Thank You For Listening: A Novel

Written by Julia Whelan

Narrated by Julia Whelan

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063095588

Julia Whelan

Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. While she was in England, her flirtation with tea blossomed into a full-blown love affair, culminating in her eventual certification as a tea master. 

Reviews for Thank You For Listening

[Skyler Stuckwish · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As an avid audiobook user - I’m obsessed. Julia Whelan’s narration is obviously perfection. Her character are very real. Swan and Blah’s relationship is so sweet. I love all the relationships and side characters. Ugh. I just love it.

[Blythe Kasai · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well written! Surprisingly funny! Don't pass this one up!

[SerendipityReads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listen. Even when I love books, I rarely hand out five stars.
They have to be pretty much perfect for me to go that far, because, I mean, there's nothing above that, you know?

And having said that:

The book: FIVE STARS

The narration: FIVE STARS

It doesn't get much better than this in the romance genre.

Is this a culture shifting novel? Well, no.

But is it more than just another romcom? YES.

FIVE. STARS.

And a standing ovation accompanied by a slow clap.

[Victoria Lob · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s so nice to know the familiar voice behind so many good novels, found her own voice in a good story!! It’s really good!! Listen, it’s as satisfying as a good meal, or long sleep and I will be looking for Julia Whelan’s next one.

[Grace Caminade-Lopez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Loved everyone in here! Great storytelling and wonderful cast of characters.

[theslabberts · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! The narration is absolute perfection, audio book is a must!

[Parisa Eithne Roohipour · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining with some fun, if albeit, guess able twists. The Irish accent was fun tho a little tough to listen to as a native Irish woman. Some of the Irish slang was woeful but, again, fun. The premise is great and BlahBlah is my favourite character by far!

[Camille Walker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite romance, comedies ever! The author/narrator did an absolutely excellent job… It had it all – story/plot, chemistry between the characters, dialogue/accents narration were absolutely FUN to listen to! I loved this book and highly recommend!

[Tine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great book and a slice of life. This is what I needed.

[Karen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book much more than I expected. I’m not a romance listener or reader, this book was really well written & narrated by the talented author. Clearly a woman of many talents… the book twists and turns, with a twist I didn’t see coming!!! Bravo!!! If you are looking for an engrossing story which is entertaining, sheds a little light on the audio book world, with a good dose of sexy fun & games, this may be a book to consider.

[Irish Dorothy C. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

No words, this is beautifully written, I'm crying. Awesome! 10/10

[Christina Tondevold · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best book I’ve read all year (Oct 2023). Loved the story and especially the narration. Definitely a book you need to listen to and not just read (although I did order the physical book after listening)

[Theo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a meta listen! An audiobook about audiobook narrators, which was written and performed by an audiobook narrator. As Julia Whelan clarifies in an author's note, this is not autobiographical, but her knowledge of the audiobook industry infused the novel with more reality than you might find in a standard romance. In addition to a fully realized main character, Sewanee (a former actor turned romance narrator turned anything but romance narrator), there is an amazingly created supporting cast: a best friend who is living their Hollywood dreams, a grandmother who is facing dementia, and many more.

Julia Whelan is in top form reading her second novel and gives each character their own personality and voice. It's fun listening to her vocal dexterity as she pokes fun at it in the prose. If you love audiobooks, you'll love this one!

[Summer McDermott · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

All-time favorite romcom. EVER! No contest. Nick and Sewanee was perfection. The plot and characters are original, hilarious and addictive. The audio is one million stars. Julia is a master at narrating and writing. Please write 100 more books, Julia. ??

[Tonia Hill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wowwww! What a refreshing novel!! I loved every bit of it. Please tell me there’s a part 2 coming soon. Hands down, this is the best book I’ve read this year and I’ve read 78 books so far and it’s October 1st. Great job, Julia!

[Emily Thomas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such an amazing book. The character development, the plotlines, the meta, and the depth of each piece. I almost never read a book twice, and yet I have a strong feeling that this book will be one I return to.

[Elizabeth Pearson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you love audiobooks and/or romance novels, this is a must-listen. I'll say though, this would probably fall under "women's fiction" (groan) more than romance.

Absolutely adored it start to finish. Julia is queen.

[Haryati Hisham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly loved this! While some might think it’s a bit predictable, like most good love stories, the reward is in the storytelling, not the ending. Made me smile and grinned and laughed throughout my daily commute to work. And the ending made me sigh contentedly.

[Kathy Silva Miles · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The unexpected turn of events and the growth of the main character and best friend makes this book such an excellent read. The love story is fabulous because it was not based on looks, but on words and chemistry. It was a true meeting of the minds. Because, as you know, the brain is the sexiest organ in the body.

[Samantha McDonald · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was good but all the guys but two having Boston accents drove me nuts. They were in LA, why did all of them have Eastern accents? It was painful to get through the Italy chapters hearing Stew's voice.

[Maya Charuz · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Technical issues glitches in the audiobook!!! I enjoyed the book !

[lizzy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it . I love the characters. I love the plot. I love everything.

[Laurie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Could Julia Whelan get any better? She’s such a hyper-talented narrator AND author!

Although, this book didn’t reach out and grab me to quite the degree My Oxford Year did, but it was definitely a wonderful story. At times, it had me laughing out loud; at others, yes, I got a little misty-eyed. Super!

[Seloff · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book so much!❤️ I laughed out loud so many times and the main characters insecurities felt so relatable

[Gabriela · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For those of us who love audio books and romance novels this is a great listen. I love a book that makes me laugh out loud as well as tear up. Enjoyed the journey the characters went on so much. Would highly recommend.

[Jessica Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Audio to my ears! Loved this book so much. Particularly the ins and outs of the audio narration world and how it all comes together. The characters and voices were wonderful and the story line kept me coming back for more. Amazing!

[Sandra Arechaederra · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this narrator and unsurprisingly, I love this book.

[america0505 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a delightful story. I laughed, I got emotional at times, but most of all I just let myself really get immersed in the story and the wonderful narration. 4.5* very happy stars.

[TEDRA · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This definitely is one of the most fulfilling, funniest, engaging romantic novels I've come across in a very long time. I so look forward to experiencing more amazing adventures from this author.

[Manuel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Funny and grappling, the adventures of Swanee through her job as an extraordinary book narrator will have you laughing, “awwww”ing, rooting for her, yelling in surprise and even swelling up with tears.
It is such a delightful book that is in itself a look inside the world of audiobooks and even if it’s splashed in irony, it doesn’t end being entertaining.