I loved this book! Julia Whelan is one of my favorites narrators, and I really enjoyed this story about that world. I will defintely read more from her.

Julia Whelan is one of my favorite audio book narrators, so when I saw this book I was really looking forward to reading it.. I enjoyed the text conversations and the overall premises but it was a little slow in parts. I felt myself skimming just to get to the next chapter. I may have enjoyed it more if I also listened to the audio version.

I thought this was a great story and a fun concept of having an audiobook narrator be the main character. It made me want to know how much did the author take from her actual experiences of being an audiobook narrator.

Julia Whelan is one of my favorite audiobook narrators and I think she did a fantastic job on this book! Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan is a delightful novel about love, self-discovery, and second chances. The story follows Sewanee, an audiobook narrator who’s lost faith in romance, as she’s pulled back into narrating a romance novel alongside a mysterious co-narrator. Through their connection, she begins to reexamine her own beliefs about love and life. Julia Whelan’s background as an audiobook narrator shines through, giving readers an authentic look into the world of audiobooks. The characters are relatable and witty, and the dialogue is both sharp and heartfelt.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I am currently experiencing a rather peculiar conundrum. You see, I don’t think I am able to dislike a book narrated by Julia Whelan. So what do I do if it’s written by her also? I think you get my problem.

Um so anyway, this book blew it out of the park and I am not okay.

But I had an inkling that I would love this and as we all know, my instincts are always right. So is Emily Henry. So you basically can’t go wrong with this one and indeed I will tell you why. Gosh, I can be so dramatic I know, but I promise she’s worth it. Also, as they say, drama is often mistaken for passion. Nobody says that but I’m trying hard over here folks. Enough jabbering, let’s get into it.

It goes without saying that Julia Whelan can narrate an audiobook. Some may argue very well? Hehe I know I’m such a good jokester. Anyways, back to the point, I adore her narration and literally end up loving everything she narrates, and little did I know I needed to listen to a book by her ABOUT AUDIOBOOK NARRATORS. It’s giving genius if you ask me. You really wouldn’t guess that she narrates for Emily Henry, would you? Sense the sarcasm. I keep digressing sorry. Anyway, this book is so meta and I love it, moving on.

A moment of appreciation for the writing style. Which contains my perfect blend of witty banter, emotional drive and a smidge of romance. I shall give her… A++++ *wink wink* I’m dead serious, Julia Whelan’s writing has everything that I love and I’m so excited to read her debut My Oxford Year asap

Let’s talk characters because I loved them all and I need to yell. We couldn’t have asked for a main character better than Sewanee. She is definitely not perfect, but I adored her character developed as the book went on. She learnt from each of her mistakes and it felt so mature and lowkey refreshing compared to author books I’ve read recently. I also absolutely loved the disability representation in this book and the way this character deals with this emotionally.

We haven’t even gotten started on all the side characters who were all just as marvellous. Maybe not Sewanee’s dad, but the rest of her family are actually the best. I adored her grandmother and her mom and step-dad. Adaku was the bestest best-friend and I love that for her. Brock put too many a smile on my face for a fictional man. I LOVE THEM ALL LEAVE ME ALONE PLEASE!!!!!

I mentioned the wit right? Well, I actually think I did not emphasise how FREAKING HILARIOUS THIS BOOK IS I WAS DYING. It is so funny and I probably shed a few tears. I’m not even talking about the premise, because its also the dialogue and prose itself. And I love a good laugh, especially something to make milk come out of my nose. Been a while since I pulled out that analogy but no better time than the present to point out how funny it is. Just go read the freaking book okay!!!

Now is a great time to yell about the premise, because yes it is as brilliant as it sounds. Let me introduce you to this book about books, female friendships, commentary on the Hollywood industry with a one-night stand, workplace romance and anonymous texting. Sprinkle in some You’ve Got Mail vibes there and we got ourselves a winner. I absolutely loved every minute of this book and I can guarantee you will too.

You surely should be convinced by this point and if not, then idk what else to say. Just go read it so I can have someone to talk about this gem with. And weep with maybe. It’s just so good and I have no more words *insert heart eyes*

I love Julia Whelan's writing and this showcases why. I love the style and the story. Sewanee and Brock's story was emotional and engaging. I definitely recommend it!

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan is a perfect combination of a sweet romantic story and a deeper analysis of underlying feelings about oneself and their relationships. I love that there were many relationships covered in this book and not just the romantic one between the two main characters but it also explored the relationships between friends, parents and children, and extended family. These additional connections made the story as a whole feel far more real and added to the romance story in a way that made it seem more plausible than a simple happily ever after. I enjoyed it a ton.

Sewanee Chester, former actress, is now an audiobook narrator, due to an unfortunate accident which caused her facial disfigurement. Along with her best friend, she is in Las Vegas, but when her friend, 'A' is called away, Sewanee meets a man at a bar and has an amazing night with him.
Her grandmother is dying, and Sewanee does everything she can to help her. But, her dad is fighting her choices. This and her career leaves her unsettled.
Luckily, she has a chance to record a new series for a romance author who recently died. Yet, she has sworn off of doing romance books. But, the money is too good, and it will allow her to care for her grandmother. She must record the book with Brock, a hot sexy voice talent.
When Brock and Sewanee finally meet, there is renewed conflict.
A good romance with an interesting twist on the characters.

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan. Pub Date: August 2, 2022. Rating: 1 star. When I saw Julia Whelan had a novel coming out, I was really intrigued because she is so well known in the audiobook industry. It is only fitting she made the main character a failed actress turned audiobook narrator. I thought I would get more background of what being an audiobook narrator entails, but instead the reader got a jumbled mess of chaos with scenes being brought up and then dropped and then brought up again later in the book. I really did not understand the point of this novel if I am being honest. None of the characters interested me and I felt their personalities were a drag as well as too many side stories were included in this book. This one was a total miss for me. Thanks to #netgalley and #avon for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review. #thankyouforlistening

I have loved Julia Whelan as an audiobook reader for years. I was so excited to read a semi autobiographical novel by her. I was not disappointed! I really liked the characters, the storyline was fun, and it mixed all the tropes of romance in such a clever way.

This book is really fantastic. I read it and listened to it and it's not a stretch to say that the audiobook is superb. Julia Whelan wrote it to be read aloud but even when you are reading it in paperback or ebook, you can hear the voices in your head. The story was complex and sprawling, but in the perfect way. Lots of twists and turns and some were expected but it was still a pleasure to get there with Julia's characters. Highly recommend.

A complex love story - one with layers. I did this as an audio and since this is about audiobook narrators, I highly recommend it! I liked the characters, the addition of them employed in the field of books. I loved the way the story was told, to start, and how the relationship developed.

But it was a bit long and a few spots slowed the pacing down.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I always appreciate the voice in which Julia writes with. She truly never misses and that goes for this one as well. A must read!

I really liked this book. I liked that the main character voices audiobooks, I thought that was different and fun. This book is a good fast read. A must read!

I love all Julia Whelan audiobooks so when I saw Whelan, herself, wrote a book, I was stoked. It took me a little while to feel invested in the characters, but I love the strategy of how Julia's characters come together and how she develops each so you care deeply for them. I highly recommend Thank You for Listening. Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

"Thank You for Listening" by Julia Whelan is a deeply moving novel that delves into the complexities of grief, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. The author captures the raw emotions of loss and longing with sensitivity and depth, and her powerful message of hope and healing resonates deeply, reminding us of the importance of reaching out to others and offering kindness in times of need.

The story follows protagonist Casey, a radio host grappling with her own personal struggles while trying to help others navigate their pain through her late-night call-in show. Through Casey's interactions with her listeners and her own journey of self-discovery, the novel explores resilience and the healing power of empathy. At its heart, "Thank You for Listening" is a testament to the profound impact of compassion and understanding in our lives.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for giving me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the audiobook. The narrators were amazing. The characters were well developed. The story had me interest. I can't wait for another book by this author!

So listen...this book was extremely well-written. The character flaws, the back story, the personal growth. Which is why I gave it 4 stars. Because the work is there, and I see it and appreciate it.

I think it just wasn't a "me" book. In romance novels, if the main characters aren't with each other for more than half of the book, I struggle. There was an epistolary portion of the book where there is great banter, but I couldn't connect to the romance that well....and for so much of the story.

This book will 100 percent gut punch in the emotions, that's for sure. So be prepared. But as far as being a "romance," I think this is truly more of a personal development journey with romance as a side dish.

Review.

Thank You for Listening by Julia Whalen

I have been slowly transitioning some of my reading to audio and this was the first fiction book that I listened to via audio. Well, I alternated between print and audio. I have had a great experience with non-fiction audio books but hadn’t found a fiction audio narrator that I liked…until now 🙂 I realllllly enjoyed Julia’s narration of her book. I was able to follow along and differentiate characters easily.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I think it’s a really cool concept, especially to listen to an audiobook about an audiobook narrater. I liked the characters, I thought their meet cute was fun and felt so authentic. This one does handle some more heavy themes of like dementia, strained family relationships and care of an elderly relative. I love how supportive the MMC was.

I actually would fully recommend alternating between reading and listening to this book. I think the audio really adds a lot but there is scattered mixed media throughout the book that I enjoyed reading in print.

I adored this book! Julia Whelen has long been one of my favorite audiobook narrators, and not only was this well-narrated by her, but it had a fabulous story as well. Strongly recommended.