Reading Between Deadlines Podcast

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

🚨 Book rants & wildly fluctuating opinions incoming! 🚨This week, Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on Sally Rooney’s latest, where two brothers navigate grief, romance, and existential dread—all while occasionally playing chess.Along the way, we discuss:♟️ The many, many chess metaphors—how far is too far?📖 Why this book is giving Ulysses energy (but make it Rooney)💔 A love triangle that had us screaming “just pick someone already!”🎭 The existential crisis of two brothers navigating grief, relationships, and DublinAnd, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry? (Spoiler: it’s a tough call.)⏰ Timestamps00.00 Intro1.19 Sally Rooney is very young and very famous – like Rachael!2.04 The more famous you are – the shorter your biography3.47 Rachael has reasons for reading Rooney – Anthea’s just here for the accents5.42 The blurb – not bad – but does it over promise?6.42 Sibling drama and its role in literature and in life9.06 Rating Intermezzo – Kiss, Kill and Cigarettes10.22 Are long books the enemy? Does size really matter?12.47 Goodreads ratings – Sally Rooney is more popular than Guinness15.25 Meet Peter and Ivan, and the women they love, mostly21.13 Reviews – the good, the bad and the ugly22.01 Autism and disability in fiction25.06 James Joyce – what are you doing here?32.17 Crisis! Every time we meet a new character35.17 Killing Intermezzo, with love36.54 Rachael susses Anthea out for a throuple. Anthea is not keen.39.42 Hat puzzle confusion (no green hats were harmed in the making of thisconversation)41.47 What does Intermezzo mean, anyway?42.45 The Bridges of Madison County next time! Surely it’s a marry???👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—did Intermezzo hit or miss for you? Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

🚨 Time travel, book rants & chaos incoming! 🚨In this episode of Reading Between Deadlines, Rachel Johns and Anthea Hodgson take on The Ministry of Time—a book that dares to mix time travel, romance, and social commentary. Does it work? Do they even understand the plot? Who's to say!Along the way, they tackle:⏳ The baffling science of time travel (we’re still confused)💔 A romance that…was technically there?🔥 Sideburns, honour, and whether Victorian men can handle the 21st century🤯 A plot twist that came in way too late📖 The real reason this book blew up (spoiler: we have theories)Plus: Listener reviews, husbands with opinions, and a rating system that gets more chaotic by the episode.Join us for bookish banter, hot takes, and at least one moment of Wait, what just happened? 🎙️👉 Subscribe, leave us a review (preferably with words!), and tell us what book to tackle next!⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Weather Chat – Because every good book discussion starts with a dramatic climate update.03:42 – Podcast Reviews & Listener Feedback – We read your reviews! Some glowing, some… interesting.06:39 – Husband's Feedback & Podcast Dynamics – The men have opinions. Some are useful. Some are… less so.09:12 – Introducing the Book: The Ministry of Time – Time travel, romance, and sideburns for days.10:35 – Book Awards & Reception – This book has won everything. But do we agree?12:26 – Book Recap & Our Wildly Fluctuating Rating System – Kiss, Kill, Marry—or do we need a new category?13:56 – Character Names & Why We Apparently Don’t Need Them – A bookish trend or just confusing?14:18 – Story Recap: Time Travellers, Secret Agencies & Victorian Charm – A crash course in who’s who.16:13 – Time Travel & Romance: A Perfect Pairing? – Or just an awkward history lesson?18:05 – Social Commentary: Race, Climate Change & Colonialism – Big themes, but do they land?20:07 – Plot Twists & Character Development – Surprises! Betrayals! Future versions of ourselves!22:04 – Ratings & Personal Reflections – Is this a book we’d marry, kiss, or dramatically dump?26:04 – Final Thoughts on the Book – Wrapping it all up before we time travel out of here.28:49 – The Romance: A Slow Burn or Just… Slow? – Exploring the chemistry (or lack thereof).35:00 – Confusion vs. Clarity: Did We Keep Up? – A deep dive into what worked and what left us scratching our heads.41:28 – Why Is This Book So Popular? – Theories, analysis, and maybe a tiny existential crisis.46:20 – Engaging with Literature & What’s Next – Looking ahead, plus how you can help pick future books! Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Rachael Johns and Anthea Hodgosn interview author Jacqueline Bublitz about her latest book (and book club pick), LEAVE THE GIRLS BEHIND. They discuss Jacqueline's journey from a call center worker to a successful author, her writing process, and the themes explored in her novels, particularly around crime and gender. The conversation delves into the challenges of writing, character development, and the influence of personal experiences on her storytelling. Jacqueline also shares insights into her reading habits and future projects, making for an engaging and insightful discussion for book lovers.👋 Follow Jacqueline💻 Jacqueline’s Website📸 Jacqueline’s Instagram⏰ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest03:25 Jacqueline Bublitz: Author's Journey and Background06:20 Transition to Writing: From Reviews to Novels11:59 Exploring 'Leave the Girls Behind': Concept and Themes16:18 Character Development and Writing Process21:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts23:21 Navigating Expectations and Second Book Syndrome26:15 Exploring the Crime Genre and Its Nuances30:52 Reading Habits and Influential Books36:47 Upcoming Projects and Themes in Writing39:20 Introduction to the Book Club39:21 Engaging with Literature Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

🎥 Watch it now Join authors Rachel Johns and Anthea Hodgson in their inaugural episode of 'Reading Between Deadlines,' where they dive into Miranda July's eyebrow-raising 'All Fours.' They debate the book's shock value, delve into its portrayal of midlife awakenings, and humorously dissect its outrageous moments. Don't miss their playful banter and honest critique as they rate the book on their unique 'Kiss, Kill, Marry' scale. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming reads and author interviews!⏰ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Reading Between Deadlines00:42 Meet the Hosts: Rachel and Anthea00:56 The Origin of Rachel Johns Book Club03:42 Transition to Podcasting05:25 Podcast Rules and Rating System08:00 First Book Discussion: All Fours by Miranda July11:28 Diving into the Plot and Characters16:43 Themes and Shock Value22:16 Questioning the Protagonist's Attraction22:36 The Unlikely Romance23:10 Self-Absorption and Midlife Crisis23:50 The Social Media Dilemma24:39 Exploring Relationship Dynamics25:20 Menopause and Sexuality29:46 Coincidences and Plot Twists34:39 Privilege and Relatability38:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections43:06 Upcoming Book Club Picks Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

In just under a week, our bookish podcast, Reading Between Deadlines launches and we can’t wait to share it with you!Here’s a sneak peek…sneak listen? Sneak listen…🎧😊What should we read next? Let us know in the comments below. Get full access to Reading Between Deadlines at readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe