Reading Between Deadlines Podcast

Listen above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or if you want to SEE us in all our glory… watch at the bottom of this post. This episode's book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager, a gothic thriller packed with family secrets, dodgy characters, and a creepy old-mansion. The story follows a home health aide caring for a woman accused decades earlier of murdering her family. This week’s guest is Mercedes Mercier (otherwise known as Rach’s co-writers). Mercedes is a crime and thriller author known for her fast-paced, twist filled novels. When she’s not writing or looking after her twin daughters, she works in the criminal justice system - no wonder her crime novels are so realistic! Her latest book is The Couple’s Retreat.In this episode, we cover:Bios - men vs women.Creepy, gothic settings.Is Riley the male Frieda McFadden?Materialism and old houses.Co-writing and more!💋 And, of course, we rate THE ONLY ONE LEFT: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.Loading...📚 Books Mentioned in this EpAnything by Robin HobbsThe Baby-Sitters’ Club seriesGoosebumps seriesIT by Stephen KingSophie Kinsella’s novelsDOVE by Georgia HarperHarry Potter seriesThe Lord of the Rings⏰ Timestamps1.0 – Welcome, and feel free to be intimidated2.19 – Mercedes Mercier – pretty much James Bond but a lady3.57 – The Only Once Left – Tik Tok hype at work4.43 – Mansions, murder and cliff tops – the blurb is a total vibe8.28 – The male bio – fewer dogs and kids than you’d think9.51 – Mercedes shamelessly (and quite correctly) brags that she has kept Rach to a95 000 word count! Anthea passes out…!11.09 Mercedes and Rach celebrate their (reading) promiscuity12.31 – Kiss, Kill, Marry – it’s unanimous!13.45 – Anthea says it’s crazy at the end. FIFTY YEARS CRAZY!16.15 – Rach loves the crazy – but she doesn’t want to marry it18.43 – Riley Sager – how to fit a whole lot of crazy into one book at a time20.39 – Themes - Rach wonders what her books are about??21.43 – Anthea goes postal about 50 years of arse-wiping23.40 – Why 1983? Does this novel really need to be set in Dark Ages??25.57 – We question Mercedes about her personal choices – and find out she’s a crier! (and a nerd) (both of which we wholeheartedly support!)28.54 – DNF – is it our right? Or our DUTY?31.22 – Fantasy novels and Sophie Kinsella – because dragons like Jimmy Choo’s, too?33.18 – Reviews – the work of the Devil, and dummies with no taste…!33.48 – Co-writing – a brief masterclass from Rach and Mercedes37.46 – Book recommendations.41.22 – Harry Potter – divisive? Or still magical?43.11 – Rach tells Anthea what she’s reading next – Anthea writes it down.44.57 – See you next time!👉 Watch now and tell us - did you love The Only One Left?👉Next Ep, we’re diving into Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy and our May guest is Sara Foster who has chosen to make us read The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell.June Books: 14th June - By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult28th June - Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster with guest author Tamara MossExciting NEWS - we’ve pretty much locked in all our books for the rest of the year! You can see them here! 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Hi DeadlinersWe hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reading Between Deadlines. It’s come to our attention that some of you don’t realise that we still DO post a video but due to something to do with Apple and Spotify we post the audio at the top and the video at the bottom. So if you’d rather watch than listen, scroll to the end of this post. Anthea writes the FUNNIEST timestamps for the show - honestly, we’re not even sure what these are for but the wonderful Virtually Annie told us to do these so we do and I really hope people read them, cos they make me laugh so much! Happy listening/watching. Don’t forget to vote in our Kiss, Kill, Marry poll below.Love lots,Rach and AntheaThis episode’s pick: WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConoghy is the book EVERYONE in Australia (and we think the world - thanks Reese) has been reading and talking about lately, so we thought we’d better see what all the fuss is about. We’re in awe that Charlotte is so accomplished so young and proud she’s Aussie. We rarely read books by Aussie authors because we’d never want to diss a compatriot and we want to talk honestly about our thoughts and feelings here, but because WILD DARK SHORE has been such a HUGE success, we felt it would be remiss of us not to take a read. In this episode, we cover:Climate fiction - is it a thing?Writing style - fancy or over-writtenRomance/love story in lit fictionHow expectations going into a book influence reading experience 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or MarryLoading...⏰ Timestamps00 – Welcome to a windswept island - where two authors have been swept up on a rocky beach. (and Anthea wonders why she keeps saying yes to Rachael’s crazy schemes..)2.58 - Anthea inserts MAFS into the conversation (any excuse) Rach has no time for the television, because she is classy - and insanely busy!4.04 - Anthea complains about being busy. Rachael nearly passes out - then realises she doesn’t have time.5.12 - Wild Dark Shore, please come to reception! It’s time to be judged. (and bring a couple of fur seals with you..)9.06 - Award nominations for Wild Dark Shore. Who is Booktok Boy anyway? Anthea’s finger creeps further from the pulse every day.10.13 Wake up and smell the turtle-necks - it’s Literary bio time! But does this bio deal in LIES??14.26 - Kiss, Kill, Marry… Anthea does her civic duty and dobs Rachael in for trying to cheat...!15.47 - Anthea’s rollercoaster relationship with Wild Dark Shore. 18.55 - Fancy writing - hot or not? And why Rach is captivated by lyrical renderings and Anthea is looking over Wild Dark Shore’s shoulder to see if ML Stedman is at the bar…21.15 - Was Rach just in a really good mood when she read this novel? And is the honeymoon is over.23.20 - They called it Wild DARK shore for a reason. Murder, suicide, dead penguins in a barrel. Shiz gets DARK. 25.34 - Hank. Your classic narcissist. And then some. Hang on, just how romantic is the love story? Rach wonders if we need the love story at all…30.00 - Rach ponders low expectations and their ability to really make literature sing.36.52 - Rach questions global warming, and likens Dark Shore to a long poem.39.30 - The seed bank question. Which ones get off the island?40.46 - Next month The Only One Left by Riley Sager. Rach reminds Anthea what books she’s read. Anthea is very interested!👉 Watch the episode above and let us know your feelings about WILD DARK SHORE. 📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Mercedes Mercier about The Only One Left by Riley Sager.In May, we’re diving into Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy and chatting to Sara Foster about The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell.For what we’re up to after that, click here. 🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch Thanks for following. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Listen above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or if you want to SEE us in all our glory… watch at the bottom of this post. This episode's book: The Friend by Sigrid Nunez is a quiet novel about a woman who inherits the dog owned by her best friend when he dies. Not just any breed of dog but a MAMMOTH Great Dane, oh and her rental agreement is NO DOGS. Although a novel about grieving a friend, it also offers a lot of insight into a writers life as both the MC and her friend are writers. This week’s guest is John Purcell, who we think might be one of the most well-read authors in Australia. While still in his twenties, John Purcell opened a second-hand bookshop in Mosman, Sydney, in which he sat for ten years reading, ranting and writing. He’s currently Head of Books at The Nile Australia and his latest book, The Amateur's Guide to Killing Bad Guys, will release in August this year. Shoutout to our inner circle - aka our paid subscribers. We LOVE you and we LOVE our bonus episodes that we do JUST for you!!If you’re not already inner circle, you can join for only $5 a month and you’ll get our monthly Recs and Not Recs ep as well as a surprise chat every second month. In this episode, we cover:Re-reading old favesWriting classes and the writing advice in this novelThis dangerous profession and the risks of having a writer in your familyIs telling really a sin?Dogs vs Cats2nd person point-of-viewThe movie adaptation, which John refuses to watch. 📚 Books Mentioned in this EpThings We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutA Room With a View by E.M. ForsterThe Da Vinci Code by Dan BrownEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman A Gentleman of Moscow by Amor TowlesBoy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonLee Child’s Jack Reader novels.Brave New World by Aldous HuxleyDracula by Bram StokerBooks by Bryce Courtenay, Colleen McCullough, Agatha Christie, Thomas Hardy, Deborah Levy, Rachel Cusk, Ali Smth.⏰ Timestamps1.0 Intro1.25 – John apologises for loving Brother of the More Famous Jack, as well he should.1.30 – Rachael cranks the handle on her feminine wiles. Anthea settles in to learn from the master3.21 – John refers to Rachael as a wonderful author and Rach responds with a comment about John’s top-notch erotica. 5.20 Anthea reads the blurb in an attempt to bring down the spice! 7.21 John complains that Rach and Anthea kind of ruined his re-read of The Friend. Anthea refuses to feel bad about it.9.33 Rach adds background info about The Friend. Anthea starts thinking about tea.10.53 Rating time – Kiss, Kill or Marry?12.07 Anthea goes first, and makes some excellent points14.34 John doubles down on The Friend. Rachael captivated, Anthea suspects he’s a cat person.18.56 Rach agrees with John about everything – but she does mention Anthea’s latest book, so Anthea agrees with herself that they can still be besties!22.06 There’s some nonsense conversation about cats and dogs. Anthea wonders if she can make it to the kettle..27.05 Not naming characters – cool literary device – or just a bit wanky?27.39 Writing in second person. Pointless? Wanky? Is the kettle on?29.44 John discusses self-publishing and AI. A cup of tea is delivered to Anthea by an 83 year old ghost. Nice!34.10 John loves Room With A View. Anthea wonders about the cat thing.35.27 Rach tells John he has picked a novel that’s TOO good, with TOO much to discuss! Anthea bows to the master, and realises she still has much to learn.36.40 Rach and John discuss the issue of offending modern audiences, and modern sensibilities.41.40 John disses tonnes of hyped books – Rachael and Anthea are in awe.46.37 John disses Dame Agatha Christie, which Anthea thinks is a bridge too far.47.07 Rachael enthuses about John’s Nile posts (Anthea wishes they would get a room already..)47.36 Thomas Hardy – John’s wingman – and one of the greatest reading experiences of John’s life49.50 Rachael asks – are all writers monsters??54.23 John has lost three dogs, and has chosen to replace them with cats. Enough said.55.25 Next book – Wild Dark Shore (and a super fond farewell from Rach!)👉 Watch now and tell us - did you love The Friend?👉Next Ep, we’re diving into Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and our April guest is Mercedes Mercier who will make us read The Only One Left by Riley Sager.May Books: 14th May - Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy28th May - Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster with guest author Tamara MossExciting NEWS - we’ve pretty much locked in all our books for the rest of the year! You can see them here! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

A couple of quick announcements from Rach:It’s come to our attention that some of you don’t realise that we still DO post a video but due to something to do with Apple and Spotify we post the audio at the top and the video at the bottom. So if you’d rather watch than listen, scroll to the end of this post.Anthea writes the FUNNIEST timestamps for the show - honestly, we’re not even sure what these are for but the wonderful Virtually Annie told us to do these so we do and I really hope people read them, cos they make me laugh so much!Also, there’s only FIVE MORE DAYS left to claim our deal to upgrade your subscription to PAID for 25% off the full price.Do you get the appeal of Pumpkin Spice?This episode’s pick: The Crash by Freida McFadden is one of her zillions of books. Her biggest hit is The Housemaid, which was recently made into a hit movie. This novel is about a hugely pregnant woman who crashes during a snow-storm is rescued by a scary yeti, but that’s only the BEGINNING of her nightmare.In this episode, we cover:The HUGENESS of Freida McFaddenTwists, wildly improbable plots and stupid main charactersThe two main plots and how/if they related to each otherThe need to move during pregnancyTuna!!💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry⏰ Timestamps00 – Welcome – Rach and Anthea have an Inner circle – and they are as surprised about it as anyone1.19 – Rachael has NO aircon (Anthea decides to tread carefully for episode duration!)2.08 – Rach reports an itchy nose. May be unrelated. This week’s book – The Crash by Freida McFadden.4.50 Freida – what a show off. And The Crash blurb. Don’t drive in blizzards, people!8.16 – Freida’s bio – another chance to show off – Anthea mostly impressed with her house by the ocean. Not the cat part.10. 50 – Kiss, Kill, Marry!? Rachael’s vote possibly affected by heat stress..12.24 – Rachael does NOT respect Tegan’s choices. (too dumb to live??)14.23 – Tegan’s brother. Not awesome.14.27 – Rach and Anthea discuss all the crazy in The Crash. It takes a while.19.04 – Tax fraud and it’s role in modern relationships20.29 – Why Sadie, the kid from next door will never unload the dishwasher21.23 – Is Rach addicted to crack? The role of coincidence and contrivance..25.31 – The Prologue DEALS IN LIES kind of. Who asked to hear from Hank, anyway?28.09 – The importance of Point of View (and air-conditioning!)29.50 – Anthea - pragmatist to the end. Would you TAKE THE MONEY?31.05 – One Star reviews – always fun when it’s someone else!32.32 – Freida – would RBD date her/read her again?34.03 – Contrivance and character motivation, the TED talk.37.36 – Stephen King – would have written the shit out of this! Oh, that’s right – he already did.38.37 – What are we reading next? And will Rach get the air-con working? BYE!!📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to John Purcell about The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.In April, we’re diving into Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and guest author Mercedes Mercier will make us read The Only One Left by Riley Sager. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

This episode's book: My Sister, the Serial Killer is the debut thriller novel (although Rach reckons it’s more a novella) by Oyinkan Braithwaite. It was originally published in Nigeria as Thicker Than Water. It received critical acclaim upon publication and was long listed for the 2019 Booker Prize.This week’s guest is multi-genre author, Kayte Nunn, who has the most delightful accent, probably because she grew up between England and the United States, although she’s now lived in Australia for more than twenty-five years. Kate is a lifelong book lover (which is obvious in this wonderful chat) and believes stories find their writers. Her latest book is THE PALAZZO.In this episode, we cover:Titles - original vs translationDynamics between sistersNigerian culture and settingDumb guysWhat exactly is literary fiction?The ethics of serial killer fiction.Thoughts on Booktok.💋 And, of course, we rate My SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.📚 Books Mentioned in this EpHow to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee ThompsonJilly Cooper’s booksAnne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud MontgomeryThe Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupéryA Suitable Boy by Vikram SethThe Last Reunion by Kayte NunnSandwich by Catherine NewmanKatherine Heiny booksTrespassers by Louise KennedySmall Pleasure by Clare ChambersAnd TV/Movies:The Perfect Couple by Elin HilderbrandBig Little Lies by Liane MoriartyHamnet by Maggie O’FarrellTimestamps0.42 - Intro our author mate Kayte Nunn - what’s a nice girl from Wiltshire doing on a pod like this?3.13 - Rach’s earrings get stabby - accessories for the crazy author in your life...5.38 - Bios - boring, useful, a great way to brag about7.10 - Anthea gives the narrator a full tick of approval - and not just because she didn’t have to read the book herself!9.15 - A very average Goodreads rating and is the original title, classy - but boring?11.53 - Double Kiss! Anthea commits to reporting back to RBD about her deathbed experience, and what she’d like to read before she goes..14.30 - Tade - a tall dark and handsome Dr - Rachael not a fan. WTF???!!!17.15 - Anthea - pro-serial killer - not into anti little sister movement. Speaks passionately in defence of junior siblings everywhere..19.25 - OMG Rach admits she’s WRONG (and Anthea is very classy about it!)21.10 - Kates raves about the symbolism and language - Fancy.23.0 - Rach wonders about literary serial killers - just because you’re stabbing some guy, doesn’t mean you’re basic.27.47 - Are serial killers sexy now? Is that ok?30.02 - How does Kate read? Is she a DNF’er? YES SHE IS!33.5 - Rach disses Anne of Green Gables and Anthea talks about the olden days. Again. And appreciates charming bloody Anne because she isn’t a total heathen!35.25 -Car rides with Kayte’s family - NEXT LEVEL! (Best mum award goes to Kayte’s mum!)38.02 - The historical vs contemporary fiction debate. Again. (Rach just won’t let it go) (Anthea quietly realises she’s written both, so she wins!)40.00 - In praise of the voice. Kayte loves snark! (Anthea thinks the word snark isn’t used nearly enough)42. 23 - Fave book adaptations (Kind of including The Talented Mr Ripley, but we forgot the name at the time!)44.00 - Reviews - Kayte loves wallowing about in reviews - the thought alone makes Anthea reach for a stiff cup of tea.Next Ep, we’re diving into The Crash by Freida McFadden and March guest is John Purcell who will make us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.April Books: 14th April - Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy28th April - The Only One Left by Riley Sager with guest Mercedes Mercier This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Do you get the appeal of Pumpkin Spice?This episode’s pick: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore exploded onto BookTok a few years ago (yes, we know we’re a little behind the times) with its cozy cover and title vibes. It’s a “grumpy-sunshine” romance set in a small town that people are saying is very like Stars Hollow, the fictional town where hit TV series, The Gilmore Girls is set.In this episode, we cover:Pretty covers, sprayed edges and other special editions.The TikTok Bookshop AwardsBelievable conflict and sex scenesGhost and serial killers (spoiler, there are none)Cat behaviourWhat actually is pumpkin spice?💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry⏰ Timestamps00.00 Amazing intro expertly put there by tech genius1.51 – We marvel at how Rachael has her finger on the pulse. (Anthea keeps herhands to herself)4.09 – A brief rundown of The Pumpkin Spice Café..5.25 – Laurie Gilmore bio. Too many awards we haven’t heard of (but wouldprobably like!)8.26 – Who the hell is Melissa and why did she change her name?12.02 – We Kiss, Kill, Marry… and cosy cups of tea are spat out, around the world16.18 – Rach and Anthea search for meaning – and TENSION23.36 – The humble house cat as a literary device24.18 – Pumpkin spice – just smashed up pumpkin, or something a little bit fancy?25.56 – The cover is retro - like Anthea - but cozier, and fonder of cats28.36 – Rachael spills on her new idea for a rom-com in a rage filled diatribe30.36 – Grumpy/sunshine trope – adorable in a novel, annoying in a husband34.08 – Rach goes nuclear37.02 – Chilli rating – Rach calms down – then gets frisky41.25 – There’s a mystery in the book, but what is it? (That’s the mystery..)42.30 – Anthea asks about other books in the series, and Rachael realises she ownsmost of them.44.00 – Substack – Reading Between Deadlines is one of the greatest substacks ofall time according to recent research45.12 What we are reading next – Serial Killers!!47.20 – Bad reviews – not as good as good reviews, but not that bad…?📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Kayte Nunn about My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March, we’re diving into The Crash by Frieda McFadden and guest author John Purcell will make us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.For what we’re up to after that, click here.🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch💎 Did you know we have at least one bonus episode a month for paid subscribers? And every now and then we’ll drop and extra episode when the zeitgeist calls for it.In our regular bonus episode we share what we’ve been reading, watching, writing, listening to, eating, and any other recs or not-reds we see fit. For only $5 a month you can get SO much more out of your RBD subscription and help us with the costs of editing, hosting platforms etc. Thanks for listening. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Surprise! We’re dropping a bonus episode to chat about HEATED RIVALRY… because we couldn’t not. If you haven’t heard about this book written by Rachel Reid’s and TV adaptation, where have you been hiding? It’s a rivals-to-lovers hockey romance that’s taken over the world! It’s currently #1 on Booktopia and Amazon AU and so many other places, and when the TV series first landed, Australian publishers sold out almost immediately. Which tells you everything you need to know.We recently read the book and then had a watch party, not just with each other but four seventeen year old girls, and in this episode we give you ALL our thoughts on both. Enjoy. Rach and Anthea. In this episode, we cover:The book vs the TV show - which is sexier? Which is more romantic?How much sex is too much sex? The term “rivalry” and the need for conflict Scott from the first book, insta-love and episode 3Does being a writer sometimes ruin reading?Where are all the women? That scene - building intimacy or a total cop out?Original cover vs latest coverWe don’t pretend to know anything about ice hockey but…Is the best part about the show the real estate? Smoothie talk.Does shock value build hype?📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Virtually Annie about CIRCE by Madeleine Miller.In February, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore and guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March, we’re reading The Crash one of Freida McFadden’s ZILLION books and our guest author for the second episode will be John Purcell, who is making us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.For what we’re up to after that, click here.🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merchThanks for following. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Does CIRCE live up to the hype?This episode's pick: Circe by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written retelling of Greek myth that puts the infamous witch from The Odyssey centre stage. Banished to a lonely island for angering the gods, Circe slowly discovers her own strange, dangerous powers and starts to shape a life on her own terms. Along the way, gods, heroes and mortals drift in and out of her world - including Odysseus - and along the way Circe learns the true extent of her power and strength.This week’s guest is our friend and saviour, superstar virtual assistant, Annie Bucknall. As well as helping us get this pod off the ground, creating our gorgeous branding and rescuing Anthea from many a tech disaster, Annie is a historian/librarian by day and an aspiring writer by night.In this episode, we cover:Greek Gods - our passion or lack thereof for them.Necessity of universal of emotions in fiction.The many loves of Circe.Feminine rage and vengeanceThings Anthea doesn’t believe in💋 And, of course, we rate CIRCE: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen to find out.📚 Books Mentioned in this EpThe Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThe Bronze Horseman by Paulina SimonsRoad to Paradise by Paulina SimonsTully by Paulina SimonsA Tale of Two Cities by Charles DickensAlchemisedSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonWhat Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernanCold Truth by Ashley Kaligian BluntOutlander by Diana GabaldonLady of Hay by Barbara ErskineAnd podcasts - Creative Pep Talk and Haptic and Hue.⏰ Timestamps1.0 - Intro our fab guest2.35 - The best eras of history (Anthea’s pretty historical because she can remember the 70’s..)4.30 - Shout out to long suffering Annie our RBD Queen - who managed to teach Anthea about the computer machines7.10 - Zeus, deserted Islands and multiple book blurbs - (Are Greek gods kind of arseholes?)8.56 - Judging Madeline’s bio - Anthea thinks it needs a few chickens.11.24 - Circe, Goddess of magic and sorcery - (probably got her edits in on time…)13.02 - Kiss, Kill or turn some nymph into a sea monster14.18 - Anthea finally finishes CIRCE and enjoys time in Greece with Hermes17.25 - Rach enjoys every one of the 124000 words of Circe as much as Prometheus enjoyed feeding his liver to that eagle.21.14 - Annie loves the language almost as much as Circe loves love (no judgement..)24. - Men are pigs! (Hey, Homer said it in the Odyssey, not us!)27.48 - Circe - kind of epic - congrats, Madeline Miller. (Rach has probably had enough now..!)30. Question Time33.46 - Annie’s hot tip - spending a weekend with a book, then dumping it and never calling again… harsh but fair.36. The fear of re-reading.38. Trigger warnings - yay or nay44.40 Annie recommends a weird podcast. Bring it on!46.10 Rachael has us reading about pumpkins and serial killers. In that order - Goodluck!📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (Feb 14th)On Feb 28th guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March we’re reading The Crash by Freida McFadden and our guest John Purcell will make us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Dear RBD ListenersJanuary is a busy month for EVERYONE, so we decided instead of discussing a particular book this month, we’d ask each other the questions we usually ask our author guests instead.Enjoy the list of recommendations and non-recommendations mentioned in this ep below.Book that made you cry?Anthea - doesn’t cry in booksRach - Goodnight Beautiful by Dorothy Koomson; Pack Up the Moon by Kristin Higgins; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. WhiteBook that got you into reading?Rach - The Baby-Sitters Club books by Ann M. Martin and late 90s chick-litAnthea - The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonHow do you read?Anthea - has a Kindle, loved print best but listens mostly to audiobooks these days (currently listening to Secrets by Judi Morison and Circe by Madeleine Miller.Rach - recently bought a Kobo as is loving it ALMOST as much as print. Audiobooks while cleaning (currently listening to Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan)What is the book that you wish you’d written?Rach wishes she’d written The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller.Anthea wishes she’d written her bestselling novel The War Nurses earlier.What is the book you recommend the most?Rach - The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Sandwich by Catherine Newman, The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley (and bonus mention of The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty.Anthea - somehow we skipped her!?!Where do you like to read?Anthea - reading in bed early in the morning with a cup of teaRach - bed too but also on an aeroplane and especially on holiday.What’s your fave book-to-screen adaptation?Rach - Bridget Jones’ Diary and Gone GirlAnthea - BBS Pride & Prejudice (Hello, Colin - Rach agrees), North & South.Do you have snacks and/or drinks while you read?Anthea - nice cup of tea; no snacksRach - Diet Coke or wine; no snacksWhat’s the last book you recommended?Rach - Sandwich and The Wedding People - already mentioned aboveAnthea - The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight (listen to our ep about it here)And a shout out to Lara in Denver!! and The Far Flung Life by ML StedmanDo you reread books?Anthea - as a rule no, but sometimes she does accidentally as she’s getting old and forgetful, but she does mention MM Kaye and her lovely British murder mysteries.Rach - wants to reread more, including Three Little Truths by Eithne Shortall, Anxious People by Fredrik Backman, The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty, The Invisible Husband of Frick Island and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.Are you embarrassed about a book you read?Anthea - The White Hotel by DM Thomas - but you’ll have to listen to find out WHY!Rach - not at all embarrassed now but might have been embarrassed once to admit she’d read a lot of M&B novelsDo you have a fave go-to cookbook?Rach - Nagi’s books and Everybody Loves CakeAnthea - Jamie Oliver’s and Nagi’s booksDo you DNF books?Anthea - yes; she really wants to read The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins but just can’t get into it.Rach - yes (quick mentions of Heart the Lover and Writers and Lovers by Lily King - Rach HAS read them both though)What book do you wish Booktok would know about?Anthea - The Drifter by herself (fair)Rach - The Sun Down Motel by Simone St JamesWhat’s your fave book outside your genre?Anthea - Lady of Hay and House of Echoes by Barbara ErskineRach - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. SchwabWhat’s your three desert island books?Anthea - the Game of Thrones novels (um, Anthea, that’s FIVE)Rach - The Paper Palace (AGAIN), Lenny’s Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee, Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld.What’s a classic book you’ve never read?Rach - Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and Gone With the Wind by Margaret MitchellAnthea - again, we seemed to skep this!What are your three auto-buy authors?Anthea - Rachael Treasure, Emily Henry, Beth O’Leary and Kim Wilkins (Anthea can’t count)Rach - Marian Keyes, Fredrik Backman, Elin Hilderbrand and Liane Moriarty (yes, Rach can’t count either)Do you read your own reviews?Anthea - nopeRach - yes, with cautionWhat book do you think is overhyped?Rach - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, Heart the Lover by Lily KingAnthea - never knows what is hyped ;)What book do you want to read but haven’t read yet?Anthea - anything by Jodi Piccoult (Rach raves about Plain Truth and Wish You were Here and Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan.Rach - My Friends by Fredrik Backman and Ghost Cities by Siang LuWhat is your favourite book of the year so far?Anthea - The Far Flung Life (already mentioned above)Rach - The Last Encore by Rebecca HeathWhat is your fave book you’ve written and why?Anthea - The War Nurses, with special mention to The DrifterRach - Man Drought (if rural), The Patterson Girls (if general fiction), but Just One Wish if she really has to pick just one! Special mention to How to Mend a Broken Heart.What are you currently writing/editing?Anthea - editing The Palace of Lost VirtueRach - writing Someone Else’s Fortune and also The Number One Insta Detectives Agency with Mercedes MercierSPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTWe’re launching a bonus episode a month for our paid subscribers!!📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Virtually Annie about CIRCE by Madeleine Miller.In February, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore and guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March, we’re reading The Crash one of Freida McFadden’s ZILLION books and our guest author for the second episode will be John Purcell, who is making us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.For what we’re up to after that, click here.🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merchThanks for following. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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