In this episode of Chapter Chat, Donna Jones Alward takes us aboard the Titanic through her novel Ship of Dreams. From meticulous historical research to the overlooked realities of women’s lives at the time, we explore what the tragedy reveals about society, ambition, and the personal stories history can’t fully capture.

This week on Chapter Chat, author Jennifer Moorman discusses her newest release, The Charmed Library. Together, we dive into the heart of magical realism, a genre where the extraordinary slips into the ordinary just enough to change what we notice, what we believe, and what we’re brave enough to imagine.

Jennifer shares the inspiration behind The Charmed Library, what draws her to stories rooted in wonder, and why “magic” doesn’t have to mean wands and spells. It can be the moments that crack open our routines and remind us we’re alive. From the emotional resonance of place to the way books help us find our way back to ourselves, this conversation is an invitation to look for enchantment in the world around us.

If you’ve ever needed a story that feels like a warm light in a familiar room, this episode is for you.

Shelley Noble joins Chapter Chat to discuss her new novel, The Sisters of Book Row, and the enduring power of stories in a time when books and the people who write, share, and protect them are increasingly under pressure. We talk craft, creative curiosity, and how art (including writing) helps us make meaning, build empathy, and keep history from repeating itself.

Noble also reflects on the real-world conversations around censorship and book challenges, why access to literature matters, and what’s at stake when communities decide which stories get to be heard. A thoughtful, timely episode about the freedom to create and the responsibility to keep pages turning.

Terah Shelton Harris joins Chapter Chat to talk about her new novel, Where the Wildflowers Grow, and the kind of literary, character-driven storytelling that lingers long after the last page. We dig into fresh starts and second chances, and why the best books leave you knowing something you didn’t when you began.

Harris also shares her journey from librarian to best-selling author, and how years spent connecting readers with stories shaped her voice as a novelist. Plus: an honest conversation about censorship and book challenges, and why library access matters more than ever.

In this episode of Chapter Chat, we explore the "Sophomore Shift" with author Karen Winn as she discusses the release of her highly anticipated second novel, The Society. Karen takes us inside her writing process, sharing how she navigated the unique challenges of following up a successful debut and the evolution of her craft.

We dive deep into the world of elite social clubs and the toxic power of rumors that fuel the mystery within her pages. Karen explains her approach to character development and how she builds complex, layered figures who must navigate the high-stakes social circles of Boston. We also discuss how the historic and atmospheric Boston setting serves as a vital backdrop, adding depth and tension to the suspense. Whether you're an aspiring novelist or a fan of sophisticated thrillers, this conversation offers a masterclass in building character and atmosphere.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Sophomore Shift: Navigating the pressure and process of writing a second novel.

Character Craft: Building deep, motivated characters within a suspenseful narrative.

Elite Circles & Rumors: The inspiration behind the social clubs and secrets in The Society.

The Boston Atmosphere: Using a real-world setting to create a layered, immersive experience.

The intersection of mystery, reputation, and social status.

In this episode of Chapter Chat, we sit down with debut author Angela Shupe to discuss the release of her first novel, In the Light of the Sun. Angela takes us behind the scenes of her debut journey, sharing the highs and lows of becoming a published author and the pivotal role her faith played throughout the process.

Beyond the technicalities of writing, Angela opens up about how she found profound joy in the creative process and how family stories she heard as a child are woven into the fabric of her novel. Whether you are an aspiring writer looking for inspiration or a reader seeking a story of hope and light, this conversation offers a heartfelt look at what it means to follow a calling and find purpose in the pages.

In this episode, we discuss:

The inspiration behind In the Light of the Sun.

What it’s really like to navigate the journey of a debut author.

How to maintain joy and faith during the long road to publication.

This Chapter Chat episode helps you understand how reading to your child early on can make a huge difference in their success when they start school. It's all about giving your child the best possible start! We talk with the Early Learning Coalition about how important it is to read to children from a young age. We'll learn about simple things you can do at home to help your child get ready for kindergarten and why early help can make a big difference in their learning journey.

Author Loretta Ellsworth gives listeners an inside look into the development of her latest novel, The Jilted Countess. It's the story of a Hungarian countess looking for an American husband and being bombarded with marriage proposals after World War II.

Ellsworth is down to earth and insightful. This is a great listen for anyone interested in historical fiction or those who are interested in the publishing process. 

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.