Thank You for Listening

In the uplifting latest from Whelan (My Oxford Year), a former actress’s stint as an audiobook narrator, as well as a one-night stand, turn out to have big implications for her future. After Sewanee Chester is disfigured in an accident, she’s unable to continue acting and turns to narrating romance audiobooks. Despite her award-winning success in the field, she gives up the gigs after believing that she’ll never have a romance of her own. During a trip to Las Vegas with her bestie Adaku Obi—who has found the acting success Sewanee believes she has lost forever—Sewanee meets a dashing Irishman named Nick, spends the night with him, and assumes she’ll never see him again. After Sewanee returns home, she agrees to record one last book for the author who gave her first big break. During the project, she develops a snappy text message–based repartee with her conarrator, the pseudonymous Brock McNight, who reminds her of Nick, whom she hasn’t stopped thinking about. Still, she fears Brock will be repulsed by her appearance if they meet in real life. Though the twist is no big surprise, Whelan has a fine touch with the characters. This is one to revel in. (Aug.)