Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant; Narrated by Jordan Cobb
Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
ISBN: 9780063058132
Tessa Johnson is excited to have been accepted into the creative writing program at a prestigious art school, but nervous at the same time: she’s never shared her writing with anyone but her best friend, Caroline. When she gets to her first workshop, her words are gone and she’s terrified she’ll never write again and the whole school will find out she’s a fraud. Caroline is convinced that the only solution is for Tessa to star in her own personal love story and the perfect candidate for her happily-ever-after is the most popular kid in school and her crush, Nico. Or is he?
Cobb is able to slip seamlessly between the personalities of the characters: Tessa’s self-doubt, Sam’s earnestness, Nico’s effortless charm, Tessa’s brother Marcus’ joy and exuberance without straining credulity. She is especially convincing portraying Tessa’s sometimes crippling anxiety and self-doubt, something that many listeners can relate to.
This book is perfect for fans of well-written shows with diverse leads such as Never Have I Ever, Jane the Virgin and Superstore. Fans of other young adult romance novelists such as Nicola Yoon, Maurene Goo and Jenny Han will enjoy Tessa’s romantic exploits.
–Candace Fox
Other Nominated Titles
- The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman; narrated by Amanda Gorman; foreward read by Oprah Winfrey (March 30, 2021)
- In the Shadow of the Moon: America, Russia, and the Hidden History of the Space Race by Amy Cherrix; narrated by Josh Horowitz (February 9, 2021)
- Who I Was with Her by Nita Tyndall; narrated by Jesse Vilinsky (September 15, 2020)
- Sasha Masha by Agnes Borinsky; narrated by Agnes Borinsky (December 8, 2020)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten. The previous years’ lists are available on The Hub.