Jo featured in the Book Boxes in January 2023 and January 2024, and was also the featured author in the 2025 RBC Advent Calendar. She is the only author to be featured three times! 

In this episode, we talk in depth about Jo’s third book, 𝘈 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘤𝘵 (no spoilers!), how her writing has evolved since her debut, and what the past three years have meant to her as an author.

I got a little teary at the end, thanks to Jo’s beautiful words about the podcast. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting way to wrap things up - ending where it all began, with Jo. 🥹

I’ll share a proper thank-you post in a few days to reflect on three years of hosting the podcast and what it has meant to me. 🤍

All episodes of 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 will remain available wherever you love to listen, with selected episodes also available on YouTube.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

December’s @readingby.candlelight Crime/Thriller Book Box features the brilliant Matthew Spencer and his gripping new novel BROKE ROAD.

Broke Road is the second instalment in Spencer’s acclaimed Rose Riley series, and it’s an absolute masterclass in crime writing. When a woman is found dead in the Hunter Valley, Detective Sergeant Rose Riley is pulled back into the landscape of her childhood, where vineyards and luxury resorts sit uneasily beside prisons, drug dens, and long-held grudges.

As media pressure builds and old wounds resurface, Rose must navigate local secrets, small-town tensions, and the shadows of her own past… while true-crime author Adam Bowman is never far from the story. Taut, atmospheric, and compulsively readable, this is crime fiction at its finest.

If you loved Black River, you are in for an absolute treat, BUT this can also be a stand-alone story, complete in itself.

In this 30 minute chat, Matthew shares what inspired this story, how he gets police procedures SO RIGHT and what's next for Rose Riley ✨

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

The Distance Between Dreams is a sweeping dual-timeline love story spanning continents and generations. A long-buried family secret links two families from opposite sides of the tracks, and when their children fall in love decades later, that secret threatens to tear them apart.

Set against the backdrop of both World Wars — from Fremantle, WA to the horror of the Thai–Burma Railway — it’s a powerful read for fans of Natasha Lester and Kate Morton ✨

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

In our chat, Tanya and our host Fiona Taylor dive into:
 ✨ The spark that inspired 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳
 ✨ How her medical career shaped the novel’s themes
 ✨ How she landed a blurb from Jane Harper (!!)
 ✨ Why she thinks of herself as an “accidental crime writer”

With its dual timeline, gripping pace, complex characters, and twist after twist, 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 is truly unputdownable. 

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

In our cosy half-hour chat, Kimberley and our host Fiona talk about:
 ✨ Why she started the book at the end of a marriage
 ✨ How a rejection of her first novel led her to write Rise and Shine at lightning speed to meet her deadline
✨ Whether her background in publishing influenced her process
✨ And what it’s really like being Trent Dalton’s publicist (yes — it’s as wonderful as you’d imagine!)

Rise and Shine is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt exploration of relationships, dreams, and rediscovery. It’s a story about a marriage at a crossroads — perfect for readers who love flawed protagonists, messy love stories, and books that make you laugh, cry, and reflect in equal measure. Don't miss reading this book - you will adore August and Noah.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

In our cosy half-hour chat, we talk about :

🏃‍♀️ her love of running (and run-club romance energy)
🥐 matching her croissant jumper to her book (iconic)
💕 the joy and generosity of the romance writing community
📚 how she went from indie publishing to being commissioned by Penguin (!!)
✨ and the surprising role bestselling author @rachaeljohns played in the journey

“In The Long Run” has everything we love — pastries, fake dating, slow-bloom chemistry, and a run club that becomes the start line for something real.

Listen now and then go fall in love with Knox & Gen 🥐🏃‍♂️💘

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

In this episode, our host Fiona Taylor chats with January Gilchrist, author of the twist-filled thriller The Final Chapter — a story that takes the idea of “writer’s block” to a whole new level.

We talk about the dark side of creativity, the lure of isolation, and how far people will go for a story worth telling.

It’s atmospheric, unsettling, and utterly compelling — the perfect listen for your evening walk, your commute, or while you’re curled up with a candle burning low.

You can listen now on the Reading By Candlelight podcast or watch the full interview on YouTube🎙️📺

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Set in the velvet seats and backstage shadows of 1950s Melbourne theatre, it’s a story of secrets, betrayal, and resilience — with unforgettable characters like Emmy Darling, dancer Isadora Westlake, and the formidable actress and theatre owner Virginia van Belle. 

Alli and I discussed the spark that inspired the book, the way her Japanese–Australian heritage influences her storytelling, the delicate balance between weaving history and character, and what it takes to build a voice that’s both lyrical and deeply moving. It was a rich and generous conversation, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

You can listen now on the Reading By Candlelight podcast or watch the full interview on YouTube🎙️📺

Have you read Until the Red Leaves Fall yet? We’d love to know what you thought on socials or in the Reading By Candlelight Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Mark’s debut is a powerful, lyrical story that blends myth, memory, and the search for belonging. In our conversation, he shared the inspiration behind the book, how his own personal experience shaped the story, and what it means to write about identity, courage, and the ties that bind us.

It was such a thoughtful and moving discussion — one that reminded me why we love shining a light on fresh voices in fiction 🌟

A huge thank you to Mark for joining us, and to all of you who tuned in live. If you missed it, don’t worry — the replay is available now on YouTube and wherever you love to listen.

Have you read The Wolf Who Called Boy yet? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the Reading By Candlelight Facebook group or on Instagram.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

 Luke Johnson’s debut novel King Tide reveals the long-buried secrets of a small community…

This epiosde on the Reading By Candlelight Book Club, we dive into Luke’s writing journey, his inspirations, and what it feels like to finally see your debut novel on shelves.

🎧 Listen now or watch on YouTube.

 📖 Have you read King Tide yet? Come chat with us in the RBC Facebook group!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

This month, I chat with author Jessica Seaborn (@seabornj) about her brilliantly titled second novel, Isn't It Nice We Both Hate The Same Things — a powerful, funny, and insightful look at adult friendships, fractured ties, and starting over in your thirties. As always, there are no spoilers as Jess talks about where the idea for the book began, her writing process (it is fascinating!), and which characters she loved writing the most.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the Reading By Candlelight Book Club on Facebook!

✨ Links in bio & stories
 📦 RBC Book Boxes available now from @readingby.candlelight

#readingbycandlelight #bookclubaus #bookboxaustralia #writingcommunity #bookstagram

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 is a sharp, fresh spin on the domestic thriller. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳… 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥?

That’s the unsettling dilemma facing Liv Elliot when her odious neighbour, Dr Richard Wellington — morning TV regular and surgeon to the rich and famous — is found dead in the park at the exact time her daughter was there. Neighbourly tensions make for perfect suspense, and this one delivers with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘐 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴? is a fresh and feisty rom-com about Makayla - newly divorced, nearly 30, and on a mission to make up for everything she missed in her twenties. The book starts with a bang (literally wink) and takes us on a wild ride as Makayla figures out what she really wants from life, love, and a certain very handsome relief teacher. 

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

The Butterfly Women is Madeleine’s first novel and was published in April 2025 with Affirm Press. Rich in story, dark in tone and meticulously researched, this is a story that is at its heart about women’s friendships as much as being a historical murder thriller. I loved the descriptions of Melbourne in 1863, especially Little Lon, and the hunt for the killer, but most of all I loved the women themselves, fighting to survive and thrive in what was essentially a man’s world.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝘔𝘌𝘓𝘈𝘓𝘌𝘜𝘊𝘈 - Police Detective Renee Taylor returns to her small town roots only to be thrust into a murder investigation that uncovers more than she expects when it links to a past case. As Renee delves deeper into the past, the mystery grows, spotlighting intergenerational cruelty, corruption, and racism as the dark truth of the town and the past are uncovered. 

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝘉𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 is an eerie, fast-burning (no pun intended) story that is tightly packed with compelling characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing. The story is told in short chapters, making it impossible to put down, and the final reveal is truly climactic and cleverly done.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 is a truly heart-warming story about family and the ties that bind. A delight to read - it made me laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. I dare anyone not to fall for the irrepressible and irresistible Alfie Bains.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

They discuss how beekeeping and hip hop factor into the story, why Anna loves romance and rom-coms, and what she is working on next. When she isn't writing, Anna works as a doctor and is the lead singer for Nuria (check them out on Spotify!). 

Dancing With Bees is a rom-com with a bee-utiful story (see what I did there!) about love, connection, and what is truly important in life. Set in beautiful Tasmania, this book will make you laugh, cry, and feel ALL the feels. 

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

"𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦"

𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 is the follow-up to Michelle’s bestselling thriller debut 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘶𝘴𝘩, which was one of my favourite reads of 2023. We talk about her inspiration for the story, how the setting became a character in its own right, and how her 30-year career in communications and PR has shaped her writing. Michelle also shares her advice for aspiring writers and gives a shoutout to the two authors she hopes to emulate.

Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Join our host Fiona Taylor as she chats with award-winning author Camille Booker, about her second novel - The Woman in the Waves - in a SPOILER-FREE interview you won’t want to miss! Camille shares the inspiration behind her story, who her detective is loosely based on and her love of gothic mysteries and Peaky Blinders.

The Woman in the Waves is a masterful mix of historical fiction and psychological suspense set in the 1920s. The descriptions of the sea & the landscape are so vivid you can almost taste the salt, and the gothic vibe adds tension and depth to this suspenseful story.

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Join me as I chat with bestselling author Claire van Ryn, about her second novel - 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 in a SPOILER-FREE interview you won’t want to miss! Claire shares the family history and research behind this beautiful story of family, secrets, and yes, the gorgeous birds of Tasmania.

𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐻𝑒𝑟 𝑁𝑎𝑚𝑒 is set in the breathtaking landscape of Tasmania’s north-west and is a moving and truly beautiful story of family, heartbreak and the pull of home by bestselling author @clairevanryn (whose debut 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐻𝑢𝑜𝑛 𝑊𝑟𝑒𝑛 also featured in the Reading By Candlelight book boxes in 2023!).  

📖 Have you read it yet? Join the conversation in the 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐵𝑦 𝐶𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 Book Club on Facebook!

📦 RBC Book Boxes are available now from @readingby.candlelight

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

We’d love to hear what you think of it in the Reading By Candlelight Book Club or on Instagram.

Aired live: 26th Feb, 2025
Shared: Podcast & YouTube - 27th Feb, 2025

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

We’d love to hear what you think of it in the Reading By Candlelight Facebook Group or on Instagram.

Aired live: 25th Feb, 2025
Shared: Podcast & YouTube - 26th Feb, 2025

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Dec Book Box - 𝘎𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨

My final @readingby.candlelight interview for 2024 is with the super-talented Hayley Scrivenor, author of the December Book Box GIRL FALLING. I felt like I was listening to a masterclass on how to craft a spell-binding, best-selling novel as we delved into her writing process and why this story was the one she had to write. 

Hayley talks about her research, how using dual timelines allowed the story to succeed, her residency at Varuna, writing about love, her connection to her protagonist Finn, Katoomba, and the beautiful Blue Mountains where the book is set. 

I could have talked to Hayley for hours, and she was incredibly generous with her time and writing advice, talking about writing her brilliant novel about a mysterious death, love, and past trauma, and how we explore shame. 

Girl Falling is a masterful novel that comes together in the final pages with a satisfying twist you won’t see coming. I hope you enjoy listening to this spoiler-free interview on how it all came together and what Hayley is working on next.

With thanks to @hayleyscrivenor and her publisher @panmacmillanaust. 

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒

Join our host Fiona Taylor as she interviews debut author Christine Gregory about her crime debut 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 for the @readingbycandlelight podcast (as always, 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲!) 

We explore the importance of setting, how her story writing is always driven by character, how she wrote her debut during lockdown, and the importance of entering writing competitions.

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦 is a psychological thriller set in an idyllic retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Fast-paced and thrilling it is about fatherhood, family ties, and redemption. Perfect for fans of Garry Disher and Jane Harper.

Congratulations to Christine, whose debut is featured in the November 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘽𝙤𝙭 & available to purchase now.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. ✨ 

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴?

Join me as I interview debut author @clairesutherland about her crime thriller THE CRAG for the @readingbycandlelight podcast (as always, 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲!) 

Claire and I chatted about rock climbing, whether it was wishful thinking having St Kilda win a grand final, how she incurred the wrath of North Korea & how amazing the editors are @affirm, supporting Claire to write an amazing debut novel.

The Crag is a thrilling murder mystery set in the rock-climbing scene of Mt Arapiles and is perfect for lovers of outback noir and strong female protagonists.

Congratulations to Claire, whose debut #thecrag is featured in the October 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘽𝙤𝙭 & on sale from 1st October.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒’𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑥-𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟.

Join me as I interview debut author @markwillrussell about his brilliantly dark thriller THE HITWOMAN’S GUIDE TO REDUCING HOUSEHOLD DEBT for the @readingbycandlelight podcast (as always, 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲!) 

Mark and I had a fun half hour chatting about how he came up with such an original plot, how to make a contract killer seem empathetic and how he used his screenwriting experience and love of movies to create this brilliantly original story that asks us how far we would go to revenge the people we love.

I was incredibly excited (and not surprised) to learn Mark has secured a pre-emptive screen deal with a major producer 🤯 although further details are under wraps for now shhh

This book is like 𝐾𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑣𝑒 meets 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 - in turns funny, tragic, deeply thoughtful and occasionally violent, it is also quintessentially Australian. Superstitious former contract killer Olivia believes the universe is demanding payment for her past crimes, so when a small time criminal gang brings tragedy to her family, she has to get creative while trying to mislead the police long enough to exact her revenge. 

Congratulations to Mark, whose debut #thehitwomansguidetoreducinghouseholddebt is featured in the September 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘽𝙤𝙭 & on sale from 1st September.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

That interest in people, which drove me to become a doctor in the first place, also makes me interested to write about them - Lisa Kenway

Join me as I interview debut author and anaesthetist @lisakenway about her twisty thriller about memory loss & the secrets we keep for the @readingbycandlelight podcast (as always, spoiler-free!)

Congratulations to Lisa, whose debut ALL YOU TOOK FROM ME is featured in the August 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘽𝙤𝙭 and will be published THIS Thursday on 1st August. Boxes will therefore be posted in the second week of the month. 

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘰 𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦 ✨ 

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Join our host Fiona Taylor as she chats with Melbourne debut author Anna Johnston,  Reading By Candlelight's Book Box author for JULY 2024, about her delightful and heartwarming novel 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝙁𝙞𝙛𝙚 in this spoiler-free interview.

𝐼𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠' 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑘𝑒𝑦𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑔𝑒.

We chat about Anna’s grandfather Fred, who inspired the titular character, the misrepresentation of older characters in literature, how the plot was conceived, and the book's themes of the importance of love, belonging, and family. 

THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE is featured in the July 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝘽𝙤𝙭. Tissues are highly recommended! (You've been warned!)

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Join our host Fiona Taylor as she chats with Western Australian author Louise Wolhuter,  Reading By Candlelight's Book Box author for JUNE 2024, about her very twisty novel Shadows Of Winter Robins in this spoiler-free interview.

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗪𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗦 has so many twists that it is impossible to talk about the plot without giving away spoilers so if you love ordinary people with extraordinary secrets, multiple storylines, and beautiful imagery you are going to love this gripping novel about shining a light on the dark places to see what always lived there.

Many thanks to Louise for her time and for being the 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 featured book box author for June. Each box has a signed copy of the novel, a paired beverage, an exclusive tin candle & seed bookmark, and a surprise! Available as a subscription or one-off purchase ✨

Reading By Candlelight proudly promotes new Australian authors and their stories. This interview is available wherever you love to listen. Follow us so you never miss an episode ✨ 

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

Alexander now holds the very special honour of being the 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 male author to feature in the book boxes and he certainly brought his A-game to our little spoiler-free chat! 🙌

We talked about the golden age of crime novels, how he was inspired by reading Josephine Tey and Agatha Christie, why he was deported from Russia and most importantly why his protagonist mendicant monk is nameless and the technical difficulties that present while writing.

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗞𝗘𝗬 is a classic whodunit set in 1920s Western Australia, full of twists and turns, with a seemingly impossible murder mystery that explores all our favourite tropes - a locked door, no murder weapon and a cast of engaging characters, all who would have delighted in murdering the victim! 

As always, this month’s book box is almost sold out so be quick if you want to order one. They come with a signed copy of the novel, a paired beverage, exclusive tin candle & seed bookmark and a surprise! ✨

With many thanks to Alexander for his time and support for 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 which proudly promotes new Australian authors and their stories. This interview is 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 wherever you love to listen or find the link in my bio ✨ 

Follow #readingbycandlelightpodcast to never miss an episode 🎙️📖❤️

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗣 is a slow-burn thriller about two wealthy families holidaying on Rottnest and what happens when one of their children goes missing. From that moment the story rockets along with some explosive reveals and twists until it reaches its chilling climax!

~ Reading by Candlelight Book Boxes ~
To celebrate new Australian authors and their stories, every book box is lovingly created to compliment the book's setting & characters. It is available at Molly's Cottage as a subscription or a one-off purchase.

Read by candlelight at Molly's Cottage and join a community where you can share your love of reading, candles, and supporting Australian writers and creators.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

There is plenty of spoiler-free chat about her brilliant second novel#JoyMoodyIsOutOfTIme  - the stories behind the story, how she wrote it in SIX MONTHS with new-born TWINS 🤯 and how both the author and the book are best summed up by the term COMPLETELY BONKERS 🤪

~ Reading by Candlelight Book Boxes ~
To celebrate new Australian authors and their stories, every book box is lovingly created to compliment the book's setting & characters and is available at Molly's Cottage as a subscription or as a one-off purchase.

Read by candlelight at Molly's Cottage and join a community where you can share your love of reading, candles, and supporting Australian writers and creators.

 ✨ Reading By Candlelight proudly promotes new Australian authors & their stories  ✨

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

~ Reading by Candlelight Book Boxes ~
To celebrate new Australian authors and their stories, every book box is lovingly created to compliment the book's setting & characters and is available at Molly's Cottage as a subscription or as a one-off purchase.

Read by candlelight at Molly's Cottage and join a community where you can share your love of reading, candles, and supporting Australian writers and creators.

 ✨ Reading By Candlelight  proudly promotes new Australian authors & their stories  ✨

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.

'Reading by Candlelight' is a book subscription that celebrates up-and-coming Australian authors, delicious beverages, and incredible creations. Each month features a different novel paired with a handmade scented candle, a seed paper bookmark, a beverage (choice of alcoholic/nonalcoholic), a surprise, and an invitation to join the RBC Facebook Community.