Claim OwnershipConnected Libraries Book Matters Podcast
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© 2025 Connected Libraries Book Matters Podcast
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A monthly podcast about books and the people who write them. Packed with reading recommendations, author interviews and insightful advice on finding books for you and your family from the helpful staff at Connected Libraries.
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On the podcast this month Janine speaks with Sydney author Vanessa McCausland about her new release “The Last Illusion of Paige White” a haunting, compelling and beautifully written novel about two women, a tragedy on the lake, and secrets beneath the surface. Kiara then chats with Ella Ward about her first novel "The Cicada House" - a heartfelt and feel-good time-travelling love story set in London and Australia. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a ...
In our final Book Matters episode for the year Janine speaks with debut author Leesa Ronald about her novel Special Delivery - a heartfelt, laugh-out-loud story of finding love through life's twists and turns and a perfect novel for the summer holidays. Then Sam chats to David Lindenmayer about his book The Forest Wars which lifts the lid on what’s happening in our forests. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected ...
On Book Matters today Kate chats with debut author Lauren Keegan about her book “All the bees in the hollows” an atmospheric, original, folkloric mystery set in a remote Lithuanian beekeeping community in the 16th century. Then Courtney speaks with best-selling Sydney author Pip Drysdale about her latest book “The Close-Up”, an electrifying, dark and twisty new thriller set in celebrity-soaked Los Angeles. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Faceb...
On Book Matters today we speak to two Australian authors who take us to Italy during two different eras. First up Janine speaks to Perth based author Tess Woods about her fourth women's fiction novel The Venice hotel; where the lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique hotel where dark secrets unravel and where not everyone who checked into the hotel will check out again. Then Kate chats with Sydney based author Emily Maguire about her historical fiction novel Rapture;...
This month Janine chats with Victorian author Jock Serong about his new novel "Cherrywood" an imaginative, darkly playful and deeply meaningful delight, a novel about legacy, community, wonder, love and reinvention. Then Courtney speaks with debut novelist Brooke Hardwick about her novel The Fog - a spine-chilling gothic thriller, where a woman on the brink travels to a remote writers’ retreat to uncover the secrets of her past and lands herself in a deadly situation that could d...
On this episode of Book Matters we are thrilled to be talking to two fabulous writers about their latest releases. First off Janine chats with Canadian crime writer Robyn Harding about her latest thriller The Haters; a twisted tale of fame, obsession, and the dark recesses of social media. Then Kate speaks to Australian author Lia Hill about her novel The desert knows her name; an exquisite novel that speaks to a deep longing for connection with the land, and the silences that persist i...
On Book Matters today Janine and Courtney speak with two Australian authors. Janine speaks with Aoife Clifford about her new mystery novel ‘It takes a town’ which is a vivid story of small-town allegiances and secret grudges. Then Courtney chats with Amy Hutton about her romantic comedy novel ‘Love from Scratch’ which is a delectable story for dog-lovers, cat-lovers and romance lovers. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Pa...
On Book Matters today Kate speaks with debut author Kyra Geddes about her novel 'The Story Thief' where fact and fiction meld into one in this stirring family saga set against shifting landscapes and pivotal moments in Australian history. Lynda then chats with Jo Peck about her memoir 'Suddenly Single at 60' - This inspiring, witty and at times hilarious memoir tells the story of the road from shock and despair to an unexpected new life, of friendship, romance and racy sex—proof that being ...
On this episode we have two Australian mystery rural crime writers to chat to. Courtney speaks with Vikki Wakefield about her latest release “To the River” about a fire in a remote caravan community which kills 9 people. Then Janine speaks with Glenna Thomson about her novel “Gone” which is a gripping rural crime novel of a grieving family and their forty-year journey to discover the truth. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook ...
WELCOME BACK TO BOOK MATTERS, WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A LOVELY SUMMER BREAK. ON OUR FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 5 WE HAVE TWO VERY DIFFERENT AUTHORS AND BOOKS TO TALK ABOUT. FIRST UP, JANINE CHATS WITH CANBERRA BASED AUTHOR KAREN VIGGERS ABOUT HER LATEST NOVEL ‘SIDELINES’, WHICH EXPLORES WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TEENAGE SOCCER GAME DESCENDS INTO A BRAWL AFTER A CONTROVERSIAL LINE CALL. NEXT UP COURTNEY SPEAKS WITH MEGAN NORRIS ABOUT HER TRUE CRIME BOOK “LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO – FATHERS WHO ...
Janine speaks with UK author Wendy Holden about her novel ”The Princess” which is the final novel in Wendy Holden's trilogy about royal outsiders, and fictionalises Princess Diana's little-known early years. Then Kate speaks with Melbourne writer Kirsty Manning about her new novel “The Hidden Book” which is a compelling novel based on a true story of a WWII European heirloom that brought down war criminals and travelled through history … to be found in an Australian country shed in 2019...
On Book Matters Janine speaks with South Australian author Meredith Appleyard about her latest women’s fiction novel Daisy & Kate which is a compelling exploration of the waxing and waning of friendships; how precious they are, and the heartbreak that happens when it all comes undone. Then Sam talks to Brisbane author Susan Johnson about her memoir Aphrodite’s Breath, that tells what happens when you take your 85-year-old mother to live with you on a Greek island? A strikingl...
On Book Matters we like to shine a light on authors who are publishing their first book and in this special episode Courtney talks to debut Australian author Lucy Campbell about her compelling mystery novel ‘Lowbridge’ which is a heart-wrenching mystery about the girls who are lost, the ones who are mourned, and those who are forgotten, in a town simmering with divisions and a cast of unforgettable characters. We hope you enjoy. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook P...
Ïn this special episode we celebrate ''Wear It Purple Day'' with well -known Australian author Will Kostatskis. Wear it purple day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Today Courtney chats to Will about his latest novel We could be something, a story which takes readers on a wonderful yet emotional rollercoaster tale of the lives of two young men as they navigate coming out, falling in love and falling apart. We could be som...
Today on the podcast Janine speaks to US author T J Newman about her writing and her latest novel Drowning which is an unforgettable thriller about a family’s desperate fight to save themselves and the people trapped with them—against impossible odds. Then Sam speaks with debut novelist Pip Finkemeyer about her novel Sad Girl where A young woman tries to figure out if she’s the best (a creative genius) or if she’s maybe just the worst (completely delusional). Connected Libraries Website...
In this episode we have two debut authors to chat to. Courtney speaks with author Naima Brown who speaks about her debut novel The Shot which shines a light on reality television, then Janine speaks with Kate Solly about her delightful novel Tuesday Evenings with The Copeton Craft Resistance, which is a heartwarming story of friendship in an imperfect world, feel-good fiction at its best. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page...
On the podcast today Sam speaks with debut Australian author Michael Thompson about his novel How to be Remembered which is a heartwarming, poignant and ultimately inspiring novel about the important things in life. Then Kate talks to Tara Calaby about her debut Australian historical fiction novel House of Longing which is set in 1895 and takes place largely in Kew Asylum. It explores loss, grief and the building of community, with a touch of romance on the side. Connected Libraries Website...
On Book Matters this month Janine chats to Sydney based crime writer Rae Cairns about her heart stopping thriller Dying to Know which is a page turning novel about A desperate phone call. A decade of questions and A deadly race to find the truth. Then we go across the world to New York City where Sam speaks with debut novelist Mikki Brammer about her book The Collected Regrets of Clover, which reminds us all to live our best life with fewer regrets. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libra...
This month on Book Matters we have a Historical Fiction episode. First up Janine talks to South Australian author Victoria Purman, where we find out all about her new novel “A Woman’s Work’’ which takes us back to Australia in the 1950’s and the Australian Women’s Weekly cooking competition, where two women have the possibility of a new kind of future. Then Carol speaks with well-known author Jackie French about her new novel "Becoming Mrs Mulberry" which is about the secrets we carry, ...
Today on the podcast Janine speaks with Sydney Author Genevieve Gannon who is an award-winning Sydney-based journalist and author of four novels. Her new book The Gifted Son, explores the subject of “one punch” when a talented student is a victim and the consequences of everyone around him. Genevieve is fast becoming the Australian version of Jodi Picoult where she writes about moral dilemmas in her novels. Then Courtney speaks with Aussie writer Simon Rowell about his cri...
In our first episode for 2023 we celebrate Library Lovers Day! Courtney speaks with Nina Kenwood about her new novel Unnecessary Drama which is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story. And a coming-of-age story, and a moving-out-of-home story, and a making-new-friends story, and a dealing-with-anxiety story. And according to the author it’s funny! Then Carol speaks to Canberra author Emma Grey about her new novel The Last Love Note, which she wrote in the wake of her husband’s death. It’s a...
Back in lockdown during 2021 we had the pleasure of speaking with historical fiction writer Fiona McIntosh. She was just launching her new novel ‘The Spy’s Wife’ which takes us from the windswept moors of the Yorkshire dales, to the noisy beer halls of Munich, and grand country estates in the picture-book Bavarian mountains. This is a lively and high-stakes thriller that will keep you second-guessing until the very end. She also briefly spoke about her writing process and...
Sue shares an interview with author Heather Morris who tells us about her global bestselling novel "Three Sisters" which is based on the incredible true story of the Meller sisters - a beautiful story of hope in the hardest of times and of finding love after loss. Three Sisters is her third novel, and the final piece in the phenomenon that is the Tattooist of Auschwitz series. We hope you enjoy Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a ...
Back in February last year we had the pleasure of speaking with Sydney author Mary-Anne O’Connor for Library Lovers Day. She spoke about her writing process and told us all about her inspiration for her new novel “Dressed by Iris”, which is a vivid, romantic story of Sydney in the 1930s Depression - the heartbreak, the glamour, the dark underbelly, the struggle towards a better day - and one young woman's dream of designing her way from rags to riches. She also speaks about her work wi...
Welcome to our Summer Series where we look back at some of the In-Conversation online events over the previous year. Back in lockdown we had the utmost pleasure in speaking with Australian Author Judy Nunn via Zoom who told us all about her new novel Showtime, which will take you from the cotton mills of England to the magnificent theatres of Melbourne, on a scintillating journey through the golden age of Australian showbusiness. Judy also tells us about her transition fro...
Today on Book Matters we are bringing you a bonus Australian Crime lovers special - Courtney delves into 'The Tilt ' which is a stunning multi-layered novel by Chris Hammer who is the acclaimed and award-winning author of the international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver, Trust and Treasure & Dirt. Then Janine chats with Australian author Petronella McGovern about her new novel 'The Liars' which is a compelling family drama of marital secrets and family tensions set within an investi...
On Book Matters today Janine speaks with the lovely Tricia Stringer about her new novel Keeping Up Appearances which is a delightful novel full of practical wisdom and dry humour that examines female friendship, buried secrets and why honesty is (usually) the best policy. Then Lynda chats to author Alex Sarkis about her novel Something Blue which is about loving home and leaving home, but never escaping your roots. Or your footy colours. And of course we have our library staff wh...
Today at Book Matters we enjoy chatting to two fabulous Australian authors. First up Sam talks to acclaimed writer Meg Bignell about her newest novel The angry women's choir - a laugh out loud tale of friendship, music and the incredible capability of women to achieve wonderful things. Jess then speaks to debut YA author Miranda Luby about her novel Sadie Starr's guide to starting over; a magnificent exploration of performative feminism, #MeToo, eating disorders, bullying, family dynamics and...
Here at Book Matters we recognise and celebrate the importance of diversity in books as they serve as both a mirror and a window into different human experiences. This month we celebrate the many wonderful LGBTQ books and authors in honour of Wear it purple day. Wear It Purple strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. The role literature plays in the empowerment of LGBTQ community is vitally important and as such we are delighted to ch...
Today at Book Matters we welcome two phenomenal Australian authors. First up Courtney speaks with Sulari Gentill about her new literary adventure novel The woman in library, which examines the complicated nature of friendship and how words can turn into a deadly weapon. Then Janine speaks with debut author Neela Janakiramana about her compelling and illuminating psychological thriller novel The registrar, which delves into the human experience of both a surgeon in training and the...
In this episode we travel across to the USA where we chat to New York times best selling Women's Fiction author Jane Green from her home in Westport, Connecticut, about her new novel Sister Stardust in which she re-imagines the life of troubled icon Talitha Getty in this transporting story from a forgotten chapter of the Swinging ’60s. We then talk to young adult fiction writer E. Lockhart from her home in New York, about her latest novel "Family of Liars" which is a thrill...
In this episode we speak with young adult fantasy and science fiction author Astrid Scholte about her new novel League of Liars where four teenagers are charged with the illegal use of magic get together to devise the ultimate jailbreak. A thrilling YA fantasy novel full of twists and turns. We also chat to debut author Lizzie Pook about her novel Moonlight & the Pearlers Daughter - an exquisite Australian historical novel set in a mesmerising yet unforgiving land, where both profit and p...
In this episode we speak with Australian author Diana Reed about her contemporary novel Love & Virtue Feminism where power and sex play out through the eyes of young Australian uni students in a contemporary narrative that is fiercely authentic, and also with Australian rural suspense writer Fleur McDonald about her new novel Deception Creek about a returned criminal, a cult-like family and cybercrime which clash against the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges. Staff Book Reviews: Fur...
Episode four of our Summer Series features a look back on our chat with International bestselling author, Martha Hall Kelly as well as some usual reviews and recommendations for you! Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libraries YouTube
In this episode we revisit our chat to Melbourne based writer Sally Hepworth about her writing experience and her novel, The Good Sister. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libraries YouTube
In Episode 2 of our Summer Series, we look back on our conversation with American bestselling author, Deborah Rodriguez. Deborah talks about her writing journey, her inspiration and her book The Little Coffee Shop of Kaboul. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libraries YouTube
Our Summer Series kicks off with a look back at our conversation with leading Australian crime fiction novelist Chris Hammer, author of international bestsellers Scrublands, Silver and Trust. Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libraries YouTube
In our last episode for 2021 we chat to Australian authors, Louise Guy and Jodie Gibson. Louise talks to us about her latest novel "Her Last Hope" while Jodie takes us away to Italy with her new release "The Five Year Plan". As ever, our talented team also have some great Summer reading recommendations you can take away on your Summer holidays! Reviews: The Lido by Libby Page Anxious People by Fredrik Backman The Jetsetters by Amanda Ward The Garden of Hopes and Drea...
This month we chat to debut writer Hannah Bent about her writing and her novel - When Things are Alive they Hum. We also speak with Miles Franklin award winner Sofie Laguna about her new Children's book -The Song of Lewis Carmichael. Our staff also review: The Henna Artist by Alka JoshiGroup by Christie TatePoly by Paul DalgarnoCSI Told you Lies by Meshel LaurieConnected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries I...
In this episode we had the pleasure of talking with local YA fantasy and romance writer C S Pacat about her latest novel Dark Rise, a fantasy epic set in 1800s London. Inspired by the works of JR Tolkein and Mercedes Lackey, this gripping tale of good and evil will challenge all your preconceptions of the fantasy genre. Tim speaks with Cat about her road to publication, her overnight success The Captive Prince and what drew her towards writing fantasy. We also hear from our staff ...
This month we are joined by debut Australian author Tania Farrelly who's story The Eighth Wonder will transport you back to New York in 1897. A story described as The Suffragette meets The Greatest Showman Tania has weaved a tale both exciting and empowering and she chats to Janine about her journey to publication. We are also lucky enough to talk with author Kerry McGinnis about her new book The Missing Girl. Kerry has worked as a shepherd, droving hand, gardener and stock-camp and st...
In this month's episode we celebrate Australian Book Week 2021 by interviewing audio book narrator, actor and writer Stig Wemyss. His amazing voice work might be familiar to families who have enjoyed The Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton or perhaps you might have caught him voicing Eli on Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe. Stig brings a larrikin charm to any story he voices and he's sure to get you hooked on audio books if you aren't already. We also share some fav...
In this month's episode Janine speaks with author Debra Oswald two-time winner of the NSW Premier’s Literary Award and the creator/head writer of the first five seasons of the TV series Offspring. Her latest novel The Family Doctor is a domestic thriller that will keep you on the edge of your reading chair! Reviews in this episode include: The Survivors by Jane Harper How to Mend a Broken Heart by Rachel Johns 24 Hour Café by Libby Page The Scarlett and Ivy mysteries by Sophie C...
In this episode we have two exciting author interviews for you. Sam talks with Australian author and poet Tabitha Bird about her latest novel The Imporium of Imagination. A captivating novel of magical realism about a fantastical shop that brings comfort, peace and hope to those in need. Makaila interviews author Paige Toon about her latest novel Someone I Used to Know, a romance that's strewn with obstacles, that is sure to keep you turning the pages. We also have reviews of the fo...
This month we celebrate the works of First Nations authors in honour of NAIDOC Week 2021. In this Episode Tim speaks with debut YA author and Yuin man Gary Lonesborough about his novel The Boy From the Mish, a coming of age story about love, family and culture. Janine reviews Anita Heiss new novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray: River of Dreams a gripping tale of the Murrumbidgee River flooding of 1852, Sam reflects on Bruce Pasco’s Loving Country as well as Sand Talk by Tyso...
This month we chat with Australian author Amanda Hampson, author of six novels. Her new novel Lovebirds is a road trip story that explores family, love and redemption. Warm witty and wise and possibly a great story to get you through winter! We also recommend the following books this month, A House Full of Secrets by Zoe Miller Americanah By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Bones by Gabrielle Lord Year of Living Vulnerably by Rick Morton Sam shares the success o...
Joining us this month is LA based Australian author Cassandra Austin. Sam chats to her about her latest thriller Like Mother, a gripping tale set in 1969 with an intergenerational twist. We also have lots of reviews to share with you including , The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku, a remarkable story of a Holocaust survivor, All That is Solid Melts Into Air by Marshall Berman a novel that tells the human side to the Chernobyl disaster, Gideon the 9th by Tamsyn Muir a sci fi lesbian...
In our second episode for 2021 Janine chats to author Alli Sinclair about her new novel The Code Breakers, a novel inspired by the real world efforts of Australian Women in WW2. We also have some great recommendations for you including: Michael Connelly's new thriller Law of Innocence Kim Liggett's gripping dystopian novel The Grace Year Louise Candlish's domestic suspense story, Those People And the emotional When We Believed in Mermaids...
And we are back - Season 2 of Book Matters! In this episode we chat to award winning Victorian author Fiona Lowe and find out about her new book A Home Like Ours. We also hear from our book club organiser Makaila about the library Book Groups and of course there are some awesome reading recommendations from our staff! Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libraries YouTube
In the next episode of our Summer Series, we look back on our chat with popular Australian writer Monica McInerney about her latest novel The Godmothers and she shares details of the research she undertook which takes us to Ireland, Scotland & England. We also hear about Monica’s writing process and her upcoming venture into Children’s books Connected Libraries Website Connected Libraries Facebook Page In a nook with a book Facebook Group Connected Libraries Instagram Page Connected Libra...
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