WJHG Chapter Chat

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. 

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.