Episode 25

trailer
Published on:

3rd Jun 2025

Best Book Forward; Chapter 3

Best Book Forward Season 3 is Here!

Welcome back to Best Book Forward! Get ready because we are launching a brand new season of eight episodes, packed with authors so incredible I honestly had to pinch myself that it was all really happening! I absolutely cannot wait for you to tune in!

New to Best Book Forward?

Hi, I'm Helen (@bestbookforward), your friendly neighbourhood book pusher! Think of this podcast as your ultimate bookish version of Desert Island Discs, where I get to chat with some truly amazing authors about the five books that have shaped their lives and writing journeys. It's always such a joy, and I learn something new every single time (and I also add a lot of books to my TBR, I have no shelf-control)!

Who's Joining Us This Season?!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be bringing you brilliant conversations with literary superstars Liane Moriarty, Gillian McAllister, Claire Douglas, Frances Quinn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds, Fran Littlewood, and Clare Leslie Hall. Excited? You absolutely should be! I know I am!

When Can You Dive In?

The very first episode of Season 3 drops this Thursday, 5th June! And for a little extra pre-launch fun, head over to my Instagram on Wednesday where you'll get the exclusive sneak peek of which of my fabulous guests is first up on the show!

Ready to join the bookish adventure?

  • Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts - that way you'll never miss an episode!
  • Follow me on Instagram @bestbookforward for behind-the-scenes peeks and bookish fun.
  • Check out the Best Book Forward website: www.bestbookforward.org 
  • Catch up on previous episodes Catch up now
Transcript
Speaker A:

Welcome back to Best Book Forward, the podcast where your favourite authors share the five books that shaped their lives. Think of it as a bookish version of Desert Island Discs, just with more paperbacks and fewer palm trees.

Hi, I'm Helen, book lover, reviewer and your host for this show.

Best Book Forward originally started as Desert Island Books on Instagram during lockdown and has become something bigger than I could ever have imagined. I honestly can't believe I get to sit down with brilliant authors to chat about books. This truly is a dream come true for me.

Over the past few months, I've been happily working away on season three and I'm so excited that the time has come to share it with you. What can you expect from season three? I have eight incredible episodes all ready to share with you and the lineup of authors is so incredible.

Honestly, I was just pinching myself that I got to chat to them. So are you ready?

This season I'm chatting leanne Moriarty, Gillian McAllister, Claire Douglas, Frances Quinn, Virginia Evans, Lucy Steeds, Fran Littlewood and Clare Leslie Hall. These are writers whose stories I couldn't put down, and now they're sharing the books that have shaped them.

From twisty thrillers to historical dramas, from from childhood classics to contemporary favourites, there's something for every reader if you're new here. Hello and welcome.

If you head to the Show Notes, you'll find links to seasons one and two where there's a whole library of literary conversations waiting for you. So why not catch up now? And if you've been with me from the start, welcome back.

I'm so happy to be sharing this next chapter with you, and your support really does mean the world to me. Best Book Forward Season three is out this Thursday. Why not subscribe now so you never miss an episode?

And if you can't wait until Thursday, do come and find me on Instagram for lots more book chat. I hope you're ready for another season of unforgettable stories, inspiring guests, and of course, more books than you can shake a bookmark at.

I can't wait to see you on Thursday

Show artwork for Best Book Forward

About the Podcast

Best Book Forward
A bookish version of Desert Island Discs
Have you ever wondered which books shaped your favourite authors?

Best Book Forward is the bookish podcast for avid readers where we delve into the lives of your favourite authors and discover the books that have shaped their lives.
Prepare for surprising picks, heartwarming stories, and the ultimate literary dilemma: "If you could only read one again, which would it be?"

Warning: This podcast may lead to an uncontrollable urge to expand your TBR pile.
Ready to discover your next literary obsession? Tune in and join Helen's vibrant book community!

Find Helen online:
Instagram: @bestbookforward
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BestBookForward
Website: https://bestbookforward.org/