Shows
Best Book ForwardLucy Steeds: Art, Deception & The Power of SecretsGet ready for another absolute cracker of an episode this week, because I had the total pleasure of chatting with the incredible Lucy Steeds! Now, if you've been anywhere near me in the last six months, I will have no doubt absolutely insisted that you must read Lucy's stunning novel, The Artist. I’m so in love with this book, its one of my top reads of the year and I really want you to pick it up too.It was such a joy to chat to Lucy about the Artist, her inspiration and get some fascinating ins...2025-06-191h 06
Best Book ForwardThe Complexities of Sisterhood: Fran Littlewood on The FavouriteOh my goodness, chatting with the wonderful Fran Littlewood in this episode of Best Book Forward was an absolute joy from start to finish!Fran joined me to natter all about her absolutely fabulous new novel, The Favourite – which is just a brilliant, rollercoaster family saga about the Fishers. Their seemingly normal family holiday gets completely turned upside down when Dad accidentally lets slip... wait for it... that he has a favourite daughter! Talk about awkward!In our chat, we dive into how Fran's own life as one of three sisters helped spark the story, ho...2025-06-1258 min
Best Book ForwardGillian McAllister on Writing Emotional Thrillers and Training as a Hostage NegotiatorHello my lovely book friends! Welcome back to a brand spanking new season of Best Book Forward, and we are kicking things off with a bang!In our Season 3 opener, I had the pleasure of chatting to the one and only Gillian McAllister about her gripping new novel, Famous Last Words. Now, is it just me, or does Gillian just keep knocking it out of the park with every single book? She's just getting better and better! And get this – during our chat (and even more excitingly, when the mics were off!), Gillian let me in on som...2025-06-0555 min
Best Book ForwardBest Book Forward; Chapter 3Best Book Forward Season 3 is Here!Welcome back to Best Book Forward! Get ready because we are launching a brand new season of eight episodes, packed with authors so incredible I honestly had to pinch myself that it was all really happening! I absolutely cannot wait for you to tune in!New to Best Book Forward? Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly neighbourhood book pusher! Think of this podcast as your ultimate bookish version of Desert Island Discs, where I get to chat with some truly amazing authors about the five books that...2025-06-0302 min
Best Book ForwardHow to Age Disgracefully with Clare PooleyGet ready for a heartwarming and hilarious send-off to Season 2! Today I’m delighted to be joined by the incredible Clare Pooley, author of the bestselling How to Age Disgracefully.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.2024-10-2451 min
Best Book ForwardBeyond the Silence with Josie FergusonWelcome back to Best Book Forward! The podcast where we delve into the books that have shaped our favourite authors' lives. Think of it as your literary Desert Island Discs.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...2024-10-171h 00
Best Book ForwardMysteries and Life Lessons: Susan Fletcher on The Night in QuestionListeners are invited into a heartfelt conversation with Susan Fletcher as we discuss her brilliant new novel The Night in Question." 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 o...2024-10-101h 10
Best Book ForwardReimagining Austen: Nikki May's This Motherless LandJoin us for a captivating conversation with Nikki May, author of Wahala which is currently being adapted into a major BBC series! Her latest literary masterpiece, This was inspired by Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and explores themes of motherhood, legacy, identity, and culture.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...2024-10-0351 min
Best Book ForwardThe Power of Friendship: Marianne Cronin on Eddie Winston is Looking for LoveGet ready for a heartwarming hug of an episode with the brilliant Marianne Cronin, author of the novels that'll make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of human connection: "The One Hundred Years of Lennie & Margot" and "Eddie Winston is Looking for Love".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!...2024-09-2659 min
Best Book ForwardMidlife Mayhem & Motherhood: Catherine Newman on SandwichSeason 2 Starts Here and what a better way to kick it off than being joined by New York Times Best Selling Author, Catherine Newman!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...2024-09-1945 minBest Book ForwardBest Book Forward - Season TwoGet ready to dive deeper into the literary worlds of your favourite authors! 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 ex...2024-09-1201 min
Best Book ForwardBonus episode: crafting literary magic, with Alice WinnIn this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. Alice talks about her journey to writing her bestselling debut and shares her experiences as dyslexic child learning to read as well as sharing a fabulous bookish secret with us.Other books mentioned:Barrington Stokes Moby Dick by Herman MelvilleWar & Peace by Leo TolstoyI hope you’ve enjoyed this episode as much as I have. I would be so grateful if you could take the time...2024-03-2830 min
Best Book ForwardBetween the Lines of Love and War: Alice Winn on Her Bestseller 'In Memoriam'In this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Alice Winn author of In Memoriam. If you know me you will know how much I love this book, I’ve probably tried to force a copy on you, so having the opportunity to chat to Alice was incredible.The five books that Sophie picked as the books that have shaped her life are:Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen FieldingCatch 22 by Joseph HellerMeditations by Marcus AureliusPassing by Nella LarsenAll Qui...2024-03-141h 15
Best Book ForwardBonus episode: From vulnerability to vegetable hats, with Sophie IrwinIn this bonus episode I am joined again by Sophie Irwin; author of A Lady's Guide to Scandal 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 TowlesRules of Civility by Amor TowlesLincoln Highway by Amor TowlesFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosGame of Thrones b...2024-02-2927 min
Best Book ForwardSophie Irwin on the Art of Regency RomanceIn this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Sophie Irwin author of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin and A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie IrwinSophie 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 b...2024-02-1550 min
Best Book ForwardBonus episode: Matt Cain on how to come back fighting after rejection and a bookish secret that will leave you wanting more!For this episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Matt Cain; author of One Love . If you missed the main episode where Matt discusses her Desert Island Book.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 episodeDavid N...2024-02-0140 min
Best Book ForwardMatt Cain on writing love stories that we can all fall in love with.In today’s episode my guest is the wonderful Matt Cain., I have been chatting to Matt on Instagram for such a long time so to get to speak to him about his books and the books that he loves was such a treat. We talked about all of Matt’s books but especially about his latest novel 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 I...2024-01-181h 04
Best Book ForwardBonus episode: Nina Stibbe on Writing, Reading, and London LivingIn this bonus episode I am joined again by Nina Stibbe; author of Went to London, Took the Dog.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 AtkinsonShrines of Gaiety by Kate AtkinsonThe Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah MoggachThe Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue TownsendD...2023-12-2130 min
Best Book ForwardThe joy of keeping a diary with Nina StibbeIn this episode I was delighted to be joined by Nina Stibbe; who’s latest book Went to London, Took the Dog is out 2 November and is such a brilliant read.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 SewellMy Side of the Mountain by Jean George (currently out of print)Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue TownsendD...2023-12-071h 14
Best Book ForwardBonus episode: Beth O'Leary shares her writing journeyIn this bonus episode, Beth O'Leary joins Helen to discuss her meteoric rise to fame after publishing her debut novel The Flatshare. Beth talks candidly about her journey to publication, the pressures of writing a second novel after a hugely successful debut, her writing process and daily rituals (or lack thereof!), her reading habits and favourite authors. Beth also reveals her "bookish secret"... This episode was produced by Decibelle Creative2023-11-3026 min
Best Book ForwardWriting joyful stories, with Beth O'LearyToday’s episode of Best Book Forward was a dream come true for me. Beth O’Leary was the first author I meet when I started off as a bookstagrammer and I have loved all of her books from her debut The Flatshare to her latest novel The Wake Up Call 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 S...2023-11-1654 min
Best Book ForwardBonus Episode: Helen Paris' life as a reader and writerIn this bonus episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined again by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club. If you missed the main episode where Helen discusses her Desert Island Books with me do have a listen (you'll find it in the same place you found this one!)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 thi...2023-10-1221 min
Best Book ForwardEmbracing womanhood at every age, with Helen ParisIn this first episode of Best Book Forward I was delighted to be joined by Helen Paris; author of Lost Property and The Invisible Women's Club.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 WilderThe Great Gatsby by F Scott FitzgeraldMiss Benson's Be...2023-10-0557 minBest Book ForwardBest Book Forward - TrailerJoin Helen Gambarota, better known online as 'Best Book Forward' for friendly conversations with authors. 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 @bestbookforwardThis episode of Best Book Forward was produced Decibelle...2023-09-2702 min