This week on Jen’s Jewels, we’re stepping into the twinkling lights and heartfelt reflections of the holiday season with author Lindsay Gibson. Her latest release, CHRISTMAS IN FOCUS, captures the magic of second chances, sisterhood, and rediscovering one’s purpose against the charming backdrop of snowy Vermont. Join us as Lindsay shares how a move from New England to South Carolina sparked this emotional journey of love, loss, and learning to see life through a new lens.
Jen: Was there a specific moment, place, or experience that sparked the idea for CHRISTMAS IN FOCUS?
Lindsay: CHRISTMAS IN FOCUS was inspired during my move from New England to coastal South Carolina—a season of change that made me reflect on what I was leaving behind. Like Millie finding her confidence behind the camera, I found mine as a writer, learning that sometimes you have to shift your view to truly see what matters.
Jen: Millie is an aspiring photographer on the verge of giving up. What drew you to a character at a crossroads in her life?
Lindsay: I was drawn to Millie because I deeply understood that feeling of standing at a crossroads—of wondering if your creative path still has room for you. Around the time I began this story, I’d just and was learning to trust my own instincts as a New England writer again, especially now that I didn’t live there anymore. Like Millie, I wanted to explore what it means to rediscover confidence and purpose when everything familiar shifts.
Jen: Tell us about Luke Thayer. What makes him more than just a handsome town chairman?
Lindsay: Luke’s story is about resilience and the weight of responsibility. He’s trying to do right by his town while carrying guilt from Riley’s accident and the pressure of living up to his grandfather’s legacy. What makes him more than the charming chairman is his empathy—he leads with heart, even when he doubts himself and his jovial personality.
Jen: What is it about the holiday season that makes it the perfect backdrop for romance and second chances?
Lindsay: The holidays hold both magic and meaning. They bring people together, stir old memories, and open the door to hope—the perfect ingredients for romance and renewal.
Jen: Did any of your favorite family Christmas traditions find their way into the story?
Lindsay: Yes! A few of my favorite traditions slipped in. The sledding scene behind the library was inspired by my own childhood winters, and the historic holiday home tour mirrors one I loved back in Connecticut—our own home even participated one year. Those small-town holiday moments always stay with you, and they felt right at home in Millie and Luke’s story.
Jen: Which secondary character captured your heart and why?
Lindsay: Lila captured my heart from the start. Despite always being the one their parents praised, she never let competition come between her and Millie. Her loyalty, humor, and unwavering support reminded me that the strongest love stories in life aren’t always romantic—they can be between sisters who choose each other, even when life pulls them in different directions.
Jen: If you were to create a Christmas playlist for this book, what tracks would best depict Millie and Luke's relationship and the cozy Alpine Ridge atmosphere?
Lindsay: “The Night Before Christmas” – Carly Simon
Elegant, wistful, and hopeful — just like Millie and Luke’s slow-burn connection and the sense of reflection that runs through the story about themselves.
“River” – Sarah McLachlan (Joni Mitchell cover)
Haunting and timeless — it carries that emotional undercurrent of regret, redemption, and beauty that fits both the Vermont setting and the echoes of the past.
“Home” – Michael Bublé
Warm and nostalgic, this one captures the cozy Alpine Ridge spirit and Luke’s longing to build something meaningful again — both for his town and with Millie.
Jen: What's on your TBR stack right now? Are there any holiday-themed books or sweet romances that you're excited about?
Lindsay: I’m actually reading Into the Fire by Irene Hannon. It’s a gripping blend of danger, faith, and slow-burn romance that’s perfect for spooky season nights.
Jen: What's next for you as an author?
Lindsay: I am plugging away at book two of my upcoming Lost & Found Trilogy with Tule Publishing. Book one releases November 2026. I am also working on my next dual-timeline holiday romance.
Jen: What's your favorite social media platform for connecting with readers?
Lindsay: Both Instagram and TikTok.
Jen: Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your newest release, CHRISTMAS IN FOCUS. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Lindsay: Thank you for having me!
From a beautiful new voice in contemporary romance comes a charming, heartwarming story, perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Denise Hunter, and Debbie Macomber.
Aspiring photographer Millie Rowan is on the verge of giving up any hope of becoming successful, but the perfect job opens up at a ski lodge in Alpine Ridge, Vermont. When she arrives, she’s awestruck by the snow-capped mountains, and inside, its romantic holiday dinners for two, roaring fire, and hot cider have her feeling festive.
While there, the handsome town chairman, Luke Thayer, catches her attention. How wonderful it would be to explore the area and its holiday events with him.
But at the annual Christmas parade, when Luke overhears Millie talking about her pitch and what she’s there to do, Christmas might not be so merry…
A delightful winter escape that will have you longing for cozy nights by the fireplace and mugs of hot cocoa.
Romance Contemporary | Romance Holiday [Harpeth Road Press, On Sale: October 14, 2025, Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781963483321 / ]
Lindsay’s first book, her memoir, Just Be: How my Stillborn Son Taught Me to Surrender, won the Book Excellence finalist award in 2018. She has been featured in Elephant Journal, Green Child Magazine, and Self Magazine.
Lindsay now writes emotional romantic fiction, full of heartfelt love, good friends, and family, sprinkled with humor and tender warmth, where her characters discover that love is the reason for everything. Her debut romantic fiction novel The Christmas Promise with Harpeth Road Press, set in a charming New England town at the holidays is now available.
When not writing fiction, she is working on her exclusive weekly newsletter Love is the Reason about all things love, food and healthy living. She spends the rest of her days chasing her three daughters around their hometown in Connecticut and hanging out with her Irish husband whose brogue still makes her blush.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, "Serendipity by the Sea," secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido's talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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