The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads giveaway for World Book Night in Waterstones Bradford – photo credit Guzelian Photography

UK charity The Reading Agency has joined forces with Spotify to make free-to-stream Quick Reads available for World Book Night on 23 April 2026.

The Reading Agency and Spotify have partnered as part of a wider joint campaign within the National Year of Reading – including a new audiobook toolkit for libraries and Spotify’s industry-leading reading aids such as ‘Page Match’ and ‘Audiobook Recaps.’ The initiative is part of The Reading Agency’s mission to tackle the UK’s reading crisis, with only around half of adults regularly reading.

For the first time, all six Quick Reads titles will be available in audiobook format, widening access for people who struggle with print, including those who are time-poor, neurodivergent, or lacking confidence in reading. Quick Reads, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, was launched in 2006 to support adults who are lapsed readers, non-readers, or face barriers such as time, confidence, or concentration. The short, accessible books are written by bestselling authors across a range of genres.

Audiobooks on the rise

With the average UK adult now spending 52 hours a year listening to audiobooks, audio has become a powerful and increasingly mainstream reading format. Its popularity in the UK is growing rapidly, with the market nearly tripling since 2016, driven largely by 16–54-year-olds and changing, multitasking lifestyles. Spotify’s ‘Multi-Format Readers’ research found more than a third of U.K. readers (34%) are more likely to consider listening to audiobooks as “real reading” than they were a year ago, and over half of readers in the U.K. (51%) now switch between audio and print/e-book formats to meet their reading goals.

The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation report found that almost half of adults (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, while one in three multitask while reading. Those who read fewer books are more likely to engage with audio: 33% of men listen to audiobooks weekly, compared to 24% of women, while women are more likely to read daily. More than half of 25–34-year-olds are regular audiobook listeners, including 56% of men in that age group.

Audiobooks are also helping to widen access: 52% of adults with learning differences listen weekly, compared to 22% without. For time-poor adults, audiobooks offer a practical solution. Over half (53%) of parents with children under 11 listen at least once a week, compared to 18% of those without.

Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Audiobooks create shared experiences in new ways — whether families listening together at home or groups coming together in libraries. We’re seeing a real rise in audio listening groups, where people listen and discuss books collectively. We want to challenge the idea that ‘real’ reading must be print. Listening to books delivers many of the same benefits, from supporting comprehension and vocabulary, to increasing wellbeing and empathy.”

Duncan Bruce, Director of Audiobooks Partnerships and Licensing, Spotify said: “Stories have the power to connect, entertain or inform us. But for some, finding the time or confidence to pick up a book isn’t always easy. Audiobooks are helping to change that with people increasingly moving between formats – listening on the go and reading when they can – and that flexibility helps more stories fit into busy lives. We’re proud to help more people discover stories, including this year’s Quick Reads, in ways that work for them, supporting a more accessible and inclusive reading culture across the UK.”

Supporting libraries during the National Year of Reading

As part of the partnership, The Reading Agency and Spotify are developing a new audiobook toolkit for libraries, supporting staff to deliver audiobook clubs, group listening sessions and inclusive reading activities. The organisations will also work together with the National Year of Reading to champion audiobooks as an accessible and engaging way into reading, helping to reach new and underserved audiences across the UK.

Shared listening and national reach

A selection of the 2026 Quick Reads titles will be available to stream for free on Spotify on World Book Night. A new curated audio resource will also be distributed to libraries and schools to support classroom listening, community events and group listening experiences.

The Reading Agency’s research highlights a strong link between audiobooks and wider reading, with one in four listeners saying audiobooks have encouraged them to read more. Spotify is one of several landmark partnerships marking a step change in ambition for Quick Reads, which has grown from a small intervention into a national reading movement.

To mark its 20th anniversary, The Reading Agency aims to gift up to one million Quick Reads to communities across the UK.

@readingagency #QuickReads #WorldBookNight #GoAllIn For all enquiries, please contact: ann@causeuk.com m: 0753 489 2715.

Whitby Lit Festival has announced the first authors confirmed for its 2026 programme, as the event returns (from 19–22 November) following a highly successful inaugural year. Leading the first wave of announcements are Ann Cleeves OBE, Joanne Harris OBE, Dr Sian Williams, and Mark Billingham.

Ann Cleeves Author Pic (c) Micha Theiner

Ann Cleeves OBE, creator of the Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez (Shetland) series—both adapted for television by ITV and the BBC—has received widespread acclaim for her crime writing, alongside an OBE for services to reading and libraries. Her latest novel, The Dying Light, from the Detective Matthew Venn series, was published in October. Joanne Harris OBE, best known for her bestselling novel Chocolat—later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp—has written more than 30 books. Her forthcoming novel, Sleepers in the Snow, will be published in October 2026.

Dr Sian Williams is an award-winning broadcaster and chartered counselling psychologist. After a 40-year career in television and radio, including over a decade presenting BBC Breakfast, she now hosts Life Changing (BBC Radio 4) and Classical Unwind (BBC Radio 3). Her work focuses on trauma, stress, and anxiety, including collaborations supporting emergency services personnel. Her latest book, The Power of Anxiety, published this month, combines research, case studies, and personal insight.

Mark Billingham (c) Steve Best

Mark Billingham, originally from Birmingham, is a novelist, actor, and comedian, and a familiar presence across UK media. He is best known for the Tom Thorne crime series, adapted for Sky, starring David Morrissey. The latest instalment, What the Night Brings, is released in paperback this March. Further authors will be announced in the coming months, with the full programme continuing the festival’s commitment to showcasing both bestselling and emerging voices. The debut festival exceeded expectations, drawing large audiences and establishing Whitby as an exciting new destination on the UK literary calendar. Building on that momentum, organisers promise an ambitious and diverse programme for 2026. Uniquely, Whitby Lit Festival is the UK’s only literary festival headquartered in a fish and chip restaurant—Hetty & Betty.

Lois Kirtlan, Chair of Whitby Lit Festival, said:
“We were thrilled by the response to our inaugural festival in 2025. The enthusiasm from audiences, authors, and the local community was extraordinary. For 2026, we’re expanding the programme and are delighted to begin announcing what promises to be an exceptional line-up.”

Festival Patron Kate Fenton has also announced that Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE will join as Honorary Co-Patron.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn (c) David irlan

Sir Alan Ayckbourn said:
“I’m delighted to become co-patron of this exciting new venture. The festival promises to inject fresh literary energy into Whitby in a way unequalled since the days of Bram Stoker.”

Set against Whitby’s dramatic coastline and historic streets, the festival will once again feature author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book signings, and special events across multiple venues. Whitby Lit Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, bringing readers and writers together in a vibrant cultural celebration.

Tickets and full programme details will be released in summer 2026. Early updates and exclusive content are available via the festival’s website and social media channels. Website: www.whitbylitfest.org.uk Social: @whitbyliteraturefestival

Meadows Dawn

The striking thing about Amanda’s art is the colours she uses – perhaps because she is a natural health therapist and experience tells her that colour carries its own energy. I agree, I feel the vibrancy reaches out along with the energy of her compositions.

‘Tell us more about that, Amanda,‘ I asked.

‘Ah, I believe that people respond to mood and frequency, as much as to image. That’s why my forests, waterfalls and wildflower meadows are intentionally more luminous and emotive, than pedantically realistic. You see, my work is created to be felt – to calm, uplift and reconnect one with the quiet power of nature every time you pass by.’

This resonated with me, as I find actually walking by meadows, and woods is mood calming, and adds something to my life, and indeed, helps my work as an author.

Meadow Glow

Amanda Brake is an English artist whose love of colour and creativity took root in her childhood in Poole, Dorset. Growing up by the coast and countryside, she was surrounded by natural beauty which encouraged her to notice the small details of light, texture, and atmosphere. She was fortunate at school to have teachers who recognised her ability, and encouraged her imaginative, expressive approach.

Bluebell Woods

‘Was this partly because your father was an artist, and not someone who pushed your talent to one side, and suggested you pushed on with the usual career skills.’

‘Oh yes,very much so. He and my teachers nurtured my confidence and curiosity and more or less gave me permission to use my talent to explore my feelings, observations and sense of the world around me.’

Of course, as Amanda developed as an artist, she extended her interests into a variety of projects such as he illustration of children’s novels. She also became a member of the Milan Art Institute, thereby connecting with an international community, all of which deepened and refined her skills,

‘Now, at Amanda’s Art,‘ she tells me, ‘ I specialize in creating captivating illustrations and unique prints that seem to resonate with diverse art lovers. This excites me enormously as I believe strongly in the power of art to inspire and evoke emotions.’

I found myself nodding along, because, for me, that is exactly the response Amanda’s art evokes. After all, you can remember an image of a cornfield that calmed or inspired you, but why not try putting a work of art on the wall that evokes the same response. Long may she continue to produce such individual work.

Find out more about Amanda Brake and her work: https://www.mandasartwork.shop/

https://www.amandaelainebrake.com

Instagram:instagram/manadabrakes_art

Margaret Graham is the author of over twenty novels, under the names of Margaret Graham, Milly Adams and Annie Clarke.

“Tan Dun is not afraid of pauses, recognising how silence can be just as important”

It’s staggering to realise that worlds collide in mysterious ways… Beethoven grew up in times we now term the Enlightenment. The world was changing, with revolutions in France and America. At home, he experienced first-hand when Napoleon’s troops invaded Vienna in 1805 and 1809.

His first large-scale composition was at the age of 19. His Ninth Symphony was created in 1824, three years before he died. And it’s the fourth movement that stands out – famous now because since composition it has been used in so many different contexts. This is his Choral piece Ode To Joy – you will know it. Search the internet and nod in recognition. The Ode is actually a lengthy poem by Friedrich Schiller, who had long wanted it set to music.

Ludwig van Beethoven

The London Philharmonic Orchestra, numbering over 100 musicians on this evening, performed the Ninth Symphony with grace, pomp and power. Accompanied by the London Philharmonic Choir and the London Chinese Philharmonic Choir, they played under the precise baton of Tan Dun.

Tan Dun is not afraid of pauses, recognising how silence can be just as important. Before each piece, he freezes, holding everyone’s attention, as though ready to go into battle, composing himself. During the movements he singles out soloists, urging them to excel – and they do. He conducts as though it is a martial art, creating shapes with his arms and hands like no other conductor.

Tan Dun ⓒ LPO

The Ode To Joy was sung, not just with the thrilling choirs, but four soloists – underused in the piece really, but exciting to hear: soprano Elizabeth Watts, mezzo-soprano Hongni Wu, tenor John Findon and bass Matthew Rose.

Sadly, the interval talk amongst the audience was about the opening of the evening’s music – Tan Dun conducting his own contemporary composition, the Choral Concerto Nine. This was inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth. Hmmm. Although an Oscar-winner for his soundtrack to the stunning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the ever-youthful Tan Dun left us a little nonplussed with his piece in three movements. Modern music is always hit-and-miss with traditionalists. The first movement Nine was almost anti-musical, with the chorus not just using words, but gibberish. The same could be said for the musicians, not just playing their instruments but tapping and scraping them… The second movement, Wine, had more gibberish and randomness. It was only the third movement, Time, that sounded more like ‘music’ – a Hans Zimmer-like sound – reaching to a climax that gave us all some relief that it was over. But, one has to appreciate that all music begins somewhere and, who knows, this could become as much a classic as Beethoven’s Ninth. It could, but, to be honest, I don’t think it will!

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details – https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Paul Vates.

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 25th April 2026

Check with the LPO website for details

Instagram @londonphilharmonicorchestra – X @LPOrchestra – Facebook
@londonphilharmonicorchestra

He left her sister at the altar and now she’s the one forced to keep him out of trouble – and out of her heart This fun and flirty romantic comedy is really lovely and after all, , everyone deserves a second chance, even Matthew.

April hates Matthew’s guts, because seven years ago, he left her sister at the altar and broke her heart. Now June’s getting hitched to another man. April’s making the dress, the cake is iced, and nothing will ruin her sister’s big day. Or will it? Cue the potential crisis. June has chosen Matthew as her ‘something old’ and … Oh no, no what was she thinking? – It’s free and a lovely novel, so read and see what happens. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G4HCCC1N/ It is FREE.

Discover a Regency romance that continues the story of Jane Austen’s unforgettable characters, where love and betrayal intertwine… and the cost of freedom is higher than ever. This is the breathtaking launch of the Regency Romance Series The Ladies of Pemberley. At eighteen, Cassandra Wickham is as headstrong and sharp-witted as her beloved aunt, Elizabeth Darcy, preferring the thrilling pages of a book to the stifling decorum of crowded ballrooms. Yet, her mother, Lydia, has different plans for her: Cassie must marry a wealthy officer, and the grand Regimental Ball is the perfect opportunity for her debut into society… or so her mother hopes.

But Cassie harbours no interest in soldiers. Her heart belongs to one man only: Dr. Richard Courtney… Uh oh… read on and see what happens https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GTZM2JT8/ @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

She doesn’t believe in love. He wasn’t looking for it. One kiss changes everything.
A fun and flirty romance starting with a speed dating event.

Photographer Valentine Jones doesn’t believe in love, but when her romantic friend Maggie drags her along to a speed dating event, she finds herself reluctantly attracted to architect Finn Logan. Against her better instincts, she ticks yes on her scorecard to seeing him again. He never calls. Finn shouldn’t have flirted with Val at the speed dating event. Well, of course, he shouldn’t – what was he thinking..? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G8GZ7VMT/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99

A missing woman. A race against time. A detective haunted by the past.

Following an argument with her British boyfriend, Chinese student Min Li is abducted whilst walking the dark streets of picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon alone. Trapped in a dark pit, Min is at the mercy of her captor. Detective Inspector Will Jackman is tasked with solving the case and in his search for answers discovers that the truth is buried deeper than he ever expected. But, as another student vanishes and Min grows ever weaker, time is running out. Two murders, two kidnappings—are they linked?

Can DCI Jackman track down the kidnapper, before it’s too late? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DV5RC71H/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99

Enjoy them all. All we have to wonder is what further treats will be offered next week?

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls Trilogy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF Only £5.97 for all three.

Lynsey Robinson Global Health lead. Credit Global 50 50

As new legislation comes into force, employers are being urged to ensure that AI does not undermine equality action and women’s pay and conditions. Artificial intelligence could undermine progress to closing the UK’s gender pay gap, according to the authors of a new guide to employment legislation which comes into force next month. How to close the gender pay gap: A practical guide aims to help employers with 250 or more staff develop and implement equality action plans required by the 2025 Employment Rights Act. But the authors warn unless these plans take account of AI, they risk widening women’s pay gaps and undermining women’s leadership. The guide provides employers with step-by-step actions to meet new legal requirements and future-proof their equality strategies.

Published by independent think-tank Global 50/50, the guide is based on the recent Closing the Gap? Report, using eight years of data from the Global Health 50/50 Gender & Health Index. UK law already requires organisations with 250-plus employees to publish an annual gender pay gap report. Now, from 6 April 2026, they must also develop and publish equality action plans — voluntary for the first year, then mandatory from April 2027. Global 50/50 warns that failure to account for AI risks could expose organisations to legal, reputational and workforce risks.

“Equality action plans offer a pathway to workplaces where everyone is valued, supported and able to advance their careers, and where barriers to women’s leadership are dismantled,” says Dr Lynsey Robinson, health sector lead at Global 50/50. “We welcome equality action plans as a step in the right direction, but they will have only limited impact if they are not properly measured, monitored, evaluated and enforced.”

However, Global 50/50 warns that equality action plans must keep pace with the growing use of AI or risk widening the gender pay gap. With AI used more and more in recruitment, workplace processes and career development, employers should consider how it may amplify gender bias or impede efforts to eliminate pay disparities.

Fawcett Society CEO Penny East Credit Fawcett Society

“We are concerned the legislation doesn’t mention the potential for AI to widen the gender pay gap,” says Penny East, chief executive of the Fawcett Society. “As AI becomes more embedded in the health and social care, admin and public sectors, the government must ensure that women aren’t left with a widening pay and pension gap. Our research indicates clear evidence that AI tools without necessary safeguards and tests can embed and entrench bias.”

As well as practical tips for creating equality action plans, the new guide features examples of organisations from across the world which are already using them to close the gender pay gap and to promote women’s leadership. “Women’s leadership matters,” adds Dr Robinson. “When more women are represented in leadership roles, equality follows. Our research shows that organisations with women CEOs had, on average, smaller gender pay gaps over an eight-year period than those led by men. The gender pay gap is not simply a number. It marks a life-long unequal distribution of opportunity, power and privilege.”

Alongside inspiring stories of organisations practising feminist leadership values to close the gender pay gap, the guide contains a wealth of practical information, resources and case studies covering the entire employee journey from recruitment through retention and progression. There’s advice on what to include in equality action plans and what they can do now to develop or update them.

“We hope that employers both in the UK and internationally can learn from the women leaders and feminist leadership principles featured in the guide to accelerate change in their organisation,” says Dr Robinson. “Closing the gender pay gap benefits people of all genders. It corrects historic imbalances, challenges ingrained stereotypes about what ‘men’s work’ or ‘women’s work’ is worth, and ensures that everyone is treated equitably for their contributions.”

The Waterway Girls: A moving relateable British WWII saga of friendship and resilience Kindle Edition by Milly Adams. The first book of three. In 1943 war-torn London, young Polly Holmes leaves heartbreak behind to join a narrowboat crew on Britain’s canals – where friendship, resilience, and a new community give her hope, as they face the darkening days of war. This Kindle is FREE for a limited time.

Stepping aboard the Marigold amid pouring rain, there’s lots for Polly to come to grips with. Not least her fellow crew: strong and impetuous Verity, whose bark is worse than her bite, and seasoned skipper Bet. With her sweetheart away fighting in the RAF and her beloved brother killed in action, there’s plenty of heartache to be healed on the waterway. And as Polly rolls up her sleeves and gets stuck into life on board the narrowboat – making the gruelling journey from London up to Birmingham – she will soon discover that a world of new beginnings awaits amid the anguish of the war. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRN1JWMF/ kindle @ FREE. (Paperback also available.)

A Blend of Murder: A British woman sleuth cosy murder mystery (The Tea Leaf Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by J. New. In a quaint English town, a tea shop owner with a knack for advice stirs up more than Earl Grey when a mysterious death brews trouble close to home.

Meet Lilly Tweed – former agony aunt, proud purveyor of fine teas and accidental sleuth. When Lilly loses her newspaper column, she follows a dream and opens The Tea Emporium in the quaint market town of Plumpton Mallet. But old habits die hard, and with her hapless replacement bungling the advice column, locals still turn to Lilly for guidance. Then tragedy strikes. The body of a local woman is pulled from the river – and in her pocket is a letter of advice from Lilly herself. Unwillingly drawn into the investigation, Lilly begins to ask questions the police would rather leave alone. Was it truly an accident, or something far more sinister? Twists, turns, and more than a few red herrings lead Lilly into very hot water. A Blend of Murder is the charming first book in J. New’s The Tea Leaf Mysteries series – perfect for fans of classic British whodunits, small-town secrets, and a good cup of tea. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G2581TDR/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99 for a limited period of time. This work was previously published as Tea & Sympathy by J.New

Anything for Him: A jaw-dropping thriller about obsession and jealousy that will keep you up all night (The Ex Book 1) Kindle Edition by LK Chapman 

Felicity thought Jay could heal her grief–until his love became a trap. A psychological thriller for fans of twisted love stories and emotional suspense–a haunting tale of grief, manipulation, and survival. Since my parents died in a house fire, I can’t feel anything. Nothing interests me anymore. Jay is the only remaining light in my life. I don’t care that my gut feeling warns me that he means trouble. I even help him with his plan for revenge against his former best friend. But no matter how much I give, it never seems to be enough for Jay. He always finds a reason to punish me. Do I even know this man? What if everything he told me about his past was a lie? What if I find out the truth and it’s already too late? To escape him. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRMTKMYK/ kindle @ £0.99 instead of £1.99. (Also available in paperback.) More titles in this series: Found You (ISBN: 9782386191947) Never Let Her Go (ISBN: 9782386191954)

Finally:Secrets of Burnham House | The gripping historical mystery in the regency era (The Sinclair Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition by Bethany Swafford (Author)  Format: Kindle Edition Book 1 of 1: The Sinclair Mysteries. @ the special offer of £0.99 for a limited time.

She entered Burnham House to find the truth. But behind every locked door lies another lie … The first book of the captivating historical whodunit series set in Regency England London, 1816. A name disgraced. A truth hidden. And a house where secrets whisper behind every door …

Juliet Sinclair was raised a lady—but when whispers of treason stained her family name, she stepped into the shadows to clear it. Posing as a servant in the opulent home of her father’s former associate, she entered Burnham House with a false identity and a singular mission: uncover the truth behind the allegations that destroyed her family. But the household is not what it seems. Servants vanish without explanation. Locked doors hide more than valuables. And the family she once knew has changed in ways she cannot explain. As Juliet pieces together fragments of the past, she realises someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQCCN6BR/ @ – I say again – £0.99

Forgive me, I seem to have come at the above all skewiff. Our Market Square on this Saturday is full of visitors and Thirskians taking the sun and admiring the Yarnbombers talent, so I have been tripping around getting in the way, taking images of just a few of the delights.

Above you see the rabbits nestling in between just a couple of the wonderful Thirsk in Bloom tubs which are magnificent this year, and are all over the centre of Thirsk.

There are many who garden with bees in mind. We have several bee keepers near us so I grow heathers, and all other bee loving plants. So bees should take their place of honour in the Square. How bee-guiling is this. Oh, I know, but I can’t help myself.

And another bee-loved bee, just look at those wings. Moving on swiftly, as I am beginning to get silly. As my mum would have said. ‘Not clever, funny or nice, so stop showing off.’ But I can’t.

Almost finally, in homage to this wonderful sunny spring day, with Easter not far away, and winter slinking off into the shadows (please please), let’s see the sunny face of spring, just look at those cheeks, that dear little smile, the leaves, and other flowers. Glorious.

Finally, yes – not almost – how can we not show yet another homage, this time to our wonderful Thirsk Yarnbombers who so frequently make our little market town just that little bit more wonderful. Each time they come by night and delight us daily, until suddenly, again overnight, they are gone again. Happy happy 10th anniversary, Thirsk Yarnbombers, from us all. And thank you.