Samantha Heil | Guest: Conversations with Rich Bennett

Executive Director

Samantha Heil is a career educator, literacy expert, author, and Executive Director of Prose & Place, a 501(c)(3) literacy nonprofit dedicated to building community through books. Prose & Place produces year-round programming designed to support literacy, connect readers and writers, and create meaningful literary experiences throughout the community, including its flagship program, Book Fair at Bel Air.

As E.S. Rosalynn, Samantha is the co-author, with Erin Boyce, of heartfelt small-town romance stories centered on connection, hope, and belonging.

Book Fair at Bel Air began in 2024 as an idea sketched out over a cup of coffee at Panera Bread and has since grown into a vibrant, all-ages literary event rooted in community, creativity, and a deep love of reading. Today, as a program of Prose & Place, the fair is part of a larger mission to create spaces where books bring people together.

Sept. 30, 2026

Samantha Heil: How Fascinating Books Actually Build Hope

Samantha Heil joins Rich Bennett to share how Book Fair at Bel Air grew from a conversation at Panera Bread into a literary celebration welcoming more than 2,400 attendees. She reveals plans for year-round workshops, book clubs, outreach, and author support while discussing why every reader deserves access, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sponsored by Freedom Federal Credit Union

Guest: Samantha Heil

Listen to the Episode