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.
None of the characters are fleshed out fully, I think the author chose to give Sewanee a million different side plots to cover up for the fact that she didn't have a real personality. Who is she? Who are any of these characters?
(Also, I just could not get over the fact that a main character was named BlahBlah, often shortened to just 'Blah.' I get it was probably supposed to be cute and endearing, but it just made me physically recoil every time I saw it.)
This author is one of my favorite audiobook narrators! I am so happy for their success as a writer. I look forward to reading more!
Random side-note. A weird pet peeve that I have with books taking place in modern times is a lot of talk about social media or technology. I don’t know why, but for some reason it always pulls me out of the zone when characters start talking about Instagram or TikTok. I think this was the first book where it didn’t bother me at all and thought it was executed very well.
Would totally recommend to pretty much anyone.
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