Reading Between Deadlines Podcast

Does A MAN CALLED OVE live up to the hype?This episode's pick: A Man Called Ove follows Ove, a rigid and irritable man whose carefully ordered life is disrupted when new neighbours move in next door. As the story moves between present-day encounters and moments from Ove’s past, we begin to understand the experiences that shaped him, including his sad childhood and one great love. It’s a character-driven story about grief, love, and finding community.This week’s guest - is our friend Sally Hepworth (It’s true - Rach even has her phone number). We met Sally in the early days of her writing career and have watched her soar from height to height. Sally has now written TEN novels, including her latest Mad Mabel, hit The New York Times Bestseller list multiple times, and had her novel The Family Next Door adapted for TV, with more projects in the works. She’s based in Melbourne with her family and, despite all her success, is still the same warm, down-to-earth, utterly lovely human we first met all those years ago.In this episode, we cover:How perimenopause wreaks havoc with writing.Is this a quiet novel?How specificity elevates a story.How to write humour that isn’t cruel.Is the setting important?Differences between American and Australian readersSally’s reading loves and hates.💋 And, of course, we rate A MAN CALLED OVE: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…📚 Books Mentioned in this EpThe Hiding Place – Kate MildenhallBabysitters Club - Ann M. MartinAnything by Enid BlytonTully – Paullina SimonsAnything by Marian KeyesThe Gambler – JP PomareThe Names – Florence KnappWhere the Crawdads Sing – Delia OwensRed Belly Crossing - Candace Fox⏰ Timestamps1.0 Welcome to Sweden!2.21 Intro Sally Hepworth and her mate, Mad Mabel!4.00 Sally’s bio and her divorce dog.5.58 Fredrik Backman – way funnier than his bio would suggest.8.25 A Man Called Ove – a blurb put together with an Allen key and abit of swearing.9.57 Good Reads – almost 1.2 million people can’t be wrong…10.49 Kiss, Kill, Marry – (just make sure you have consent).12.08 We suspect Sally has a crush on Ove.16.52 Anthea makes a sporting analogy, (because she knows a tonneabout sport and is keen to share).19.12 Hands off, Sally! Rachael loves Ove, too, and shares a beautifulquote for all the handymen out there.25.41 Sally talks about being funny, without actually being funny. AlanisMorrisette would regard that as irony.27.50 Sally recommends…35.40 Reviews – the most fun you can have with your clothes on.37.38 Backman scores a Did Not Finish review. Ikea closes its doors insolidarity.38.00 Sally confirms that Australian audiences are just BETTER. (Notreally, but we knew what she meant)40.36 Rachael tricks Sally into giving us free writing advice. #masterclass42.43 HOMEWORK.. Don’t pack up – the bell hasn’t gone yet…📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep (14th Jan) Rach And Anthea grill each other in the way they normally grill their guests. Our first guest for the year is Virtually Annie (Jan 28th) - she’s making us reading Circe by Madeleine Miller and we hope you’ll read it to.In February, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (Feb 14th) and guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (Feb 28th).And here’s our list for the first half of 2026. 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch☕ If you’re loving the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d buy us a coffee (or a prosecco). It helps keep the pod fun, frequent, and free. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Does Persuasion stand the test of 208 years?This episode’s pick: Persuasion by none other than Jane Austen, the patron saint of slow-burn and witty banter. We don’t know how many copies it’s sold but if people are still reading our books in a couple of centuries time, we’ll consider that a resounding success. Persuasion - the last novel our dear Jane ever finished - is a quiet story about love that refuses to die despite a whole cast of characters believing they know better!In this episode, we cover:Which authors will still be being read in 250 years.How Jane should be ‘loving herself sick’ - term borrowed from friend of the pod Sophie Green.A little constructive criticism for Jane.How modern writing may have ruined us all.One of the most romantic letters ever written!💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.⏰ Timestamps00.0 Intro – Jane Austen – Happy Birthday - and thanks for Colin Firth!2.49 Jane Austen - 250 years old and she’s still got it. (Kind of)4.40 Long Careers, like Jane, Emily Henry, Trent Dalton and Tim Winton5.48 Jane Austen – rom com queen8.25 Persuasion blurb – like a regular blurb, only classier9.07 Jane Austen’s bio – look, she’s dead, so she’s not been up to much recently.12.24 Goodreads Ratings – more than an elegant sufficiency14.28 Rach and Anthea rate Persuasion – Three, two, one – and curtsey to your partner15.17 Rachael craps on Jane Austen’s grave (Anthea is all astonishment.)20.00 Rachael teaches Jane Austen a thing or two about writing… (cheeky..)22.51 Anthea defends Jane, offers constructive criticism (and considers asking for Colin Firth’s number..)27.01 Rachael’s favourite line from Persuasion, other than THE END28.18 Mary, kind of a dick – but also a feminist icon30.27 Persuasion adaptation, with that chick who was dating Chris Martin32.00 Jane Austen - a light, whimsical read34.30 Frederick – Hot, or Not? (Rach says not!)36.43 How to eat a pair of jeans, and other reviews37.30 Persuading Rachael..40.48 What’s next for RBD??📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Sally Hepworth about A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. In January we will answer our own regular reading questions for the first episode and the second episode we’ll discus Circe by Madeline Miller with Virtually Annie - can’t wait! In February, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore and guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.Thanks for following. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Do all crime novel mysteries need to be resolved?This episode's pick: In the Woods by Tana French, the award-winning, Celtic-mist-soaked psychological mystery that launched the Dublin Murder Squad. When a young girl is found murdered at an archaeological dig, detective Rob Ryan is forced back into the very woods where he once vanished as a child, an incident he has no memory of, except for his blood-soaked shoes. As Rob and his partner Cassie Maddox investigate, the line between past and present blurs. It’s atmospheric, character-driven, and the kind of book that makes you glance over your shoulder at every little noise.This week’s guest - Dervla McTiernan is an internationally bestselling Irish-Australian crime writer and a great friend of ours. She’s the powerhouse behind the Cormac Reilly series, as well as the gripping standalones The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina?. Her novels have topped bestseller lists around the world and earned shelves of awards, and we’re thrilled to have her with us.In this episode, we cover:Dervla being a superstar. What Dervla loves about Tana French’s writing.The expectations of a crime novel.Unreliable narrators.What makes a great villain.Authors reading their own reviews 📚 Books Mentioned on the PodTanya French – The LikenessTanya French – Secret PlaceTanya French – The Witch ElmStephen King – The OutsiderStephen King – Lisey’s StoryMarian Keyes – This Charming ManRhys Bowen – The Royal Spyness Series💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps1.0 Welcome to Only Fans for Middle Aged Ladies in Glasses Cum-unity.2.03 – Meet Dervla McTiernan – Just how many awards is it legal to win??4.35 – Meet Tanya French – Into the Woods (not as many awards as Dervla..!)6.45 – Anthea bans Dervla for all time – serves her right.9.39 – Time to Kiss, Kill, Marry!12.13 – Dervla’s favourite backhanded compliment (looking at you Lit-fic!)13.44 – Rach tries to sort out Rob Ryan’s love life.14.36 – What do you MEAN they don’t solve the crime??18.43 – Just because people have been murdered, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.20.40 – Is Rob Ryan a bit immature?21.41 – Rosalyn – DO NOT DATE.24.20 – Rob – unreliable narrator? Liar? MURDERERERER??24.40 – Dervla sensationally admits to ripping off Steven King and Marian Keyes.(we’ll never tell…)29.43 – The joy of reading to your (disinterested) partner.35.12 – Dervla recommends reading the back of the Cornflake box.39.24 – Demon Copperhead. What a pile of crap!40.34 – Brutal honesty – is the best policy. Sometimes.41.34 – Reading reviews – fun for ALL the family!42.20 – Dervla’s favourites.45.02 – Dust off Persuasion – and drag out your piano forte! Jane Austen rides again. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Did ALL THE COLOURS OF THE DARK live up to the hype?This episode’s pick: ALL THE COLOURS OF THE DARK - a million-copy bestseller, this sweeping novel follows childhood best friends Patch and Saint, torn apart when Patch is abducted. Trapped in darkness, Patch forms an intense connection with a girl he never sees, and when they escape, she vanishes. As Patch spends years searching for her, Saint is determined to uncover the truth of what happened. A powerful story of love, obsession, and the cost of finding answers.In this episode, we cover:Weird twists and character decisionsThemes of friendship, love, women’s rightsStories that take place across decadesSexual love vs friendshipChris’s intricate plotting💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps. 00 – Welcome to Episode 21!!1.00– Rach goes on tour and Anthea hits the bottle.4.50 – Blurb time, so you can pretend you’ve read it at parties.6.40 – Chris Whitaker – Here’s his bio – he sounds hot.9.22 – Do we Kiss, Kill or Marry?10.45 – Jimmy – What a dick. (note to self – do not marry).12.10 – Plot timeline – long, but in a good way.13.11 – What a great cast of characters.16.11 – Does Patch throw his life away? Discuss.16.54 – Patch and Grace 4 EVA.18.05 – A secret love story.20.00 – Just how did Chris write this thing?20.43 – Did Patch care too much? The search for Grace.21.43 – Facing execution is pretty noble…I guess?25.16 – Rachael starts blubbing..!27.39 – What are we reading next? Ohhh… really!? WOW! I’ll defo listen in to the next episode!📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Dervla McTiernan about In The Woods by Tana French. Then comes Persuasian by Queen Jane Austen, followed by A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman with author Sally HepworthIn January we will answer our own regular reading questions for the first episode and the second episode we’ll discus Circe by Madeline Miller with Virtually Annie - can’t wait! 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch☕ We try to keep the podcast free and fun for everyone - but it does take time (and a lot of editing). If you’re loving the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d buy us a coffee (or a prosecco). Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

How would you survive the apocalypse? Would you need a talking pig?This episode's pick: Set in the near future after a devastating pandemic, How High We Go in the Dark follows a series of interconnected characters as humanity tries to rebuild. From a theme park for terminally ill kids to a talking pig and space travel, the stories explore grief, resilience, and what it means to be human when the world keeps changing. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever read before!This week’s guest - Kelly Rimmer is a bestselling Australian novelist, goat wrangler, and owner of Collins Booksellers Orange in regional NSW. She’s the author of The Midnight Estate as well as international hits The Things We Cannot Say, The Warsaw Orphan, and The German Wife. Her books have appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Todaybestseller lists.In this episode, we cover:Kelly’s green thumb and Rach’s murder of cactiRobodogsBooks about pandemics and dystopian fictionPassion projects - writing a book just for youAnthea’s brief liaison with sci-fi (aka Hans Solo)And of life theme parksGoat-dogsAuthors reading from their own books 📚 Books Mentioned on the PodZ For Zachariah by Robert C O’BrienChildren of the Dust by Louise LawrenceTomorrow When The War Began by John MarsdenMad Mabel by Sally HepworthHeidi by Johanna SpyriA Mother’s Confession by Kelly RimmerThe Things We Cannot Say by Kelly RimmerThe War Nurses by Anthea HodgsonThe Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – The Lucky Sisters releases this week and we intro our guest KELLY RIMMER04:00 – Judging Kelly’s bio - her latest release is THE MIDNIGHT ESTATE (Anthea raves)07:00 – Intro HOW HIGH WE GO IN THE DARK and judging of Sequoia Nagamatsu’s bio10:00 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict13:00 – Why Kelly loves this novel told in short stories16:00 – Anthea marries and chats her thoughts on sci-fi and the human experience18:00 – Rach is surprised by the interconnected stories23:00 – Do we like the world building?27:00 – Title chat - is it good?31:00 – Would we go to space?35:00 – Book recs40.00 - Where Kelly Reads/Book Clubs45 00 - What we’re reading next Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Did Butter live up to the hype?This episode's pick: Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a Japanese literary sensation that’s an unusual blend of murder mystery and food writing. Inspired by a true crime case, it’s about women, food, desire, and manipulation. Did it win us over, or was it all sizzle and no steak (or…butter)?In this episode, we cover:How hype and translation shaped our expectationsFood writing: sensory delight or just too much butter?The themes of feminism, appetite, and self-denialWhat worked (and what didn’t) in the structure and pacingThe real-life case that inspired the storyCultural context: Japanese gender expectations, food, and shameWhy we both found the ending half-baked💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: travel tales, hotel room hijinks, and book club catch-ups03:00 – Book reveal: Butter by Asako Yuzuki07:00 – Author bio: awards, accolades, and first English translation10:00 – Our Kiss, Kill, Marry ratings reveal14:00 – First impressions: love, food, and frustration20:00 – Food obsession or feminist statement?28:00 – Thoughts on setting, style, and Japanese cultural nuance37:00 – That turkey chapter and the world’s longest ending40:00 – Real-life inspiration: the “Konkatsu Killer” case44:00 – Ethics of writing fiction based on true crime48:00 – Final thoughts: what was the point (and why butter, not margarine)?📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Kelly Rimmer about How High You Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu. Then comes All The Colours of the Dark, by Chris Whitaker followed by In the Woods by Tana French with author Dervla McTiernan. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

How far would you go back to save your child?This episode's pick: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister—a Reese’s Book Club thriller where a mother sees her teenage son commit a murder… only to wake up the next day and realize she’s gone back in time. As each morning takes her further into the past, she pieces together secrets about her son, her husband, and herself. It’s a murder mystery, a time-travel puzzle, and a meditation on motherhood all rolled into one. But did the high-concept premise deliver?This week’s guest: Rebecca Heath —thriller author and laser chemist turned novelist, party wrangler, and dog lover. She’s the author of The Last Encore and three other adult novels (The Summer Party, The Dinner Party, The Wedding Party). She lives in Adelaide with her husband, three children, and border collie.In this episode, we cover:The Reese factor: hype, Lisa Jewell blurbs, and whether the book club pick lived up to expectations.That hook: a mother watches her son stab a man—and then starts living time backwards.The pacing problem: did the constant “one more day back” structure get repetitive, or was it clever plotting?Time travel, fate, and suspension of disbelief—fantasy or crime?Plot twists we didn’t see coming: missing babies, undercover cops, and suspiciously convenient husbands.The emotional punch: how McAllister balanced high concept with heart.Rebecca’s reading habits: auto-buy authors, DNFs, hype regrets, and books that made her cry (one of them was Rach’s latest - out soon!)📚 Books Mentioned on the PodAnne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryBoy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonThe Lucky Sisters by Rachael JohnsAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid1984 by George OrwellRebecca’s auto-buy authors:Liane MoriartyTaylor Jenkins ReidJane HarperGillian McAllistarLucy FoleyEvery author Rebecca knows 😊💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: meet guest author Rebecca Heath04:00 – Setting up Wrong Place Wrong Time (and the Reese factor)08:00 – Gillian McAllister’s bio and book accolades11:00 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict14:00 – Clever concept vs. pacing problems19:00 – Time travel, disbelief, and the “mum strength” theory24:00 – Plot Twists29:00 – Craft chat: avoiding clever-for-clever’s-sake32:00 – Rebecca’s reading life: DNFs, recommendations, hype regrets37:00 – Crying at Rachael Johns and TJR41:00 – What we’re reading next Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Did Broken Country live up to the hype?This episode's pick: Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall — a Reese’s Book Club favourite that’s been compared to The Paper Palace and Where the Crawdads Sing. It’s got love, loyalty, guilt, and a courtroom drama at its heart… but did it win us over?In this episode, we cover:Why this book caught our attention (and everyone else’s)How hype and word-of-mouth shaped our expectationsLove triangles: satisfying tension or too much drama?The role of setting, class, and family in driving the storyOur very different reactions to the main characterHow tragedy and loyalty are woven through the narrativeThe structure: past vs present, and how it builds suspense💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: travel tales, hotel room hijinks, and book club catch-ups03:00 – Book reveal: Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall05:00 – Why this pick + hype factor (Reese’s Book Club, bestseller lists)08:00 – Author bio + past works10:30 – Goodreads stats + ratings snapshot12:00 – Our Kiss, Kill, Marry ratings reveal14:00 – First impressions and what hooked us20:00 – Themes of loyalty, love, and loss28:00 – Thoughts on setting and style34:00 – Side characters that stood out37:00 – What other readers think: quickfire reviews40:00 – Would we read Claire’s next book? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Jungle fever or just fever dream?This episode's pick: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett—a literary thriller set in the Amazon, complete with pharmaceutical intrigue, moral dilemmas, and one very unfortunate snake encounter. It’s lush, layered, and filled with anacondas, tarantulas, and questionable fertility science. But did it live up to the hype?This week’s guest: Pamela Cook —author, podcaster, and teacher. Pam writes contemporary women’s fiction that digs into relationships and psychology. She’s published six novels (traditionally and indie), hosts the Writes4Women podcast, and teaches through her business Wild Words. She also rides horses, wrangles dogs, and somehow finds time to keep her TBR stack alive.In this episode, we cover:Why State of Wonder felt both “plotty” and literary—and why that’s rare for Patchett.The infamous anaconda boat scene (aka: the nightmare fuel we’ll never forget).Fertility science, pharmaceutical greed, and the ethics of 73-year-olds having babies.The big twist: Anders is alive (!), but was it too convenient?The controversial ending—trauma sex, bark chewing, and possible surprise pregnancies.The unanswered question: who’s the father of Dr. Svensson’s baby?Desert Island picks, DNFs, hype regrets, and why Pam cries at Emily Henry.📚 Books Mentioned on the PodAnn Patchett:State of WonderTom LakeThe Dutch HouseCommonwealthBel CantoOther fiction faves:The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley HellerWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensThe Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly RinglandBook Lovers by Emily HenrySeven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly RinglandAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahRebecca by Daphne du MaurierPam’s Auto-buy Authors:Emily HenryHannah RichellAnn PatchettTaylor Jenkins Reid💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: meet Pamela Cook, our guest author04:00 – How State of Wonder came to be (and the Big Magic story)08:50 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict13:00 – Fertility, pharma, and Patchett’s plot power18:00 – Anacondas, tarantulas, and nightmare fuel22:00 – The Anders twist—too neat or just right?25:00 – The controversial ending (trauma bonding or life affirmation?)28:00 – Who’s the father? Milton, Easter… frozen sperm??32:00 – Writing craft: seamless backstory, moral dilemmas, and jungle research37:00 – Pam’s DNF rules, hype regrets, and wish-I’d-written titles42:00 – Guilty pleasures, crying at Emily Henry, and auto-buy authors45:00 – What we’re reading next—and why no one’s going to the Amazon anytime soon Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Is this space book really about space?This episode's pick: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid—a book that is rumoured to have made her an $8 million dollar advance but may have come at the price of her personal privacy. Part space epic, part love story, part unbelievable side characters and strange snacks. We blast off into TJR’s most interesting book yet. In this episode, we cover:Why Atmosphere is a love story that took us by surpriseHow the high stakes created good tensionWhy we felt we were ‘told’ how the secondary characters felt about each otherWas Joan just too goody-two-shoes for us?How difficult being gay would have been for two female astronautsWas it media or reader pressure that forced TJR to come out as bisexual around the time of the novel’s release?💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: hair disasters, Kununurra trip, The Lucky Sisters tease03:02 – Book reveal: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (spoilers)05:51 – Why this pick + TJR reading history08:58 – TJR bio theory + Goodreads stats10:27 – Quickfire worst reviews12:09 – Kiss, Kill, Marry ratings reveal14:53 – Our ratings explained18:18 – Ending breakdown + epilogue debate24:18 – 1980s setting, taboo love, NASA culture28:01 – Gender politics in space31:00 – Romance vs love story discussion📖 Coming up next: 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch☕ If you’re loving the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d buy us a coffee (or a prosecco). It helps keep the pod fun, frequent, and free.👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Pamela Cook about State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Maeve Binchy’s Evening Class—comfort fiction or structural masterclass?This week, bestselling author Tess Woods joins us to discuss her all-time favourite Maeve Binchy novel: Evening Class. It’s a quiet, sprawling book with no clear protagonist, barely a plot, and somehow...it works.In this episode, we explore:- Why “quiet” doesn’t mean boring- The weirdly satisfying moment when a character locks her mum in the bathroom- How Maeve’s “everyday” prose masks big emotional arcs- What makes a book comforting enough to reread- The surprising real-life person Tess became friends with because of this novelPlus:💋 We rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?📚 Book recs from Tess, including The Bridges of Madison County, Looking for Alibrandi, and The Paper PalaceNext up: The Names by Florence Knapp Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Can a Name Change Your Fate?This episode's pick: The Names by Florence Knapp—a 2025 debut that’s been dubbed the best in years. It’s a literary “Sliding Doors” novel, but with three parallel lives instead of two. The question at its heart? What happens when a single choice—a baby’s name—changes everything?In this episode, we cover:Why The Names is more craft experiment than comfort readThe DV scenes that had us stunned (and one that had food on faces)Who’s really the main character here—Cora or her son?Why “Hugh” might have changed everythingHow names shape identity—and your high school romanceThe emotional distance that kept it from being a “Marry”💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro, T-shirts, and caffeinated chaos05:00 – The Names recap: three timelines, one decision12:00 – Bear, Julian or Gordon? Which name gave the best life?18:00 – DV, death, and dinner plates: the novel’s heaviest scenes24:00 – Why we rated how we did28:00 – Naming your kids: Sue, Anthea, and the sliding doors of Starbucks34:00 – Gordon’s (the father) final POV and a haunting ending38:00 – Would “Hugh” have changed the course of fate?40:00 – Next up on the pod and where to grab our merch📖 Coming up next: Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Maeve Binchy’s Evening Class—comfort fiction or structural masterclass?This week, bestselling author Tess Woods joins us to discuss her all-time favourite Maeve Binchy novel: Evening Class. It’s a quiet, sprawling book with no clear protagonist, barely a plot, and somehow...it works.In this episode, we explore:- Why “quiet” doesn’t mean boring- The weirdly satisfying moment when a character locks her mum in the bathroom- How Maeve’s “everyday” prose masks big emotional arcs- What makes a book comforting enough to reread- The surprising real-life person Tess became friends with because of this novelPlus:💋 We rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?📚 Book recs from Tess, including The Bridges of Madison County, Looking for Alibrandi, and The Paper PalaceNext up: The Names by Florence Knapp Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

This episode's pick: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry—her sixth novel and departure from pure rom-com territory into mystery/women's fiction waters. But did we want to take that journey with her? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the same chaotic energy we usually reserve for missed deadlines, burnt toast and re-reading our own bios in horror. This week continues our new format—where a guest author brings a book they adore, and we read it for the first time (sometimes very reluctantly).Our guest this episode? The always delightful and impressively multi-hyphenate Sophie Green bestselling author of Lessons in Love at the Seaside Salon and creator of The Sunshine Society Substack and Sunburnt Country Music Substack.This month’s pick: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld—a book inspired by Laura Bush, drenched in domestic detail, and long enough to qualify as weight training. Was it a hit? Or did someone yell “kill” during the Kiss-Kill-Marry rating?In this episode, we cover:👑 What even is a “plotless novel,” and does American Wife qualify?🥪 Can we survive one more description of a sandwich? (Asking for Anthea.)💔 Is Charlie Blackwell a swoon-worthy presidential husband or just a charming alcoholic in a good suit?🛏️ The ethical can of worms: how does one fictionalise the very real, still-living First Lady?📚 Archetypes, agency, and how women shape power without always being seen.🤯 Why the ending sparked a podcast existential crisis.And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Meet your hosts: Rachel Johns & Anthea Hodgson, chaos queens of literary chat02:00 – Special guest Sophie Green and the great bio rating debate05:00 – This week’s pick: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld06:40 – The Kiss/Kill/Marry showdown: who said what (and who changed their mind!)10:00 – Sophie explains her fascination with first ladies, feminine archetypes, and political wives15:00 – Anthea confesses: “I would’ve DNF’d it if it weren’t for the podcast”20:00 – Rachel says: “It was a French kiss...but I’m not putting a ring on it”24:00 – Charlie and Alice: toxic, tragic, or just realistically complex?30:00 – The risk (and craft) of writing fiction about living people36:00 – When you’re moderately famous and still have to go to Woolies40:00 – Books about fame: Jackie, Rodham, and Monica Ali’s Untold Story📚 Recommendations from Sophie GreenRodham by Curtis SittenfeldJackie by Dawn TrippUntold Story by Monica AliRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldPlain Jane and the Birthday Party by Ruth Park (a childhood favourite)👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—did you swoon for American Wife? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where two authors read with the kind of energy usually reserved for stress-dreams about book launches. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson dive into Swept Away by Beth O’Leary—a bestselling author known for quirky, heartfelt rom-coms.But this one? Let’s just say, our anchors weren’t the only things that didn’t stay put.In this episode, we cover:🌊 Is this a fun high-concept romance… or an oil rig of far-fetched plot devices?🛏️ Why did they bang while the boat was sinking?🤷‍♀️ Chemistry check: did anyone else feel like these two had nothing in common?🪑 Contrivances galore: secret logbooks, missing dock ropes, a deserted oil rig—oh my!👩‍❤️‍👨 Age-gap angst: is a 30-year-old woman really ancient compared to a 23-year-old?🫣 Plot twist or plot oops: the baby daddy reveal that should’ve come with a group chat first📚 Plus: Rachael listens on audio and cringes at every sexy scene, while Anthea reads in Bali and possibly gives the book too many margarita pointsAnd of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:30 – Meet the authors (again): coffee, Diet Coke, and questionable memory02:00 – Why we picked Beth O’Leary and what made Swept Away sound so irresistible05:00 – The premise: one-night stand, houseboat, shenanigans08:00 – Rating time! Anthea says “kiss,” Rachael shocks us with a “kill”12:00 – Why the boat plot lost steam: flat characters and no real tension15:00 – The romance that couldn’t: forced proximity but no spark19:30 – Plot twist breakdown: baby drama and logic gaps24:00 – Is this book secretly anti-swimmer?28:00 – Our rewrite suggestions: enemies-to-lovers, surprise houseboat squatters, and maybe less rig collapse31:00 – Does audio change how you experience a book?34:00 – The verdict: will we read Beth again?👉 Listen now, subscribe, and let us know—did you get swept away or were you screaming “abandon ship” by chapter five? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

This book contains a content warning for loss of a child.Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the kind of unhinged energy usually reserved for deadline week meltdowns. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson attempt to unpack the cult favourite Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido—a book that’s been praised by literary giants and passionately pushed into readers’ hands since 1982.And yet... we didn’t love it. In fact, we might get cancelled.In this episode, we cover:📚 Is this a feminist classic… or just a snobby book with a confusing cast of J-names?👶 That baby loss twist: gut-wrenching shock or tonal whiplash?🧼 The Goldman family—lovably eccentric or absolutely exhausting?😳 Roger, Jonathan, John, Jake, Jane—why does everyone in this book have the same name?😤 Catherine: hot mess, sad snob, or just aggressively beige?🍷 Plus: how many wines does it take to realise you’ve skipped 40 pages?And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:30 – This week’s pick: Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido03:00 – Rachael loses her place and 40 pages in New Zealand (relatable content)08:00 – The literary world LOVES this book. Do we…?11:00 – The rules: no influencing, just instincts (and the kiss, marry, kill rating)14:00 – Catherine Brown: the protagonist we didn’t need and still don’t understand19:30 – Is this book feminist? (Spoiler: probably not)23:00 – Snobbery, elitism, and emotional detachment—are we just not clever enough to get it?28:10 – Confusing names, weird family dynamics, and public cervix announcements33:00 – Have we evolved since 1982? (Yes. But also… maybe not.)35:00 – Reading regret and the weight of literary expectations👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—do you believe in the hype, or are you secretly glad someone else finally said “meh”? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

This book contains a content warning for loss of a child.Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the kind of unhinged energy usually reserved for deadline week meltdowns. In this episode, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson attempt to unpack the cult favourite Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido—a book that’s been praised by literary giants and passionately pushed into readers’ hands since 1982.And yet... we didn’t love it. In fact, we might get cancelled.In this episode, we cover:📚 Is this a feminist classic… or just a snobby book with a confusing cast of J-names?👶 That baby loss twist: gut-wrenching shock or tonal whiplash?🧼 The Goldman family—lovably eccentric or absolutely exhausting?😳 Roger, Jonathan, John, Jake, Jane—why does everyone in this book have the same name?😤 Catherine: hot mess, sad snob, or just aggressively beige?🍷 Plus: how many wines does it take to realise you’ve skipped 40 pages?And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:30 – This week’s pick: Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido03:00 – Rachael loses her place and 40 pages in New Zealand (relatable content)08:00 – The literary world LOVES this book. Do we…?11:00 – The rules: no influencing, just instincts (and the kiss, marry, kill rating)14:00 – Catherine Brown: the protagonist we didn’t need and still don’t understand19:30 – Is this book feminist? (Spoiler: probably not)23:00 – Snobbery, elitism, and emotional detachment—are we just not clever enough to get it?28:10 – Confusing names, weird family dynamics, and public cervix announcements33:00 – Have we evolved since 1982? (Yes. But also… maybe not.)35:00 – Reading regret and the weight of literary expectations👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—do you believe in the hype, or are you secretly glad someone else finally said “meh”? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we devour books with the same chaotic energy we bring to deadline week. This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson dive tentacle-first into The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus—a debut novel full of moody university students, Scottish castles, emotionally unavailable parents, and yes... actual octopus metaphors.Written by Emma Knight (co-founder of a fancy Canadian juice company and mysterious woman of few bios), this book swept us away with its atmosphere, aching honesty, and a twist that actually delivered.In this episode, we cover:🏰 Old houses and young women—why that combo will always get a “marry” from Anthea🧬 Is this a book about secrets, or a dissertation on emotionally constipated boomers🪞 The Octopus Metaphor™: profound, heartbreaking, or too slimy to think about?💌 Alice, the sidekick: necessary subplot or just a lice-fuelled distraction?💘 Fergus, the awkward love interest with great banter and deeply average timing🧠 Trauma, parenthood, and why sometimes a Scottish university is the best place to confront your origin storyAnd, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps03:10 – This week’s book: The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight08:30 – The “young woman + ancient castle” trope gets us every time11:42 – The family mystery that actually pays off (for once!)15:03 – Fergus: Hot mess, lovable larrikin, or octopus bait?19:55 – Motherhood, sacrifice, and whether we’re all secretly cephalopods27:20 – The octopus metaphor: beautiful or slightly haunting?33:50 – Is Alice’s storyline needed? Plus: the most awkward lice scene in fiction38:18 – White shadowing, university nostalgia, and other tangents you didn’t ask for41:40 – Final verdict: KISS, KILL, or MARRY?👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—would you go to Scotland to solve a family mystery, or just for the castles and drama students? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, where we devour books with the same unhinged enthusiasm as we write them. This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on The Bridges of Madison County—the love story that convinced an entire generation that cheating is fine as long as it’s poetic.Yes, it’s that 90s classic about a lonely farm wife, a broody photographer, and an affair so powerful it makes Francesca ditch all common sense and pine for decades. Romance? Tragedy? A cautionary tale for every book club member who’s ever fantasised about their barista? Let’s discuss.In this episode, we cover:🌉 Bridges: Functional or metaphors for forbidden love?📖 Was this book actually good, or did Meryl Streep trick us all?💔 The moral dilemma: Soulmates or a midlife crisis with better lighting?🔥 Sex scenes: Passionate or just forbidden?And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome! Rach and Anthea introduce the book & reveal that they are, in fact, not math geniuses.01:19 – Is Bridges of Madison County a romance, or just a Nicholas Sparks fever dream?06:42 – The “forbidden love” trope: Timeless or just an excuse for bad decisions?09:06 – Rating time: Kiss, Kill, or Marry? (Or a sneaky cigarette after?)21:13 – The big question: Was Francesca’s affair actually worth it?32:17 – He literally wouldn’t shut up about being the last cowboy!36:54 – It’s like an ice cube melting on a hot skin…42:45 – Next up: The Bridges of Madison County sequel! (Kidding, we’d rather stare at a wall.)👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—would you have run off with the hot photographer or stayed home and baked lasagna? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe