It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas 2025: Author Interview with Anna Jensen

What made you decide to write a Christmas themed book? Could you give a short synopsis on the book for my readers?
A few years ago, wanted to add a Christmas book into my collection for readers. I decided to write a short novella set in the fictional London parish of St Saviours, where the vicar — Reverend Richard — loves all things Christmas.  I released A Candle for Christmas in 2021, thinking that would be my one and only Christmas story.

However, I so enjoyed creating the St Saviours community that I returned the following year. And then at Easter. And again for another Christmas! Each story follows Reverend Richard, wife Marj, their daughter, Ellen and congregants homeless Joelle and glamourous Tamara as they experience the various seasons and traditions of the church calendar.

Their most recent adventure, A Big Five Safari Christmas brings the St Saviours church family all the way to South Africa, where Christmas comes with sunshine, wildlife, and a few unexpected challenges. As five stories unfold — The Buffalo, The Leopard, The Elephant, The Rhinoceros, and The Lion — each character discovers more of the true meaning of Christmas.
 

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
I’ve had to switch up quite a few of my favourites after leaving the UK and moving to South Africa almost thirty years ago. It’s taken me a while to get used to Christmas being in the middle of summer, rather than the cosiness of winter (I’m not sure I’m entirely used to it, even now!).

Where I grew up with candles and fairylights, and wonderful Christmas meals and treats, I now enjoy summery days, watermelon and salads for Christmas dinner, and a dip in the pool before opening any pressies. In the UK, I attended a traditional church, whereas now our services are more informal. I think I missed some of the traditional elements, and so created the St Saviours stories from a bit of nostalgia!

Do you have any other new releases?
I just released a fifth book in the St Saviours series. It's called A Harvest of Thanksgiving and combines the British church harvest festival with the American celebration of Thanksgiving — thanks to the arrival of American curate, Lloyd.
 
I’m also putting the finishing touches to an appointments and inspirational diary for 2026, which I’m excited about. Each month features a piece of my doodle artwork, a series of Bible verses and prompts for reflection. I’ve also linked its publication to a brand new Patreon subscription offer, for readers to receive more in-depth devotional content, free downloads, sneak peeks of upcoming releases — and much more!

What’s the best writing tip you’ve learned or been given you’d like to share?
Stephen King’s ‘write with the door closed; edit with the door open’. Writing without the pressure of wondering what others think is vital for my enjoyment of the storytelling process. Working through how others may interpret the story (editing with the door open) is a different experience, with its own joys and challenges.
 
What do you know now about writing and publishing you wish you had learned sooner?
That it’s hard work! But a glorious roller-coaster of a ride, when Jesus is in the driving seat.

Any last words or tips?
God created us to be like Him — which means we all have the capacity to create. As we discover more about Him, leaning into His presence and His creative imagination, so we find His spark igniting within us. Being Captivated by the Creator is what my writing (and beyond!) life is all about.

 What books would you like to tell my readers about?
A Harvest of Thanksgiving, the St Saviours book I mentioned earlier is available from Amazon: books2read.com/harvestofthanksgiving The 2026 diary just released. This will only be available in hardback print. I’ll provide updates in my upcoming newsletters. Subscribe at annajensen.co.uk/news

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Anna's writing, she'sI’ve put together a special collection of Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts for you. Head over to her exclusive, hidden webpage at www.annajensen.co.uk/christmasgiveaway and download your goodies! 

There’s a free Christmas colouring page of one of her designs, plus free printable Christmas cards – both DIY for you to colour, and a ready-to-go printed version. You’ll also find a digital version of her upcoming diary for January 2026. And as an extra bonus, She's included the first chapter of A Big Five Safari Christmas and A Harvest of Thanksgiving for you to read. You can find all her writing places through  linktr.ee/annaloujensen

Paperback and eBook available from Amazon via books2read.com/abig5safarichristmas. Always FREE in Kindle Unlimited