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. When she arrives in Las Vegas last-minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger. She’s found success and satisfaction from the inside of a sound booth and it allows her to care for her beloved, ailing grandmother. I’m sure that I’ll be thinking about this book for months to come, and that’s the sure sign of a great read.įrom 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.įor 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. Yes, Sewanee learns and grows throughout the book, but the romance is also integral to her journey. I kinda loved that she teases us about which one this story will end up being, and that certainly kept me on my toes. There’s enough romance woven into the story that it never veered too far into women’s fiction territory for this romance-lover, and Whelan is also aware of the expectations that come with each. While I’ve listened to many audiobooks that Whelan has narrated, this is my first time reading something that she’s written, and it was such a great experience. Her insight into the industry adds a richness to the story that breaths life into it, and there are so many moments that will be poignant to fans of the genre. This is meant to be listened to on audio, and it’s clear that this is deeply personal to Whelan – without being autobiographical. This review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the powerhouse of a performance from author and narrator, Julia Whelan. They’ve been hiding from the losses in their lives, and talking things out opens their eyes to what they truly want. As Sewanee begins communicating with her co-narrator on the book, the two connect in a way that neither one expected. But when a beloved romance author passes away and Sewanee is asked to narrate her final work… it’s nearly impossible to refuse. While Sewanee started out narrating romance, she’s too jaded to love the genre and she’s since shifted into narrating other types of books. She lost a lot of confidence after the accident, but narrating books has been a great way of putting her acting skills to work – without having a camera involved. The story follows Sewanee, a former actress who began narrating audiobooks after an accident left her without an eye. If you’re a romance-lover who appreciates a story that also entails significant personal growth, then this is sure to be a memorable read. From moments of smile-inducing banter to epistolary chapters, this has a little of everything, and the book is richer for it. Her chemistry with the hero was fantastic, and I loved how their relationship progressed. It’s truly the heroine’s story, and she changes course as certain things are revealed. I’m not always the biggest fan of third person/single perspective romances, but it works here. I’m so glad that I went in completely blind the story unravels in such an interesting and unexpected way, following our heroine as she works to find herself again. It also balances light and playful moments with heavier, sometimes somber, scenes for maximum impact. Really, really good – I loved it! Thought-provoking and romantic, this straddles the line between women’s fiction and romance, with a heroine-centric storyline that effortlessly weaves in a rich and dynamic love story.
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