Between The Lines

Leanne Tran & Chelle Griffin
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Chelle and Leanne are avid readers, mothers, and both work therapeutically with families. We read the books, and share perspectives on how they can add value to your life.

  1. Ep 71: Miniature Trains, Missing Equipment and a Mum Sleuth: Kate Solly on The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up

    13h ago

    Ep 71: Miniature Trains, Missing Equipment and a Mum Sleuth: Kate Solly on The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up

    In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne welcome Kate Solly back to the podcast to chat about her latest cosy crime novel, The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up. Kate's books have become beloved for their blend of mystery, humour, community chaos and deeply relatable motherhood moments — and this latest instalment is no exception. This time, amateur sleuth Fleck Parker finds herself investigating strange goings-on at the local miniature railway, where expensive equipment has mysteriously disappeared. Between feeding a hungry baby, managing a cranky toddler, surviving school drop-offs and protecting her Wordle streak, Fleck somehow also finds time to investigate crime. Meanwhile, her best friend Trixie is dealing with mounting volunteer drama at the local craft shop, proving once again that small-town community groups can be just as chaotic as any murder scene. In our conversation with Kate, we discuss: Why cosy crime readers love quirky community settings Balancing humour with genuine mystery and darker themes Writing motherhood in a realistic, funny and relatable way The inspiration behind Fleck Parker's chaotic but lovable character Crafting communities, miniature railways and small-town dynamics Why amateur sleuths make such compelling protagonists As always, Kate brings warmth and humour to the conversation, and we found ourselves laughing through much of the episode. If you love cosy mysteries filled with heart, chaos, friendship and community drama, this episode — and this book — are such a fun time. About the Book The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust Up is a cosy Australian mystery following amateur sleuth Fleck Parker as she investigates theft and suspicious behaviour at the local miniature railway. As Fleck juggles parenting chaos, community drama and mounting clues, she discovers that beneath the cheerful surface of Paradise Heights lies something far more sinister than anyone expected. About the Author Kate Solly is a writer, mother of six and author of Tuesday Evenings With the Copeton Craft Resistance and The Paradise Heights Craft Store Stitch-Up. Known for blending humour, heart and mystery, Kate writes cosy crime novels grounded in relatable family life, quirky communities and plenty of crafting chaos. Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. 📚 Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration 📦 Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook

    1h 7m
  2. BOOKCLUB SPECIAL: Trish Bolton on Whenever You're Ready

    May 31

    BOOKCLUB SPECIAL: Trish Bolton on Whenever You're Ready

    In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne chat with Australian author Trish Bolton about her thoughtful and emotionally layered novel Whenever You're Ready. At the heart of the story are three interconnected women - Lizzie, Alice and Margot - each standing at a crossroads in life, forced to confront the gap between who they thought they would become and where life has actually led them. Lizzie is shaken by a decades-old revelation that changes the way she sees her marriage, friendships and family history. Alice, once effortlessly charismatic and carefree, is beginning to feel the instability beneath the life she has carefully improvised for years. And Margot, outwardly successful and perfectly composed, realises that some parts of the past can't simply be packed away and ignored. In our conversation with Trish, we discuss: Writing women at different stages of life The tension between reinvention and acceptance Family secrets and the ripple effects they create How people carry unresolved parts of themselves into adulthood Friendship, ageing and identity Creating emotionally rich characters with warmth and nuance This is a beautifully reflective conversation about the lives we build, the stories we tell ourselves, and the moments that force us to reconsider both. If you enjoy character-driven fiction filled with emotional insight, complex relationships and thoughtful observations about life, this episode is for you. About the Book Whenever You're Ready follows three interconnected women navigating grief, secrets and turning points in their lives after an unexpected death brings old wounds and unresolved questions back to the surface. Warm, wise and quietly moving, the novel explores friendship, family, ageing and the tension between looking back and moving forward. About the Author Trish Bolton writes thoughtful contemporary fiction exploring relationships, identity and the emotional complexities of everyday life. Her work is known for its warmth, insight and deeply human characters. Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration Or join our online book club, where we deliver a book club to your reading nook

    44 min
  3. Ep 70: Soulmates, Second Chances and the Power of "What If": Emma Grey on Start at the End

    May 24

    Ep 70: Soulmates, Second Chances and the Power of "What If": Emma Grey on Start at the End

    In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne welcome bestselling Australian author Emma Grey back to the podcast to discuss her moving new novel Start at the End. Known for emotionally rich stories that stay with readers long after the final page, Emma's latest book explores love, loss, fate and the impossible question of what might have happened if life had taken a different turn. Start at the End follows Audrey and Fraser, whose love story begins unexpectedly before deepening into something profound. But just as they begin imagining a future together, tragedy changes everything — leaving them both wrestling with grief, guilt and the haunting pull of "what if." In our conversation with Emma, we discuss: Writing love stories shaped by grief and second chances The emotional power of "sliding doors" moments in life Why readers connect so deeply with stories about loss and hope Balancing heartbreak with humour and warmth The idea that healing doesn't always happen in a straight line How Emma approaches emotionally resonant storytelling As always, Emma brings honesty, warmth and humour to the conversation, making this episode both deeply emotional and incredibly engaging. This is a thoughtful discussion about love, fate, resilience and what it means to begin again when life doesn't unfold the way you imagined. About the Book Start at the End is a powerful contemporary novel about two soulmates whose future is shattered by tragedy just as their life together begins. Exploring grief, guilt, fate and second chances, the novel asks how different our lives might be if one moment had unfolded another way — and whether it's possible to start over after unimaginable loss. About the Author Emma Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Her novels are known for blending emotional depth, humour and hope, resonating strongly with readers around the world. Emma lives in Canberra, Australia, where she balances writing with family life, photography and chasing the aurora australis. Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. 📚 Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration 📦 Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook

    46 min
  4. Ep 69: Desire, Language and a Sicilian Summer: Slip by Abbey Lay

    May 10

    Ep 69: Desire, Language and a Sicilian Summer: Slip by Abbey Lay

    In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne chat with Australian author Abbey Lay about her sensual and thought-provoking novel Slip. Set in Palermo during a scorching Sicilian summer, Slip follows Grace, a young linguist who travels to Sicily to study Italian dialects. What begins as a six-week immersion in language and culture takes an unexpected turn when she rents a room in the apartment of a local writer, Nico. As Grace and Nico spend more time together — cooking, talking and exploring the city — their conversations become increasingly intimate. All the while, Grace's long-term partner Jack is due to arrive in Sicily, bringing the tension between desire, loyalty and identity closer to the surface. In this conversation with Abbey, we explore: The inspiration behind Slip Writing about desire and emotional tension The role of language in shaping how we understand ourselves and others The sensory experience of Palermo and Sicilian culture The complex choices we make in relationships Slip is a beautifully written novel that captures the intoxicating pull of place, language and connection — and the difficult questions that arise when our desires begin to shift. About Abbey Abbey Lay grew up in Geelong and now lives in Melbourne. Her first novel, Lead Us Not, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. Slip is a lyrical and evocative exploration of language, identity and desire set against the vivid backdrop of Sicily.   Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations, and wanted to share both with you. Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration. Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook. https://www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com/bookclub2026

    47 min
  5. Ep 68: Romantasy after coming of age, with Olivia O'Flynn

    Apr 26

    Ep 68: Romantasy after coming of age, with Olivia O'Flynn

    Olivia O'Flynn on Ever Blessed (Tides of Ever, Book 1) In this episode of Between the Lines, we're joined by author Olivia O'Flynn to talk about her fantasy novel Ever Blessed, the first book in the Tides of Ever series. Olivia shares how the story came to life, why she set out to write "the book she wanted to read," and what readers can expect from the world, characters, and themes in the series. We also discuss how the book has been categorised by readers (including "romantasy"), and what that label can mean in practice. In this episode we discuss: Ever Blessed as Book 1 in the Tides of Ever series Olivia's motivation for writing fantasy and the types of stories she loves as a reader Genre conversations, including how the book is sometimes described as romantasy Writing approach and craft choices (including character and tone) Myth and inspiration touchpoints, including recommendations Olivia shares for readers interested in myth retellings and adjacent fantasy/romantasy reads What's next in the series and where Book 2 is at About the book Ever Blessed is a fantasy novel set in the world of the Tides of Ever series. It blends magic, adventure, and relationship dynamics, with a strong focus on compelling characters and an immersive setting. About Olivia O'Flynn Olivia O'Flynn is an author of fantasy fiction and the creator of the Tides of Ever series.   AND IF YOU LOVE DISCUSSING BOOKS: Join our bookclub here for insider author chats: https://www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com/bookclub2026

    51 min
  6. Ep 67: Secrets, Small Towns and Strong Female Detectives: Fiona Tarr Live at Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival

    Apr 12

    Ep 67: Secrets, Small Towns and Strong Female Detectives: Fiona Tarr Live at Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival

    Secrets, Small Towns and Strong Female Detectives: Fiona Tarr Live at Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival In this special live episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne sit down with Australian crime author Fiona Tarr at the Sunshine Coast Fiction Festival to talk about her gripping, atmospheric novels. Fiona writes crime fiction set in distinctly Australian landscapes - from remote tropical towns to outback mining communities - where secrets run deep and the past is never far behind. We discuss two of her novels: Grave Regret, which follows detective Dawn Grave as she returns to the town tied to her traumatic past when her sister goes missing, and Her Buried Bones, where a young constable arrives in an outback opal town searching for answers about her family, only to uncover a suspicious death and a trail of buried secrets. Across both stories, Fiona explores what happens when personal history collides with professional duty, and how the truth can be both dangerous to uncover - and impossible to ignore. In This Episode We Discuss Writing crime fiction set in uniquely Australian environments Creating strong, complex female investigators How personal backstories shape investigative decisions The role of small towns in building tension and secrecy Balancing personal stakes with crime-driven plots Why secrets - both personal and communal - sit at the heart of great crime fiction Themes Explored The impact of the past on the present Family, loyalty and unresolved trauma Power dynamics in small communities Corruption, silence and hidden truths The tension between doing your job and following your instincts About the Books Grave Regret is a small-town Australian crime novel following detective Dawn Grave as she returns to her hometown to investigate her sister's disappearance — a case that forces her to confront the trauma she's spent decades trying to forget. Her Buried Bones is set in an outback opal mining town, where a young constable investigating a suspicious death uncovers secrets that may be linked to her own family's past. Both novels combine strong settings, layered characters and steadily building tension.   About the Author Fiona Tarr is an Australian crime author known for writing atmospheric mysteries set in rural and remote communities. Her work focuses on strong female leads, complex personal histories and the hidden dynamics within small towns.   Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. 📚 Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration 📦 Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook

    48 min
  7. Ep 66: Grief, Poetry and Starting Over: Courtney Peppernell on The Last Poem

    Mar 30

    Ep 66: Grief, Poetry and Starting Over: Courtney Peppernell on The Last Poem

    In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne chat with internationally bestselling author Courtney Peppernell about her latest novel The Last Poem - a moving story about grief, identity and the possibility of starting again. The novel follows Wren Paisley, a successful poet whose life is shattered by the sudden loss of her fiancée, Lucy. Overwhelmed by grief and public attention, she leaves everything behind and finds herself drawn to the small town of Everston, Colorado - a place where no one knows her and she can begin again. There, she quietly rebuilds her life. She changes her name, renovates an old Victorian house, and slowly becomes part of a local grief support group that centres around poetry. For the first time since her loss, she begins to feel a sense of connection — to the town, to the people around her, and possibly to a new kind of love. But as her past begins to catch up with her, she is forced to confront whether she can truly leave her old life behind. In our conversation with Courtney, we explore: How grief shapes identity and the process of starting over The role of poetry in healing and connection Why modern poetry resonates so deeply with readers today Writing in a way that feels accessible, emotional and real How Courtney's own readers influenced the creation of this story We also found ourselves completely drawn into the setting — and may or may not have added the town that inspired Everston, Colorado to our growing "to be visited" list. This is a heartfelt conversation about loss, healing and the quiet ways we begin again.   About the Author Courtney Peppernell is an internationally bestselling Australian author, best known for her Pillow Thoughts series and other works exploring love, healing and self-discovery. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages. Courtney lives on the South Coast of NSW and continues to create work that fosters connection, reflection and emotional healing.   Join Our Book-Loving Community Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you. 📚 Listen to the podcast for author interviews and reading inspiration 📦 Or join our online book club, where we deliver books to your door and a book club to your reading nook https://www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com/bookclub2026

    52 min
  8. Ep 65: Hormonal Harmony and it's impact on Health, with Sharon Kolkka

    Mar 15

    Ep 65: Hormonal Harmony and it's impact on Health, with Sharon Kolkka

    How to Be Well: Finding Your Way Back to Energy, Balance and You with Sharon Kolkka In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne sit down with Australian wellness expert Sharon Kolkka to talk about her book How to Be Well, co-written with integrative medicine specialist Dr Karen Coates. This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that many women are living in a constant state of busyness — juggling work, family and endless to-do lists — while slowly becoming overwhelmed, exhausted and disconnected from their own wellbeing. How to Be Well offers a different way forward. Through a practical and compassionate approach, Sharon and Karen introduce a framework to help women better understand their current state of health, whether they are thriving, surviving or depleted, and what small, meaningful steps they can take to move towards greater energy, balance and resilience. In our conversation with Sharon, we explore: Why so many women are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out The signs that you may be running on empty (even if you've normalised it) The idea of assessing whether you are thriving, surviving or depleted The importance of emotional wellbeing alongside physical health A more holistic, realistic approach to self-care How small, consistent changes can support long-term wellbeing Sharon brings decades of experience in women's health and emotional wellbeing to this conversation, sharing insights in a way that feels both grounded and achievable. This episode is a thoughtful invitation to pause, reflect and consider what it might look like to take better care of yourself - not perfectly, but intentionally. If you've been feeling overtired, stretched too thin, or like your own needs have slipped to the bottom of the list, this conversation will resonate. About the Book How to Be Well is a practical and compassionate guide for women who want to improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Blending science with real-life strategies, the book introduces a five-pillared approach to wellness and a personal health audit to help you understand your current state and take steps towards greater energy, vitality and resilience. About the Author Sharon Kolkka is one of Australia's most trusted wellness experts, with over 40 years of experience in emotional wellbeing, stress resilience and women's hormonal health. She has worked as an executive leader in award-winning wellness retreats and has supported thousands of women through transformative health programs. Sharon is a highly regarded speaker known for making complex health information accessible, practical and empowering.   AND IF YOU LOVE DISCUSSING BOOKS: Join our bookclub here for insider author chats: https://www.betweenthelinesaustralia.com/bookclub2026

    53 min
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About

Chelle and Leanne are avid readers, mothers, and both work therapeutically with families. We read the books, and share perspectives on how they can add value to your life.

Information

  • Creator
    Leanne Tran & Chelle Griffin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    80
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Between The Lines