Plan Bea

By: Hilary Grossman

Narrated by: Lisa Beacom

We live our entire lives thinking we know those closest to us. But do we ever really?

On the outside, Annabel O'Conner has it all - the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and a mother from hell! Just when she gives up trying to regain her overbearing mother's love, an unexpected call turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believes about her life.

Could falling in love give a cold, stubborn, and selfish woman a second chance to open her heart back up to her family?

Beatrice Buchanan has spent more years than she can remember distancing herself from everyone close to her. She barely has a relationship with her grandchildren. The only time she manages to have a one way conversation with her daughter is during her weekly 15-minute commute to the nail salon. When Bea meets Walter on a cruise she realizes there may be more to life than designer clothes, killer handbags, and impressing the ladies at her posh country club.

As the mother and daughter duo team up to plan "Long Island's wedding of the year" they confront the secrets and lies that have defined them. This humorous and emotionally honest women's contemporary fiction novel will tug at your heartstrings and the twist ending will shock you.

©2015 Hilary Grossman (P)2016 Hilary Grossman

What a surprise to love this story so much

I was not expecting to love this story like I did/do. There were parts I had to re-listen to just to make sure I heard the mother correctly and then sigh, roll my eyes or laugh out loud. She's a hoot in the worst and best way. It was heartfelt and funny and the characters are done so well. The narrator does a fantastic job brining the characters to life. I would love to listen to another of her books.

I did receive a copy of this audiobook at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review.

Plan Bea

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”


Annabel and her mother Bea have a very strained relationship. This is a book of discoveries for both women. There was plenty of foreshadowing on several events. I was able to figure out these things but had to listen to make sure I was correct. Nice twists and turns and surprise ending.


The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed.

Liked it with one small issue

Any additional comments?

I liked this story. It was unusual and sweet and sorrowful and all things you want in a story. The main character, Anna, was a bit selfish at times, especially when it came to dealing with her husband, but all in all it really was a good listen.

The narrator was good too. My only issue is the Shelly Long/Diane Chambers voice used for the mother, Bea. It. Was. Grating. I couldn't take. Even at the most pivotal point in the book, I couldn't take it. I had to fast forward.

This may not be an issue for you but it really killed the enjoyment of this listen for me.

The story ended with a bit of a cliffhanger which makes me think there will be a "Plan Cee." If there is no Shelly Long/Diane Chambers narration, I'm in!

What fun!

Never ever could I have guessed the ending if this fun story! Great job Lisa and great boon Hilary!

Good Story

I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I liked this story. It brought together a family that had been separated by tradegy for more than twelve years. I like the way it brought out all of the little problems that was keeping the mother and daughter apart as well as sabatoging all of the other things that were going on in their lives. The narrator made me see Bea in a real way. She mastered the other voices but she nailed Bea.