What The Book!

Dr Maria Butler is a postdoctoral researcher at Maynooth University and a researcher and writer specialising in women’s writing, commercial fiction and popular literature. She was previously a researcher at UCD and Curatorial Advisor for the Museum of Literature Ireland’s exhibition on Irish romance fiction. Her new book, Marian Keyes and the Politics of Commercial Fiction, explores the literary and cultural significance of one of Ireland’s best-known authors and asks us to look differently at the books millions of readers have loved.

Avril Tierney is an Irish author, counsellor and psychotherapist and mum who has turned a deeply personal experience of cancer into her debut book, Cancer, Chaos & Courage. She writes openly about motherhood, uncertainty, resilience and finding a way forward when life changes unexpectedly.

Conor Rennick is an Irish fantasy author whose debut novel, Electric Blue, Plague Green, blends urban fantasy with Irish mythology in a contemporary Dublin setting. Passionate about folklore and world-building, he is the creator of the Arbiter series, bringing ancient legends to life for a new generation of readers.

Jillian Godsil is an award-winning Irish author, journalist, broadcaster and entrepreneur whose career has spanned business, politics, technology and the arts. Her latest novel, Running Out of Road, is a moving and deeply human story of reinvention, exploring memory, resilience and the courage it takes to begin again. The novel has been praised for its emotional honesty and compelling storytelling. Today, Jillian joins us on What the Book? to talk about the inspiration behind Running Out of Road, her writing journey and why it's never too late to embrace a new chapter.

Brigid Carrick is a retired nurse and midwife who was born and raised in Dublin before emigrating to Melbourne in the early 1970s. Drawing on her own experiences of working in Ireland during a time of enormous social change, she has turned to creative writing later in life. After publishing several short stories, Brigid has now released her debut novel, The Belfast Express, a powerful historical novel inspired by the real-life Contraception Train and the women who challenged Ireland's restrictive laws. Proving it's never too late to follow your dream of becoming an author.

Anne Frehill is a Meath-based author of historical fiction whose novels shine a light on ordinary women living through extraordinary times. A former social worker with a lifelong passion for history and storytelling, Anne's work draws on meticulous research, Irish heritage and compelling characters. She is the author of Reapers of Justice, When Silence Hurts and The Shadows of Betrayal, with themes ranging from the Irish War of Independence to World War II and the untold stories that have shaped Ireland's past.

Michelle Jackson is an Irish bestselling author and travel writer whose novels are inspired by her travels around the world. Known for books including One Kiss in Havana, Three Nights in New York and Journey to the Heartland, her writing blends romance, adventure and Irish storytelling with glamorous international settings. Michelle is also a regular travel contributor across Irish media and shares her passion for books and travel through her platform, The Novel Traveller

Yvonne's guest this week is Ciaran Casey and we discuss his new book, 'Leadership in Tune', a fresh and deeply human approach to leadership in today’s complex world. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Ciaran explores why connection, trust and emotional intelligence matter more than hierarchy and control. In this conversation, he shares insights from his Conscious Relational Impact Model™ and explains how leaders can create environments where people feel valued, empowered and inspired to contribute fully.