Synopsis

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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Review

While this may be a romance filled with tropes, I found it amusing and touching all at the same time.

Sewanee (Swan) was on her way to becoming an actress when an unfortunate accident took away her confidence. So she turns to narrating books, starts with romance novels, and makes a name for herself, but under a pseudonym. She is roped into attending a conference in Vegas, where she meets Nick. Everything gets turned upside down from that point forward in her life. She is dealing with a grandmother with dementia, a father that doesn’t seem to care, a mother that is off traveling the world with her new beau, and a best friend that just wants to see her happy. This doesn’t even take into consideration her professional life as a book narrator and the opportunity to do one last book from the author that got her started with another well-known (but unknown) male narrator, Brock McNight.

When she got this opportunity to record the book, I could see what was going to happen and who Brock might be, but I did not expect another twist to the story…but no spoilers on that, and I haven’t even given you any clues!

I laughed out loud a lot when Swan and Brock were recording this last book towards the end. Let’s just say he read words that weren’t there, which made the situation even that much funnier.

My heart broke a little when Swan was conversing with her grandmother. It is hard dealing with someone you love having dementia, especially on the bad days. It doesn’t help that her father wants to stick her in a different home which could only upset the situation. But at the same time, there are some light moments that truly reflect how life is for someone with dementia.

Part of the story is told via text and email exchanges between Swan and Brock. Brock doesn’t know that Swan and her pseudonym Sarah are the same person. So he hasn’t heard other books she has narrated. I chuckled a LOT reading these exchanges. They are flirty, funny, and full of innuendo. I can only imagine what this book would be like if you listened to it instead of reading it.

I also learned a little about narrating books and the process they go through to ensure that the book’s essence is captured perfectly.

A fun book that I read in no time, and you just might too. We give it 5 paws up.

About the Author

Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, lifelong actor, and award-winning audiobook narrator of over 500 titles. Her performance of her own debut novel, the internationally bestselling My Oxford Year, garnered a Society of Voice Arts award. She is also a Grammy-nominated audiobook director, a former writing tutor, a half-decent amateur baker, and a certified tea sommelier.

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