Explore every episode of the podcast Best Book Forward
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday Teaser: Matson Taylor on Roman Mornings | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:09:13 | |
Welcome to this Tuesday Teaser episode of Best Book Forward! Today, I am giving you an exclusive sneak peek into my conversation with Matson Taylor ahead of the main episode dropping this Thursday. Roman Mornings is out now (grab your copy here: Roman Mornings by Matson Taylor) It is such a brilliant read, you do not want to miss this book (or episode). Make sure you hang around to the end of the episode to hear Matson read a little extract for you. The main episode drops this Thursday so think of this as a little added bonus. If you are already subscribed to Best Book Forward, your podcast app will send you a little notification the moment the main episode lands. In the meantime, come and say hello to us both over on Instagram by hitting the links below! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Connect with Us
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| "I write with a cinematic eye": Bobby Palmer on Main Characters | 25 juin 2026 | 01:14:11 | |
In this week’s episode I am joined by Bobby Palmer to talk about his brilliant new novel, Main Characters which is out today (link below). I’ve read almost 50 books so far this year and Main Characters is one of my favourites. It is so clever and fresh and just a brilliant read. Do make sure you grab a copy. In this episode you will find a lot of books, I feel your TBRs might be about to grow because Bobby has plenty of recommendations. Bobby’s Book Choices:
Books by Bobby Palmer Other books mentioned
If you loved listening to this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward on your favourite podcast app, and don’t forget to tell your book-loving friends. It really helps new listeners discover our cozy reading community and helps us grow See you next Tuesday for our next teaser episode which will be followed with the main episode on Thursday. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Now: : Best Book Forward Podcast 📲 Connect with Us:
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| Tuesday Teaser: Bobby Palmer on Main Characters | 23 juin 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
Welcome to this very special preview episode of Best Book Forward! Today, I am giving you an exclusive sneak peek into my conversation with Bobby Palmer ahead of the main episode dropping this Thursday. Main Characters is out this Thursday, you do not want to miss this book (or episode). Make sure you hang around to the end of the episode to hear Bobby read a little extract for you. In this quick preview, I am sharing a little glimpse of what is to come later this week. We chat about Bobby’s inspirations and why he decided to write a book with 82 different points of view - I’m glad he did because it makes for a fabulous read The main episode drops this Thursday so think of this as a little added bonus. If you are already subscribed to Best Book Forward, your podcast app will send you a little notification the moment the main episode lands. In the meantime, come and say hello to us both over on Instagram by hitting the links below! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Connect with Us
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| Karen Swan on Three Summers | 11 juin 2026 | 01:10:30 | |
In this week’s episode I am joined by Karen Swan to talk about her brilliant new novel, Three Summers which is out today in paperback (link below). This episode was a pure joy to record, we actually spoke for nearly two hours as we got chatting before we hit record and I think we could have easily nattered for another hour too. In this episode, Karen talks about finding the perfect setting for Three Summers, I think we need a Best Book Forward retreat there, how she balances writing emotionally tense scenes and of course the five books that shaped Karen’s life which were. Karen’s Book Choices:
Books by Karen Swan If you loved listening to this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward on your favourite podcast app, and don’t forget to tell your book-loving friends. It really helps new listeners discover our cozy reading community and helps us grow See you next Tuesday for our next teaser episode which will be followed with the main episode on Thursday. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Now: : Best Book Forward Podcast 📲 Connect with Us:
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| Tuesday Teaser: Karen Swan Preview + Exclusive Author Reading | 09 juin 2026 | 00:08:21 | |
Welcome to this very special preview episode of Best Book Forward! Today, I am giving you an exclusive sneak peek into my conversation with the brilliant bestselling author, Karen Swan, ahead of her main episode dropping this Thursday. Three Summers is out this Thursday in paperback and I had the best time chatting to you Karen about it. Make sure you hang around to the end of the episode to hear Karen read a little extract for you. In this quick preview, I am sharing a little glimpse of what is to come later this week. We chat about Karen's inspiration and her quest to find the perfect location, you'll hear snippets of Karen talking about the moment she found the perfect spot. I think we need a Best Book Forward reading retreat in Puglia! The main episode drops this Thursday so think of this as a little added bonus. If you are already subscribed to Best Book Forward, your podcast app will send you a little notification the moment the main episode lands. In the meantime, come and say hello to us both over on Instagram by hitting the links below! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Connect with Us
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| Joanna Cannon: "Everything worth having starts with a pinch of anxiety" | 04 juin 2026 | 01:09:14 | |
I am absolutely thrilled to kick off the new season with the brilliant Sunday Times bestselling author, Dr. Joanna Cannon, to talk all about her beautiful new novel, An Unlikely Visitor. In this episode, Jo talks about her journey from becoming a doctor in her 40s to a bestselling author, how everything in life worth having starts with a pinch of anxiety and how meeting one reader in a signing line led to Jo dedicating this novel to her. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without lots of book chat and Jo’s love of books shines through this chat. We could have talked books all day long. Joanna’s Book Choices:
Books by Dr. Joanna Cannon: Other Books Mentioned:
If you loved listening to this episode, please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward on your favourite podcast app, and don’t forget to tell your book-loving friends. It really helps new listeners discover our cozy reading community and helps us grow! See you next Thursday for another wonderful guest, and happy listening! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Now: : Best Book Forward Podcast 📲 Connect with Us:
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| Tuesday Teaser: Dr. Joanna Cannon Preview + Exclusive Audiobook Clip | 02 juin 2026 | 00:14:03 | |
Welcome to this very special preview episode of Best Book Forward! Today, I am giving you an exclusive sneak peek into my conversation with the brilliant bestselling author, Dr. Joanna Cannon, ahead of her main episode dropping this Thursday. To celebrate the launch of her beautiful new novel, An Unlikely Visitor, we are wrapping up today's episode with a very special, exclusive audiobook preview, read beautifully by Emily Joyce. Trust me when I say it is pure joy. It made me want to just curl up in my favourite chair with a cup of tea and keep listening all afternoon! In this quick preview, I am sharing a little glimpse of what is to come later this week. We chat about Jo’s incredible journey from working as a doctor to becoming a bestselling author and I had a goosebumps moment when Jo talked about how she believes that everything in life that is truly worth having starts with a pinch of anxiety (and I totally agree with her)> What really shines through for me in this whole episode is Jo’s completely infectious love of books, and I just know you are going to absolutely love this chat. Both the main interview and An Unlikely Visitor release this coming Thursday, and I hope you'll be diving into both. If you are already subscribed to Best Book Forward, your podcast app will send you a little notification the moment the main episode lands. In the meantime, come and say hello to us both over on Instagram by hitting the links below! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Connect with Us
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| Best Book Forward - Season Six | 28 mai 2026 | 00:02:12 | |
🎙️ Best Book Forward – Season 6 Trailer A brand new season of Best Book Forward is almost here! Join me for another chapter of bookish conversation, where each week I sit down with incredible authors to explore the books that have shaped their lives. You can think of it as a bookish take on Desert Island Discs. For June and July, we are packing our bags and heading from the bustling streets of early-2000s London to sun-drenched Positano. We will be travelling to nineteenth-century France and 1970s Rome, exploring unforgettable summers, unexpected visitors, love stories, secrets, and lives changed forever. Together, we’ll dive into the books our authors return to again and again, and we will explore how memory, identity, love, and reinvention shape the stories that stay with us long after the final page is turned. Exciting news for this season: We are going twice weekly! The main interview episodes will continue exactly as they always have, dropping every single Thursday. But on Tuesdays, I’ll be bringing you shorter preview episodes where I'll announce my next guest, give you a little glimpse into our chat, and share an exclusive reading from the author to get you excited for the week ahead. So, wherever you’re spending your summer this year, whether you are on a plane, by the sea, relaxing in the garden, or just stealing a quiet moment for yourself, bring a book, and bring us with you. Though be warned, this podcast is highly likely to expand your TBR list, so you might want to double-check your airline baggage allowance before you hit download! The very first preview episode drops on Tuesday 2nd June, and if you’re subscribed, it’ll be ready and waiting for you. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Stay Connected
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| "I love uncovering bits of forgotten history": Kate Lord Brown on The Silver Thread | 21 mai 2026 | 00:51:25 | |
Kate Lord Brown on The Silver Thread In this final episode of Season 5, I’m joined by bestselling author Kate Lord Brown to talk about her beautiful new novel, The Silver Thread. We discuss Kate’s love of uncovering forgotten histories, the real-life inspirations behind the novel, and how Liberty London became an unexpected doorway into the past. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Kate. You’ll find links to buy below: Books by Kate: Kate’s Book Choices: The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje Other Books Mentioned: The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce Season 6 is coming really soon and I cannot wait to tell you what I’ve been working on. But first a huge thanks to my guests who have been: Julie Owen Moylan Lucy Apps Sarah Vaughan Heidi Swain Ilona Bannister Andrea Mara Lucy Ashe and Kate Lord Brown 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 soon, 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/ | |||
| “It Made Me Feel a Sense of Urgency” – Lucy Ashe on The Model Patient | 14 mai 2026 | 00:59:56 | |
Lucy Ashe on The Model Patient In this episode, I’m joined by author Lucy Ashe to talk about her latest novel, The Model Patient, looking at her own experiences with therapy helped shaped the story and how her research into women’s lives in the 1960s made her feel a sense of urgency. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Lucy. You’ll find links to buy below: Books by Lucy: Lucy’s Book Choices: Northern Lights by Philip Pullman Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild Other Books Mentioned The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood 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/ | |||
| “Do You Stick by Your Kids No Matter What?”: Inside Such a Nice Girl (with Andrea Mara) | 07 mai 2026 | 00:55:17 | |
Andrea Mara on Such a Nice Girl: When Friendship and Motherhood Collide In this episode bestselling author Andrea Mara joins me to talk about her gripping new thriller Such a Nice Girl, released today. We get into the story behind the book, which begins the morning after a glamorous wedding when two mothers wake to find their daughters missing. What follows is a tense and emotional unravelling of friendship, trust, and the quiet fears that sit beneath family life. Andrea shares what inspired the novel and how she builds that sense of unease that keeps readers turning pages. We also talk about her writing process, the balance between character and plot and how much she loves to come up with great red herrings. Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Andrea. You’ll find links to buy below: Books by Andrea: Andrea’s Book Choices: The Jackson Brodie Series by Kate Atkinson The Chimney Sweeper Boy by Barbara Vine Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Other Books Mentioned On Writing by Stephen King Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson Small Mercies by Denis Lehane Long Bright River by Liz Moore Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 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/ Andrea Mara on Such a Nice Girl: When Friendship and Motherhood Collide In this episode bestselling author Andrea Mara joins me to talk about her gripping new thriller Such a Nice Girl, released today. We get into the story behind the book, which begins the morning after a glamorous wedding when two mothers wake to find their daughters missing. What follows is a tense and emotional unravelling of friendship, trust, and the quiet fears that sit beneath family life. Andrea shares what inspired the novel and how she builds that sense of unease that keeps readers turning pages. We also talk about her writing process, the balance between character and plot, and the journey to becoming a bestselling thriller author. It is a really fascinating look at how a story comes together and what drives her to keep writing darker, more complex narratives. What we talk about:
Books that shaped Andrea Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Andrea. You’ll find links to buy below: 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/ | |||
| “What If These Were Your Last Five Minutes?”: Inside Five (with Ilona Bannister) | 30 avr. 2026 | 01:03:42 | |
Ilona joins me today to chat about her incredible new novel Five. I couldn’t wait to chat to Ilona about it; I mean check this hook out: Five passengers, five, stories, five minutes until someone dies. Who do you want it to be? Brilliant isn't it and I can tell you it is a fantastic read one that should be read in a group! This is a story about judgment. About empathy. About the hidden lives we never see and in this episode Ilona share what drew her to this premise as we discuss the themes of how we view strangers and the assumptions we make. This conversation dives into:
Books that shaped Ilona Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Heidi, you’ll find links to buy below:
Also recommended by Ilona: 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/ | |||
| “My Characters Live and Breathe for Me”: Inside Walking on Sunshine (with Heidi Swain) | 23 avr. 2026 | 01:01:14 | |
Heidi Swain on Walking on Sunshine: A Story of New Beginnings In this uplifting episode, Heidi Swain joins Helen to discuss her latest novel, Walking on Sunshine. We follow Tilly as she returns to her childhood village after the loss of her father, navigating grief, rediscovering home, and finding the courage to start again. Heidi shares the inspiration behind the story, the importance of setting in her writing, and how themes of friendship, community, and resilience shape her work. She also offers insight into her creative process and reflects on the joy of telling stories that bring comfort and hope. To discover more of Heidi's books head to her website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/ What we talk about:
Books that shaped Heidi Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward is complete without book recommendations. Here are the books that have shaped Heidi, you’ll find links to buy below:
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/ | |||
| "A Christie for the Instagram Age”: The Story Behind Based on a True Story (with Sarah Vaughan) | 16 avr. 2026 | 01:04:13 | |
Sarah Vaughan on Based on a True Story In this episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Sarah Vaughan to discuss her brilliant new novel, Based on a True Story. We explore the themes at the heart of the book, including power, family dynamics, and the secrets that lie beneath carefully constructed lives. Sarah shares insights into her writing process and inspirations, revealing how her background in journalism continues to shape her fiction. We also talk about the impact of Anatomy of a Scandal and its journey to the screen and of course the five books that have shaped her life. 📚 By Sarah Vaughan ✨ Books Mentioned Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel 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/ | |||
| “You Don’t Really See These Stories”: Inside Gloria Don’t Speak (with Lucy Apps) | 09 avr. 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
Lucy Apps on Gloria Don’t Speak In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Apps to discuss her debut novel Gloria Don’t Speak, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. We talk about the inspirations behind the novel, her writing life, and what it’s like to receive such major literary recognition. At the heart of the conversation is Gloria; a young woman with learning disabilities navigating friendship, vulnerability, and independence in East London. Lucy shares how she approached crafting Gloria’s voice with authenticity and care, and why it was so important to tell a story that reflects the often-overlooked experiences of adults with learning disabilities. We also explore the themes of trust, trauma, and connection within the novel, alongside a broader discussion about care, autonomy, and representation in fiction. Plus, Lucy shares some of the books that have shaped her life and thinking as a writer. 📚 By Lucy Apps ✨ Books Mentioned Born to be Wild: The Livewire Guide to Saving Animals by Juliet Galletley - Currently Unavailable on bookshop.org Obedience to Authority by Stanley Milgram Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken 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/ | |||
| "I Knew There Was Something There” The Story Behind Elizabeth & Marilyn (with Julie Owen Moylan) | 02 avr. 2026 | 01:02:29 | |
Julie Owen Moylan on Elizabeth & Marilyn | Best Book Forward Podcast What an incredible way to kick off a brand new season of Best Book Forward. In this episode, I’m joined by novelist Julie Owen Moylan to talk about her stunning new historical novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn. Set in the summer of 1956, the book reimagines the extraordinary moment when two of the most famous women in the world, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II, were, incredibly, neighbours in Windsor. We explore:
Julie shares how she approached portraying Marilyn and Elizabeth as complex, human women rather than untouchable symbols, and how themes of autonomy, identity, ambition, and resilience run through the novel. If you love historical fiction, stories about iconic women, or thoughtful conversations about the writing process, this episode is for you. 📚 By Julie Owen Moylan ✨ Books Mentioned Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck 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/ | |||
| Best Book Forward: Chapter 5 | 26 mars 2026 | 00:01:57 | |
🎙️ Best Book Forward – Season 5 Trailer A brand new season of Best Book Forward is almost here. Join host Helen for another chapter of bookish conversation, where each week she sits down with authors to explore the books that have shaped their lives—think a literary take on Desert Island Discs. 📅 Season 5 launches: Thursday 2nd April 📚 What’s coming: 8 weeks of brilliant author interviews and irresistible book recommendations 🔍 This season, expect…
👀 Can you guess the authors? The first episode drops on Thursday 2nd April—and if you’re subscribed, it’ll be ready and waiting. 🎧 Listen & Subscribehttps://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen 📲 Stay ConnectedFollow on Instagram: @bestbookforward Website: https://bestbookforward.org/ | |||
| Ruth Ware on The Woman in Suite 11: Secrets, Suspense & Screen Adaptations | 19 févr. 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 févr. 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 févr. 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: When Romance Turns Into a Con You Don’t See Coming | 29 janv. 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 janv. 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/ | |||
| Bonus! Ellie Levenson on Room 706: The Ending Everyone’s Talking About | 15 janv. 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/ | |||
| Ellie Levenson on Room 706: Exploring Desire, Danger, and the Heart of Her Debut Novel | 15 janv. 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/ | |||
| Jane Fallon: Welcome to the Neighbourhood — Talking Characters, Creativity and the Books That Shaped Her | 08 janv. 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 janv. 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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| Helen Paris: The Invisible Women’s Club, Reclaiming Creativity & Owning Your Next Chapter | 09 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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 déc. 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/ | |||
| Catherine Newman Returns: Reactions to Sandwich, Sneak Peek at Wreck, and Favourite Reads | 01 déc. 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/ | |||
| Liane Moriarty on Here One Moment: Destiny, Fear and Fiction | 24 juil. 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 juil. 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! | |||
| Clare Leslie Hall: The Story Behind Broken Country and the Books She Loves | 10 juil. 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 juin 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 | |||
| 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. | |||
| Marianne Cronin on Eddie Winston is Looking for Love: Friendship, Love & Self-Discovery | 26 sept. 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! | |||