WJHG Chapter Chat

As the year comes to a close, Chapter Chat host Jessica Foster is joined by avid reader and Bay County Public Library Foundation Executive Director Laura Roesch to reveal their top 5 books of the year. These are books you'll definitely want to add to your TBR list! Listen in and see if you agree with their choices. 

Best-selling author Madeline Martin joins the podcast to discuss her latest novel, The Secret Book Society. Martin discusses her detailed writing process and why she loves historical fiction. Liteners also get a preview of her next novel, which is a historical fiction novel set in dual timelines. 

You'll feel full of holiday cheer after listening to friends and co-authors Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb chat about their collaborations. The two have two beautifully written historical fiction holiday novels they've worked on together. This is a fun and festive conversation. 

It's the holiday season, and author RaeAnne Thayne shares the magic of writing novels set during December. In her latest release, Snow Kissed, Thayne explores relationships and connection. Thayne and host Jessica Foster talk about getting in the Christmas spirit, helping readers find joy and exploring your life's calling.   

In Brittany Penner's memoir, Children Like Us, she explores adoption and identity. As a Metis woman adopted into a Mennonite family, Penner opens up about her unique experience and the challenges she faced. This is a raw and vulnerable conversation focused on the layered aspects of adoption. Host Jessica Foster also has a unique perspective as an adoptive mother. In this conversation, Penner and Foster discuss the different parts of the adoption triad and what questions may arise as children grow. 

Author Katherine Reay discusses the creative process behind her latest historical fiction novel, The English Masterpiece. In this chat, Reay chats with host Jessica Foster about the importance of art and how it helps shape history. She also offers insight on how to craft a successful novel.           

Who doesn't love a good hair day?

In her second novel, Good Hair Days, author Grace Helena Walz explores family bonds. Listen to this chat to hear how Dolly Parton and family names play a role in this deeply moving story. Grace describes Good Hair Days as having a "sweet and salty" side. 

Grace and podcast host Jessica Foster bond over Southern culture and traditions. Grace also explains her non-traditional path to becoming an author and how she released two novels in less than a year. 

She's known as an expert in all things Disney, especially food. Now, she's a published author. Disney Food Blog's AJ Wolfe chats about her new book, Disney Adults: Exploring (and Falling in Love with) a Magical Subculture. You'll laugh and feel nostalgic while listening to AJ and Podcast Host Jessica Foster chat about their lives as Disney Adults. 

Even if you aren't a Disney Adult yourself, you'll enjoy this deep dive into the magical subculture. 

Think fall vibes and cozy mysteries in this Chapter Chat episode. Author Ellery Adams discusses her latest novel, The Tattered Cover. Adams talks about her writing process and Secret, Book and Scone Society series. She has a special connection to bookstores and reveals why she thinks avid readers are some of the most welcoming and interesting people in society. 

Hank Phillippi Ryan talks with host Jessica Foster about her latest novel, All This Could be Yours. Ryan is an award-winning investigative journalist and best-selling author. She talks about never giving up on your dreams after becoming an author in mid-life. At the end, Foster reveals a deeply personal dream of her own.  

Best-selling author Kristina McMorris introduces listeners to her latest historical fiction novel, The Girls of Good Fortune. This is a story describing the Shanghai Tunnels in 1888. It explores  identity and the complexities of the past. In this conversation, Kristina shares tidbits from her own life that helped influence her writing.   

International best-selling author Sarah McCoy delves into themes of self-doubt, redefining life and empowering others. Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? is McCoy's latest historical fiction work. She talks about how three famous actresses inspired her development of the novel's lead character. McCoy is funny, frank and full of energy.  

Best-selling author Lisa See talks about how her heritage influences her writing of ancient Chinese culture. In her most recent historical fiction novel, she dives into the world of a groundbreaking female physician during the Ming Dynasty. This story shows how women can break barriers in a world where they were often hidden. 

In this episode, we take a deep dive into declining literacy rates and one community's efforts to make improvements. You'll hear from Laura Roesch, the Executive Director of the Bay County Library Foundation. Roesch highlights a community wide initiative that's helping improve literacy rates in one Florida community. It's an approach that can be duplicated across the nation. 

Best-selling author Kristin Harmel talks about her love for historical fiction and the joy she has for life. Harmel is a breast cancer survivor. Her story of resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring. She and host Jessica Foster share their survivorship stories and love of reading. This is an episode that will leave you with hope and a deeper understanding of Harmel's inspiration. 

Author Eliza Knight talks about how the Women's Equal Pay Act helped inspire her latest historical fiction novel, Confessions of a Grammar Queen. She also chats about a newly published novel under her pseudonym Michelle Brandon. Rush Week is a departure from Knight's typical style. She describes it as a "juicy" novel about sorority life. You'll love the fun and unfiltered conversation in this Chapter Chat episode.   

Author Jenny Hale has an open and honest conversation about her journey from elementary school teacher to best-selling author. She talks about her faith journey and how it guides her writing. This episode is entertaining and heart warming. 

Best-selling author Kristy Woodson Harvey captures listeners with her warm, Southern charm. She talks about her writing process, film adaptations of her novels and interacting with readers. You'll feel like you're having a conversation with a friend. 

Author Ashley Poston talks candidly about overcoming creative burnout and the inspiration behind her latest works. Poston has just returned from a national book tour. She shares humor and joy while talking openly about struggles creatives often face. 

Author Mary Kay Andrews talks about her writing process, latest book release and what's next for her writing journey.