This week I'm taking a look at a contemporary romance by American author Olivia Dade. In Spoiler Alert we meet actor Marcus Caster-Rupp and geologist and fanfiction author April Whittier. Will their true love story have a happy ending? Listen to find out more (but I will maintain, this is a spoiler-free review). Link to me talking fanfiction: Mr Right and my life in fanfic
I am back with my first Thursday episode of Season 3 and it's all about the 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock. So get dancing and singing and head to a camp, complete with dining cabin and rock star guest appearances. Did I like it? Did I hate it? Was it an experience I want to repeat? I also touch upon the issues that had me calling a quick end to Season 2.
Until about a year ago I didn't even know that this was a book, I just assumed it was a film and that was it. However, now I am aware I am pleased that I have had the chance to read Andy Weir's bestselling (originally indie published) novel, The Martian. So, what did I think? Did I enjoy it? Is it better than the film? Find out by listening to the first episode of Season 3 of Not Before Coffee!
I've been joined by a very special guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare and we're talking about a show that was based during our formative years but very definitely not filmed then (no sirree, if it had been the special effects would have been much much much worse). Yes, we're travelling back to 1983 and visiting the town of Hawkins, Indiana. We're talking Stranger Things Season 1. So, buckle up buttercup and enjoy the ride as we meet Eleven, Lucas, Mike, Dustin and the gang for a ride int...
This 1908 classic is one of my favourite novels. Set in beautiful Florence at the turn of the 20th Century and following the slow but emotional story of Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson as they somehow find each other. In an unusual move for me, I watched the film before I read the book, but since the first time I read it, it's been at the top of my ever-growing re-read pile. So, why do I enjoy it so much? Listen to find out.
For this, my 50th episode, I am going to be going back to the origins of the podcast and looking at a film. Yes, it's about cars. No, Chris Evans isn't in it. No, I don't have a driving licence. For all that this film is not an Oscar winner, and nor does it star an actor whose films I collect, I still have a soft spot in my heart for 2001's The Fast and the Furious . The film that spawned a billion-dollar franchise. It was also based on an article - which you can read here: Racer X ....
This week I had planned to talk about a book by the ever-wonderful Terry Pratchett, unfortunately, time somehow escaped me (the Masterchef Australia grand finale was worth it) and I ended up digging through my notes and found a book I enjoyed and wanted to share with you, my listeners. So, this week I'm talking about the hit of 2012, Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. So, whether you've read it, or not, give this episode a listen.
This week I am travelling to 2012 via the Florida Keys with a review of the sadly short-lived Bones spin-off, The Finder. I have to be honest I was really sad when this series was cancelled and feel that it deserved a lot more than just the 13 episodes (plus backdoor pilot) that we got. If you'd like to find out what I think makes this show so great, give this one a listen. This week I have a promo for the amazing Strive, Seek, Find by Chance Whitmore...
Welcome to another episode in my cosy little bookshop. In this episode, I am going to talk about a debut. book by a new author, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne. Yes, I am returning to my comfort zone and talking about Greek mythology. This book was a journey that I took in less than a day and it was interesting to see the tale of Ariadne through the eyes of someone who loves mythology as much as I do. So, what did I think of this first novel? Did I like it? Would I recommend it? Take the journey with m...
It arrived on Disney Plus in the UK last week and if you had any idea how much of a fan of the show I was I you wouldn't even need to guess. This week I am going to be talking about the 1985-1992 series starring Betty White, Rue McLanahan, Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty, The Golden Girls . Join me as I talk through what I loved about the characters and what I think made it so special.
This week I am traversing back in time to 1980 and reviewing a book that I read in my childhood - however inappropriate that may now happen to be. Yes, I am going to be talking about Stephen King's novel Firestarter . This book is a bit of a minefield, or at least that's what I discovered when I picked it up for the first time in over 30 years and started to read it. So, take a listen and find out what I thought on my first re-read of a book I remember liking. Does it still have the same impact?...
This week I am taking a look at Dollface which arrived on Disney Plus earlier this year. Starring Kat Dennings, Brenda Song and Shay Mitchell it's a study of female relationships and rebuilding ones that were abandoned. I also give you an update on my mental health and why last week was a no go as far as this episode was concerned. Also, if you wish to vote in the British Podcast Awards, don't wait, the deadline is Sunday 4th July, so time is running out. You can vote for your favourite podcast ...
This week I am reviewing a book that is only a few days old -in fact, it was released in the UK on 24th June 2021. I am revisiting a favourite author in the form of Paige Toon and her latest novel, Someone I used to know. This book has everything you could want for a sunny (or rainy) day with a cup of something and a comfy chair. So, join me as I take a look at this much-anticipated (by me and many) release.
This week I have moved away from the YA, the magical and the mystical and taken a trip to the world of old Hollywood glamour, courtesy of Taylor Jenkins Reid and her 2017 novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo . I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect when I picked this book up, but less than two days later it was done and I spent 7 days processing how I was going to talk about it. So, here it is. The Bookshop is open. Enjoy your visit.
This week I'm taking you to the Caribbean and the fictional island of St Marie, where having a secret can be murder! This British series has been a long-time favourite of mine; a procedural that offers up murder with a side of white sands and turquoise waters and I love every minute of it. So, if you want to find out more about a procedural that doesn't take itself too seriously (and airs in 236 countries) then join me on this long-haul flight to paradise! Also, if you want to vote in the 2021 B...
This week I am heading into mythological territory (yes, again), with the latest novel from American author, Alexandra Bracken. Lore , which was released earlier this year, is a tale of tragedy, discovery and vengeance with the added bonus of the fact it all takes place (pretty much) in modern-day New York. Want to find out more, give this episode a listen now. And no, it's nothing to do with the podcast Lore or the Amazon TV show that spun from it.
This week I am introducing you to Bernard Black and his amazing collection of books in a small shop near Bloomsbury. Yes, I am taking you on a trip to Black Books. I hope you enjoy the visit, just don't go near the shop owner, he'll bite your head off. Also, as I mentioned in the show, voting is open for the British Podcasting Awards . Get your votes in and, if you want, you can vote for Not Before Coffee! (don't forget the all-important "!")...
This week I am taking a look at a relatively recent release in the form of the first book in a new series by Canadian author, Kelley Armstrong. The book in question is Cursed Luck, which came out at the beginning of May 2021. It's the story of a cursed necklace, the curse weaver who can perhaps remove said curse and many deceptions that get the two together!
This week, I am revisiting Lucifer and looking at the most recent episodes released on Netflix as of the 28th of May 2021. This review is as spoiler-free as I can make it - in other words, I reveal pretty much nothing that will have you running away screaming I spoiled the show for you. In fact, this may well encourage you to watch it if you haven't already...
In this, the first-ever episode of The Bookshop I look at the first book in Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows Duology, appropriately titled Six of Crows. I talk nothing but books in this spin-off of Not Before Coffee! So settle back and listen as I talk about this 2015 YA novel. Also, I mention an article on Polygon, which you can find here .
Welcome to season 2, brand new format, brand new concept, same old Raye! This week I am talking about the 1999-2001 TV show, Spaced . I also tell you all about the changes that come with the new season and go into a bit of detail about anxiety attacks. I'm so glad to be back!
In the finale of Season 1, I am talking about the new Netflix series, Shadow and Bone . Starring Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes, this is an adaptation of a book trilogy I have never read (I know, gasp, shock, horror). I also talk about a destructive pattern in my life I need to get control of. Oh, and your favourite segment, and mine, is back as I go through my most recent weird dream! Podcast Promo: Mask of Sanity...
This week I am looking at another 1995 film in Clueless . Has it stood the test of time? Will I find it creepy watching as a fully grown adult who is analysing it, or will it never lose its charm? I also talk about my viewing for the coming week, my plans for the long weekend and my issues with social anxiety. Featured podcast: Talkin' Shiz
This week I am looking at 1995's other teen comedy, Empire Records , starring Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler and Debi Mazar. I also take a look at a new novel from author John Murray McKay called The Girl's Guide to the Apocalypse , and after a brief talk about my viewing for the week, I'll be talking about how impulsive spending was a sign I should have been looking for when it came to my mental health issues. Featured Podcast: Take a Knee for Marvel vs. DC...
This week it's another trip back to 2005 as I look at the Ryan Reynolds film, Just Friends , also starring Amy Smart, Anna Faris and Chris Klein. I also check out my bookshelves for my favourite books - recommendations ahoy, and talk about my recent mental mood drop and how spending too much time with people can be damaging to the health of an emotional introvert. Featured Podcast: Wine, Dine and Storytime
This week I have a guest, Griff from the Paul and Griff Show as we talk about 2005's The Wedding Date. We also cast the remake - you know, just in case! Featured Podcast: The Paul and Griff Show
We're out of March, which means that Chris Evans Season is over. So, this week I am talking about 2010's Easy A , starring Emma Stone and Stanley Tucci (love Stanley Tucci). I am also talking about a brand new (to me) author, Keri Arthur and her 2017 book, Blood Kissed . There's also a journey into a bit of my past that is rather painful. Featured Podcast: Infectious Groove
This week, in a departure from most of the films I have done, I am looking at a blockbuster. Yes, for the last episode in 2021's Chris Evans Season I am going straight for the big guns with 2012's Avengers Assemble . I will also be talking about Madeline Miller's 2018 book Circe as well as some recent mental health realisations. Featured Podcast: The Nerd Alternative
It's the third week of Chris Evans Season and I am looking at his fourth comic book outing, this time he's special ops with an interesting taste in T-shirts and a strange sense of humour in 2010's The Losers . I also review the 2000 book, Asking for Trouble by Elizabeth Young. And then I get real in my mental health update for the week. Featured Podcast: The Struggling Artist Podcast...
We're in week two of Chris Evans season and this week I am looking at his second starring role in the film The Perfect Score from 2004. I also review the 2017 book from the comedic science fiction author, Tom Holt The Management Style of the Supreme Beings and there's yet another therapy session as I talk about my mental health. Featured Podcast: I Hate Your Taste in Movies
