South Carolina ETV announces season 2 of acclaimed literary series, Books by the River

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) announced the return of its nationally distributed, Emmy-nominated literary series Books By The River. The new season premiered locally on ETV on May 10, and re-airs throughout May on ETV, the South Carolina Channel and ETV World. The new season continues the series’ mission of spotlighting Southern literature and the writers who bring these stories to life.

Books By The River host Holly Jackson explores Southern stories that blend history, mystery and heart across ten episodes filled with conversations with celebrated authors. From uncovering resistance along South Carolina’s Combahee River to reimagining small-town life and gothic intrigue, each conversation reveals how today’s authors capture the South’s evolving identity through courage, connection and imagination.

Filmed at ETV Lowcountry, Books By The River provides an intimate setting for meaningful discussions with authors of historical fiction, Southern mysteries and cultural narratives. Through candid conversations, Jackson explores the inspirations, challenges and writing processes of her guests, offering a deeper look at the art of storytelling.

Below is a glimpse into season 2 episodes of Books By The River:

Episode 201: “Nicholas Sparks” – Holly Jackson sits with Nicholas Sparks to discuss his novel Remain. Sparks reflects on the book’s themes of love, loss and the memories that stay with us, offering insight into the emotional journey at the center of the story.

Episode 202: “Kardea Brown” – Holly Jackson sits with Kardea Brown to discuss her cookbook Make Do With What You Have. Brown shares the cultural roots and personal stories that shaped her cooking style, as well as the importance of resourcefulness in the kitchen.

Episode 203: “Taylor Brown” – Holly Jackson sits with author Taylor Brown to discuss his novel Rednecks. Brown discusses the history that inspired the book and the human stories at the center of this powerful tale of struggle and resilience.

Episode 204: “Stacy Willingham” – Holly Jackson sits with author Stacy Willingham to discuss her novel Forget Me Not. Willingham discusses the book’s suspenseful plot, its exploration of memory and fear, and how she crafts gripping psychological mysteries.

Episode 205: “Edda Fields-Black” – Holly Jackson sits with author and Pulitzer prize-winning historian Edda Fields-Black, Ph.D. to discuss her book Combee. Dr. Fields-Black explores the lives, resistance and community networks that shaped a region.

Episode 206: “Ivy Odom” – Holly Jackson sits with author Ivy Odom to discuss her cookbook My Southern Kitchen. Odom shares the inspiration behind her recipes and the Southern traditions that shaped her approach to cooking.

Episode 207: “M.O. Walsh” – Holly Jackson sits with author M.O. Walsh to discuss his novel The Big Door Prize. Walsh discusses the book’s central question of a person’s potential and the ripple effects it has on the lives of a small town.

Episode 208: “Emily Carpenter” – Holly Jackson sits with author Emily Carpenter to discuss her novel Gothictown. Carpenter reflects on the suspenseful story, the gothic influences and the Southern setting that brings the book to life.

Episode 209: “Mollie Barnes” – Holly Jackson sits with author Mollie Barnes, Ph.D. to discuss her book Paper Heroines. Dr. Barnes discusses the women reformers in the Sea Islands featured in the book and the importance of recognizing their lasting influence.

Episode 210: “Jennifer Moorman” – Holly Jackson sits with author Jennifer Moorman to discuss her novel A Charmed Library. She shares the inspiration behind the story and its magical themes. The episode concludes with a behind-the-scenes look at how the show comes together.

Books By The River is created in partnership with the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). The program is produced and directed by Dr. Caroline E. Sawyer, associate professor of communication and interdisciplinary studies, and consists of a student crew of USCB students. The student crew for the new season includes: Reilly Chiasera, Kristina Cunningham, Taylor De’silva, Turner Owen, Mallory Parrish, Tripp Richards, Jacob Ridenhour, Ashley Shafer, Kayla Sherriffe, Tia Simmons and Faith Swanson. Since its debut in 2018, USCB students from various majors including Communication Studies, English, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Media Arts and have contributed to the production of Books By The River.

Books By The River host Holly Jackson is the Director of Operations at ETV Lowcountry, one of SCETV’s four regional studios. A former local television news reporter and anchor, Jackson now works closely with USCB students who participate in hands-on learning experiences at the regional studio. Jackson is a native of Bishopville, S.C. and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Throughout her career in journalism, she has earned multiple awards and honors, including three Radio Television Digital News Association Edward R. Murrow regional awards for Excellence in Writing and recognition from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters as Best News Reporter in 2018.

To mark the new season of Books By The River, SCETV is hosting a summer-long reading challenge aimed at engaging adult readers. This virtual scavenger hunt began May 10 and runs through Labor Day with new missions and prizes announced weekly. Follow the campaign all summer long on SCETV’s social media pages, website and during the broadcast of Books By The River’s new season.

A co-production by SCETV and USCB, production funding for Books By The River is provided by the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, Peter Zamuka & Lynn Baker, Visit Beaufort, Port Royal, and Sea Islands and OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute at USC Beaufort.

Books By The River is distributed to public television stations nationwide by American Public Television (APT). Viewers outside of South Carolina are encouraged to check their local public television station listings for broadcast airdates. Episodes are available for streaming on SCETV.org and PBS.org along with the SCETV and PBS apps.

More information about Books By The River and previous seasons is available on the SCETV website.

“Books By The River exemplifies SCETV’s commitment to meaningful storytelling by celebrating Southern literature and elevating the voices of authors who reflect the complexity and richness of the region. This new season continues to deepen that mission, and SCETV is proud to share these conversations with audiences across South Carolina and beyond.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“Books By The River continues to highlight the strength of Southern storytelling while providing an invaluable hands-on learning experience for USCB students. This season reflects the continued growth of a series that connects audiences with the writers shaping today’s literary landscape.” –SCETV Director of National Content and Regional Operations Don Godish

“Books By The River season 2 is the result of a team that took ownership of their roles and delivered — and that kind of hands-on responsibility is exactly what this USCB-SCETV partnership was built to provide. This season’s lineup, which includes Nicholas Sparks, Edda Fields-Black, and M.O. Walsh among others, reflects the caliber of storytelling the series continues to attract, and gives our students the opportunity to work alongside authors doing significant work in Southern literature.” –Books By The River Producer and Director Caroline E. Sawyer, Ph.D.

“Having the opportunity to sit down with these incredible authors and explore their creative journeys is truly an honor. Books By The River not only celebrates literature but also fosters a deeper connection between storytellers and their audiences. I’m excited for viewers to experience the insightful and heartfelt conversations this season has to offer.” –Books By The River Host Holly Jackson

FAST FACTS

• Books By The River continues to spotlight Southern authors and their stories through engaging, in-depth conversations.
• Season 2 features ten episodes exploring Southern storytelling that blends history, mystery and heart.
• The series is filmed at ETV Lowcountry, and is created in partnership with USCB, the production crew consists primarily of USCB students.
• To coincide with the season 2 premiere, SCETV will host a summer-long reading challenge for adult readers beginning May 10.
• Distributed nationally by American Public Television (APT), episodes are also available for streaming on SCETV.org and PBS.org along with the SCETV and PBS apps.

 

About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis. 

About University of South Carolina Beaufort 

The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) responds to regional needs, draws upon regional strengths and prepares graduates to contribute locally, nationally and internationally with its focus on teaching, research and service. USCB is a public, comprehensive institution in the University of South Carolina system, offering Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines as well as select Master’s degrees in response to regional demand through on-site and distance delivery methods. Serving a diverse population, USCB enriches the quality of life for students and area residents through artistic and cultural offerings, collaborations with regional, national and international partners and lifelong learning opportunities.

About American Public Television

American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation’s public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series and news and current affairs programs. Doc Martin, Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Live From the Artists Den, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs, considered some of the most popular on public television. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming — and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.