Margate Bookshop Event

2nd April 2026

Fort Road Hotel Bar

Kent-based author Jodie Chapman discusses her dazzling new novel California Gold at Fort Road Hotel Bar in Margate

7pm - 9pm

A transatlantic tale of desire, dreams and dysfunctional families and her crew.

A cinematic story of a marriage, a family and the thin line between a dream and an obsession, local author Jodie Chapman's latest novel California Gold begins with a chance meeting in 1970s LA, as beautiful blonde Chrissy picks up freewheeling English hitchhiker Frank by the side of the road. It's love at first sight... and everything feels possible. Years later, as their shared dream of building a mid-century home in England threatens to overwhelm them, Frank thinks back to this 'sliding doors' moment, wondering what life would've looked like if their paths hadn't crossed. What flows from this is a generations-spanning saga of great loves, complicated families, beautiful people and broken hearts.

Having worked for years as a photographer, Jodie Chapman has since pivoted back to her first love of writing, publishing novels Another Life and Oh, Sister to great acclaim. She'll be chatting about all-things California Gold with fellow author and journalist Ali Millar.

The wonderful Fort Road Hotel host the meet-ups in their basement bar with a delicious selection of drinks and snacks.

Click here to find out about other events happening at Fort Road Hotel Bar