Thank You for Listening: A Novel
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.
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Community Reviews
Thanks for Listening is a perfect romance and MUST be read on audiobook.
This woman is Pure Talent is so, so many ways.
I had a library hold for this since August and it was so worth the wait!
I've only been listening to audiobooks for the past few years but Julia quickly became my favorite narrator. When I learned that she was releasing a fiction about an audiobook narrator I was immediately sold.
In Thank You for Listening Julia proves that her talents go beyond acting and narration; she's definitely got the chops for writing an entertaining story.
I thought the main characters were likable and well developed, the side characters were interesting and added to the depth of the storyline, and I grew to appreciate Julia's narrating prowess even more with the multiple characters voiced in this one audio.
This is primarily women's fiction but I love that woven within some of the more serious subject matter (disfigurement, dementia, self-discovery) is a delightful romance with a generous dose of comic relief.
If you're on the fence about print or audio for this one, audio is a must in my opinion.
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