In this episode, I’m joined by Lucy Apps to discuss her debut novel Gloria Don’t Speak, recently longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. We talk about the inspirations behind the novel, her writing life, and what it’s like to receive such major literary recognition.

At the heart of the conversation is Gloria; a young woman with learning disabilities navigating friendship, vulnerability, and independence in East London. Lucy shares how she approached crafting Gloria’s voice with authenticity and care, and why it was so important to tell a story that reflects the often-overlooked experiences of adults with learning disabilities.

We also explore the themes of trust, trauma, and connection within the novel, alongside a broader discussion about care, autonomy, and representation in fiction. Plus, Lucy shares some of the books that have shaped her life and thinking as a writer.

📚 By Lucy Apps

• Gloria Don't Speak

✨ Books Mentioned

Born to be Wild: The Livewire Guide to Saving Animals by Juliet Galletley - Currently Unavailable on bookshop.org

Obedience to Authority by Stanley Milgram

Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken

Bodies by Jed Mercurio

Immanuel by Matthew McNaught

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

What an incredible way to kick off a brand new season of Best Book Forward.

In this episode, I’m joined by novelist Julie Owen Moylan to talk about her stunning new historical novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn. Set in the summer of 1956, the book reimagines the extraordinary moment when two of the most famous women in the world, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II, were, incredibly, neighbours in Windsor.

We explore:

• The real historical backdrop behind Elizabeth & Marilyn
• Writing historical fiction about real-life figures
• Balancing emotional truth with historical accuracy
• The pressures of fame and life in the public eye
• The shared vulnerabilities of two 20th-century icons

Julie shares how she approached portraying Marilyn and Elizabeth as complex, human women rather than untouchable symbols, and how themes of autonomy, identity, ambition, and resilience run through the novel.

If you love historical fiction, stories about iconic women, or thoughtful conversations about the writing process, this episode is for you.

📚 By Julie Owen Moylan

• Elizabeth & Marilyn
• Circus of Mirrors
• 73 Dove Street
• That Green Eyed Girl

✨ Books Mentioned

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

A brand new season of Best Book Forward is almost here.

Join host Helen for another chapter of bookish conversation, where each week she sits down with authors to explore the books that have shaped their lives—think a literary take on Desert Island Discs.

📅 Season 5 launches: Thursday 2nd April

📚 What’s coming: 8 weeks of brilliant author interviews and irresistible book recommendations

🔍 This season, expect…

1. A dangerously blurred line between patient and therapist
2. Moral dilemmas that will make you question your own choices
3. The chilling idea that every crime begins with someone’s child…
4. A novel from this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist
5. A journey to the Suffolk countryside filled with new beginnings and unexpected romance
6. A glimpse into the lives of two of history’s most iconic women
7. A sweeping historical romance crossing oceans, cultures, and timelines
8. A glamorous 70th birthday party… that ends in murder

👀 Can you guess the authors?

The first episode drops on Thursday 2nd April—and if you’re subscribed, it’ll be ready and waiting.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

📲 Stay Connected

Follow on Instagram: @bestbookforward

Website: https://bestbookforward.org/

We’re ending the Season on a complete high as I am delighted to welcome the incredible Ruth Ware to the show. In this episode, Ruth takes us back to The Woman in Cabin 10 before talking about how readers were desperate to find out more from Lo, and how the moment of inspiration came for The Woman in Suite 11. We talk about her writing life, what it was like to see Kiera Knightely bring Lo Blacklock to the screen and we get a little glimpse into what she is working on now.

And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

📚 By Ruth Ware

The Woman in Suite 11

The Woman in Cabin 10

The Turn of the Key

✨ The Five Books That Shaped Ruth’s Life

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford

Wide Sargasso by Jean Rhys

On Writing by Stephen King

✨ Other Books Mentioned

Marple

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

And that’s a wrap for Season 4. Thank you so much to my wonderful guests; Jane Fallon, Ellie Levenson, Nicola Gill, Alexandra Potter, Emma Steele, Jennie Godfrey and Ruth Ware.

I’m currently hard at work on Season 5 and I hope to be able to share it with you soon. If you have subscribed to the show you’ll get a notification whenever a new episode lands. If you haven’t yet, I would be so grateful if you could please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

Thanks for listening and see you soon.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

No episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

📚 By Jennie Godfrey

The List of Suspicious Things

The Barbecue at No. 9

📚 The Books that have shaped Jennie

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp (currently unavailable on bookshop.org)

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

To Kill a Mockingbird

Persuasion by Jane Austen

I’ll be back next week with the last in this season, don’t worry more are on the way, I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

📚 By Emma Steele

The Love of Our Lives

The Echoes of Us

📚 The Books that have shaped Emma

After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

✨ Books Mentioned

Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes

Land by Maggie O'Farrell

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

📚 By Alexandra Potter

So, I Met This Guy

Confessions of a Forty-Something F##k Up

Me and Mr Darcy

✨ Books Mentioned

1. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
2. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
5. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
6. I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

I absolutely loved recording this episode with Nicola Gill — she is such a joy to chat to. We talked about her latest novel, Identity Crisis (which I adored), her writing life, and of course the books that have shaped her own reading journey.

And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s everything we mentioned, with links to buy:

📚 By Nicola Gill

1. Identity Crisis
2. Swimming for Beginners

✨ Books Mentioned

1. Mister Meddle by Enid Blyton (currently unavailable on bookshop.org)
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
3. Elligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
4. Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
5. The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
6. Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
7. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
8. The Scandalous Ladies Football Club by Frances Quinn
9. Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
10. One Day by David Nicholls
11. You Are Here by David Nicholls

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

When a book delivers an ending as brilliant and surprising as Room 706 by Ellie Levenson, it deserves its very own bonus episode, one where we can unpack everything without worrying about ruining the experience for anyone else.

If you haven’t read the book yet, please stop here and come back once you have!

Books discussed:

Room 706 by Ellie Levenson

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

Although we dive deep into the ending of Room 706, we’ve chosen to keep some of Ellie’s own reflections under wraps, those are for you to discover as a reader.

If you’d like to get in touch with Ellie, you can find her on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ellie_levenson/

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

In this episode, Ellie and I dive into the world of Room 706: her inspiration, her writing process, and how she crafted such a tightly paced and explosive story. And because that ending deserves its own space, we’ve recorded a separate bonus episode dedicated entirely to unpacking it.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations, so here they are, with links to buy:

📚 By Ellie Levenson

1. Room 706

✨ Books Mentioned

1. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrow by John Koenig
2. Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
3. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Bylton
4. Thursday's Child by Noel Streatfield
5. Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas
6. The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
7. The Trick to Time by Kit de Waal

If you’ve finished Room 706 and are ready to dive deeper into that unforgettable ending, make sure you check out the bonus episode. A word of warning: it’s packed with spoilers, so if you haven’t read the book yet, you might want to wait until you have.

I’ll be back next week with another author conversation, and I’d love for you to join me for that too.

In the meantime, if you enjoyed today’s episode, please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to spread the word. Your support really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you next week, and happy listening.

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

As you would expect no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without book recommendations! Here’s what we talked about.

📚 Books by Jane Fallon

• Welcome to the Neighbourhood
• Getting Rid of Matthew
• Got You Back

✨ Books Mentioned

• Tim and Charlotte by Edward Ardizzone (currently unavailable on bookshop.org).
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• Love for Lydia by H.E. Bates
• Puffball by Fay Weldon (currently unavailable on bookshop.org).
• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

This episode marks the start of a brand new seven-episode season, with fresh conversations landing every Thursday. I’d absolutely love for you to join me each week.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

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?

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

In this episode Helen chats about the incredible reader response to The Invisible Women’s Club, the importance of female friendship, navigating menopause, and even gives us a little glimpse into her next book. She also shares details of her inspiring new project, The Next Chapter, a bespoke creative course, in the South of France, drawing on her 30 years of experience as a professor and creative facilitator. The course is designed to give women the space and support to nurture their creativity, whether they’re returning to something they once loved or exploring it for the first time.

For dates and details, visit: https://www.creativebody.org/nextchapter.

And of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Helen Paris

• The Invisible Women's Club 
• Lost Property

✨ Books Mentioned

• On All Fours by Miranda July
• The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
• Heart the Lover by Lily King
• Clear by Carys Davies
• West by Carys Davies
• A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood

So that’s it for this special Christmas season. I really hope that you have enjoyed it.  

I would like to say a huge thank you to my wonderful guests:

Catherine Newman, Matt Cain, Clare Leslie-Hall, Frances Quinn, Alice Winn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds and of course Helen Paris.

I will be back with a brand new season start on 8 January and I really hope you’ll join for that season too. In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.  

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

We take a look back at The Artist and some of the special moments that Lucy has enjoyed.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Lucy Steds

• The Artist

✨ Books Mentioned

• The Signs by Dr Tara Swart
• Endling by Maria Reva

Boutique Book Breaks 

Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest.

For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

We take a look back at Famous Last Words and also at what is next for Gillian, I have to say it is all very exciting. 

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Gillian McAllister

• Famous Last Words
• Wrong Place, Wrong Time
• Caller Unknown
• That Night

✨ Books Mentioned

• Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
• You Are Here by David Nicholls
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends, it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

In this Christmas bonus episode of Best Book Forward, I’m delighted to welcome back Virginia Evans author of The Correspondent.

Virginia reveals how the incredible success of The Correspondent has felt after so many years of rejection, she shares the moments that will stay with her forever, a little insight into what she’s currently working on as well as giving a glimpse into her family life at Christmas.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Virginia Evans

1. The Correspondent

✨ Books Mentioned

1. Heart the Lover by Lily King
2. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
3. Whistler by Ann Patchett
4. Land by Maggie O'Farrell
5. The Offing by Benjamin Myers
6. Now We Shall Be Entirely Free by Andrew Miller
7. The Land In Winter by Andrew Miller
8. Cook Like A Pro by Ina Garten

Boutique Book Breaks

Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest.

For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the last episode in our Christmas Chapter series; I hope you’ll join me again.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 By Alice Winn

• In Memoriam

✨ Books Mentioned

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
• Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Persuasion by Jane Austen
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neil Hurston
• The Colour Purple by Alice Walker
• The Holy Bible
• The Quran Beheld by Nuh Ha Mi Keller (not available on bookshop.org)
• The Collected Essays of George Orwell

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends, it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

We take a look back at The Lost Passenger and Frances gives us a sneak peek into her new book The Troublemakers which sounds amazing. You can you preorder your copy here: The Troublemakers

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Frances Quinn

• The Lost Passenger
• The Smallest Man
• That Bonesetter Woman

✨ Books Mentioned

• Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
• The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor
• Identity Crisis by Nicola Gill
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series - catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends - it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

We take a look back at Broken Country at only the incredible awards and achievements but also the heartfelt response it has had from readers.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Clare Leslie Hall

• Broken Country
• Pictures of Him
• Days You Were Mine

✨ Books Mentioned

• Atonement by Ian McEwan
• Heart the Lover by Lily King
• Writers & Lovers by Lily King
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean

Boutique Book Breaks

Boutique Book Breaks - UK Retreat for Book Lovers. Hosting small groups, with author events at luxury hotels. Use code: 'BestBook' for £50 off the next weekend, 6-8 March 2026 in the New Forest.

For more details visit... https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series; catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends... it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

It’s been quite a year for Matt, from receiving his MBE at Windsor Castle to sharing the powerful story of coming out again as autistic. In this conversation, we talk about what those moments have meant to him, and how they’ve shaped both his life and his writing.

We also revisit his beautiful novel One Love, and Matt gives us an exclusive glimpse into what he’s working on next and it sounds absolutely brilliant.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Matt Cain

• One Love
• The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle
• Becoming Ted
• The Madonna of Bolton
• The Castle of Stories — coming soon

✨ Books Mentioned

• The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
• Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig
• Thomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire Tomalin
• The Invisible Woman by Claire Tomalin 
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
• One Day by David Nicholls
• The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce
• The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
• The Light a Candle Society by Ruth Hogan
• So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends it makes a huge difference in helping new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

Listen & Subscribe Now:

https://best-book-forward.captivate.fm/listen

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

Today we talk about how Catherine has felt about the reaction to Sandwich as well as giving us glimpse into her next book Wreck. We chat about the books she has read and loved this year, listed below, as well as finding out what her ultimate holiday drinks party might look like.

Of course, no episode of Best Book Forward would be complete without some irresistible book recommendations to add to your festive reading list. Here’s everything we discussed:

📚 Books by Catherine Newman

• Sandwich
• Wreck

✨ Books Mentioned

• Maurice & Maralyn by Sophie Elmhurst
• Heart the Lover by Lily King
• Writers & Lovers by Lily King
• Loved & Missed by Susie Boyt
• The Homemade God by Rachel Joyce

I really hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it.

Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing another festive conversation in The Christmas Chapter series, catching up with another wonderful past guest.

In the meantime, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Best Book Forward, and don’t forget to tell your friends… it really helps new listeners discover the show.

See you tomorrow, and happy listening. 🎄

To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

Welcome to The Christmas Chapter: Catching Up with Best Book Forward Friends. A special bonus series where we celebrate the season by reconnecting with some of our lovely past guests.

For this bonus season, I've invited back nine of our past guests back to the mic to share their year, their inspirations, and their favourite reads.

In this special series, you'll discover:

• What our guests have been up to since we last spoke.
• Their must-read book recommendations from the last year.
• A sneak peek at their exciting new projects coming next.

The Christmas Chapter Schedule:

• The first episode drops on Monday 1st December.
• New special episodes will follow daily for nine straight days!

Don't miss a single story. If you love great books and warm conversation, the perfect gift you can give us is hitting that Subscribe button!

Listen & Subscribe Now:

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To stay in touch with Best Book Forward news please follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward or visit my website: https://bestbookforward.org/

Liane joins me in this episode to discuss her brilliant new novel, Here One Moment. We chat all about the incredible (and, let's be honest, very unsettling!) premise of a woman giving out death predictions on a delayed flight, and where that idea came from. We then delve into our own opinions on fate, destiny, and even clairvoyants – it was all quite deep for a Monday morning! Of course, as always, we also discover the five books that have shaped Liane’s life, which are:

Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park

Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty (currently unavailable on bookshop.org)

Pennington’s Seventeenth Summer by K.M. Peyton

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler

Before we move on, I'd like to officially reassure all my lovely listeners that I have finally picked up The Time Traveller’s Wife, and I am really enjoying it! It only took the gentle encouragement of several bestselling authors to get me to actually pick it up, but hey, I got there in the end!

Also mentioned in this episode:

• The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick
• The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
• Forever by Judy Blume
• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Well, that is officially it for Season 3! I honestly don't know where the last eight weeks have gone, but I really, really hope that you have enjoyed this season as much as I have. I owe a huge thank you to all my wonderful guests who have made this such a joy:

• Gillian McAllister
• Fran Littlewood
• Lucy Steeds
• Claire Douglas
• Frances Quinn
• Clare Leslie Hall
• Virginia Evans
• And 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 Williams

The Firm by John Grisham (not currently available on bookshop.org)

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

One By One in the Darkness by Deirdre Madden

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell

I also mentioned having my mum’s handwriting embroidered into a piece of art. See Ivy & Stitch for details.

I really hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. I’ll be back next week with the final episode in this Season (how have eight weeks flown by so fast).

If you are enjoying the show I’d be so grateful if you could take the time rate, review, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends all about it.

Thanks for listening and see you next week!

If you haven't yet picked up her captivating novel, Broken Country, I'm going to have to politely beg you to grab a copy and dive in this summer! Seriously, you won't regret it. I've seen it pop up on so many "Best of 2025" lists (including my very own, of course!). I've actually read it twice and could happily pick it up again – it's just that good.

In this episode, Clare gives us the inside scoop on the inspiration behind Broken Country, and shares some fascinating insights into her writing journey. I have to say, I feel incredibly thankful that Clare ignored the advice to give up on this masterpiece; it truly is such a special book, and I'm so glad she persevered with it!

As always, we also delve into the five books that have shaped Clare's life. What a fantastic list it was (and yes, she managed to sneak in a few extra recommendations too – because you can never have too many book suggestions, right?!).

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith

Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively

All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald

The Go Between by LP Hartley

Other books mentioned:

Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Leaving by Roxanna Robinson

I really hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Clare was just so wonderful to chat to, I love how obvious it becomes just how important her characters are to her. 

If you're loving Best Book Forward, please do take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts – it makes such a difference! And, most importantly, please tell all your bookish friends about us!

See you next week for more bookish chat.

Hello book friends! In today’s episode, I am absolutely delighted to be chatting with the brilliant Frances Quinn about her fabulous new novel, The Lost Passenger.

We had such a wonderful chat about the inspiration behind this compelling story, and Frances also speaks really openly about the challenges along the way and how she buffers herself against feedback from her team! We dive into her incredible protagonist, Elinor, exploring what drives her to make the life-altering decision to steal another woman's identity to escape her own past. We also chat about the research Frances carried out particularly looking at those who survived the Titanic. 

Of course, as always on Best Book Forward, we delved into the five books that have shaped Frances throughout her life and writing journey! 

Five Go Adventuring Again by Enid Blyton

Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse by Ursula Moray Williams

The Bomber by Liza Marklund (Currently not available)

The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman (Also currently not available)

Bird by Bird by Anne Lemott

Unfortunately, two of these titles seem to be a little tricky to get hold of but if you're intrigued, I'd absolutely recommend keeping an eye out in charity shops, you never know what treasures you might unearth!

Also mentioned in this episode:

This Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor

Swimming For Beginners by Nicola Gill - turns out I don’t have this one but I am waiting for my copy to arrive and cannot wait to read it.

A massive thank you goes out to my brilliant sister, Lottie, for today's question, and, of course for introducing me to Frances and her wonderful books in the first place!

I really hope that you enjoyed this episode as much as I did. Honestly, I could have spent hours chatting with Frances! If you're enjoying Best Book Forward, it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. And the very best thing you could do? Tell all your bookish friends about us!

I’ll be back with another brilliant episode next week, and I really hope you’ll join me again for more bookish fun!

In this episode we chat about the inspiration behind The New Neighbours and we managed to keep it completely spoiler free!  We discover the inspiration behind the story and find out whether Claire is as brave as her characters (I know I’m not). Of course as always we chat about the five books that have shaped Claire’s life (let’s gloss over the fact she picked the entire Famous Five series).  

Here are Claire’s choices.

The Famous Five by Enid Bylton

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Magpies by Mark Edwards

Also mentioned in this episode:

We Are Completely Beside Ourselves

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

I Let You Go by Clare MacIntosh

Gentleman & Players by Joanne Harris

Since recording I have now read and loved Rachel’s Holiday I only needed three bestselling authors to convince me! 

If you've enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please, please do me a little favour! Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Best Book Forward – it makes the world of difference in helping more book lovers find our little corner of the podcast world. And the absolute best thing you could do? Tell a friend who you think would love Claire’s books or our chats! Until next time, happy reading!

It was such a joy to chat to Lucy about The Artist, her inspiration and get some fascinating insight into her writing process as well as hearing about her Women’s Prize experience.

Of course as always, we also discussed the five books that have shaped Lucy’s life and what an interesting list it was. I was absolutely convinced she wouldn’t be able to tempt me on the poetry of John Donne but I’m weirdly quite tempted.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

A Room With A View by E.M. Forster

The Poems of John Donne

In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado

Also mentioned in this episode:

Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff

Ways of Seeing by John Berger

Self-Portrait by Celia Paul

If you've enjoyed this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it, please, please do me a little favour! Take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to Best Book Forward – it makes the world of difference in helping more book lovers find our little corner of the podcast world. And the absolute best thing you could do? Tell a friend who you think would love Lucy's book or our chats! Until next time, happy reading!

Fran 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 Blyton

The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler

Hey Yeah Right Get A Life by Helen Simpson

Also mentioned in this episode:

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

A huge thank you to the lovely @MrsMarr and @NicTheBookWorm! I really hope you enjoyed hearing your brilliant questions answered on the show.

If you enjoyed this episode (and I really hope you did!), it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe – and even better, tell all your bookish buddies about Best Book Forward!

Have a fantastic week, and I'll see you back here next Thursday for more bookish fun!

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 Picoult

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty

You Don't Know Me by Imran Mahmood

Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner

Also mentioned in this episode:

Gillian’s fabulous podcast The Honest Authors' Podcast

Night Watching by Tracy Sierra - the book Gillian raved about! I plucked up all my courage and read it, and honestly, it's every bit as brilliant (and yes, a little bit terrifying!) as Gillian said. Just maybe don't read it right before bed if you're a bit of a scaredy-cat like me! 😉

A huge thank you to the lovely @WendyReadsBooks and @BookReviewsWithBecky! I really hope you enjoyed hearing your brilliant questions answered on the show.

If you enjoyed this episode (and I really hope you did!), it would mean the absolute world to me if you could take a few moments to rate, review, and subscribe – and even better, tell all your bookish buddies about Best Book Forward!

Have a fantastic week, and I'll see you back here next Thursday for more bookish fun!

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

Interview Highlights:

• Inspiration Behind the Novel: Discover what sparked Clare's idea for How to Age Disgracefully.
• Flawed Characters: Explore Clare's love for writing flawed characters.
• Real-Life Inspirations: Hear about Clare's connections to Bridget Jones and Thelma & Louise, and how these iconic characters influenced her.
• Five Books That Shaped Her Life: Discover the literary influences that have shaped Clare's writing journey, from classic Austen to contemporary favourites.

Book List:

Emma by Jane Austen

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

One Day by David Nicholls

Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

That's a wrap on Season 2 of Best Book Forward! We've had an incredible time exploring the literary world with our amazing guests. Thank you to Catherine Newman, Nikki May, Marianne Cronin, Susan Fletcher, Josie Fletcher, and Clare Pooley for sharing their insights and passion for books.

Stay tuned for exciting news about Season 3! Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

See you soon, bookworms 

Today, I'm thrilled to have the incredible Josie Ferguson join us. Josie is the author of the highly acclaimed debut novel, The Silence in Between, shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Prize 2024.

In this episode, we'll explore the world of Josie's poignant story, discussing themes of sexual violence, trauma, and the resilience of women in times of trouble.

As always we’ll also look at the five books that have shaped Josie’s life which were.

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Sweet Valley High created by Francine Pascal

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zsafon

Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Listeners are also treated to a short clip of one of the beautiful pieces of music that Josie’s brother Micke Bonde created for the characters of The Silence in Between. The clip is used is called Lisette. If you would like to hear more or find out more about Josie’s work please visit her website https://josieferguson.com/

Caution: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including sexual violence and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

For my bookish chat follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward 

 or visit my website at www.bestbookforward.org

Susan discusses the inspiration behind her protagonist Florrie, an 87-year-old woman who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious incident in her care home. We also discuss Susan's creative process, particularly how her time during the lockdown influenced her writing and character development. 

Of course, we also discuss the five books that have shaped Susan’s life, she is so passionate about her choices that she inspired me to pick up one that I had always been intimidated by and I loved it as much as Susan did.

Susan’s book choices are:

Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney

Jamaica Inn by Daphne du Maurier

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje 

 Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes 

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett 

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward and be sure to tell your bookish friends all about it. See you next week for more bookish chats with another author.

Interview Highlights:

• Mothers and Daughters: Discover the profound impact of mothers on their daughters. Explore how Nikki's characters navigate life without a mother and with a less than ideal one, shaping their identities and relationships.
• Cultural Identity: Dive into the complexities of belonging to multiple cultures. Hear Nikki's personal experiences growing up between England and Lagos.
• Book Recommendations: Discover the five books that have shaped Nikki's life. From dystopian futures to gripping mysteries, this diverse selection offers something for every reader.

Book List:

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
• A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton
• Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
• We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 

Prepare to be captivated by Nikki May's insightful perspective and her ability to bring a classic story to life in a fresh and modern way. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode!

PS: Once you’ve listened to this episode you may be wondering if I did pick up one of the books that we discussed and the answer is YES and it is as brilliant as Nikki said it is.

In this episode we talk about friendship that defies expectations, love that blossoms in the most unexpected places and times, loss that leaves its mark, and the unwavering spirit of self-discovery. You'll also hear Marianne's inspiring story of writing a bestselling novel whilst tackling a PhD – talk about multitasking like a boss!

And of course, we'll chat about these five books and discover how they have shaped Marianne's life

This Lullaby by Sarah Design (not currently available on bookshop.org)

The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

Homegoing by Gyasi

Exploring the Language of Poems, Plays and Prose by Mick Short

Heads up, squeaky chair alert! There might be some background noise during the episode, but we promise it won't distract from the heartwarming conversation.

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of literary love! We put a lot of heart into these conversations, and we'd love for you to be a part of our bookish community. Rate the episode and share it with your friends who love a good story – the more the merrier!

Let's face it, motherhood isn't always sunshine and rainbows. In this episode, Catherine discusses her latest novel, "Sandwich", exploring the messy realities of midlife, the unexpected joys (and challenges!) of parenting teenagers, and navigating the hormonal rollercoaster of menopause.

We also delve into the five books that have shaped Catherine's life. From the whimsical world of Amos & Boris to the poignant realities of Beloved by Toni Morrison, these are stories that have truly left their mark.

1. Amos & Boris by William Steig
2. Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls-WIlder (not currently available on bookshop.org)
3. Beloved by Toni Morrison
4. The Namesake by Jumpa Lahiri
5. All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews

And because five just isn't enough, Catherine also shares some honourable mentions:

• As You Like It by William Shakespeare
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
• Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich

Follow Catherine on Instagram - Catherine Newman Instagram or visit her website at https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com/ 

Ready to dive in? Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Best Book Forward!

CONTENT WARNING:

This conversation explores some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some listeners. We discuss issues related to fertility, miscarriage, and blood. Please be advised.

Best Book Forward is back for a brand new season, and we're serving up six weeks of bookish bliss with incredible authors.

Haven't met us yet?

Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly book pusher! Think of this podcast as a bookish version of Desert Island Discs where I chat with amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives.

Season One was a literary adventure, featuring authors like Beth O'Leary, Matt Cain, and Alice Winn. We explored their inspirations, the stories that made them who they are, and of course, their must-read recommendations (missed any episodes? We've got you covered simply hit the link below).

But wait, there's more!

Season Two is weekly this time around, so get ready for six weeks of author interviews filled with bookish insights and captivating stories.

Who are we talking to? That's a secret for now, but trust us, you won't want to miss it!

Ready to join the bookish adventure?

• Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!
• 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

Other books mentioned:

Barrington Stokes 

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy

I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode as much as I have. I would be so grateful if you could take the time to like, subscribe and share with your friends. 

For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org.

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are:

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Passing by Nella Larsen

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque   

Other books mentioned:

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller

Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves

Journey’s End by R. C. Sherriff

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

The Blind Spot & Other Stories by Saki HH Monroe

The Lord of the Rings by JRRTolkein 

Authors mentioned: 

Vera Brittain

Rudyard Kipling

F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you would like to hear more from Alice Winn, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Alice’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us!

For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org. 

This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative

In this episode Sophie, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader and shares a bookish secret with us.

Other books mentioned in this episode are:

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Game of Thrones by George R R Martin

Authors mentioned

Taylor Jenkins-Reid

Niamh Hargan

Lindsey Kelk

Mhairi McFarlane

Sarra Manning

Janice Hallett

Amor Towels

I hope you have enjoyed this episode.  I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it.  

I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation.

In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative  

Sophie talked about her love of the Regency period and why she feels we are so drawn to it, as well as sharing memories of reading her first chapter book that set her on her journey to be a reader for life.  The book that was pivotal in changing her life.

The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are:

Sophie's Snail by Dick King Smith 

Arabella by Georgette Heyer

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenger

Midnight Chicken by Ella Risberger

The Break Up Clause by Niamh Hargan

Other books mentioned:

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Dinner with Edward by Isabel Vincent

I Want to Die but I Want To Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Authors mentioned: 

Frances Burney 

Barbara Cartland 

Georgette Heyer

Lex Croucher

Amita Murray

Felicity George

Julia Quinn

Beth Morrey (in the interview I said Morley, it is Morrey, sorry Beth)

Kate Sawyer

Roald Dahl

Lindsey Kelk

Sarra Manning

If you would like to hear more from Sophie Irwin, please do keep an eye out as there a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Sophie’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us!

For more content from me you follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org.  You can you also find my favourite books here Shop my favourite books

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative

In this episode we talk about how Matt came back fighting after his first novel, The Madonna of Bolton was rejected; using his rage to crowdfund his way to get his book published in just a week! Matt also shares a bookish secret with us that left me feeling really excited !

Books and authors mentioned in this episode

David Nicholls

Lisa Jewell

David Walliams

Adele Parks

Jane Austen

Kate Atkinson

The Song of Achilles of Madeleine Miller

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

One Day by David Nicholls

The Unfinished Business fo Eadie Browne by Freya North

The Excitements by CJ Wray

That Bonesetter Woman by Frances Quinn

Shot Through the Heart by Matt Cain

Nothing But Trouble by Matt Cain

Step Sisters by Matt Cain

I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode.  Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it.  I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation.  In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

One Love which comes out on 18 January and is an absolutely brilliant read.

We talked about the five books that have shaped Matt’s life and three of them are also favourites of mine.

Matt’s Desert Island Book choices are:

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis

Kiss of the Spiderwoman by Manuel Puig

Thomas Hardy: The Time-Torn Man by Claire Tomalin

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

One Day by David Nicholls

Throughout our discussion, we talked about lots of other books and these are all listed below.

Other books mentioned in this episode

The Madonna of Bolton by Matt Cain

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain 

The Becoming Ted by Matt Cain

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende 

A Stitch in Time by Kathryn Coltrin

The Stranding by Kate Sawyer

This Family by Kate Sawyer

I hope you have enjoyed this episode as much as I did, I loved chatting to Matt.  I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it.  

Do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode with Matt coming soon.

In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative

In this episode Nina, reads a passage from her new book and we went on to talk more about her life as a writer and a reader.

Other books mentioned in this episode are:

Started Early Took the Dog by Kate Atkinson

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend

Ducks Newbury Port by Lucy Ellmann

The Fortnight in September by R.C. SHerriff 

Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Vera by Elizabeth Von Arnim

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Authors mentioned

Cathy Rentzenbrink

Lionel Shriver

Nick Hornby

Alan Bennett

Jonathan Miller

Heather Morris

Thomas Hardy

Geoffrey Chaucer

Elizabeth Strout

Anne Tyler

David Sedaris

Lydia Davis

Hilary Mantel

Margaret Atwood

I hope you have enjoyed this episode.  I would be so grateful if you would take the time to like, subscribe and most importantly tell your friends about it.  

I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I really hope you’ll join me for that conversation.

In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Decibelle Creative

I loved talking to Nina, and hearing her talk so patiently about her love of diaries has inspired me to try and keep my own diary.  

Nina’s Desert Island Book choices are:

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

My Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print)

Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend

Diary of a Nobody by G&W Grossmith

Throughout the discussion, various other books and authors were mentioned and these are all listed below.

Other Books Mentioned

One Day I Shall Astonish the World by Nina Stibbe

Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Jill’s Gymkhana by Ruby Ferguson

The Snow & Works on the Northern Line by Ruth Thomas

The Adventures of Miss Barbara Pym by Paula Burn

A Very Private Eye by Julie Cooper

Authors mentioned

David Sedaris

Deborah McGogach

Alan Bennett

Claire Tomlyn

Michael Frayne

Jonathan Miller 

Germaine Greer 

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear more from Nina, do keep an eye out as we have recorded a bonus episode which will be coming soon.

For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

Best Book Forward is produced by Decibelle Creative

This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative

In this episode Beth talks about her life as a writer, writing sexy swimming pool scenes as well as how books helped her as a child to find her love of storytelling and writing.

Beth’s Desert Island Book choices are:

The Autumn Story by Jill Barklem

The Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser

Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes

Other books mentioned in this episode:

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary

The Switch by Beth O’Leary

The No Show by Beth O’Leary

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

Paradise Lost by John Milton

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes

Authors mentioned:

Kristin Hannah

Charles Dickens

Sophie Kinsella

If you like to hear more from Beth O’Leary please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming soon where we’ll hear more about Beth’s life as a writer and a reader and she also shares a bookish secret with us.  

For me content please do follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative: @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com

In this episode Helen read a passage from her new book The Invisible Women’s Club and we went on to talk more about her life as a reader and a writer.

The books that are mentioned in this episode are:

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Go As A River by Shelley Read

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler

The authors that Helen talked about are

Kate Atkinson

Rachel Joyce

Tana French 

Agatha Christie

Toni Morrison

I hope you enjoyed this bonus episode.  Please do take the time to like, subscribe, review and most importantly tell your friends about it.  I’ll be back next month talking to another author and I hope you’ll join me for that conversation.  In the meantime, for more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

Helen shared wonderful memories of buying her childhood favourites with her dad at WHSmiths at weekends, a wonderful teacher who introduced her to a book she loves and the books that inspired her love of reading and writing.

Helen’s Desert Island Books choices are:

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler

Of course, when you’re talking to somebody who is as passionate about books as Helen is, lots of other books get mentioned so here are the other books we talked about in this episode.

Second Spring by Kate Codrington

Another Life by Jodie Chapman

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

If you would like to hear more from Helen Paris, please do keep an eye out as there is a bonus episode coming where we discuss more about Helen’s life as a reader and a writer and she shares a bookish secret with us!

For more content from me you can follow me on Instagram or visit my website www.bestbookforward.org

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced by Buckers at Decibelle Creative @decibelle_creative / www.decibellecreative.com 

After discussing her guest's five favourite books, Helen will ask them the impossible question: if you could only pick one to read again, which book would you choose?!

Listen out for bonus episodes treating you to readings from the authors' own books.

Find out about how to join Helen's book club, and more about her book-ish journey online at https://www.bestbookforward.org/ and on Instagram @bestbookforward

This episode of Best Book Forward was produced Decibelle Creative