Episode 1: Romance and Chick litHosted by Beth and Freya.I’m Beth and today myself and my co-host Freya are falling in love with romance and chick-lit fiction, discussing the themes and characters in the genre and we’ll be hearing an update about the upcoming Essex Book Festival.Sarah from Essex Library Services gives us an update on the upcoming Essex Book Festival 2021. The box office opens 29 April 2021.· Find out more about the festivalFreya reviews The Shelf by Helly Acton which follows Amy as she is whisked away on a surprise holiday with her boyfriend. Convinced he is about to pop the question Amy is in for a shock when she finds herself on the set of a Big Brother-style reality television show, The Shelf. Along with five other women, Amy is dumped live on TV and must compete in a series of humiliating and obnoxious tasks in the hope of being crowned 'The Keeper'· Read the e-book of The Shelf on BorrowBox· Listen to the e-audiobook of The Shelf on BorrowBox(Please note: between 6 – 22 April BorrowBox only be available through the mobile app)Beth reviews Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon which follows Daisy as she escapes a failed relationship and secrets in her past by joining the catering team for the racing drivers on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.· Read the e-book of Chasing Daisy on BorrowBox· Listen to the e-audiobook of Chasing Daisy on Borrowbox(Please note: between 6 – 22 April BorrowBox only be available through the mobile app)Beth and Freya discuss the themes and characters that appear in the chick lit genre and how they can empower women.Beth and Freya discuss why they love elements of romance in chick lit fiction.In episode 2 we’ll be travelling across galaxies and into other dimensions as we discuss sci-fi and fantasy! We would love to get your recommendations so please comment or message us on Twitter or Facebook @EssexLibraries. Feel free to give us a rating or review or send comments and suggestions of things you’d love to hear to [email protected].Thanks for listening.