Best Book Forward

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 FallonWelcome to the NeighbourhoodGetting Rid of MatthewGot You Back✨ Books MentionedTim and Charlotte by Edward Ardizzone (currently unavailable on bookshop.org).Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëLove for Lydia by H.E. BatesPuffball by Fay Weldon (currently unavailable on bookshop.org).In Cold Blood by Truman CapoteThis 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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?Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - that way you'll never miss an episode!Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for behind-the-scenes peeks and bookish fun.Check out the Best Book Forward website: www.bestbookforward.org Catch up on previous episodes Catch up now

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 ParkFeeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty (currently unavailable on bookshop.org)Pennington’s Seventeenth Summer by K.M. PeytonThe Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerThe Accidental Tourist by Anne TylerBefore 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:The Immortalists by Chloe BenjaminThe Measure by Nikki ErlickThe Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy FowlerForever by Judy BlumeThree Days in June by Anne TylerWell, 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:Gillian McAllisterFran LittlewoodLucy SteedsClaire DouglasFrances QuinnClare Leslie HallVirginia EvansAnd of course, the incredible Liane Moriarty!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!

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:Stoner by John WilliamsThe Firm by John Grisham (not currently available on bookshop.org)Rebecca by Daphne Du MaurierOne By One in the Darkness by Deirdre MaddenThe Dutch House by Ann PatchettAlso mentioned in this episode:The Flatshare by Beth O'LearyThe Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan HenryThe Woman in White by Wilkie CollinsAfter You'd Gone by Maggie O'FarrellI 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!

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 SmithMoon Tiger by Penelope LivelyAll The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthyThe Great Gatsby by Scott FitzgeraldThe Go Between by LP HartleyOther books mentioned:Sorrow & Bliss by Meg MasonThe Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley HellerThe Secret History by Donna TarttLeaving by Roxanna RobinsonI 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.

Inside The Lost Passenger: Frances Quinn on Titanic, a Mother’s Love, and SurvivalHello 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 BlytonAdventures of the Little Wooden Horse by Ursula Moray WilliamsThe Bomber by Liza Marklund (Currently not available)The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman (Also currently not available)Bird by Bird by Anne LemottUnfortunately, 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 TaylorSwimming 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!

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 ByltonRachel's Holiday by Marian KeyesThe Moving Finger by Agatha ChristieThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Magpies by Mark EdwardsAlso mentioned in this episode:We Are Completely Beside OurselvesSandwich by Catherine NewmanI Let You Go by Clare MacIntoshGentleman & Players by Joanne HarrisSince 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!

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 SnicketA Room With A View by E.M. ForsterThe Poems of John DonneIn The Dream House by Carmen Maria MachadoAlso mentioned in this episode:Fates & Furies by Lauren GroffWays of Seeing by John BergerSelf-Portrait by Celia PaulIf 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!

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!):Malory Towers by Enid BlytonThe Pursuit of Love by Nancy MitfordThe Secret History by Donna TarttBack When We Were Grownups by Anne TylerHey Yeah Right Get A Life by Helen SimpsonAlso mentioned in this episode:The Bee Sting by Paul MurrayA 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!

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 Pact by Jodi PicoultThe Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerApple Tree Yard by Louise DoughtyYou Don't Know Me by Imran MahmoodMissing, Presumed by Susie SteinerAlso mentioned in this episode:Gillian’s fabulous podcast The Honest Authors' PodcastNight 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 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?Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - that way you'll never miss an episode!Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for behind-the-scenes peeks and bookish fun.Check out the Best Book Forward website: www.bestbookforward.org Catch up on previous episodes Catch up now

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 ParisThe Invisible Women's Club Lost Property✨ Books MentionedOn All Fours by Miranda JulyThe Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullersHeart the Lover by Lily KingClear by Carys DaviesWest by Carys DaviesA Memoir of Sorts by Margaret AtwoodSo 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 nowWe 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 StedsThe Artist✨ Books MentionedThe Signs by Dr Tara SwartEndling by Maria RevaBoutique 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 McAllisterFamous Last WordsWrong Place, Wrong TimeCaller UnknownThat Night✨ Books MentionedNightwatching by Tracy SierraYou Are Here by David NichollsThe Secret History by Donna TarttI 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 EvansThe Correspondent✨ Books MentionedHeart the Lover by Lily KingThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceWhistler by Ann PatchettLand by Maggie O'FarrellThe Offing by Benjamin MyersNow We Shall Be Entirely Free by Andrew MillerThe Land In Winter by Andrew MillerCook Like A Pro by Ina GartenBoutique 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 nowOf 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 WinnIn Memoriam✨ Books MentionedInkheart by Cornelia FunkePride & Prejudice by Jane AustenPersuasion by Jane AustenTheir Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neil HurstonThe Colour Purple by Alice WalkerThe Holy BibleThe Quran Beheld by Nuh Ha Mi Keller (not available on bookshop.org)The Collected Essays of George OrwellI 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 nowWe 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 TroublemakersOf 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 QuinnThe Lost PassengerThe Smallest ManThat Bonesetter Woman✨ Books MentionedPride & Prejudice by Jane AustenThe Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson TaylorIdentity Crisis by Nicola GillThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansI 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 nowWe 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 HallBroken CountryPictures of HimDays You Were Mine✨ Books MentionedAtonement by Ian McEwanHeart the Lover by Lily KingWriters & Lovers by Lily KingThe Death of Us by Abigail DeanBoutique 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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 CainOne LoveThe Secret Life of Albert EntwistleBecoming TedThe Madonna of BoltonThe Castle of Stories — coming soon✨ Books MentionedThe Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisKiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel PuigThomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire TomalinThe Invisible Woman by Claire Tomalin The Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerOne Day by David NichollsThe Homemade God by Rachel JoyceThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceThe Light a Candle Society by Ruth HoganSo, I Met This Guy by Alexandra PotterI 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/listenTo stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram a...

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 NewmanSandwichWreck✨ Books MentionedMaurice & Maralyn by Sophie ElmhurstHeart the Lover by Lily KingWriters & Lovers by Lily KingLoved & Missed by Susie BoytThe Homemade God by Rachel JoyceI 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/