Books Archives | Love your library
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Books / 17.10.2023

Beth O'Leary joins us for this episode of Love Your Library to talk about her new novel, The Wake-Up Call. Hear about what inspires her - including her love of Hampshire! With her popular debut book The Flatshare hitting TV screens in 2022, we were delighted to chat to Beth. Then, Hattie and Kate chat to library team assistant, Anne-Marie. They share their recommended reads, three very different novels all set during wartime. Plus, Anne-Marie tells us about everything coming up at Bordon Library. Make sure you check their events...

Books / 24.08.2023

In this edition of the Love Your Library podcast, we speak to much loved romance writer, Fiona Walker. With an impressive career spanning several decades and including over 20 books, we were thrilled to get a chance to catch up with her about her latest countryside romp - Country Secrets. Reserve a copy online via the Hampshire Libraries catalogue. This episode also includes a conversation with Area Manager Liz Weighell, who speaks to us about her passion for children's literacy. And in the spirit of inspiring children to read, don't...

Books / 08.08.2023

The Summer Reading Challenge has kicked off! To celebrate, this month's episode of Love Your Library is all about children's books. First, Kate talks to author and illustrator Kev Payne about how he got into writing and why libraries are magical places. Then, Kate and Anna speak to Rebecca, who works at Winchester and Alresford libraries. They talk about their favourite children's books and Rebecca tells us why libraries are so important for parents and families. If you have a child who wants to sign up to the Summer...

Books, Library / 04.07.2023

The Love Your Library podcast was joined by Faith Hogan for this episode. Faith Hogan is the bestselling author of uplifting fiction titles like The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club, The Girl I Used to Know, and My Husband's Wives. Hattie chatted to Faith about her latest book, The Guest House by the Sea. Set in the fictional Irish coastal village of Ballycove, the book tells a story about how the places people escape to can provide the ideal setting for self-reflection and transformation. Faith also speaks about her...

Books, Library / 26.06.2023

On this Pride Month edition of Love Your Library, we’re joined by Sam Kenyon who talks to us about his debut novel, I Am Not Raymond Wallace. Hear about the stories, articles and experiences that inspired Sam, as well as about what else he’s got in the pipeline at the moment. Plus, top up your pile as we hear from Ren, one of our library team assistants, and Cordelia, an avid library user, about their top LGBTQ+ picks. Find the books mentioned in this episode: The Gay Metropolis – Charles...

Books / 26.05.2023

Annabelle Thorpe joins us on this episode of the Love Your Library podcast to chat about her latest book, The Enemy of Love. She also tells us about her time as a travel writer, and how she creates strong female characters. If you enjoyed this episode, why not give our interviews with Rachel Hore or Mandy Robotham. Plus, catch up on our previous episode with Fostering Hampshire Children....

Books, Children's, Library / 16.05.2023

On this episode of Love Your Library, we talk about how we make our libraries places for the whole community. First, we hear from Johnny, a foster carer and Hive Care Support Worker, and Laura from Fostering Hampshire Children all about providing a foster home for Hampshire's most vulnerable children. Then, we chat to Sam and Nicky from the library service about how we make our branches safe and welcoming for everyone. Find out about what it means to be a Library of Sanctuary by visiting their website. Find your local...

Books, Reading / 06.04.2023

Shannon Chakraborty is our guest for this episode of the Love Your Library podcast. Chatting to us about all things fantasy, we get to learn all about her latest book and the kick-off novel to her new series, The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. Following the journey of a scandalous pirate traversing the high seas for one last job that'll go down in history, the book is described as Ocean's Eleven meets Sinbad the Sailor, which will undoubtedly delight fans of Chakraborty's richly descriptive and imaginative work. We also catch...

Books, Library, Reading / 31.03.2023

On this episode we find out about how Artful Scribe, the University of Southampton and Winchester Poetry Festival support young poets across the region. Hattie is joined by Matt West from Artful Scribe and Will May from the University of Southampton on the Poetry Ambassadors mentoring scheme run with support from Winchester Poetry Festival. We also hear from Eve Wright, one of the young poets mentored through the scheme. Love poetry? You may like to listen to our episodes with children's laureate Joseph Coelho and fellow podcasters The Amplify...

Books / 14.03.2023

International bestseller Chloe Gong joins us on this episode of the Love Your Library podcast to talk about her latest release, Last Violent Call. Containing two captivating novellas that expand upon her Secret Shanghai series, Last Violent Call allows the stories from the world of These Violent Delights and Foul Lady Fortune to continue. Hattie speaks to Chloe about the emotional weight of finishing off a series, her upcoming projects (including the highly anticipated Immortal Longings, which is out in July 2023), and what it's like being a young...

Books / 20.01.2023

In this episode of Love Your Library, Hattie and Craig are joined by Kat, Jess and James from Cantell School and the University of Southampton to talk about their Reading Buddies initiative. This project sees Key Stage 3 pupils paired with sixth form and university students to help build confidence with reading.   Follow Cantell School on Facebook to stay up to date on their latest news, including the Reading Buddies project.   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to listen to our interviews with Empathy Lab, The Reading Agency, and...

Books / 21.12.2022

On this special episode of Love Your Library, we’re joined by prize winning author and illustrators Jake Alexander and Harry Woodgate to hear about their experiences writing and illustrating children’s picture books. First, we speak to Jake the winner of the Macmillan Prize for Illustration in 2019, for his work Can I Read My Books, Please. This project has now developed into the published children’s book We want our books. A defiant, moving, and joyful picture book about the power of protest and the importance of books. Rosa beings...

Books / 25.11.2022

Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas Six, joins us on this month’s episode of the Love Your Library podcast. She tells us all the newest instalment in her popular Atlas Six series, The Atlas Paradox, how she comes up with her ideas, and how she ended up on this path. We also chat with Emma from Gosport Discovery Centre about a few recommended reads. You can find those, and a few other books on our extraordinarily tall to-read piles below: Terry Pratchett: a life with footnotes – Rob Wilkins ...

Books, Children's, Library / 08.11.2022

In this mini episode of Love Your Library, we speak to Sarah Mears from Empathy Lab and Libraries Connected. We talk about the amazing work libraries across the country did during the pandemic, and about how reading can boost empathy skills in children. Find out more about the resources from Libraries Connected below: Universal Offers Reading Well Books on Prescription Big Jubilee Read Novels that Shaped our World Green Libraries Manifesto   Learn more about Empathy Lab's resources: Empathy Day Reading for Empathy Collections Empathy Walks Empathy Shorts You can follow Empathy...

Books, Library, Reading / 31.10.2022

In this episode of the Love your Library podcast, we’re joined by bestselling author Ruth Ware to hear about her latest novel, The It Girl. A dark thriller full of unforeseen twists, The It Girl sees a decade-old murder case being reopened, and asks whether the testimony that closed it in the first place put an innocent man behind bars. We chat to Ruth about where the inspiration for this book came from, including the historic cities of Oxford and Edinburgh.   We also speak to Ollie, a Library Team...

Books, Library, Reading / 07.10.2022

On this mini episode of Love Your Library, we’re joined by author Rachel Hore to hear about her most recent novel, One Moonlit Night. With her husband, Philip, missing in action, Maddie and her daughters are forced to flee wartime London. Seeking refuge in Philip's childhood home, Maddie soon learns that her husband has been keeping a deep secret. Hear about Rachel’s journey from Hong Kong to Norfolk and from publishing to writing, and how those journeys helped her write her twelfth novel. If you enjoyed this episode, you might like...

Books / 28.09.2022

In this edition of the Love Your Library podcast, Kate speaks to writer and neuroscientist Ali Hazelwood about her works of romantic fiction set among the backdrop of laboratories and research stations. These STEMinist rom-coms, including her latest, Love on the Brain, have earned her the firm position as a bestselling author in today's literary landscape. We also chat with Lily, who works across a range of Hampshire Libraries, about her recommended read - from September's author of the month, Margaret Atwood. The Heart Goes Last is Atwood's 2015...

Books, Children's, Library, Reading / 24.08.2022

On this mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast, we speak to Emma Braithwaite from The Reading Agency about all of the fantastic work it’s doing in libraries all over the country. From the Summer Reading Challenge to World Book Night, The Reading Agency has something for everyone, from children to adults and new readers to book fanatics. You can find out more about some of The Reading Agency’s projects below: The Summer Reading Challenge Reading Ahead World Book Night Reading Well If you enjoyed this episode, why not take a...

Books, Library, Reading / 19.08.2022

This edition of the Love Your Library podcast sees us chat to the prolific British writer, Mike Gayle. Mike recently became the first ever male recipient of the outstanding achievement award at the 2021 Romantic Novel Awards for his contribution to the literary genre. We spoke to him about his latest book, The Museum of Ordinary People, and why his writing in this space is so powerful. The Museum of Ordinary People is a book about human lives, physical memory and the seemingly valueless objects that people just can’t...

Books, Library, Reading / 14.07.2022

Jack Jordan is the author joining us on this edition of the Love Your Library podcast, here to talk about his latest book Do No Harm. Do No Harm is a high-concept thriller that explores the chilling premise of what might happen if a skilled surgeon and mother was given the ultimatum to commit murder on the operating table in order to save her son. Lauded by critics and writers alike, including previous Love Your Library guest Louise Candlish, Do No Harm is guaranteed to get your pulse...

Books, Library, Reading / 30.05.2022

This episode of the Love Your Library podcast features an interview with debut novelist from across the pond, Soon Wiley, about his new release, When We Fell Apart. A compelling story of a tragic death and the harrowing steps that led up to it, When We Fell Apart is set to be flying off bookshelves globally this summer. We spoke to Soon about the rewards and challenges of the writing process, what inspired him to create this story and why libraries are so special. We were also joined by...

Books, Library, Reading / 18.03.2022

Claire Frost, author of Married at First Swipe and Living My Best Life, joins us in this mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast to talk about her latest novel The One. The story follows Lottie Brown who has finally found The One. But when Leo tragically dies just three months into their relationship, Lottie is left floundering. We talk to Claire about loss, love, and whether there really is just one person out there for each of us.   If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love our interview with...

Books, Children's, Library, Reading / 17.02.2022

In this special Kids' Corner episode of the Love Your Library podcast, 15-year-old Ava joins our team of hosts to interview Hannah Gold, whose book, The Last Bear, was recently shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2022 and the Blue Peter Award. The moving story of April’s journey to save Bear shows that nobody is too young or insignificant to make a difference. We’re also joined by Liz, an Area Manager here at Hampshire Libraries and a children’s book specialist. She makes some brilliant recommendations for our younger...

Books, Library, Reading / 24.01.2022

Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne, joins us in this episode of the Love Your Library podcast. Her debut novel breathes new life into the myth that many of us know as “Theseus and the Minotaur”, retelling the story through the eyes of Ariadne and Phaedra, the two princesses of Crete. Jennifer speaks with us about the inspiration behind her novels and why it’s so important that we revisit our classical myths with a new lens. We were also joined by Chris from the central libraries team to talk about...

Books, Library, Reading / 28.12.2021

For this mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast, we were joined by author Jacqueline Roy, who spoke to us about her latest book, The Gosling Girl. Set to be released in January 2022, The Gosling Girl follows the aftermath of Michelle Cameron's release from imprisonment, years after the horrifying crime she committed as a child has taken place. Exploring themes of memory, trauma, powerlessness and identity, Jacqueline describes the book as a 'whydunnit' as opposed to a 'whodunnit', as she unpeels the relationship (and fine line) between victim and perpetrator. Hattie...

Books / 20.12.2021

Our guest on this episode is debut novelist Janice Hallett, author of The Sunday Times crime book of the year The Appeal. A crime novel with a difference, the book consists of a series of documents inviting you to solve the crime as you discover the plot. Janice tells us about how we shouldn’t forget about the horror of some crimes when reading crime fiction, and gives us a peek into the writing of her upcoming second novel, The Twyford Code. Hattie and Isaac also caught up with Ann...

Books, Library, Reading / 19.11.2021

In this edition of Love Your Library, Kate caught up with bestselling historian and novelist Alison Weir. Her latest novel, Katharine Parr: The Sixth Wife, follows the story of the survivor of Henry VIII’s rule in the final instalment of Alison’s Six Tudor Queens series. We spoke with Alison about the difficulties of writing fiction about historical figures and the trials of Katharine Parr. Other writing from Alison Weir includes Queen of the Crusades, In the Shadow of Queens, and A Tudor Christmas. Isaac and Craig also spoke with Vicky...

Books, Library, Reading / 29.10.2021

In this episode of the Love Your Library podcast, we're joined by Dave Goulson - professor of biology at the University of Sussex. Specialising in insect ecology and conservation, his new book Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse draws on the latest research to offer an accessible and motivating look into the decline in insect populations. We spoke with him about the wonderfully strange insect world and what we can do to support our insect populations. Head over to our library catalogue to borrow a copy of Silent Earth. If you enjoyed this episode,...

Books, Library, Reading / 26.10.2021

We were delighted to be joined by British writer Charles Cumming in this edition of the Love Your Library podcast. his latest book, Judas 62, is the second book in Charles' gripping Box 88 series and tells the story of Lachlan Kite in two interlinked time periods: Russia in the 1990s and Dubai in the present day. Kite needs to navigate the dangerous territory of the FSB, Russia's modern-day security service and successor of the KGB, with the focus on a list of Russia's enemies who have been...

Books, Library, Reading / 29.09.2021

In this edition of the Love Your Library podcast, we met with Femi Fadugba - an author whose talents seem limitless. With a background in quantum physics, Femi's debut novel The Upper World is as scientifically impressive as it is gripping, telling a tale of love, violence and time travel - set against the unsuspecting backdrop of Peckham. It's also set to be made into a feature-length film by Netflix, featuring Get Out star and Academy Award winner, Daniel Kaluuya. We spoke to Femi about his background in physics,...

Books, Library, Reading / 16.09.2021

Steve Cavanagh joins us in this episode of the podcast to talk about the latest edition to his million bestselling Eddie Flynn series. The Devil’s Advocate takes con-man-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn to Alabama where he is the only thing standing between an innocent man and the electric chair. Steve tells us about the real-life inspiration behind his latest novel, his experience as a civil rights attorney, and the supportive world of crime fiction authors. Kate and Isaac are also joined by Michelle from Alton Library to discuss her book recommendation,...

Books, Library, Reading / 10.08.2021

Bestselling author Louise Candlish was our guest on this episode, when she joined Kate to talk about her brand new novel The Heights. Louise has written more than a dozen books but it’s been a move to psychological thrillers which has brought her to an even wider audience in the last few years. Two of her recent books are currently being developed for the screen including Our House, which will star Tuppence Middleton and Martin Compston on ITV next year, and The Other Passenger which was also a...

Books, Library, Reading / 05.08.2021

In this mini episode, Kate Price McCarthy talks to Sharon Gosling about her new novel The House Beneath the Cliffs. It’s the story of Anna who on impulse buys a tiny cottage in a remote Scottish fishing village, about how she rediscovers her love of cooking and what she uncovers about herself and the community into which she’s landed. In the interview Sharon talks about what drew her to the magical village of Crovie, what differences she’s noticed about writing for an adult rather than a young adult...

Books, Library, Reading / 20.07.2021

Chocolat author Joanne Harris joins Kate in our virtual studio to talk about her new novel A Narrow Door which comes out on 4 August 2021. It’s the latest in the St Oswald's Boys Grammar School series which started with 2005’s Gentlemen and Players. This darkly comic series is set in the north of England and features the eccentric Latin Master Roy Straitley. If you think you’re familiar with Joanne’s writing already, you may want to think again since her books don’t fit neatly into one genre: she’s...

Books, Library, Reading / 30.06.2021

This episode of the Love Your Library podcast features an interview with debut novelist Eva Verde about her latest release, Lives Like Mine. Lives Like Mine is an honest exploration of the themes of family relationships, motherhood, race and identity as it focuses on the life of Monica, who wonders whether her roles as wife, mother, daughter and woman are all there is. Hattie caught up with Eva to discuss this insightful and entertaining look into what it means for a woman to occupy all of these identities, what it’s...

Books, Library, Reading / 08.06.2021

Our guest on this episode is queen of historical fiction Philippa Gregory, who is talking about her latest novel Dark Tides, which takes the reader between London, New England and Venice in the 17th Century. This is the sequel to her bestseller Tidelands, which introduced Alinor and her family. In her conversation with Kate, Philippa talks about characters which take writers by surprise, how she goes about the research for her novels, and why no woman should want to have been born before 1960. Philippa is the author of...

Books, Reading / 25.05.2021

In this mini episode, BBC technology guru, Rory Cellan-Jones talks to Kate Price McCarthy about his new book Always On: Hope and Fear in the Social Smartphone Era, which captures his experiences and reflections on the relentless ascent of technology over the last 15 years. Rory has met and interviewed visionaries like Mark Zuckerberg, Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Tim Berners-Lee. And he was in the room where it happened when Steve Jobs revealed the first iPhone, famously announcing ‘We’re going to make some history’. In this conversation,...

Books, Library, Reading / 07.05.2021

Thriller writer and million copy bestseller T.M. Logan was our guest for this edition of the podcast. He joined Lisa Barfoot in our virtual studio to talk about his new book Trust Me. Lisa runs Hampshire Libraries’ online book club which recently had T.M. Logan as its guest speaker. T.M. Logan says he writes the kind of books he loves to read: tense psychological thrillers where bad things happen to regular people. All his books have been bestsellers but he’s probably best known for The Catch, about a...

Books, Library, Reading / 26.04.2021

This mini episode features an interview with Emma Kennedy: comedian, TV presenter, actor, scriptwriter, author and Twitter star. Emma’s latest novel, The Never-Ending Summer is set in the summer of 1971 when best friends Agnes and Bea decide on one last adventure before their adult lives begin. And while Agnes heads off to London, her mother Florence, sets off on her own voyage of self-discovery into Europe. Emma talks to Kate about how her own teenage life provided the inspiration for the book and about the impact of...

Books, Library, Reading / 09.04.2021

Claire Fuller, who has just been longlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction, is our guest author for this month’s episode. Making the most of social distancing rules, Kate met up with Claire at a local park to chat about her new book Unsettled Ground, a beautifully written celebration of the natural world, with long-hidden family secrets to be unearthed. It’s not the first time Claire’s writing has been spotlighted by the publishing industry: her debut novel, Our Endless Numbered Days, picked up the prestigious Desmond Elliot...

Books, Library, Reading / 18.03.2021

If you’ve been riveted by tv shows like Mindhunter and Criminal Minds which focus on the work of FBI profilers, you’ll be gripped by Helen Fields’ new book The Shadow Man. Set in Edinburgh, the book follows the work of outsiders Dr Connie Woolwine, a profiler from the FBI, and the very English DI Brodie Baarda, a kidnapping specialist, who team up to solve the disappearance of a young mother from the city. In this interview, Helen talks about the real life FBI profiler who provided insight for this...

Books / 11.03.2021

Six times Sunday Times bestselling author CL Taylor joins Kate in our virtual studio to talk about her new thriller Her Last Holiday. She’s probably best known as the author of Sleep – one of Richard and Judy’s picks from 2019 – and Strangers which came out last year. She has also written two Young Adult thrillers, The Treatment and, more recently, The Island which came out in January this year. Her latest book which comes out next month (April 2021) delves into the world of self-help gurus and wellness...

Books, Library, Reading / 18.02.2021

This episode of the Love Your Library podcast features an interview with Mandy Robotham, author of The German Midwife and The Secret Messenger. Hattie spoke to Mandy about her latest release - another brilliant historical novel, this time set in the heart of a Berlin on the brink of war. Mandy's no stranger to an exciting and varied career - having worked as both a journalist and a midwife before settling (for now!) on a career in writing. The Berlin Girl follows Georgie, a foreign correspondent reporting on the...

Books, Reading / 02.02.2021

Contemporary romantic novelist Katie Fforde was our guest author in this episode of the Love Your Library podcast. She came into our virtual studios to chat with us about her new novel A Wedding in the Country, which is published on 18 February.  Katie’s latest book has been described as her most autobiographical to date and is, unusually for this author, set in 1960s London. It truly is the perfect escapist novel for a dismal winter. Katie also talked about the unusual research she undertook for her earlier novel Summer of Love. You’ll...

Books, Library, Reading / 11.01.2021

Will Dean is our guest author for this mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast, talking about his brand new book The Last Thing to Burn. You may already know Will from his brilliant series about Swedish journalist Tuva, which began with the much acclaimed novel Dark Pines and was followed by Red Snow and Black River. Will is a romantic ideal of an author, living with his family in a cabin in the middle of a Swedish elk forest, as isolated as one of the characters...

Books, Library, Reading / 09.12.2020

In this episode of the Love Your Library podcast we interview Sophie Hannah - our guest author for December - who joined us this month to talk about her new Hercule Poirot novel The Killings at Kingfisher Hill. We also talked about her collections of poetry, her Waterhouse and Zailer series which started with bestseller Little Face and her three previous Poirot novels: The Monogram Murders, Closed Casket and The Mystery of Three Quarters. Kate and Sophie discussed her How to Hold a Grudge podcast, and her Dream...

Books, Library, Reading / 10.11.2020

Another bestseller joined us in our virtual studio this month when Elly Griffiths came in to talk to us about The Postscript Murders, the ‘sort-of sequel’ to Times Crime Book of the Year, The Stranger Diaries. Elly is best known for her two crime series, one featuring forensic archaeologist Dr Ruth Galloway, the other set in post-war Brighton. Her new book concentrates on Shoreham-based DS Harbinder Kaur and an unlikely group of friends who set out to help her – or hinder her – as she sets about...

Books / 19.10.2020

October’s edition of the Love Your Library podcast features an interview with one of the UK’s best-loved and most successful authors: Anthony Horowitz. The adaptation of his hugely successful teenage Alex Rider spy series is currently in production for a second blockbuster TV series. Anthony is also a highly acclaimed writer for adults with two Sherlock Holmes novels (The House of Silk and Moriarty) as well as Trigger Mortis, a new James Bond novel. In this Anthony Horowitz interview, he visited our virtual studio to discuss his new...

Books, Library, Reading / 14.09.2020

In the latest episode of the Love Your Library podcast, we chatted to bestselling author Heather Morris about what it takes to craft a story of hope. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris’ first book, has already become one of the best selling books of this century. She’s since written the follow-up title Cilka’s Journey and now Stories of Hope, which tells the ‘story behind the story’ of how Lale and Gita’s love story was, at last, shared with the world. In this interview, Heather talks about Lale’s extraordinary...

Books, Library, Reading / 14.08.2020

We were thrilled to welcome million-copy-bestseller Lisa Jewell to the Love Your Library podcast virtual studios for this episode. Who wasn’t gripped by her previous psychological thriller – The Family Upstairs – which was number one in the charts in last summer? For her brand new novel, Invisible Girl, the setting is north London, where Lisa delivers an engrossing, twisty story of how we look in the wrong places for bad people. It’s rightly been described as a masterclass in character, and on how to write with pace...

Books, Library, Reading / 22.07.2020

This month’s mini podcast features an interview with another Hampshire writer who’s had remarkable success with her debut novel The Unexpected Return of Josephine Fox.   Claire Gradidge picked up the winner’s prize for the Richard and Judy search for a bestseller in 2019 with this World War Two crime novel set in Romsey, the town in which she was born and brought up. During the interview, Claire talks about some of the important themes of her book; about her need to give its victim a voice and an identity; and...

Books, Library, Reading / 10.07.2020

This edition of the podcast features an interview with rising star Sara Collins, winner of 2019's First Novel prize at the Costa Book Awards. The Confessions of Frannie Langton begins in 1826 at the Old Bailey murder trial of a former slave accused of the murder of her employers Mr and Mrs Benham. Sara has talked about how, as a black woman, she’d initially been reluctant to write a novel about a woman who had been a slave, but realized that, as a younger reader, she’d have loved...

Books / 17.06.2020

In this month’s mini podcast episode Mary interviews talented local writer Judith Heneghan about her debut novel Snegurochka. Judith grew up in Hampshire, studied at the University of York, worked as a commissioning editor and later spent time in Kiev, Moscow and Islamabad before settling in Winchester. She has a doctorate in Creative Arts, has written extensively for young people and lectures in creative writing. Snegurochka is her first book for adults. Set in Kiev in 1992, the story follows the character of Rachel, a troubled young English mother who joins her...

Books / 04.06.2020

Jane Austen fans will be intrigued to hear Gill Hornby talking about her number one bestseller Miss Austen in this month’s podcast. Inspired by a real-life mystery that has long puzzled biographers and academics,  Miss Austen is a thoroughly researched but fictional account of Jane’s older sister Cassandra. A few years before her death, Cassandra famously destroyed almost all the letters from her beloved sister. What secrets was she trying to hide? Kate met up with Gill just before the introduction of social distancing at Chawton Hall, where...

Books, Reading / 20.05.2020

This mini episode features an interview with Stephen Moss talking about his new book The Accidental Countryside Hidden Havens for Britain's Wildlife. Stephen’s book takes a journey of discovery through Britain, in search of the unexpected corners where wildlife survives against all odds. In the interview he talks about his childhood introduction to wildlife on the edges of the urban landscape as well as why these hidden nature havens can seem more inclusive and less excluding than other more traditional nature reserves. Stephen is a naturalist, author and broadcaster:...

Books, Library, Reading / 11.05.2020

Sunday Times bestseller Louise Doughty was a warm and entertaining author to interview for this month’s episode about her new book Platform Seven. Louise has an impressive track record: her sixth novel, Whatever You Love, was shortlisted for the Costa Novel award and longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. She’s probably best known for her hugely popular bestseller Apple Tree Yard which has sold over half a million copies in the UK and has been translated in thirty territories worldwide. It was adapted into a hit BBC...

Books, Children's / 23.04.2020

Listen now to our fourth mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast, this time featuring an interview with Joseph Coelho. Joseph Coelho is a children's playwright and poet who was chosen to host the bedtime reading hour for this year's World Book Night (Thursday 23 April 2020). He works extensively in schools and won the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education Poetry Award in 2015 for his first poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules! In this mini episode hosted by Mary Stone, Joseph talks to another Mary - our colleague...

Books, Library, Reading / 09.04.2020

We were delighted to meet up with broadcaster, writer and campaigner Caroline Criado Perez a few weeks before social distancing was introduced. Head of Hampshire Libraries Emma Noyce talked to Caroline about her award-winning book Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. At a young age Caroline has already had a big impact on society. Her standout campaigns include co-founding the Women’s Room project which led a drive for female experts to be better represented in the media, successfully opposing the removal of the...

Books, Library, Reading / 03.12.2019

This month's episode of Love Your Library features an interview with Bravo Two Zero author Andy McNab, where he gives us the low-down on his latest book, Whatever It Takes. The story of one man’s pursuit of revenge and justice against overwhelming odds, Whatever It Takes follows James Mercer as he embarks upon a journey to right the wrongs suffered by his family - a devastating blow that left them in financial ruin. In this action-packed thriller, revenge must come at a price, and he will stop at...

Books, Library / 08.10.2019

This mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast features an interview with Mel McGrath. Mel is an award-winning author of crime fiction and historical novels, as well as non-fiction books. Her latest novel, The Guilty Party, is a chilling tale of four 30-something friends who are bystanders to a violent attack. Aysha Smith from Hampshire Libraries met up with Mel to talk about the book’s themes of guilt, innocence and betrayal. Search the library catalogue to find more of Mel’s work.    ...

Books, Library / 30.09.2019

Needlepoint, bell-ringing and a ‘surplus’ woman – these are some of absorbing ingredients of Tracy Chevalier’s latest book: A Single Thread. Our guest author for this episode, Tracy is the best-selling author of 10 novels, including the world-famous Girl with a Pearl Earring. We also discuss three recommended books with the library team at Ringwood Library: The Librarian by Salley Vickers Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck The Lido by Libby Page Let us know if you’ve read and enjoyed any of the books we’ve talked about. Get in...

Books, Library, Reading / 13.09.2019

In this mini episode of the Love Your Library podcast we feature crime writer Cara Hunter, talking about her novel No Way Out - the latest in her series of books based in Oxford with lead character DI Adam Fawley. Kate Price McCarthy met up with Cara to talk about what inspires her work. Search the library catalogue to find more of Cara's work. 18 minutes.   ...

Books, Children's, Library, Reading / 23.08.2019

It’s a celebration of reading in this episode of the podcast, featuring author and actor Charlie Higson. Charlie is a keen supporter of the Reading Agency and the annual library Summer Reading Challenge. We talk to Charlie about how he got involved in writing young James Bond books and the lengths he went to scare his youngest son with his young adult horror Enemy novels. We discuss three recommended books with the library team at Andover Library: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate...

Books, Children's, Library, Reading / 14.08.2019

Welcome to our first Kids' Corner episode, where we catch up with Blue Peter award winning author, Ali Sparkes. Listen now to hear Ali discuss her latest release in the Night Speaker series, offer her top tips for young writers, and tell us her thoughts on the Summer Reading Challenge. We also sent our roving reporter Ava out on a mission to talk to children at Stubbington Library, where she found out how they’re getting on in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Find some of the books they mentioned...

Books, Library, Reading / 30.07.2019

In this episode, our hosts Kate Price McCarthy and Mary Stone talk to Joanna Trollope about her latest and twenty-first book, An Unsuitable Match, which vividly depicts the family tensions and dilemmas caused by love in later life. Joanna also talks about her updated version of Sense and Sensibility published as part of the Austen Project in 2013. We discuss three recommended books with the library team at Fareham Library: Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Normal People by Sally Rooney Never Greener by Ruth Jones You’ll find links to other books...

Books, Library, Reading / 29.07.2019

In this episode, our hosts Kate Price McCarthy and Mary Stone talk to Ann Cleeves about her latest and, can we bear it, last Shetland book, Wild Fire.  Ann also gives us the lowdown on her upcoming book The Long Call, the first in her new Two Rivers series. We also discuss three very different books with Chandlers Ford Library: The Key to Flambards by Linda Newbery The One by John Marrs The Summer Book by Tovey Jansson You’ll find links to other books we’ve mentioned on our library blog. Let us know if you’ve read...

Books, Library, Reading / 29.07.2019

This episode is an introduction to our new Hampshire Libraries podcast series: Love Your Library. Each podcast features brilliant authors talking about their wonderful books. But better than that, it’s got recommendations and reviews from the team here at Hampshire Libraries.  And there’s few people who know and love books more than our library staff in Hampshire. Coming up over the next few months, we’ve got interviews with Ann Cleeves, Joanna Trollope, Charlie Higson, Minette Walters, Patrick Gale, Cara Hunter, Hanna Jameson, Mel McGrath and Claire Fuller. Wherever you listen to podcasts...