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Thank You for Listening
Thank You for Listening | 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.
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annahenke
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A romance novel by my favorite audiobook narrator? Sign me up. Thank you, Libby!

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monalyisha
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Looking for an audiobook to listen to on my drive up to Vermont!

Something light, floofy, and possibly romantic, with a good dash of humor would be nice. Can be realistic or fantasy. Of course, I have a ton of memoirs queued up but that‘s not what I‘m in the mood for. Excellent narrator a must!

TIA. 🙏🏻

wanderinglynn I can‘t speak to the narrator because I read the book but this one was light-hearted fun with a dash of adventure 3mo
LiteraryinPA If you haven‘t already read it, either this or its sequel 3mo
JamieArc I can‘t remember if you‘ve read this, but this one fits the bill, and Elle Fanning surprised me with how well she did the narration 3mo
See All 14 Comments
JamieArc Okay, so it might not sound the lightest and floofiest, but it‘s not heavy and there‘s a lot of humor and heart. 3mo
lil1inblue I did this on audio during a long drive. It was delightful. 3mo
Ruthiella The first Amelia Peabody mystery 3mo
BarbaraJean Definitely light, floofy, silly + romance! 3mo
BarbaraJean Or if you want to cue up some kid lit (this is the first in a series): 3mo
BarbaraJean More kid lit—light, funny, no romance, but it‘s narrated by David Tennant, so… 3mo
monalyisha @LiteraryinLawrence I really enjoyed Legends & Lattes! I read it in-print and will likely seek out Bookshops & Bonedust while I‘m on vacation this week. 😊☕️ 👹 (edited) 3mo
monalyisha @BarbaraJean The Incorrigible Children audiobooks are some of my faves! I recommend them to families all the time. 🙌🏻 Katherine Kellgren is (was 😪) an amazing narrator. 3mo
BarbaraJean I always feel like I've failed but also succeeded when I recommend something the other person has already read and loved 😁 3mo
monalyisha @BarbaraJean Ha! Definitely the latter. I don‘t even think they‘d be on my Litsy record. I read them such a long time ago! No way you could have known. 😉 3mo
48 likes14 comments
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jdiehr
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Pickpick

This was excellent!

I highly recommend listening to Whelan read her book.

The main character also happens to be an ex-actress who is now primarily doing audiobooks.

There is so much to this story - family drama that includes an aging grandmother, friendship, healing from a major accident, and romance. All of that and more.

Smart, witty, and moving.

I loved it!

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JamieArc
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Has anyone else checked this out? I‘m intrigued…

julesG Oooohhhh!!! I have to find out more. Thanks for sharing 5mo
JamieArc @julesG 😄😄 5mo
26 likes2 comments
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TamTracy
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Pickpick

I always love books about books. This one was unique and I felt connected to the characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sace This sounds really good! 7mo
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Skeeterisme
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Pickpick

I haven‘t liked a book this much in a long time. Outstanding.

CarolynM ❤️ 8mo
53 likes1 comment
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Victoriahoperose
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Pickpick

This was really cute and different. I enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I definitely thought it was a unique idea and a good one on audiobook for sure. Fun little romance story to listen to!

39 likes2 stack adds
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RebL
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Litsy definitely made me do it, & I have no regrets. Thanks friends! The story is engaging, & the narration is top notch — among the best I‘ve “read”. If this is your genre, do the audiobook.

13 likes1 stack add
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Beachesnbooks
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My tbr for the #reversereadathon that starts tonight and goes until 8pm EST tomorrow! (or, for me, until I go see the Barbie movie at 7!) My tbr seems to be all romance, and is also made up of a bunch of books I've started and would like to actually finish. @DeweysReadathon

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BarbaraJean
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Pickpick

I loved this. Funny & lighthearted but with surprising depth, as it explores lost dreams & coming to terms with a different future than you‘d imagined. It‘s a bit romance, a bit “women‘s fiction”—with its own fantastic metacommentary on those labels—but with a bit of a cynical edge that I appreciated. And for this book about an actor turned audiobook narrator, written & narrated by an actor turned audiobook narrator—of course, I read it on audio.

Tea_and_Starstuff Yes!!! Entirely agreed, I adored listening to this book. 1y
marleed On my top five of romances this year. I listened but loved it so much that I purchased the hardback! 1y
52 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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BarbaraJean
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“HEA is too much of a setup. It makes you believe we just need to get back what we lost, and life will be rainbows forevermore. But it doesn‘t address what happens if you try to get it back and fail, does it? There‘s also the possibility it‘s not a problem with romance, it‘s a problem with us.”

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sarahgreatlove
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Pickpick

Flip, what a BRILLIANT audiobook. From a hilarious beginning to a full cast of fabulous characters, I adored this book. I‘m not usually one to put romance in my top reads of the year but I think this might make it to my top 10. Do the audio if you can, a book about audiobooks written by an audiobook narrator just slaps in this form! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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LaraReads
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Pickpick

Finally got to finish this this morning. It was nice to sit around in my PJs in the quiet house, drink my coffee, and finish a book. Most of this I did ‘listen‘ to, and man does Julia Whalen do a phenomenal job at narration. But I got the book in a swap, so it was nice to alternate. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the world we all love so much: books/audiobooks. The romance was nice too. The ending a little cliche, but not enough to dislike.

38 likes1 comment
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MaggieCarr
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Pickpick

This is going to be one of my favorites this year. If you would have asked me 10 years ago about the mix of physical, e-books, e-audiobooks & ARCs that would make up my nightstand today- well, I would have laughed my head off at the suggestion. There is just something about a well done audio production that makes my lack of TV absorption understood. A well done narration has the ability to give me everything I need to build the settings and...

MaggieCarr ... characters in my head and I don't need my eyes to see what I can escape to in the midst of a soap filled sink or basket full of mix-matched socks. I am so thankful to artists like Julia Whelan for making this industry what it is, and I'm thrilled to be able to be a reader & listener of her work. I loved everything about this title - - - E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! 2y
CarolynM One of my favourites of last year and perfect for audio! 2y
35 likes2 comments
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Sydneypaige
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This is really fun! An audiobook narrator (IRL & in this story) gets back into romance for one last story with THE current male narrator for romance. It‘s fun to me to break the fourth wall with romance specifically because of the corniness and predictability of the genre so I loved the way they talked about the genre & tropes within the story. There‘s disability rep too!

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Cinfhen
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Pickpick

This was really great until the last 2 hours when the story became so cliche but still really impressive from Julie Whelan, who can both write and narrate perfect dialogue and one line zingers. The story of a female audiobook reader who has given up on all things romance until her very own HEA might be possible. Obviously go audio 😉

CarolynM Glad you enjoyed🙂 2y
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Cinfhen
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10am in Israel #YomHaShoa #HolocaustRemembranceDay An entire country comes to a halt as a 2 minute siren sounds to honor and remember the 9 million murdered due to one man‘s hate of “others” ( Jews, Gypsies, Queer )

JDL annual “Audit of Antisemitic Incidents,” documented 3,697 antisemitic incidents in 2022, up 36% from 2021, and the highest level in the US since the group started keeping records in 1979. #NeverAgain #StopTheHate #🟦 #WeRemember

Librarybelle 💙 2y
Graywacke 💙 2y
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Leftcoastzen 💙 2y
BarbaraBB 💙 2y
Bluebird 💙 2y
CarolynM 💙 2y
Megabooks 💙 2y
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readswellwithothers
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not my go-to genre but boy-oh-boy did I enjoy this! The banter alone gets the 4 stars, and the narration was - of course - excellent.

I did find the last 10% or so of the story to be a little rushed, although at around 11 hours on audio, it was getting to be time to wrap it up.

Depth of characters, solid female friendship, witty dialogue, not-too-saccharine love story. Well done and entertaining!

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hes7
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1️⃣8️⃣ The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy ➡️ 1️⃣9️⃣ Thank You for Listening

#ThingsInCommon: plots with anonymous interactions

#awesomeapril

Andrew65 Excellent 👏👏👏 2y
Clwojick Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻 2y
60 likes2 comments
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Karisa
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Such a fun listen! Narrated by the author and about audiobook narrators. Whelan‘s range of voices is amazing!

Allylu I have that one on my TBR. I forgot about it!! 2y
Karisa @Allylu It was a long wait for it on Libby for me. Worth the wait! 2y
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Lizpixie
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Thank you so much @CarolynM for my birthday present! I‘ve been wanting to read this for awhile now. The bookplates are absolutely gorgeous! I‘ll have to pick some of my special editions to match their beauty. And the chocolate looks delicious too. You are the most amazing & lovely person I‘ve had the privilege of meeting. Much love right back at you😘♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

CarolynM I‘m sorry it was late. Glad you‘re pleased😘 2y
Lizpixie @CarolynM better late than never lovely! And I‘m not sure how long it was here before I found it, bloody postie left it under the carport on a wall of bricks! Auspost employees seem to be getting worse, if that‘s possible. And I was more than pleased. I don‘t get many gifts so the ones I do get are more precious. 🥰 2y
Lizpixie @CarolynM I just found the matching bookmark in the front of the book. Thank you so much lovely, it‘s gorgeous!♥️ 2y
CarolynM 😘 2y
46 likes4 comments
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Evita
Pickpick

4 out of 5

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Blackink_WhitePaper
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Pickpick

This was my fav January read. Already one week passed in Feb I am still finishing my books from last month😬 This book is light hearted, feel good read I like all the characters. I like those details about audiobook production. Perfect book to listen to during this valentines month🥰 4⭐️

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Kaarin
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Hemingway

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monalyisha
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Pickpick

A very meta story (though, Julia Whelan, actress turned audiobook narrator turned author is eager to point out, not an autobiography) about a woman who is an actress turned audiobook narrator. There‘s a discussion between the two love interests about genre: romance vs. women‘s fiction (a rightfully reviled term) vs. fiction, which leaves you wondering which you‘re reading (& if you really must choose). Spoiler alert: all of the above (so, no).👇🏻

monalyisha 1/2: It‘s self-aware, and witty, and sexy. The characters are fully realized & continually in the process of becoming (as we all are). It passes The Bechdel Test. The quoted sections from June French‘s Vogue interview made me wish she were a real author (and I guess she is — since Whelan wrote them)! I loved this so much I listened not just on my commute but on my couch, with giant headphones plugged into an adaptor plugged into my phone. Amazing! (edited) 2y
monalyisha 2/2: @JamieArc It will come as no surprise that this is my last read of yours (this month, anyway)! It‘s tied for my favorite #AuldLangSpine pick (alongside Saltus). It‘s also among my favorite audiobooks of all time! Thank you so much for spreading the good word. It was an absolute *delight* to listen to. 🤩 (edited) 2y
marleed @monalyisha This was a 5* romance for me and I typically have one beef or another with that genre so seldom dole out all my stars. What I loved so much about the audio was that not until thinking about this after completion did I ever even consider that the author was narrating both leads. And I knew Julia was the narrator - but somehow snuggled in to two distinct voices in my headphones. …I must own a physical copy of this book! 2y
See All 7 Comments
CarolynM Great review. I liked this one a lot too. 2y
JamieArc 🎉🎉. I loved how meta it was. I usually do all my audiobooking while driving or doing something, but I too found myself just sitting and listening to it - I couldn‘t stop! She truly is a master of voices. I hope Whelen has a long list of books to come. 2y
monalyisha @JamieArc I couldn‘t stop either! I actually skipped reading my book club book this month because pausing my listening experience to pick up required reading was inconceivable. 😅 My friends all gave me shit but I gave them this rec, so I have a feeling they‘ll forgive me. 😉 2y
JamieArc @monalyisha Yes, they‘ll understand once they start listening 😆😆 2y
77 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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rsteve388
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Pickpick

This was a hysterical and very grounded in reality of romance and life. Excellent narration by the author. I loved this book. One of my favorite of 2023 so far. I am behind by 4 books this month and may be able to finish one more book before the end of the month.

marleed I loved this book, too. I had to listen an audio because, well Julia Whalen, but I plan to get a physical copy because it‘s one of my favorite romances! 2y
37 likes1 comment
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TorieStorieS
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Pickpick

My January book club‘s pick for this month was simply a delight from start to finish! I‘ve been looking forward to reading this one since I first heard about it- a romance from one of my very favorite audiobook performers?! My only regret is not listening to it- but I plan on doing that, too! Whelan takes some of the best tropes and combines them with her own knowledge of voice-acting, this side of the publishing business & characters to love!

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Tea_and_Starstuff
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Pickpick

A book about two audiobook narrators, written by an audiobook narrator! This book was a delight - both a charming look into the audiobook industry, and a warm story full of great connection. Surprising depth, too - a major theme was loss, what you can reclaim and what you can only learn to grieve. It stayed funny and charming, even while handling these difficult issues. It's a very impressive balancing act!

Tea_and_Starstuff Audiobook notes: I listened to it on audio, read by the author! I recommend this wholeheartedly. She shows off the mastery of her craft, and hearing it was you go adds so much depth to the story. One of the best listening experiences I've had! 2y
Dragon Great review! Totally agree - loved this audiobook! 💚🐉 2y
10 likes1 stack add2 comments
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rsteve388
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Just started this audiobook, I am loving this book, it's very cute And witty. Love this book.

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NikkiCureton
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Pickpick

Really good romance. If you‘re looking for spice, this isn‘t it, but it‘s a really good story of two flawed characters navigating life alone and eventually together. The audiobook is really enjoyable!🎧

willaful This is on my list, since she's one of my very favorite narrators. 2y
13 likes1 comment
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Dragon
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Pickpick

A fun audiobook- the author is a gifted voice artist- that cheerfully checks off all the romance novel tropes #Jumpstart2023 @Clwojick @Lizpixie

Clwojick Way to go! 💖 2y
Dragon Thanks 🙏 @Clwojick 💚🐉 2y
Lizpixie It‘s on my audible wishlist🙌 2y
Dragon Thanks 🙏 @Lizpixie it‘s a fun romance 💚🐉 2y
39 likes4 comments
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Dragon
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One of my favourite audiobook readers has written a romance and is doing her own narration. It‘s so good so far - taking a very slow day just enjoying life #Jumpstart2023 @Clwojick @Lizpixie

CarolynM I enjoyed this one a lot🙂 2y
Clwojick Glad to hear it! This is on my list for February! 2y
CoverToCoverGirl Stacked! Have you read this one yet? 2y
See All 6 Comments
Dragon Thanks @CarolynM - I have spent all day listening to it just can‘t turn it off 😂💚🐉 2y
Dragon Thanks @Clwojick hope you enjoy it as much as I am. 💚🐉 2y
Dragon Thanks @CoverToCoverGirl haven‘t read it yet but will add My Oxford Year to my tbr 💚🐉 2y
38 likes1 stack add6 comments
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CarolynM
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#12Booksof2022 #September

This story featuring a professional audiobook narrator has a lot of fun with the conventions of genre romance and was ideally suited to audiobook format. It was my favourite read in September.

Andrew65 I like the look of this one. 2y
64 likes1 comment
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julesG
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Andrew65 Intrigued by the title. 2y
JamieArc One of my tops of 2022. The audio was great (not a surprise there). 2y
tpixie I‘m going to Adventures By The Book SuperBook 4 event in San Diego in February. She is a featured author there (one of 20) and I will get this book for free! But of course I‘ll have to do the audio!! 🎧 To prepare, I just listened & enjoyed @julesG @jamiearc (edited) 2y
CarolynM My pick for September 🙂 I think I might have got it after reading your review. 2y
56 likes4 comments
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robinb
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I read a whopping 22 books in June…has to be a personal best for me. 😳 Obviously, I did nothing EXCEPT read for the entire month! LOL

These two were 5⭐️ with quite a few 4.5/5. 😉

Extra kudos to Namesake (sequel to Fable) for possibly my favorite #coverlove of the year! 💙

#12Booksof2022 #June

Andrew65 That‘s brilliant, and these look good choices. Happy New Year Robin. 2y
robinb @Andrew65 Happy New Year and best wishes, my friend. ❤️ 2y
47 likes2 comments
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Graciouswarriorprincess
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I won this book and it came with earbuds!

47 likes1 stack add
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Nessavamusic
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Pickpick

Finished this delightful rom-com, most of which I listened to while getting my new book dragon tattoo!
The book is about two audiobook narrators, who are both dealing with big life choices and events. It has some serious moments - TW in comments - but is overall a fun visit to the world of romance audiobooks. 4⭐️
#WinterReadathon
#bookspinbingo

Nessavamusic TW for family member with dementia, attempted suicide 2y
Maria514626 Your tattoo is beautiful! 2y
See All 7 Comments
Karisa Gorgeous tattoo! 😍 2y
CBee Oh wow - amazing tattoo!!! 😍 2y
Dragon Love your book dragon 💚🐉 2y
50 likes7 comments
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

I found this to be a very enjoyable audiobook- about an audiobook narrator, and read by the author. Lol, meta much? It‘s romance IMO, with a good foundational story though. Great side characters (I especially love Blah Blah 💕) and a fun peek behind the scenes in audiobook recording.

A nice breather in between more serious reads.

tpixie Oh, fun! I‘m going to need to listen to this after I‘m done with my current listen! (edited) 2y
Hooked_on_books Just wanted to let you know you have something headed your way from Barnes and Noble. Not sure when it will arrive, but it‘s from me! 🎄🎁 2y
Soubhiville @Hooked_on_books I‘ll keep an eye out. Thank you 😊 2y
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Arvena
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Pickpick

3.5 Stars ⭐️ Charming, emotional, full of wit and with some serious elements, but the story felt forgettable, not very original. Still, very enjoyable :) I loved the insights into what its like being an audio narrator.

CarolynM I enjoyed the subplots more than the romance in this one. 2y
70 likes1 stack add1 comment
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MallenNC
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Pickpick

This was one of the books I finished in October. I listened to it, which is of course the way to go if you can, in order to hear Julia Whelan do all the voices. It‘s a romance set in the world of audiobooks and while some of it is predictable it was a good read.

marleed She did voices so well that it wasn‘t until I finished the audio that I thought about her narrating both sides of the romance. Could be my favorite romance of the year! 2y
MallenNC @marleed I have of course listened to her before but for this one I was hyper aware of how good she is at voices! There‘s a scene in this where someone doesn‘t believe the female MC did the male part in a book, and I really related to that! 2y
marleed Yea, she did great. So funny that I think I have to own this in print when I was adamant about experiencing the audio. But I need it for my shelves - I just know they are lonely without it ;) 2y
MallenNC @marleed We have to keep our shelves happy! 2y
marleed We must. And this particular support group has really helped in my loyalty to my shelves :) 2y
31 likes5 comments
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JamieArc
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I don‘t usually post about books while I am reading them, but this one is making me swoon 😍. When I was younger, it was my goal to marry an Irish man. Perhaps because of the film Sliding Doors. Anyway, Whelan has written my dream lad into being and I‘m loving it!

52 likes2 stack adds
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behudd
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Julia Whelan is one of the best audiobook narrators. So when she wrote a book of her own starring two audiobook narrators? I couldn‘t wait. I only listened to the audio version, and I loved every second. Laugh out loud funny, full tears-streaming moments, and everything in between - highly recommend.
Trigger warning: a realistic (from my experience) depiction of a loved one with dementia. If that would hit hard, please proceed gently.

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Bekkers
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Pickpick

Book 55 for 2022. This book is absolutely adorable. I highly recommend the audio book!

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JoyBlue
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Pickpick

Julia Whelan serves double-duty as narrator and author of her second book. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#thank-you-for-listening

marleed I loved the story and audiobook and plan to own the print because I think it deserves a purchase. It cracked me up because while listening I never even thought of the two MCs being read by the same person - let alone the author. Kudos to Julia for that! 2y
38 likes2 comments
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CarolynM
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Pickpick

Witty, clever and very enjoyable rom-com that has a lot of fun with the tropes and conventions of genre romance while delivering strong characters, interesting subplots and a convincing HEA. Thanks to @rachelm for putting it on my radar.

rachelm So glad you enjoyed! 2y
65 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Well_Read_Redhead
Pickpick

3.5 stars rounded to 4. I really enjoyed this book for the first 7 hours. When there were about 4 hours left it hit a lull for an hour or two. I enjoyed most of the book so I round up to 4 instead of down to 3.

Some parts were difficult for me to listen to as it reminded me of my dads final years. It was done so painfully realistic and spectacularly accurate on the audiobook that it warrants me writing a trigger warning for dementia/Alzheimer's.

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Graciouswarriorprincess
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Book 107 of the year.

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SW-T
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Pickpick

❤️

This was a fun one to listen to. Enjoyed the insider view of the audiobook narrators life. Lighthearted, but there were some serious elements too.

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ElleMNOpe
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Pickpick

Fantastic read from popular narrator Julia Whelan (highly recommend the audio). The writing is witty & quippy. Her characters are fun & the banter was magnificent. The plot is somewhat predictable, but still totally lovable. Such a fun romp. A light rom-com, but has heavier elements layered in for a few more serious subplots that still go well explored. A fantastic read & a great amount of fun. This will be in my favorites for the year.