A Pair of Bookends

For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Rhiannon Lucy Coslett to discuss her latest novel Female, Nude. In this episode they discuss the choice to become a mother, Rhiannon's research into various female & non-binary artists whose art was impacted by motherhood, wealth divides in friendships, the beauty of Greece plus lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Rhiannon via Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode: Artists & works referenced in Female, NudeThe Year of the Cat by Rhiannon Lucy CoslettThe Republic of Parenthood by Rhiannon Lucy CoslettThe Tyranny of Lost Things by Rhiannon Lucy CoslettThe Original by Nell StevensSarah WatersBad Sex in Fiction AwardsBad Behaviour by Mary GaitskillElena FerranteThe Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne BrontëThe Tenant of Wildfell Hall (BBC)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For our third instalment in the Books to Screen series, author/musician Sophie Crawford joins us to discuss a very unique adaptation, Shakespeare's The Taming of The Shrew to Ten Things I Hate About You (1999). In this episode Hannah and Sophie discuss how it's unbelievable that the play is considered a comedy, the sexism and misogyny in the play and the film, the romcom magic the film has, the various castings plus much more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy Sophie's debut novel here.You can follow Sophie via sophiecrawford.co.uk & Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Faust - Jan Švankmajer (1994)Call Me By Your Name by André AcimanCall Me By Your Name (2017)Clueless (1995)Dykes To Watch Out For by Alison BechdelFun Home by Alison BechdelWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëWuthering Heights (2026)Hamnet (2025)Hamnet by Maggie O'FarrellTales of The City by Armistead MaupinTales of The City (2019)Michelle TeaPeter Panic by James BaldwinWatership Down by Richard AdamsWatership Down (1978)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

In today's instalment of our Debut Spotlight series Hannah chats to author Elspeth Wilson about her debut novel These Mortal Bodies. In this episode they discuss how beneficial journaling is to the creative process, the messiness of grief, setting the novel at an elite university and the secret societies that can be found there plus some excellent book recs.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Elspeth via Substack & Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode: How It Works Out by Myriam LacroixShe's Always Hungry by Eliza Clarkhttps://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/girls-only-drinking-societies-dark-academiaThe Secret History by Donna TarttVenus Fly Trap by Emma Medranohttps://uk.bookshop.org/lists/elspeth-wilson-shares-her-favourite-dark-academia-reads?&new-list-page=trueLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For the first episode in Season 7 of our Debut Spotlight series Hannah spoke to Rebecca Ferrier about her debut novel The Salt Bind. They discuss her writing journey, how a D&D actor inspired one of her characters, Cornish folklore plus lots more.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Rebecca via Instagram & TikTokBooks & other mentions in this episode:Solace House by Will MacleanThe Folklore of Cornwall by Ronald. M JamesPractical Magic (1998)Dimension 20- PodcastBBC- The Reith Lectures - Hilary Mantel Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For our second instalment of Books to Screen, Emily Goulding joins us to discuss the adaptation that got away... The Secret History. In this episode Hannah & Emily discuss the failed attempts to adapt this hugely popular novel, what they loved about the book, why Emily thinks The Goldfinch didn't work as an adaptation + lots of recommendations!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emily via Instagram Read her reviews here: Times Literary Supplement, Irish TimesBooks & other mentions in this ep:The Secret History by Donna TarttMy Brilliant Friend- NowTVA Series of Unfortunate Events - NetflixBridget Jones's Diary (2001)Chlorine by Jade SongOur Wives Under The Sea by Julia ArmfieldShark Heart by Emily HabeckConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyNormal People by Sally RooneyNormal People (BBC)Shirley JacksonThe Haunting of Hill HouseHamnet (2025)The Goldfinch (2019)The Pitt (2025)The Girlfriend (2025)Weapons (2025)BBC Radio 4 Book Club Podcast- Donna Tartt (2014)Zero to Well-Read Podcast- The Secret HistoryOnce Upon a Time... at Bennington College PodcastFrida Slattery As Herself by Ana KinsellaThe Tower by Thea LenarduzziSwimming Studies by Leanne ShaptonHeart the Lover by Lily KingFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildThe Age of Calamities by Senaa Ahmad The Book of Mysteries by Rebecca TamásLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Joining Hannah for today's episode is returning guest, Roxy Dunn. Roxy appeared on the podcast back in 2024 to dicuss her incredible debut novel As Young As This and she's back now to talk about her second novel Wants and Needs (spoiler free ofc!)They discuss what drew Roxy to exploring modern dating through the lens of ethical non-monogamy (in her writing), what she's learnt from rejection, the mother/daughter relationship + lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Roxy via Instagram.Books & other mentions in this episode: Wants and Needs by Roxy DunnAs Young As This by Roxy DunnAlison by Lizzy StewartThe Wreck by Lizzy StewartPeople in Love by Claire DaverleySorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonEveryone I know is Dying by Emily SlapperNew York Times' The Book Review: 'The Correspondent' Author Virginia Evans On Her Breakout YearThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome to our first episode of Books to Screen, to kick us off author and friend of the pod Emma Hinds has joined us to deep dive into one of the most anticipated adaptations, Hamnet. In this episode Hannah and Emma discuss the differences between the book and the film, the scenes they loved, the scenes they missed and Emma puts their historical fiction writer cap on and talks about some historical inaccuracies in the film. Aswell as this, Emma reveals some of their own favourite adaptations and castings, we hope you enjoy! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emma via Instagram, Tumblr & PatreonBuy Emma's books: The Knowing, The Quick and The Dead & WitchloreBooks & other mentions in this ep: Hamnet by Maggie O'FarrellHamnet (2025)War & Peace (BBC)Wolf Hall (BBC)Pride and Prejudice (BBC)All of Us Strangers (2023)Strangers by Taichi YamadaLittle Women (2019)Piranesi by Susanna ClarkeEnola Holmes (Netflix)Earlyfate by Nat ReeveNettleblack by Nat ReeveSerenity BooksellersH is For Hawk (2025)H is For Hawk by Helen MacdonaldThe Odyssey (2026)The Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerPersuasion (2022)Julia ArmfieldLucy RoseThe Betrayal of Thomas True by A J WestThe Manningtree Witches by A.K. BlakemoreThe Essex Serpent (2022)The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'FarrellPre-order Nightcurse by Emma Hinds (US)Pre-order Nightcurse by Emma Hinds (UK)One Day (2011)One Day (Netflix)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome back to our first Book Club episode of 2026, this month Hannah spoke to debut author Grace Murray about her novel Blank Canvas. They discuss how Grace balanced work, studies & writing this novel, writing advice for budding writers & her experience of being on Penguin's WriteNow scheme. They also discuss chat through campus novels, writers that inspire Grace, lies and deception and so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Grace via Instagram. Books & other mentions in this episode: The Difficult Ghost: Searching For Truman Capote by Leila GuerrieroMinor Black Figures by Brandon TaylorReal Life by Brandon TaylorThe Secret History by Donna TarttEileen by Ottessa MoshfeghThe Late Americans by Brandon TaylorConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyMrs. S by K. PatrickSmall Rain by Garth GreenwellHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidHeated Rivalry (NowTV)Let us know thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! For the final episode of the year, Hannah brought in friend of the pod Emma Hinds, each bringing their 5 favourite reads of 2025. They also discuss what their year has been like in reading, what books they didn't get to, what books they're hoping to read over Christmas, reading goals for 2026 & more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emma via A03, Instagram & Tumblr.You can buy Emma's books here: Witchlore, The Quick and the Dead & The KnowingBooks & other mentions in this episode: Neon Roses by Rachel DawsonThe Artist by Lucy SteedsFlashlight by Susan ChoiThe South by Tash AwDeath of an Ordinary Man by Sarah PerryEveryone I Know is Dying by Emily SlapperIt Might Never Happen by Emily SlapperFundamentally by Nussaibah YounisBlue Sisters by Coco MellorsThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyThe Night Hag by Hester MussonWellcome CollectionDie, My Love by Ariana HarwiczOn the Calculation of Volume by Solvej BalleHamnet by Maggie O'FarrellWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëOld Soul by Susan BarkerHeart the Lover by Lily KingWriters & Lovers by Lily KingThe Pretender by Jo HarkinFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildAnd He Shall Appear by Kate van der BorghEngleby by Sebastian FaulksThere are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif ShafakIntermezzo by Sally RooneyMother Mary Comes To Me by Arundhati RoyThe Safekeep by Yael van der WoudenThe Paying Guests by Sarah WatersCall Me By Your Name by André AcimanGirlbeast by Cecilie LindSlags by Emma Jane UnsworthAnimals by Emma Jane UnsworthAdults by Emma Jane UnsworthDays of Light by Megan HunterThe Lamb by Lucy RoseNorth and South by Elizabeth GaskellBitter Sweet by Hattie WilliamsBoudicca's Daughter by Elodie HarperThe Show Woman by Emma CowingSince the World is Ending by Indyana SchneiderSunburn by Chloe Michelle HowarthPenelope LivelyAnne EnrightLet us know your faves of the year by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For today's episode Hannah was joined by friend of the pod, author Emma Hinds to discuss their latest book Witchlore.In this episode they have a discussion about money and how difficult it is as creatives to get to a point of making a liveable income, they then dive into how Emma has found moving between writing historical fiction and YA fantasy, setting the novel in Manchester, growing up Queer, the world of magic & more.If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Emma via A03, Instagram & TumblrBooks & other mentions in this episode:The Hole by Hiroko OyamadaThe Colour Purple by Alice WalkerPhilip PullmanHolly BlackThe Illustrated Mum by Jacqueline Wilsonaloveunlaced.com/ Instagram: a.loveunlacedHer Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno DawsonYou can pre-order Nightcurse in the US here (UK not yet available)Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out MysterySpirit Warriors by Ashley ThorpeQueer LitSerenity BooksellersWave of NostalgiaLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

On today's very Christmassy December Book Club episode Hannah was joined by author Hayley Dunlop to discuss her debut novel It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas which you can buy here.Also available for 99p on Kindle until 23/12/25 here.In this episode they discuss the Christmas film watchalong Hayley hosts each year, how Covid/lockdown changed Hayley's writing journey, complicated families and lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Hayley & join her watchalongs via InstagramYou can follow her work & find the content warnings for her book via hayleyjdunlop.comBooks & other mentions in this episode: In Love with Love by Ella RisbridgerMidnight Chicken by Ella RisbridgerIn The Kitchen: Essays on Food and LifeMerry & Gay (2022)Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas (2019)Jingle Bell Heist (2025)Your Christmas or Mine? (2022)Your Christmas or Mine 2 (2023)Love Actually (2003)Last Christmas (2019)Single All The Way (2021)Send Flowers by Emily BuchananLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Iman Hariri-Kia to discuss her latest novel Female Fantasy. They discuss how this book became a love letter to the romance community, why romance is an important genre, her excitement for upcoming adaptations + all of the book recs your heart could desire!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Iman via Instagram, Substack & imanharirikia.comYou can buy Female Fantasy here (UK) &  here (US)Books & other mentions in this episode: Quicksilver by Callie HartBrimstone by Callie HartCheck & Mate by Ali HazelwoodLove, Theoretically by Ali HazelwoodYou, Again by Kate GoldbeckWhen Harry Met Sally (1989)Exit Lane by Erika VeurinkReady or Not by Cara BastoneHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidHeated Rivalry (2025)Deep End by Ali HazelwoodMate by Ali HazelwoodKiss Of The Basilisk by Lindsay StraubeThe Princess Diaries by Meg CabotBank Square Books, MysticGood Spirits by B.K. BorisonIt's Different This Time by Joss RichardIf It Makes You Happy by Julie OliviaMaxton HallThe Love Hypothesis AdaptationEvery Summer After AdaptationLily Allen- West End GirlAudrey Hobert- Who's The Clown?Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

In today's episode Hannah spoke to Uttama Kirit Patel about her debut novel Shape of an Apostrophe.They discuss the choice to be a mother, Indian family culture, claustrophobic settings & the books Uttama has been enjoying + lots more! If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Uttama via Instagram & uttamapatel.comBuy Shape of an Apostrophe here.Books & other mentions in this episode: The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran DesaiNow You See Us by Balli Kaur JaswalThings in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun LiLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

This episode was recorded live at the brilliant Queer Lit/ Social Refuge. For more of their upcoming events click here. The sound in this episode isn't perfect throughout, apologies for this! For today's episode Hannah interviewed Chloe Michelle Howarth for the launch event of her new novel Heap Earth Upon It. They discuss Chloe's creative process from ideas on a hangover to creating colour palettes for her novels, sibling dynamics, yearning, the lack of firsthand accounts of Queer people from 60's rural Ireland, writing influences & so much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Chloe via Instagram, Twitter/X& Tik TokBuy Heap Earth Upon It here. Buy Sunburn here. Books & other mentions in this episode: The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine KrafShy by Max PorterJeffrey Eugenides So Late in the Day by Claire KeeganColm Tóibín Mouthing by Orla MackeyThis Immaculate Body by Emma Van StraatenLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

Sorry for the delay on this one but it's worth the wait we promise! For our October Book Club episode Hannah chats to author, actor & musician Joey Batey about his debut novel It's Not A Cult which you can buy here. They discuss how Joey 'meets' his characters before writing about them, how he stays motivated to write throughout his other projects, his experience of his first book tour, new music & the show that made him tear up a book he was working on. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Joey via Instagram, follow The Amazing Devil here: https://theamazingdevil.com/ & you can listen to their music here. Books & other mentions in this episode: The Lamb by Lucy RoseVanishing World by Sayaka MurataEarthlings by Sayaka MurataPluribus (Apple TV)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

(PSA: Sound on this ep improves 5/10 mins in, apologies!) For today's episode Hannah was joined by author Lucas Oakeley to discuss his debut novel Nearly Departed which you can buy here.They discuss Lucas's social media campaign to get men reading fiction, love stories, food and lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Lucas via Instagram, Twitter/X & Tik Tok. Books & other mentions in this episode: Flesh by David SzalayAll That Man Is by David SzalayThe Trees by Percival EverettAny Human Heart by William BoydImogen by Jilly CooperBeautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooneyhttps://www.service95.com/why-more-men-need-to-read-about-loveDavid NichollsBobby PalmerMike GayleWuthering Heights (2026)Frankenstein (2025)Saltburn (2023)The Narrow Road To The Deep North (2025)The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard FlanaganNora EphronMad Men (2007)Game of ThronesBreaking Bad (2008)Succession (2018)Let us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

For today's Debut Spotlight episode Hannah chats to author Viola van de Sandt about her debut novel The Dinner Party, they discuss their favourite dinner party scenes, writing about trauma, how Viola's debut was actually her 4th novel & much more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy The Dinner Party here (UK) & here (US)You can follow Viola via InstagramBooks & other mentions in this episode: All Fours by Miranda JulyThe First Bad Man by Miranda JulyVirginia Woolf: Biography by Hermione LeeThe Party (2017)The Bear: FishesFleabag: S2 E1The Dry Heart by Natalia GinzburgHappiness, As Such by Natalia GinzburgLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

On today's episode Hannah chats to writer & co-host of the A Pod of Smut and Wingspan podcast B.A Pepper about her debut novel Daughter of Stone. They discuss what drew B into the world of Romantasy, how her friend and co-host Sam encouraged her to pursue writing, Welsh mythology & language and of course all of the Romantasy book recs. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can buy Daughter of Stone here.You can also follow B & her work via Instagram, Tik Tok and www.bapepperauthor.comListen to A Pod of Smut and Wingspan here.Books & other mentions in this episode:Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth HelenThe Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. JensenThe Tempest Blade by Danielle L. JensenA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J.MaasA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J.MaasDaughter of No Worlds by Carissa BroadbentThe Mortal Instruments by Cassandra ClareThe MabinogiOne PieceBlood and Ash series by Jennifer L. ArmentroutThe Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa BroadbentSpark of the Everflame by Penn ColeThe Plated Prisoner series by Raven KennedyThe Sacred Stones series by Kate GoldenThe Cruel Prince by Holly BlackSix of Crows by Leigh BardugoLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

On today's episode in our Debut Spotlight series, Hannah was joined by writer Chloe de Lullington to discuss her debut novel Cacoethes. They discuss the 11 year writing process of this book, celebrity deaths, being an 'old soul', Class & lots more. If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Chloe via Instagram & Bluesky. Books & other mentions in this episode: Blue Sisters by Coco MellorsCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco MellorsI Was Monty's Double by M. E. Clifton JamesTarot Interviews Podcast - Chloe's EpisodeThe Old Man and Me by Elaine DundyLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!

On today's episode Hannah was joined by author Hattie Williams to discuss her debut novel Bitter Sweet. They discuss grief, power dynamics in relationships, those friends that get you through the worst of times and the writers we seek solace in + lots more!If you enjoy this episode please do rate, review & subscribe, for more content you can find us over on Patreon. You can follow us via Instagram, X & Tik Tok. You can follow Hattie via Instagram, Substack & https://www.hattiewilliams.com/Books & other mentions in this episode: Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni MhaoileoinBBC Radio 2 Book Club podcast - Niamh Ni MhaoileoinThe List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfreyhttps://www.writelikeagrrrl.org/category/courseshttps://www.amiemcnee.com/Women's Prize: Where I Write: Hattie Williamshttps://www.theparisreview.org/https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/parenting/article/grief-motherhood-experience-hattie-williams-llm9jn8cnRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesGrown Ups by Marian KeyesMax PorterConversations with Friends by Sally RooneyJudy BlumePhilip LarkinTed HughesSeamus HeaneyEmma Hindshttps://interalia.ntlive.com/The Leftovers (HBO)The Split (BBC)Such Brave GirlsLet us know your thoughts by emailing us apairofbookendspod@gmail.com or you can DM us @apairofbookendspod on Instagram. Until next time, happy reading!