Chapel Bay Secrets
by Julie Snider
Released: Jan 13, 2026
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Why this book and why now?
I’ve been thinking about the ideas in Chapel Bay Secrets for a long time, particularly book bans and the Japanese American internment during World War II. When I retired and had time to do the writing, I realized that both of these themes were more relevant than ever. Of course, being a lesbian, I had to have a lesbian protagonist! Brenda Kato, librarian, became the ideal woman for the job. She’s in her fifties, has some issues she’s trying to overcome (as one does) and is looking for love. Perfection.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
First off, the title. My original title was WAITING FOR GPS, since Brenda is a runner and running watches often say, “wait for GPS.” Nobody in my circle thought that was a fetching title! So instead, I chose to use the name of the little town where my book is set and added the word secrets, since each of the main characters has their own secrets that must be revealed.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
I think Brenda, Harriet, Joe and I would get along most of the time. Each of them has an interesting backstory, and I’d probably quiz them endlessly about their childhoods, favorite foods, etc. On second thought, Joe wouldn’t like that so much–he’s not a huge fan of self disclosure!
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
I’d say yes. Like Brenda, I grew up thinking I had to be the best at everything I did. I put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself. Also, finding love wasn’t an easy thing for me once I was older than 40. She has the same problem.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
It’s like walking on air! My advanced readers have given me such positive responses, and I can’t wait for a wider audience to delve in and meet the quirky people in Chapel Bay.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
It cuts across genres. It’s an LGBTQ+ novel that’s a mashup of mystery, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and small town quirkiness. Also – be on the lookout for Brenda’s best friend Jonathon. He’s a snarky gay guy who loves to shake things up, a perfect foil for Brenda.
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
I thought I could have it written in 90 days! Ha!
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Brenda would definitely binge watch Schitt’s Creek, since her bestie Jonathon is just like Dan Levy!
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Brenda Kato might choose Julie Otsuka’s “When the Emperor Was Divine,” since it tells the story of a family that was sent off to a Japanese American internment camp. Her mother and grandparents survived a similar ordeal.
Harriet Conley might choose Ann Napolitano’s “Hello Beautiful.” Harriet is obsessed with her family’s saga and is writing a book about her extended family and their escape from Italy during the Second World War.
Joe West would love anything by John Grisham. Fast paced, somewhat cerebral escapist fiction suits him perfectly.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Brenda’s romantic evening would involve a candlelight dinner at home with her love. There would be classical music playing (Brenda is a classically trained pianist) and red wine. After dinner, the two of them might cuddle up on the sofa and watch a thriller.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Harriet was definitely the most fun, as she reminds me of a maiden aunt of mine. Harriet means well, but is very often socially inappropriate. The hardest to write was Joe, as I had to assume a male POV.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
For Brenda: Sandra Oh. For Harriet: Kathy Bates. For Joe: Mike Farrell. And Jonathon, Brenda’s bestie, would HAVE to be Dan Levy!
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
I’d hang out with Brenda Kato. I’d love to hear her play the piano and we could go to her Buddhist dharma center together, then have lattes at Mallory’s Magic Brew in Chapel Bay.
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
That’s easy. The pungent smell of eucalyptus trees next to the ocean.
If your book had a signature dessert, what would it be?
Creme Brulee
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
Bernard the Mulard – a quirky duck with attitude
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I start with an outline, then write chapters, then backwards map it and see if I’m hitting the marks I wanted to hit.
Were there any books, movies, or personal experiences that influenced this story?
A visit to Tule Lake Internment Camp many years ago planted a seed in my mind.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I try to get at least an hour of writing done before 9 a.m.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Ann Patchett, Jodi Piccoult, and Elizabeth Strout.
What are you currently reading?
Louise Penny’s latest: The Black Wolf.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Jeannette Walls. She writes so eloquently, straight from the heart.
