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.

Perfectly matched narrator

Plan Bea is a wonderful exploration of a mother and daughter trying to rebuild a broken relationship. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that choked me up and moments I just wanted to slap someone.

The characters were well developed and I found Annabel likeable and relatable, as for her mother Bea..... see the last point in the previous sentence.

This is the second of Hilary's books I've read and I'm really looking forward to the next one (You big tease Hilary! Leave me hanging like that! Now hurry up and publish Plan Cee!)

**Edit**
I just reread this via audiobook in preparation for the sequel, Plan Cee. I loved the story just as much this time around, even knowing the twists in advance. The narrator is brilliant - capturing the characters perfectly, from a small innocent boy to the snobby grandmother Bea.

I reviewed a complimentary copy.

Plan Bea

I really enjoyed this book.There was a bit too much chatter at times,but all in all it was great.Lisa Beacom did a fine job narrating.Anna has had a terrible relationship with her mother most of her life.She is married with two kids,yet her mothers terrible treatment towards her affects every aspect of her life.Bea,her mom, decides it is time to make amends.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

OMGosh I didn't plan on loving this book so much!

This book is funny, sad, and over all heart warming! I couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters. It was truly a wonderful journey getting to know Bea and Annabel. I'm so glad the story turned out the way it did before it was too late. If anyone finds themselves in a relationship like Bea and Annabel's do something before its too late because not everyone gets that 2nd chance. I hope Hilary Grossman gives us more of Bea. The narrator Lisa Beacom did a fabulous job bringing the characters to life, each with their own personality. Most of all she should get some kind of award for bringing Bea to life with her voice. Loved it all so much!

Great Listen that Puts a Smile on Your Face

What made the experience of listening to Plan Bea the most enjoyable?

Lisa's Beacom's characters are very well done and consistent. From the children's voices of Violet and Harley to that of Anna's over-the-top mother, Bea, and those in between, she does a great job. The storyline might be a lighter listen, but it's filled with family surprises and it's just plain feel-good fun.

What other book might you compare Plan Bea to and why?

Lots of books include family secrets and revelations, but maybe because I don't read a lot of books in this genre, I can't really come up with a good comparison.

Which scene was your favorite?

The wedding planning scenes all come to life, but the stationery store happenings were probably my favorite, although the histrionics on the wedding day are a close second. Loved the ending which definitely surprised me.

Who was the most memorable character of Plan Bea and why?

It's a tie between Anna and Bea as this mother and daughter learn so much about one another and themselves after being at odds for so many years.

Any additional comments?

My only complaint about the book is that there are a few obvious grammatical errors. Regardless, I think there's a hint about an upcoming book in what may turn out to be a series and I'll happily listen to it.

This book was provided to me at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

bad narrator

What didn’t you like about Lisa Beacom’s performance?

The more I listened, the more grating I found her voice. I couldn't finish the book because of it.

Any additional comments?

I received this book at no cost through Audiobook Boom in exchange for a fair review.