Ep 53: By Her Hand: Marion Taffe on Finding Voice and Courage in a Violent World
Release Date: 08/24/2025
Between The Lines
info_outlineBetween The Lines
info_outlineBetween The Lines
If you’d like to join our book discussions, you’re always welcome inside the Between the Lines Book Club. The details are in the show notes. Join us for the next chapter. BOOKCLUB SPECIAL: Someone Else's Child with Kylie Orr Step into this thoughtful and engaging conversation as Chelle sits down with author Kylie Orr to talk about her debut novel Someone Else’s Child and the long, winding road to becoming a published author. Together, they explore the heart of the novel, female friendship, community generosity, moral grey areas, and the emotional complexity that emerges...
info_outlineBetween The Lines
info_outlineBetween The Lines
info_outlineBetween The Lines
info_outlineBetween The Lines
If you’d like to join our book discussions, you’re always welcome inside the Between the Lines Book Club. The details are in the show notes. Join us for the next chapter. Is This Still the Life I Want? Boogie Wonderland with Kate Halfpenny In this Between the Lines episode, we’re talking about Boogie Wonderland — a novel that captures that very specific moment many of us remember all too well: COVID-19 upheaval, career burnout, relationship strain, and the quiet (or not so quiet) question of “Is this still the life I want?” Set against the backdrop of a sea change,...
info_outlineBetween The Lines
Dear Digital, We Need to Talk: Reclaiming Our Human Operating System with Dr. Kristy Goodwin In this insightful and energising conversation, Chelle and Leanne sit down with digital wellbeing expert Dr. Kristy Goodwin to unpack her book Dear Digital, We Need to Talk — a science-backed guide to navigating technology in a way that honours how our brains and bodies are actually designed to function. Drawing on neurobiology, peak-performance research, and years of working with high achievers, Kristy explains why so many of us feel constantly “switched on but powered down,” and how small,...
info_outlineBetween The Lines
Stories We Inherit: Reading “Cactus Pear for My Beloved” by Samah Sabawi Step into this deeply moving conversation as Chelle and Leanne sit down with the book club to discuss Cactus Pear for My Beloved by Samar Sabawi — a poetic, powerful story born from exile, memory, and love. Drawing from her father’s life and her own research on transgenerational trauma, Sabawi captures what it means to inherit both loss and hope across generations. In this episode, the group reflects on the book’s unique structure — part memoir, part fiction — and how it bridges history with humanity. From...
info_outlineBetween The Lines
The Bookshop Detectives by Gareth & Louise Ward Step into the charming world of The Bookshop Detective with Chelle and Leanne as they chat with authors (and real-life couple) Louise and Gareth Ward — owners of Wardini Books in New Zealand and the creative minds behind the Tea and Cake and Death series. Blending their backgrounds as former UK police officers with their love of storytelling, they’ve created a cozy crime world where mystery meets heart, humour, and a touch of small-town chaos. In this episode, they share the real-life inspiration behind their beloved characters Garth,...
info_outline- The inspiration behind By Her Hand and the real historical women who helped shape Freda’s character
- Marion’s transition from a globe-trotting journalist to a debut novelist—and why fiction was her next big leap
- The painstaking research, rewrites, and pandemic pivots that shaped the novel (plus a cameo from Marion’s kids learning medieval history at home!)
- How Marion balanced historical accuracy with vivid storytelling, from Old English poetry to the book’s striking cover design by Sandy Cole
- The emotional journey of Freda: from fear and anger to courage and self-expression
- Why learning the rules—and then breaking them—is essential for writers and dreamers alike
- Marion’s advice for anyone struggling to find their voice or push back against expectations
What’s a “rule” you’ve had to break to be true to yourself? Or, which historical era would you love to see through the eyes of a fierce female character? Join us on Instagram or in the book club to share your thoughts!