Thank You for Listening
A Novel
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In the uplifting latest from Whelan (My Oxford Year), a former actress's stint as an audiobook narrator, as well as a one-night stand, turn out to have big implications for her future. After Sewanee Chester is disfigured in an accident, she's unable to continue acting and turns to narrating romance audiobooks. Despite her award-winning success in the field, she gives up the gigs after believing that she'll never have a romance of her own. During a trip to Las Vegas with her bestie Adaku Obi—who has found the acting success Sewanee believes she has lost forever—Sewanee meets a dashing Irishman named Nick, spends the night with him, and assumes she'll never see him again. After Sewanee returns home, she agrees to record one last book for the author who gave her first big break. During the project, she develops a snappy text message–based repartee with her conarrator, the pseudonymous Brock McNight, who reminds her of Nick, whom she hasn't stopped thinking about. Still, she fears Brock will be repulsed by her appearance if they meet in real life. Though the twist is no big surprise, Whelan has a fine touch with the characters. This is one to revel in.
