Books Archives | Love your library
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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, 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, 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 / 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 / 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, 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...

Library / 04.03.2022

We caught up with Patricia Cumper and Pauline Walker, hosts and founders of The Amplify Project. A podcast that explores the work, lives, and inspiration of Black writers for the stage, page, and screen through a series of relaxed and intimate interviews. We spoke with the podcasting duo about why they started The Amplify Project and what the future holds for them. Discover your next favourite read with book recommendations from Pauline and Patricia over on the Hampshire Libraries blog. If you would like to find out more about...

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, 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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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, 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 / 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 / 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, 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...

Uncategorized / 31.10.2019

National treasure Michael Morpurgo is our very special guest in this episode. Sir Michael has written more than 100 much-loved books including War Horse, Private Peaceful and Kensuke’s Kingdom. In this interview, he talks about the inspiration behind his latest book Boy Giant: Son of Gulliver. Inspired by Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, the story is about Omar, a 12-year-old refugee from Afghanistan.   We also discuss three recommended Morpurgo books with some of the back office team at Hampshire Libraries: The Butterfly Lion Alone on a Wide Wide Sea The Amazing Story of...

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...