Episode #306: Allison Wells and "Chosen"

From Indie Reads Aloud: A Storytelling Podcast by Diana Kathryn Penn

April 3, 2026 · 29 min · Season 15 · Episode 306

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Allison Wells about her book 'Chosen', a retelling of Esther's story that explores themes of courage and faith in a kingdom facing uncertainty.

Esme lives a quiet life in the shadow of the palace in Atelina, the capital of Geoline. Raised by her devoted adoptive father, Maurice, she is content with her days of prayer, study, and simple living. But when Queen Veva’s very public defiance leads to her removal from the throne, the kingdom is thrown into uncertainty. To restore order, King Levan calls for a gathering of women from every province—one of whom will be crowned his new queen. Against her cousin’s warnings and her own gentle nature, Esme volunteers, feeling an unfamiliar pull toward the palace gates and the future that might await her there. But palace life is not the fairytale she imagined. Secrets whisper through marble halls. Allies are hard to find. And as Esme begins to win King Levan’s favor—and his heart—she also uncovers a dark scheme led by Levan’s most trusted advisor, Hesten: the complete annihilation of all God Followers. With Maurice’s wisdom to guide her and her faith to strengthen her resolve, Esme must summon a courage she never knew she possessed. To remain silent would be safe, but it would mean the destruction of her people. To speak could cost her crown… and her life. Chosen is a sweeping…

People in this episode

Host: Diana Kathryn Penn

Guest: Allison Wells

Topics covered

courage
faith
romance
kingdom
storytelling

Keywords

Chosen
Allison Wells
Esther
courage
faith
romance
Geoline
Atelina
storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Chosen

Places: Atelina, Geoline