Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Best Book Forward
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Winn: Crafting Her Debut, Loving Books, and a Bookish Secret Revealed | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:30:12 | |
In this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. Alice talks about her journey to writing her bestselling debut and shares her experiences as dyslexic child learning to read as well as sharing a fabulous bookish secret with us. Other books mentioned: Barrington Stokes I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode as much as I have. I would be so grateful if you could take the time to like, subscribe and share with your friends. For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative | |||
| Alice Winn: Inside In Memoriam — Love, War, and the Making of a Modern Classic | 14 Mar 2024 | 01:15:32 | |
In this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. If you know me you will know how much I love this book, I’ve probably tried to force a copy on you, so having the opportunity to chat to Alice was incredible. The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding Meditations by Marcus Aurelius All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Other books mentioned: The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves Journey’s End by R. C. Sherriff Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen The Blind Spot & Other Stories by Saki HH Monroe The Lord of the Rings by JRRTolkein Authors mentioned: Vera Brittain Rudyard Kipling F. Scott Fitzgerald If you would like to hear more from Alice Winn, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Alice’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Bonus Episode: Helen Paris' life as a reader and writer | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:21:21 | |
In this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club. If you missed the main episode where Helen discusses her Desert Island Books with me do have a listen (you'll find it in the same place you found this one!) In this episode Helen read a passage from her new book The Invisible Women’s Club and we went on to talk more about her life as a reader and a writer. The books that are mentioned in this episode are: None of This is True by Lisa Jewell The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler The authors that Helen talked about are Kate Atkinson Rachel Joyce Tana French Agatha Christie Toni Morrison I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode. Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| Helen Paris on The Invisible Women’s Club and Embracing Womanhood at Every Age | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:57:22 | |
In this first episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club. Helen shared wonderful memories of buying her childhood favourites with her dad at WHSmiths at weekends, a wonderful teacher who introduced her to a book she loves and the books that inspired her love of reading and writing. Helen’s Desert Island Books choices are: Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler Of course, when you’re talking to somebody who is as passionate about books as Helen is, lots of other books get mentioned so here are the other books we talked about in this episode. Second Spring by Kate Codrington Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce If you would like to hear more from Helen Paris, please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Helen’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| Best Book Forward - Trailer | 27 Sep 2023 | 00:02:09 | |
Join Helen Gambarota, better known online as 'Best Book Forward' for friendly conversations with authors. After discussing her guest's five favourite books, Helen will ask them the impossible question: if you could only pick one to read again, which book would you choose?! Listen out for bonus episodes treating you to readings from the authors' own books. Find out about how to join Helen's book club, and more about her book-ish journey online at https://www.bestbookforward.org/ and on Instagram @bestbookforward This episode of Best Book Forward was produced Decibelle Creative | |||
| Sophie Irwin on A Lady’s Guide to Scandal and Her Most Surprising Confession | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:27:03 | |
In this bonus episode I am joined again by Sophie Irwin; author of A Lady's Guide to Scandal In this episode Sophie, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader and shares a bookish secret with us. Other books mentioned in this episode are: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles Rules of Civility by Amor Towles Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Game of Thrones by George R R Martin Authors mentioned Taylor Jenkins-Reid Niamh Hargan Lindsey Kelk Mhairi McFarlane Sarra Manning Janice Hallett Amor Towels I hope you have enjoyed this episode. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Sophie Irwin on A Lady’s Scandal and the Reading Journey Behind Her Writing | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:50:54 | |
In this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Sophie Irwin author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin and A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin Sophie talked about her love of the Regency period and why she feels we are so drawn to it, as well as sharing memories of reading her first chapter book that set her on her journey to be a reader for life. The book that was pivotal in changing her life. The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are: Sophie's Snail by Dick King Smith The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenger Midnight Chicken by Ella Risberger The Break Up Clause by Niamh Hargan Other books mentioned: Frederica by Georgette Heyer Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent I Want to Die but I Want To Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee Heartburn by Nora Ephron Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Authors mentioned: Frances Burney Barbara Cartland Georgette Heyer Lex Croucher Amita Murray Felicity George Julia Quinn Beth Morrey (in the interview I said Morley, it is Morrey, sorry Beth) Kate Sawyer Roald Dahl Lindsey Kelk Sarra Manning If you would like to hear more from Sophie Irwin, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Sophie’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us! For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. You can you also find my favourite books here Shop my favourite books This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Bonus episode: Matt Cain on how to come back fighting after rejection and a bookish secret that will leave you wanting more! | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:40:52 | |
For this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Matt Cain; author of One Love . If you missed the main episode where Matt discusses her Desert Island Book. In this episode we talk about how Matt came back fighting after his first novel, The Madonna of Bolton was rejected; using his rage to crowdfund his way to get his book published in just a week! Matt also shares a bookish secret with us that left me feeling really excited ! Books and authors mentioned in this episode David Nicholls Lisa Jewell David Walliams Adele Parks Jane Austen Kate Atkinson The Song of Achilles of Madeleine Miller The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain One Day by David Nicholls The Unfinished Business fo Eadie Browne by Freya North The Excitements by CJ Wray That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn Shot Through the Heart by Matt Cain Nothing But Trouble by Matt Cain Step Sisters by Matt Cain I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode. Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative | |||
| Matt Cain on One Love and the Stories Behind His Bestselling Novels | 18 Jan 2024 | 01:04:53 | |
In today’s episode my guest is the wonderful Matt Cain., I have been chatting to Matt on Instagram for such a long time so to get to speak to him about his books and the books that he loves was such a treat. We talked about all of Matt’s books but especially about his latest novel One Love which comes out on 18 January and is an absolutely brilliant read. We talked about the five books that have shaped Matt’s life and three of them are also favourites of mine. Matt’s Desert Island Book choices are: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis Kiss of the Spiderwoman by Manuel Puig Thomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire Tomalin The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Throughout our discussion, we talked about lots of other books and these are all listed below. Other books mentioned in this episode The Madonna of Bolton by Matt Cain The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain Heartstopper by Alice Oseman The Neverending Story by Michael Ende A Stitch in Time by Kathryn Coltrin The Stranding by Kate Sawyer This Family by Kate Sawyer I hope you have enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I loved chatting to Matt. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. Do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode with Matt coming soon. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative | |||
| Bonus episode: Nina Stibbe on Writing, Reading, and London Living | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:30:07 | |
In this bonus episode I am joined again by Nina Stibbe; author of Went to London, Took the Dog. In this episode Nina, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader. Other books mentioned in this episode are: Started Early Took the Dog by Kate Atkinson Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend Ducks Newbury Port by Lucy Ellmann The Fortnight in September by R.C. SHerriff Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro Vera by Elizabeth Von ArnimRebecca by Daphne Du Maurier Authors mentioned Cathy Rentzenbrink Lionel Shriver Nick Hornby Alan Bennett Jonathan Miller Heather Morris Thomas Hardy Geoffrey Chaucer Elizabeth Strout Anne Tyler David Sedaris Lydia Davis Hilary Mantel Margaret Atwood I hope you have enjoyed this episode. I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it. I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation. In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Nina Stibbe on Went to London, Took the Dog and the Joy of Keeping a Diary | 07 Dec 2023 | 01:14:46 | |
In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Nina Stibbe; who’s latest book Went to London, Took the Dog is out 2 November and is such a brilliant read. I loved talking to Nina, and hearing her talk so patiently about her love of diaries has inspired me to try and keep my own diary. Nina’s Desert Island Book choices are: My Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print) Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend Diary of a Nobody by G&W Grossmith Throughout the discussion, various other books and authors were mentioned and these are all listed below. Other Books Mentioned One Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina Stibbe War Horse by Michael Morpurgo Jill’s Gymkhana by Ruby Ferguson The Snow & Works on the Northern Line by Ruth Thomas The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym by Paula Burn A Very Private Eye by Julie Cooper Authors mentioned David Sedaris Deborah McGogach Alan Bennett Claire Tomlyn Michael Frayne Jonathan Miller Germaine Greer If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from Nina, do keep an eye out as we have recorded a bonus episode which will be coming soon. For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org
Best Book Forward is produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Bonus episode: Beth O'Leary shares her writing journey | 30 Nov 2023 | 00:26:22 | |
In this bonus episode, Beth O'Leary joins Helen to discuss her meteoric rise to fame after publishing her debut novel The Flatshare. Beth talks candidly about her journey to publication, the pressures of writing a second novel after a hugely successful debut, her writing process and daily rituals (or lack thereof!), her reading habits and favourite authors. Beth also reveals her "bookish secret"... This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative | |||
| Beth O’Leary on The Wake-Up Call and Writing Romance With Heart and Humour | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:54:14 | |
Today’s episode of Best Book Forward was a dream come true for me. Beth O’Leary was the first author I meet when I started off as a bookstagrammer and I have loved all of her books from her debut The Flatshare to her latest novel The Wake Up Call In this episode Beth talks about her life as a writer, writing sexy swimming pool scenes as well as how books helped her as a child to find her love of storytelling and writing. Beth’s Desert Island Book choices are: The Autumn Story by Jill Barklem The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes Other books mentioned in this episode: The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary The Switch by Beth O’Leary The No Show by Beth O’Leary The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Paradise Lost by John Milton Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman Twilight by Stephanie Meyer Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes Authors mentioned: Kristin Hannah Charles Dickens Sophie Kinsella If you like to hear more from Beth O’Leary please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming soon where we’ll hear more about Beth’s life as a writer and a reader and she also shares a bookish secret with us. For me content please do follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com | |||
| Best Book Forward - Season Two | 12 Sep 2024 | 00:01:50 | |
Get ready to dive deeper into the literary worlds of your favourite authors! Best Book Forward is back for a brand new season, and we're serving up six weeks of bookish bliss with incredible authors. Haven't met us yet? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly book pusher! Think of this podcast as a bookish version of Desert Island Discs where I chat with amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives. Season One was a literary adventure, featuring authors like Beth O'Leary, Matt Cain, and Alice Winn. We explored their inspirations, the stories that made them who they are, and of course, their must-read recommendations (missed any episodes? We've got you covered simply hit the link below). But wait, there's more! Season Two is weekly this time around, so get ready for six weeks of author interviews filled with bookish insights and captivating stories. Who are we talking to? That's a secret for now, but trust us, you won't want to miss it! Ready to join the bookish adventure?
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| Catherine Newman on Sandwich: Midlife Challenges, Menopause & Family Life | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:45:48 | |
Season 2 Starts Here and what a better way to kick it off than being joined by New York Times Best Selling Author, Catherine Newman! Let's face it, motherhood isn't always sunshine and rainbows. In this episode, Catherine discusses her latest novel, "Sandwich", exploring the messy realities of midlife, the unexpected joys (and challenges!) of parenting teenagers, and navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause. We also delve into the five books that have shaped Catherine's life. From the whimsical world of Amos & Boris to the poignant realities of Beloved by Toni Morrison, these are stories that have truly left their mark.
And because five just isn't enough, Catherine also shares some honourable mentions:
Follow Catherine on Instagram - Catherine Newman Instagram or visit her website at https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/ Ready to dive in? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward! CONTENT WARNING: This conversation explores some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some listeners. We discuss issues related to fertility, miscarriage, and blood. Please be advised. | |||
| Marianne Cronin on Eddie Winston is Looking for Love: Friendship, Love & Self-Discovery | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:59:12 | |
Get ready for a heartwarming hug of an episode with the brilliant Marianne Cronin, author of the novels that'll make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of human connection: "The One Hundred Years of Lennie & Margot" and "Eddie Winston is Looking for Love". In this episode we talk about friendship that defies expectations, love that blossoms in the most unexpected places and times, loss that leaves its mark, and the unwavering spirit of self-discovery. You'll also hear Marianne's inspiring story of writing a bestselling novel whilst tackling a PhD – talk about multitasking like a boss! And of course, we'll chat about these five books and discover how they have shaped Marianne's life This Lullaby by Sarah Design (not currently available on bookshop.org) The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose by Mick Short Heads up, squeaky chair alert! There might be some background noise during the episode, but we promise it won't distract from the heartwarming conversation. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of literary love! We put a lot of heart into these conversations, and we'd love for you to be a part of our bookish community. Rate the episode and share it with your friends who love a good story – the more the merrier! | |||
| Susan Fletcher on The Night in Question: Mystery, Memory & Life Lessons | 10 Oct 2024 | 01:10:53 | |
Listeners are invited into a heartfelt conversation with Susan Fletcher as we discuss her brilliant new novel The Night in Question." Susan discusses the inspiration behind her protagonist Florrie, an 87-year-old woman who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident in her care home. We also discuss Susan's creative process, particularly how her time during the lockdown influenced her writing and character development. Of course, we also discuss the five books that have shaped Susan’s life, she is so passionate about her choices that she inspired me to pick up one that I had always been intimidated by and I loved it as much as Susan did. Susan’s book choices are: Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward and be sure to tell your bookish friends all about it. See you next week for more bookish chats with another author. | |||
| Nikki May on This Motherless Land: Reimagining Austen, Motherhood & Identity | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:51:27 | |
Join us for a captivating conversation with Nikki May, author of Wahala which is currently being adapted into a major BBC series! Her latest literary masterpiece, This was inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and explores themes of motherhood, legacy, identity, and culture. Interview Highlights:
Book List:
Prepare to be captivated by Nikki May's insightful perspective and her ability to bring a classic story to life in a fresh and modern way. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode! PS: Once you’ve listened to this episode you may be wondering if I did pick up one of the books that we discussed and the answer is YES and it is as brilliant as Nikki said it is. | |||
| Clare Leslie Hall: The Story Behind Broken Country and the Books She Loves | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:59:07 | |
Oh my goodness, I do feel like the luckiest bookworm sometimes! Getting to chat with all these incredible authors is such a privilege, and today, having the brilliant Clare Leslie Hall on the show has been an absolute joy from start to finish. If you haven't yet picked up her captivating novel, Broken Country, I'm going to have to politely beg you to grab a copy and dive in this summer! Seriously, you won't regret it. I've seen it pop up on so many "Best of 2025" lists (including my very own, of course!). I've actually read it twice and could happily pick it up again – it's just that good. In this episode, Clare gives us the inside scoop on the inspiration behind Broken Country, and shares some fascinating insights into her writing journey. I have to say, I feel incredibly thankful that Clare ignored the advice to give up on this masterpiece; it truly is such a special book, and I'm so glad she persevered with it! As always, we also delve into the five books that have shaped Clare's life. What a fantastic list it was (and yes, she managed to sneak in a few extra recommendations too – because you can never have too many book suggestions, right?!). I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald Other books mentioned: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller The Secret History by Donna Tartt I really hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Clare was just so wonderful to chat to, I love how obvious it becomes just how important her characters are to her. If you're loving Best Book Forward, please do take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts – it makes such a difference! And, most importantly, please tell all your bookish friends about us! See you next week for more bookish chat. | |||
| Frances Quinn on The Lost Passenger: Titanic Survival, Identity, and a Mother’s Love | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:51:21 | |
Inside The Lost Passenger: Frances Quinn on Titanic, a Mother’s Love, and Survival Hello book friends! In today’s episode, I am absolutely delighted to be chatting with the brilliant Frances Quinn about her fabulous new novel, The Lost Passenger. We had such a wonderful chat about the inspiration behind this compelling story, and Frances also speaks really openly about the challenges along the way and how she buffers herself against feedback from her team! We dive into her incredible protagonist, Elinor, exploring what drives her to make the life-altering decision to steal another woman's identity to escape her own past. We also chat about the research Frances carried out particularly looking at those who survived the Titanic. Of course, as always on Best Book Forward, we delved into the five books that have shaped Frances throughout her life and writing journey! Five Go Adventuring Again by Enid Blyton Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse by Ursula Moray Williams The Bomber by Liza Marklund (Currently not available) The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman (Also currently not available) Unfortunately, two of these titles seem to be a little tricky to get hold of but if you're intrigued, I'd absolutely recommend keeping an eye out in charity shops, you never know what treasures you might unearth! Also mentioned in this episode: This Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor Swimming For Beginners by Nicola Gill - turns out I don’t have this one but I am waiting for my copy to arrive and cannot wait to read it. A massive thank you goes out to my brilliant sister, Lottie, for today's question, and, of course for introducing me to Frances and her wonderful books in the first place! I really hope that you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Honestly, I could have spent hours chatting with Frances! If you're enjoying Best Book Forward, it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. And the very best thing you could do? Tell all your bookish friends about us! I’ll be back with another brilliant episode next week, and I really hope you’ll join me again for more bookish fun! | |||
| Claire Douglas on The New Neighbours: Crafting Tense, Compelling Crime Fiction | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:49:01 | |
Welcome back to another episode and today’s we’re lucky enough to get to chat to Claire Douglas about her latest thriller, The New Neighbours. This was my first of read of Claire’s and I loved it so much I went straight back to the beginning and read her debut which was another winner for me. I can’t wait to read more. In this episode we chat about the inspiration behind The New Neighbours and we managed to keep it completely spoiler free! We discover the inspiration behind the story and find out whether Claire is as brave as her characters (I know I’m not). Of course as always we chat about the five books that have shaped Claire’s life (let’s gloss over the fact she picked the entire Famous Five series). Here are Claire’s choices. The Famous Five by Enid Bylton Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie The Secret History by Donna Tartt Also mentioned in this episode: We Are Completely Beside Ourselves I Let You Go by Clare MacIntosh Gentleman & Players by Joanne Harris Since recording I have now read and loved Rachel’s Holiday I only needed three bestselling authors to convince me! If you've enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please, please do me a little favour! Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Best Book Forward – it makes the world of difference in helping more book lovers find our little corner of the podcast world. And the absolute best thing you could do? Tell a friend who you think would love Claire’s books or our chats! Until next time, happy reading! | |||
| Lucy Steeds on The Artist: Art, Creativity & the books that shaped her | 19 Jun 2025 | 01:06:50 | |
Get ready for another absolute cracker of an episode this week, because I had the total pleasure of chatting with the incredible Lucy Steeds! Now, if you've been anywhere near me in the last six months, I will have no doubt absolutely insisted that you must read Lucy's stunning novel, The Artist. I’m so in love with this book, its one of my top reads of the year and I really want you to pick it up too. It was such a joy to chat to Lucy about The Artist, her inspiration and get some fascinating insight into her writing process as well as hearing about her Women’s Prize experience. Of course as always, we also discussed the five books that have shaped Lucy’s life and what an interesting list it was. I was absolutely convinced she wouldn’t be able to tempt me on the poetry of John Donne but I’m weirdly quite tempted. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket A Room With A View by E.M. Forster In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Also mentioned in this episode: Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff If you've enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please, please do me a little favour! Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Best Book Forward – it makes the world of difference in helping more book lovers find our little corner of the podcast world. And the absolute best thing you could do? Tell a friend who you think would love Lucy's book or our chats! Until next time, happy reading! | |||
| Fran Littlewood on The Favourite: Sisterhood, Family Secrets & the Stories We Share | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:58:55 | |
Oh my goodness, chatting with the wonderful Fran Littlewood in this episode of Best Book Forward was an absolute joy from start to finish! Fran joined me to natter all about her absolutely fabulous new novel, The Favourite – which is just a brilliant, rollercoaster family saga about the Fishers. Their seemingly normal family holiday gets completely turned upside down when Dad accidentally lets slip... wait for it... that he has a favourite daughter! Talk about awkward! In our chat, we dive into how Fran's own life as one of three sisters helped spark the story, how our relationships with our siblings really do shape who we are, the rollercoaster ride of parenting and ageing, and how our memories of the very same family moments can be hilariously (or sometimes frustratingly!) different from everyone else’s! This episode was recorded in March (Season 3 took a little longer to bring to life than I'd hoped), the good news is there is no need to preorder you can rush to your local bookshop and grab your copy today! And of course, as always, we uncovered the five incredible books that have played a huge role in shaping Fran's life. Get ready to add these to your list (or maybe revisit some old friends!): The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford The Secret History by Donna Tartt Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler Hey Yeah Right Get A Life by Helen Simpson Also mentioned in this episode: A huge thank you to the lovely @MrsMarr and @NicTheBookWorm! I really hope you enjoyed hearing your brilliant questions answered on the show. If you enjoyed this episode (and I really hope you did!), it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe – and even better, tell all your bookish buddies about Best Book Forward! Have a fantastic week, and I'll see you back here next Thursday for more bookish fun! | |||
| Famous Last Words: Gillian McAllister on Hostage Negotiation, High Stakes & Female-Led Thrillers | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:55:57 | |
Hello my lovely book friends! Welcome back to a brand spanking new season of Best Book Forward, and we are kicking things off with a bang! In our Season 3 opener, I had the pleasure of chatting to the one and only Gillian McAllister about her gripping new novel, Famous Last Words. Now, is it just me, or does Gillian just keep knocking it out of the park with every single book? She's just getting better and better! And get this – during our chat (and even more excitingly, when the mics were off!), Gillian let me in on some of the incredible ideas she's brewing for future books. I've been sworn to secrecy, mind you, but honestly, you are going to want to snap up every single thing Gillian puts out because, trust me, her ideas are mind-blowing! I absolutely cannot wait to read them myself. In this episode, we dive deep into Camilla's world, a literary agent whose seemingly normal life completely implodes when her husband turns out to be the gunman in a hostage situation. Gillian also gives us the inside scoop on the inspiration behind Famous Last Words and how she loves to flip the script on traditional thrillers by telling them through a female lens. And get this – she's not messing around with her research! She's now a qualified Level 1 Hostage Negotiator! How impressive is that?! We also discuss Gillian’s journey to becoming a bestselling author and I found her story so inspiring; I’m sure you will too. Of course, as with every episode, we delve into the five books that have shaped Gillian’s life, and you can find them all listed below with handy links if you fancy treating yourself: The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty You Don't Know Me by Imran Mahmood Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner Also mentioned in this episode: Gillian’s fabulous podcast The Honest Authors' Podcast Night Watching by Tracy Sierra - the book Gillian raved about! I plucked up all my courage and read it, and honestly, it's every bit as brilliant (and yes, a little bit terrifying!) as Gillian said. Just maybe don't read it right before bed if you're a bit of a scaredy-cat like me! 😉 A huge thank you to the lovely @WendyReadsBooks and @BookReviewsWithBecky! I really hope you enjoyed hearing your brilliant questions answered on the show. If you enjoyed this episode (and I really hope you did!), it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe – and even better, tell all your bookish buddies about Best Book Forward! Have a fantastic week, and I'll see you back here next Thursday for more bookish fun! | |||
| Best Book Forward; Chapter 3 | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:02:33 | |
Best Book Forward Season 3 is Here! Welcome back to Best Book Forward! Get ready because we are launching a brand new season of eight episodes, packed with authors so incredible I honestly had to pinch myself that it was all really happening! I absolutely cannot wait for you to tune in! New to Best Book Forward? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly neighbourhood book pusher! Think of this podcast as your ultimate bookish version of Desert Island Discs, where I get to chat with some truly amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives and writing journeys. It's always such a joy, and I learn something new every single time (and I also add a lot of books to my TBR, I have no shelf-control)! Who's Joining Us This Season?! Over the next few weeks, I'll be bringing you brilliant conversations with literary superstars Liane Moriarty, Gillian McAllister, Claire Douglas, Frances Quinn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds, Fran Littlewood, and Clare Leslie Hall. Excited? You absolutely should be! I know I am! When Can You Dive In? The very first episode of Season 3 drops this Thursday, 5th June! And for a little extra pre-launch fun, head over to my Instagram on Wednesday where you'll get the exclusive sneak peek of which of my fabulous guests is first up on the show! Ready to join the bookish adventure?
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| Clare Pooley: How to Age Disgracefully & the Art of Writing Flawed, Funny Characters | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:51:31 | |
Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious send-off to Season 2! Today I’m delighted to be joined by the incredible Clare Pooley, author of the bestselling How to Age Disgracefully. Interview Highlights:
Book List: Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin That's a wrap on Season 2 of Best Book Forward! We've had an incredible time exploring the literary world with our amazing guests. Thank you to Catherine Newman, Nikki May, Marianne Cronin, Susan Fletcher, Josie Fletcher, and Clare Pooley for sharing their insights and passion for books. Stay tuned for exciting news about Season 3! Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. See you soon, bookworms | |||
| Josie Ferguson on The Silence in Between: Trauma, Resilience & Women’s Stories | 17 Oct 2024 | 01:00:39 | |
Welcome back to Best Book Forward! The podcast where we delve into the books that have shaped our favourite authors' lives. Think of it as your literary Desert Island Discs. Today, I'm thrilled to have the incredible Josie Ferguson join us. Josie is the author of the highly acclaimed debut novel, The Silence in Between, shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Prize 2024. In this episode, we'll explore the world of Josie's poignant story, discussing themes of sexual violence, trauma, and the resilience of women in times of trouble. As always we’ll also look at the five books that have shaped Josie’s life which were. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren Sweet Valley High created by Francine Pascal The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zsafon Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield Listeners are also treated to a short clip of one of the beautiful pieces of music that Josie’s brother Micke Bonde created for the characters of The Silence in Between. The clip is used is called Lisette. If you would like to hear more or find out more about Josie’s work please visit her website https://josieferguson.com/ Caution: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. For my bookish chat follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website at www.bestbookforward.org | |||
| Liane Moriarty on Here One Moment: Destiny, Fear and Fiction | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:02:06 | |
Oh my goodness, I cannot begin to tell you just how special this episode was for me! Back in 2019, I actually missed an opportunity to ask Liane Moriarty a question because I was too nervous to put my hand up. Fast forward to today, and I can't quite believe I got to do a whole interview with Liane and I absolutely loved every single moment. It was a total dream come true! Liane joins me in this episode to discuss her brilliant new novel, Here One Moment. We chat all about the incredible (and, let's be honest, very unsettling!) premise of a woman giving out death predictions on a delayed flight, and where that idea came from. We then delve into our own opinions on fate, destiny, and even clairvoyants – it was all quite deep for a Monday morning! Of course, as always, we also discover the five books that have shaped Liane’s life, which are: Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty (currently unavailable on bookshop.org) Pennington’s Seventeenth Summer by K.M. Peyton The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler Before we move on, I'd like to officially reassure all my lovely listeners that I have finally picked up The Time Traveller’s Wife, and I am really enjoying it! It only took the gentle encouragement of several bestselling authors to get me to actually pick it up, but hey, I got there in the end! Also mentioned in this episode:
Well, that is officially it for Season 3! I honestly don't know where the last eight weeks have gone, but I really, really hope that you have enjoyed this season as much as I have. I owe a huge thank you to all my wonderful guests who have made this such a joy:
I'm currently buzzing with ideas and working away on Season 4, and I absolutely cannot wait to share more details with you. If you're following me on Instagram, you’ll be amongst the first to know what I’ve got planned. In the meantime, if you've enjoyed this episode (or any others!), please do take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. And most importantly, please tell all your book-loving friends about Best Book Forward! Spreading the word truly makes a huge difference and helps more bookworms find us. Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you soon for more bookish chat! | |||
| Virginia Evans on The Correspondent, Writer's Resilience & Ann Patchett's Kindness | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:46:07 | |
✨ Update: Since this episode was recorded, Virginia Evans has been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction for The Correspondent. Congratulations to Virginia ✨ This episode was such a joy to record! I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Virginia Evans about her stunning debut novel The Correspondent; a book I truly loved. One of my favourite moments during our chat was hearing Virginia share the incredible story of how writing a letter to none other than Ann Patchett turned into a real friendship. Isn’t it just so heartening to know that someone as iconic as Ann Patchett would take the time to encourage and support a new writer? In our conversation, Virginia opens up about her writing journey—from early rejections to the sheer determination that kept her going (thank goodness she did!). We talk about what inspired The Correspondent, how her unforgettable protagonist Sybil came to be, and the enduring power of letter writing in an increasingly digital world. We also reflect on what we might be losing as we move away from the handwritten word. I loved hearing how passionate Virginia is about this, especially as someone who’s always felt a bit self-conscious about my own handwriting. She’s inspired me to embrace the scrawl, good luck to anyone receiving my cards! And of course, Virginia shares the five books that shaped her life which were: The Firm by John Grisham (not currently available on bookshop.org) One By One in the Darkness by Deirdre Madden The Dutch House by Ann Patchett Also mentioned in this episode: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell I also mentioned having my mum’s handwriting embroidered into a piece of art. See Ivy & Stitch for details. I really hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. I’ll be back next week with the final episode in this Season (how have eight weeks flown by so fast). If you are enjoying the show I’d be so grateful if you could take the time rate, review, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends all about it. Thanks for listening and see you next week! | |||
| Jane Fallon: Welcome to the Neighbourhood — Talking Characters, Creativity and the Books That Shaped Her | 08 Jan 2026 | 01:00:57 | |
What a way to kick off Season 4 of Best Book Forward with the international bestselling author Jane Fallon. Jane joins me on the show today to talk about her new novel, Welcome to the Neighbourhood. We chat about the inspiration behind the novel, Jane’s approach to writing and of course the five books that have shaped her life. As you would expect no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s what we talked about. 📚 Books by Jane Fallon ✨ Books Mentioned
This episode marks the start of a brand new seven-episode season, with fresh conversations landing every Thursday. I’d absolutely love for you to join me each week. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Best Book Forward; Chapter 4 | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:01:50 | |
Best Book Forward Season 4! Welcome back to Best Book Forward! Get ready because another new season of seven episodes, packed with incredible author is coming your way. I cannot wait to share these with you. New to Best Book Forward? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly neighbourhood book pusher! Think of this podcast as your ultimate bookish version of Desert Island Discs, where I get to chat with some amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives and writing journeys. It's always such a joy, and I learn something new every single time (and I also add a lot of books to my TBR, I have no shelf-control)! When Can You Dive In? The very first episode of Season 4 drops this Thursday, 8 June! But if you've missed any of the previous episodes you'll find a catch up link below. Ready to join the bookish adventure?
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| Catherine Newman Returns: Reactions to Sandwich, Sneak Peek at Wreck, and Favourite Reads | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:38:50 | |
For the first episode of our special Christmas Chapter season I am delighted to be welcoming back the wonderful Catherine Newman. We last spoke back in September 2024 (if you missed that episode you can catch up here listen now) Today we talk about how Catherine has felt about the reaction to Sandwich as well as giving us glimpse into her next book Wreck. We chat about the books she has read and loved this year, listed below, as well as finding out what her ultimate holiday drinks party might look like. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Catherine Newman ✨ Books Mentioned
I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends… it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| The Christmas Chapter: Catching Up with Best Book Forward Friends | 27 Nov 2025 | 00:01:02 | |
A little early Christmas gift for our lovely listeners! Welcome to The Christmas Chapter: Catching Up with Best Book Forward Friends. A special bonus series where we celebrate the season by reconnecting with some of our lovely past guests. For this bonus season, I've invited back nine of our past guests back to the mic to share their year, their inspirations, and their favourite reads. In this special series, you'll discover:
The Christmas Chapter Schedule:
Don't miss a single story. If you love great books and warm conversation, the perfect gift you can give us is hitting that Subscribe button! Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Helen Paris: The Invisible Women’s Club, Reclaiming Creativity & Owning Your Next Chapter | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:46:44 | |
For this final episode of our special bonus season, I’m taking things right back to the beginning by welcoming my very first podcast guest, the wonderful Helen Paris, author of The Invisible Women’s Club. In this episode Helen chats about the incredible reader response to The Invisible Women’s Club, the importance of female friendship, navigating menopause, and even gives us a little glimpse into her next book. She also shares details of her inspiring new project, The Next Chapter, a bespoke creative course, in the South of France, drawing on her 30 years of experience as a professor and creative facilitator. The course is designed to give women the space and support to nurture their creativity, whether they’re returning to something they once loved or exploring it for the first time. For dates and details, visit: https://www.creativebody.org/nextchapter. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Helen Paris ✨ Books Mentioned
So that’s it for this special Christmas season. I really hope that you have enjoyed it. I would like to say a huge thank you to my wonderful guests: Catherine Newman, Matt Cain, Clare Leslie-Hall, Frances Quinn, Alice Winn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds and of course Helen Paris. I will be back with a brand new season start on 8 January and I really hope you’ll join for that season too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Lucy Steeds on The Artist: Art, Storytelling & Life After a Breakout Debut | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:54:53 | |
In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Lucy Steeds, author of The Artist If you missed the previous episode with Claire you can catch up with it here... listen now We take a look back at The Artist and some of the special moments that Lucy has enjoyed. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Lucy Steds ✨ Books Mentioned Boutique Book Breaks Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Gillian McAllister on Famous Last Words, Writing Thrillers, and Must-Read Books | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:43:55 | |
In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Gillian McAllister. If you missed the previous episode you can catch up with it here…listen now We take a look back at Famous Last Words and also at what is next for Gillian, I have to say it is all very exciting. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Gillian McAllister ✨ Books Mentioned I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends, it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Virginia Evans on The Correspondent: How Persistence, Hope, and Human Connection Led to a Times Book of the Year | 06 Dec 2025 | 00:52:26 | |
✨ Update: Since this episode was recorded, Virginia Evans has been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction for The Correspondent. Congratulations to Virginia ✨ In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Virginia Evans author of The Correspondent. Virginia reveals how the incredible success of The Correspondent has felt after so many years of rejection, she shares the moments that will stay with her forever, a little insight into what she’s currently working on as well as giving a glimpse into her family life at Christmas. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Virginia Evans ✨ Books Mentioned
Boutique Book Breaks Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Alice Winn on In Memoriam; Success, Storytelling & Interesting Reads | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:44:58 | |
Joining me on today’s Christmas Chapter is the wonderful Alice Winn. I was so excited to welcome Alice back to reflect on the success of In Memoriam, chat about her next projects and get some really interesting book recommendations. If you missed our previous chat you can catch up with it here listen now Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 By Alice Winn ✨ Books Mentioned
I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends, it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Frances Quinn on The Lost Passenger: A Conversation About Writing, Readers, and Women Who Change the World | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:33:55 | |
In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Frances Quinn. If you missed our first chat you can catch up here listen now We take a look back at The Lost Passenger and Frances gives us a sneak peek into her new book The Troublemakers which sounds amazing. You can you preorder your copy here: The Troublemakers Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Frances Quinn ✨ Books Mentioned
I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series - catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends - it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Clare Leslie Hall on Broken Country: Awards, Achievements & Reading Recommendations | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:40:25 | |
In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Clare Leslie Hall. If you missed the previous episode with Claire you can catch up with it here... listen now We take a look back at Broken Country at only the incredible awards and achievements but also the heartfelt response it has had from readers. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Clare Leslie Hall ✨ Books Mentioned
Boutique Book Breaks Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest. For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/ I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series; catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Matt Cain Christmas Special: ‘One Love’, Life Reflections, and His Favourite 2025 Reads | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:45:58 | |
In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Matt Cain MBE for a catch-up on everything he’s been up to since we last spoke. It’s been quite a year for Matt, from receiving his MBE at Windsor Castle to sharing the powerful story of coming out again as autistic. In this conversation, we talk about what those moments have meant to him, and how they’ve shaped both his life and his writing. We also revisit his beautiful novel One Love, and Matt gives us an exclusive glimpse into what he’s working on next and it sounds absolutely brilliant. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed: 📚 Books by Matt Cain
✨ Books Mentioned
I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends it makes a huge difference in helping new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄 Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Ellie Levenson on Room 706: Exploring Desire, Danger, and the Heart of Her Debut Novel | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:54:32 | |
Today’s episode is a publication day special with Ellie Levenson, author of Room 706. I first read this book back in October and I haven’t stopped talking about it since. Room 706. In this episode, Ellie and I dive into the world of Room 706: her inspiration, her writing process, and how she crafted such a tightly paced and explosive story. And because that ending deserves its own space, we’ve recorded a separate bonus episode dedicated entirely to unpacking it. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations, so here they are, with links to buy: 📚 By Ellie Levenson ✨ Books Mentioned
If you’ve finished Room 706 and are ready to dive deeper into that unforgettable ending, make sure you check out the bonus episode. A word of warning: it’s packed with spoilers, so if you haven’t read the book yet, you might want to wait until you have. I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you enjoyed today’s episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to spread the word. Your support really helps new listeners discover the show. See you next week, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Bonus! Ellie Levenson on Room 706: The Ending Everyone’s Talking About | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:20:11 | |
⚠️ Bonus Episode Warning: Contains Spoilers ⚠️ When a book delivers an ending as brilliant and surprising as Room 706 by Ellie Levenson, it deserves its very own bonus episode, one where we can unpack everything without worrying about ruining the experience for anyone else. If you haven’t read the book yet, please stop here and come back once you have! Books discussed: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Although we dive deep into the ending of Room 706, we’ve chosen to keep some of Ellie’s own reflections under wraps, those are for you to discover as a reader. If you’d like to get in touch with Ellie, you can find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_levenson/ I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Ruth Ware on The Woman in Suite 11: Secrets, Suspense & Screen Adaptations | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:01:17 | |
Well I can’t quite believe it but this is the final episode in this Season. I have had so much fun recording these episodes and I really hope that you have enjoyed it too. We’re ending the Season on a complete high as I am delighted to welcome the incredible Ruth Ware to the show. In this episode, Ruth takes us back to The Woman in Cabin 10 before talking about how readers were desperate to find out more from Lo, and how the moment of inspiration came for The Woman in Suite 11. We talk about her writing life, what it was like to see Kiera Knightely bring Lo Blacklock to the screen and we get a little glimpse into what she is working on now. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Ruth Ware The Woman in Cabin 10 ✨ The Five Books That Shaped Ruth’s Life Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford ✨ Other Books Mentioned The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins And that’s a wrap for Season 4. Thank you so much to my wonderful guests; Jane Fallon, Ellie Levenson, Nicola Gill, Alexandra Potter, Emma Steele, Jennie Godfrey and Ruth Ware. I’m currently hard at work on Season 5 and I hope to be able to share it with you soon. If you have subscribed to the show you’ll get a notification whenever a new episode lands. If you haven’t yet, I would be so grateful if you could please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. Thanks for listening and see you soon. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Jennie Godfrey on The Barbecue at No. 9: Secrets from the Summer of ’85 | 12 Feb 2026 | 01:03:44 | |
What a joy it was to chat to Jennie Godfrey, I could have happily chatted for another hour. Jennie’s new book The Barbecue at No. 9 is out today and it is fabulous. One you absolutely do not want to miss. No episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Jennie Godfrey 📚 The Books that have shaped Jennie The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp (currently unavailable on bookshop.org) Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes I’ll be back next week with the last in this season, don’t worry more are on the way, I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Emma Steele on The Love of Our Lives: Love, Loss & Second Chances | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:58:13 | |
This was such a fun conversation with Emma Steele, we’ve been chatting online for a while so it really felt like catching up with a friend. In this episode we talk about Emma’s fabulous new novel, The Love of Our Lives, her writing life, what draws her to write speculative fiction and of course the five books that shaped her life (well there were a few more than 5). And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Emma Steele 📚 The Books that have shaped Emma After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell Little Women by Louisa May Alcott The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ✨ Books Mentioned Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Alexandra Potter on So, I Met This Guy: Romance Scams & Second Chances | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:55:32 | |
This was such a fun episode with Alexandra Potter, it was one of the times I felt like I was just sat down having a cuppa and catching up with a friend. So, I Met This Guy, Alexandra’s book that we discuss in this episode is out today and it is such a brilliant read. If you’ve been experiencing any January Blues this is the one you need to be grabbing. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Alexandra Potter Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up ✨ Books Mentioned
I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Nicola Gill on Identity Crisis: The Fine Line Between Tears and Laughter | 22 Jan 2026 | 00:49:43 | |
A quick content note: this episode includes conversations about fertility, miscarriage, baby loss, and the death of a parent. I know these topics can be difficult, so please listen in whatever way feels right for you. I absolutely loved recording this episode with Nicola Gill — she is such a joy to chat to. We talked about her latest novel, Identity Crisis (which I adored), her writing life, and of course the books that have shaped her own reading journey. And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy: 📚 By Nicola Gill ✨ Books Mentioned
I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show. See you tomorrow, and happy listening. Listen & Subscribe Now: https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||