Celebrating a New Book Series featuring Vida Li Sik post Sept 15

Today I'll be introducing you to Vida Li Sik, an author, from a wonderful book series called Our House on Jakaranda Laan. All the stories in this series, take place in the fictitious town of Cedarfontein, South Africa. Read on to learn about her and her story.

Tell my readers a little about yourself.
I’m the third-youngest of 11 children, all born at home with the help of a midwife. Growing up in such a big family meant there was always someone to play with, someone to help with homework, or someone to fight over the meat that had disappeared from my plate.

I’m married to an amazing man I met at church who cooks, cleans, and irons far better than I do, and together we have two wonderful young-adult sons. I love hiking with family and friends, and chocolate is my favorite vegetable... it counts, right?

I also enjoy watching birds and love the African hoopoe (with its cinnamon-brown feathers and zebra-colored tail) and my absolute favorite is the hadeda, known for its loud and distinctive “ha-ha” call. I’m convinced they are relics from the dinosaur age.

Now how about some details on your book and time frame it takes place?
The Fixer’s Release is a women’s fiction story that takes place between the South African spring and summer (from September to December).

The Fixer’s Release follows Imka, who returns to a small South African town with her husband and two children after four years abroad. As family pressures mount and anxiety quietly takes hold, her instinct is to fix everyone’s problems—including those beyond her control. Through motherhood, marriage, and faith, Imka discovers that true peace isn’t found in holding everything together, but in surrendering control to God. It’s a warm, hope-filled story about anxiety, family, and learning to let go.

What inspired you to write this story?
I love writing about relatable experiences—such as starting over in a new country, sibling rivalry, and anxiety over everyday experiences as a wife and mother. The Fixer’s Release is the third instalment in Imka’s journey in the Our House series. After a traumatic experience, she and her family leave South Africa to begin again in an English village. In Our House on

Sycamore Street (Book 3), she learns what it means to be an outsider in a new community. In Our House on Heather Wynd (Book 11), she faces the challenges of sibling rivalry when her sister arrives for a visit. Now, back in South Africa, Imka must confront her deepest struggle yet: letting go of the need to control everything.

Each story stands alone, but I’m looking forward to bringing Imka’s three-book journey together in a single volume over the next few months.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
If You Can Talk, You Can Write (Joel Saltzman’s book that started my writing and keeps me writing).

What other books do you have in the works?
The Dreamer’s Promise is book 5 in the Our House on Jakaranda Laan series. The story is about a promise a daughter made to her father, and dealing with the loss of a career. 

That's all for today's interview. Yes, Vida has 2 books in this series - so you're doubly blessed! To learn more about Vida's books, go to 

The Fixer’s Release: https://www.amazon.com/Fixers-Release-Christian-Fiction-Jakaranda-ebook/dp/B0H5W2KZDK 

Website: www.vidalisik.com
Vida and Coffee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vidalswriter

And here's a special bonus...Get a FREE eBook as part of this series. It's a cookbook that features recipes of some of the characters in the Our House series and introduces you to each of them. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6i3sifi9ss

Celebrating a New Book Series Featuring Caroline Johnston

Today I'll be introducing you to an author from a wonderful book series called Our House on Jakaranda Laan. All the stories In this series, take place In the fictitious town of Cedarfontein, South Africa on Jacaranda Lane. Read on to learn about one author and her story.

First off, tell my readers your book title, the genre for your book and the time frame it takes place?
Hey everyone, greetings from Scotland. My book for Our House on Jakaranda Laan is The Fullback’s Try. It’s contemporary Christian fiction set in the present day.

Give my readers a short blurb about your story and characters.
The Fullback’s Try: A professional rugby player sidelined by injuries, a teenager embarking on an international rugby internship. What will faith, rugby and life in Cedarfontein teach them about following their dreams?

What inspired you to write this story?
I’ve been part of the previous two Our House series.

The Mother’s Song, Our House on Sycamore Street, introduced us to the McVitty family, specifically Miranda, the mum, and Naomi, the oldest daughter.

Then Tea Maker’s Blend, Our House on Heather Wynd, focused on Rebecca McVitty, the middle daughter.

So when Anna told me there was going to be a third series, I knew it was time for Joshua, the youngest sibling, to have his say. With the series set in South Africa, it was the perfect opportunity to write about rugby (we’re a house of rugby fans). But don’t worry if you’re not a rugby fan; you’ll still enjoy cheering for Joshua and Lourie as they pursue their dreams.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve had in your writing?
The best encouragement is reader feedback. Whether it’s someone telling me that one of my books has helped them on their faith journey, or encouraged them in a situation they were struggling with, or that they can identify with one of my characters. It’s the best feeling knowing that you’ve been a positive in someone’s day.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received or could give?
In terms of giving advice, I would say: find your tribe, your kindred spirits, your community. Connect with fellow writers. People who get you and what you do. People who celebrate the wins and keep you going when it’s tough.

What other books do you have in the works?
I’m currently writing the third book in my Braid Hope series; a series incorporating faith, friendship, and healing in the Scottish Highlands. Winter Storms will be coming out in early 2027. It follows farmer Heather McAlpine and nature enthusiast Craig Richardson. The books are set in my favourite part of Scotland and are a joy to write, even though they deal with some heavy issues.

That's all for today's interview. Learn more about Caroline's books with these links:
Sign up for her newsletter: https://carolinejohnston.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=948764f72ec2b806883269266&id=c77d2f89fa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinejohnstonauthor 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinej_author/

And here's a special bonus...Get a FREE eBook as part of this series. It's a cookbook that features recipes of some of the characters in the Our House series and introduces you to each of them and their story. https://dl.bookfunnel.com/6i3sifi9ss