and I love her heart. She meets a guy when she goes to a book convention at the last minute. She uses a fake name and they don’t really give each other last names or any information.  She really connects with Nick in a way she has never done with anyone before. Sewanee stopped narrating romance awhile back because she doesn’t feel it is real or possible for her.
Then when a famous romance author, who gave Sewanee her start in narrating dies, she is asked to narrate her last project with THE male narrator, Brock McKnight. Brock is well loved by the fans but nobody knows who he is.  Sewanee decides to do the project, a series of episodes, both to honor the author and to earn enough to pay for any expensive care her grandma needs.  Her email and text conversations with Brock for the recording change her life.
I loved the heart and soul of this story with its incredible humor.  The characters are flawed, as people are, but easy to love. I highly recommend this fun and heartfelt story.
Narration:
I always enjoy when the author is the narrator. Julia Whelan is exemplary. The voices are distinct and amazing. I enjoyed her performance so much! I listened at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, life-long actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and Creative Writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. While in England, her flirtation with tea blossomed into a full-blown love affair, culminating in her eventual certification as a tea master. When not writing her own books, you can find her reading other people’s out loud into a microphone.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
I knew this would get a lot of love! Can’t wait to get to this one.
It is such a pleasure.
I’ve heard good things about this one. It sounds like one I would like. Onto the TBR list it goes! 😀
I really loved this one. It has all the feels.
This is a five-star book for me too. Such a lovely story.
It really had all the feels with a compassionate, funny story.
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. Julia Whelan is a wonderful narrator and I have loved her two books. I thought that the characters in this one were very well done.
It was just such an emotional journey with lots of character growth.
As you know, I loved this story too! I was happily surprised to find out that this talented narrator was also gifted in writing! Wonderful review, Anne!
Thank yo Rachel. Her first book My Oxford Year was also excellent.
I have always enjoyed Whelan’s narrations but haven’t read anything she’s written. I love the sound of this one and will have to pick it up – in audio of course!
It’s a great story. I hope you love it.
I have also loved her narration and need to get my hands on this book. Maybe I’ll make it my next Audible credit purchase. Great review! Thanks for sharing!
It’s amazing. It will likely be on my top 10 favorites for this year.