It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2026: Author Interview with Vida Li Sik

What made you decide to write a Christmas-themed book?
I’ve noticed that there are very few Christmas novellas set during a summer Christmas. Since that’s the only kind of Christmas I’ve ever known, living in the Southern Hemisphere, I decided to write a story, Remember When, that reflects the Christmas I’m familiar with.

Could you give a short synopsis of the book for my readers?

Remember When is a sweet, second-chance romance. A decade after Gérard’s marriage proposal was rejected, an unexpected Christmas reunion with Santi stirs up old feelings and painful memories. Once, Santi gave up her dreams of marriage and a career with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to care for her family. Now, with her responsibilities behind her, she’s ready to embrace life again. But can these two former sweethearts overcome the hurt of the past, find the courage to trust each other, and discover whether the miracle of Christmas will give them a second chance at love? 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

For me, Christmas is all about spending time with family. I grew up in a huge extended family and loved our wonderfully chaotic gatherings, but these days, Christmas is a much quieter affair with my own family of four. We exchange presents before breakfast, then enjoy a big lunch around noon. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the summer heat, chatting or playing board games.

 

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned that you’d like to share?

After years of writing non-fiction as a journalist, I was inspired by Joel Saltzman’s book If You Can Talk, You Can Write to try my hand at fiction. The book’s title was just the encouragement I needed to take that first step.

What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?

That the first draft of my story doesn't have to be perfect. The perfection trap prevented me from starting sooner.

Any additional ideas or tips you'd like to share?

 Write what you are passionate about, even if it is not what is selling right now. Authenticity comes easier than performance.

What’s your newest release that you’d like to tell my readers about?

I recently published two novellas back-to-back in the Our House on Jakaranda Laan series, a collection of multi-genre Christian novellas set in a fictional South African town. The Dreamer’s Promise is a second-chance romance set on a wine estate, exploring themes of overcoming grief and embracing a new identity. The Fixer’s Release is a women’s fiction story about a wife and mother who must learn to trust God with life’s challenges rather than trying to control every situation herself.

That's all for today's interview. I hope you will check out her books. I am a fan of her writing and hope you will be, too. 

Website: www.vidalisik.com   

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter

And here's a special bonus from Vida...Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free copy of Giving Heart, a Christmas in July novella through Story Origin: https://bit.ly/4yLqR6a

But wait, there's more...Here's your opportunity to get a bunch of free eBooks to introduce you to authors you have not yet met. Act quickly, the free eBooks disappear after Nov 15! https://books.bookfunnel.com/frontporch

Kicking off my "Celebrating Christmas Books 2026. Come join the fun!"

It's beginning to read a lot like Christmas. Get ready for a joyful journey through the world of Christmas-themed books! Starting today through Christmas, my blog posts will be filled with chats from various authors. You’ll hear about heartwarming children's tales to cozy mysteries, romantic comedies, and nostalgic historical romances. 

In these posts, each author will share their favorite Christmas traditions, the inspiration behind their festive books, and valuable writing tips. Plus, you'll get an exclusive sneak peek into their upcoming projects. And since we’re celebrating the season of giving, there will be an assortment of giveaways sprinkled generously throughout the season!

To kick it off, I’m highlighting my own Christmas themed books. Each Christmas I release at least one Christmas book. This year my new book is a picture book for children called "Santa's Sooty Suit Solution." It's a humorous look at the goings on at the North Pole. Here are some of the details.

Christmas Eve is over—but Santa’s biggest problem has just begun!
After a night of climbing down chimneys, Santa returns to the North Pole with his once-bright red suit covered in soot. Usually, that means Mrs. Claus has to make another one. But Mrs. Claus would much rather be baking cookies!

So Santa’s inventive elves launch a hilarious mission to find a new way to save his suit from soot. Soon the North Pole is filled with experiments, crazy inventions, unexpected mishaps, and plenty of Christmas laughs.

I've also include a recipe for Snow Sprite Cookies in the back of the book as well as coloring pages and activity sheets. Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Santas-Sooty-Solution-Christine-Henderson/dp/B0HNDSKQD1

My other Christmas book for children is called, "The Innkeeper's Son" which is a recounting of Christ's birth from a fictionalized account of a young boy whose life is forever changed by what he saw that night. This book pairs well with The First Noel: Digging Deeper into Christ's Birth, which is an Advent devotional that includes additional Biblical insights into that time period with links for more details. I'm also happy to let you know that book has been awarded as a 5-Star Reader's Favorite.

And here is my most recent Christmas romance,  "Falling in Love Despite Christmas Miscalculations." Here are the details...

Natalie Baynton has finally landed her dream job at Rothwell’s, the glitzy fashion store in Aspen, Colorado. This coveted apprenticeship is her one shot at becoming the store’s major fashion buyer, and she’s determined to succeed. Nothing will get in Natalie’s way. Romance is the last thing on her mind—until she meets Alexander.

Alexander Davies-White, a brilliant numbers whiz from Britain, is on track to become Rothwell’s next CFO. His past romances have always been more about image calculations than chemistry, leaving him longing for something genuine. Arriving in Aspen two months early to observe the store staff incognito, he meets Natalie. Captivated by her charm and ambition, Alexander pretends to be a personal shopper to spend time with her.

As their connection deepens, Alexander's ruse grows increasingly difficult to maintain. Will a season of miracles bring them together? Or will Christmas miscalculations shatter their chance at love?

So, snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa or cider and join me in celebrating the magic of Christmas in the most delightful way—through the joy of reading from now till the end of December. I'll be setting up eBook giveaways throughout that time.
If you'd like to learn more about these books and others I've written, here's the link to my Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-L.-Henderson/author/B09L2Y7XNP

Now for some early Christmas presents... Here's an assortment of sweet romance eBooks that are being offered for 99 cents each. But you'll need to act fast as it will disappear after Nov 10. Find them at   https://books.bookfunnel.com/christmaskissesat99cents/eghkg8xnpk

Here's a second promo that features 4 different historical novels by four different for  only 99 cents each. But you'll need to act fast as it will disappear after Nov 10. Find them at https://www.amazon.com/Chiseled-Heart-Christmas-Novella-Collection-ebook/dp/B0CGZMNN2B