Goodreads Choice Awards – Nominee for Best Romance (2022)
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan is a story about new beginnings. It’s Sewanee Chester’s story and journey after a tragic accident. The accident that left her forever wearing an eye patch, and crushed her dreams of becoming an actress.
This is a multilayered story:
- Years after her tragic accident, Sewanee is still struggling to adjust and accept that her dreams of becoming an actress are over. She’s now an audiobook narrator.
- Sewanee’s grandmother is quickly deteriorating and needs better (and more expensive) assisted living care.
- Sewanee has moved on from narrating romance novels. However, when she receives an offer to narrate a romance novel she can’t refuse, she accepts it.
- Sewanee knows the offer to narrate the romance novel is the only way she could afford the more expensive assisted living care for her grandmother. What she doesn’t know, though, is that she’ll be narrating the book with Brock McNight … the most sought-after male voice of romance novels.
The story started out strong, but waned and became too preachy. Fortunately, the banter between Sewanee and Brock was entertaining throughout; especially via emails and texts. I also enjoyed the various well-developed characters, which added depth and balance to the storyline. Overall, the story was darker than I’d expected, yet still managed to be heartwarming and uplifting.
This book is part of My Winter 2023 Reading List. I’ve been a fan of Julia Whelan’s audiobook narrations for a long time, so I definitely wanted to listen to the audiobook. What’s better than listening to Julia Whelan narrate a book? Listening to Julia Whelan narrate a book she authored herself 🙂.
As an aside, I really enjoyed the glimpses into the worlds of acting and audiobook narrations. Julia Whelan has the background and experience to share behind-the-scenes information about them. I enjoyed learning about both.
Have you listened to this audiobook yet?
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
This one’s on my TBR and I’m definitely planning to listen to it on audio. I’m sorry to hear the story became a little preachy, but glad you still enjoyed the story overall!
Lucy
Audiobook is definitely the way to go with this one. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
Sorry you didn’t love this one. I haven’t read it, so I can’t really commiserate but I can understand why from your review.
Lucy
Thanks! It won’t be a favorite book, but i enjoyed the storyline overall.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Yes, I enjoyed this one too and like you said it was interesting getting a look into the world of audiobook narrating.
Lucy
Glad you enjoyed this story too! I did love the insight into the world of audiobook narrations.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I agree that the audiobook is the way to go with this one just to experience Whelan narrating her own story. I still need to read My Oxford Year but I keep hearing that book is even better than this one.
Lucy
I didn’t care much for My Oxfords Year, but I think you should listen to that one too. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it 🙂.
Jodie
I have read this one and loved it! The audiobook is the way to go given that she narrates this book too. Wonderful review Lucy!
Lucy
Thank you 😊. Glad you loved this story too!
Wendy
Yes, I’ve listened to the book and I also enjoy Julia Whelan as a narrator as well as an author.
Lucy
She’s a great narrator, because she brings characters to life so well.
Cindy Davis
Looks like a fun read!
Lucy
It actually wasn’t as fun as I’d expected. It’s a good story overall though.
Sam@WLABB
Seeing your summary, it’s amazing how well Whelan combined all these elements in the book. I never felt overwhelmed at any point. Have you read My Oxford Year? It was wonderful too.
Lucy
It was a lot, and I agree they were meshed well. I didn’t care much for My Oxford Year, but glad I gave this new book a try.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
I’ve always enjoyed Whelan’s narration. She’s really at the top of her game there. Glad to see she holds her own as an author as well!
Lucy
I agree. If a book is narrated by her, I always opt for the audiobook.