L. D. Lapinski: The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever (Orion Children’s Books 2024)
Harper and her brother Will had a surprising but magical Christmas two years ago when they met their mom’s new boyfriend, Nick. At first, it was difficult for them to accept a new family member when there were always the three of them, but Nick’s kindness won everyone over. Now, the family has another new member, Harper and Will’s little sister, Yula. However, Christmas holds surprises this year too, because as the holiday approaches, Yula will be able to do magical things like Nick. Will the family manage to keep this Christmas miracle a secret?
The book is the sequel to Stepfather Christmas, with its 25 chapters, it can also be read as an advent calendar. I really liked this one too. The previous volume was also my favorite the year I read it, and this book was no different. What I like about L.D. Lapinski’s other books is that the story is really touching even without the fantastic element: we can read about important things that are also valid in everyday life. For me, the main message of the story is that if our family expands, it does not mean that it was not complete before, but that it will be even better now.
L. D. Lapinski lives with her family, lots of books and a cat near Sherwood Forest. She has been writing stories since she was 7 years old, and Strangeworlds Travel Agency was her first book series. Since then, she has also published an LGBTQIA+ middle grade novel, as well as a new middle grade series titled the Artezans. The final volume of the trilogy is expected next year. The author also published a sci-fi novel for adults this year called Some Body Like Me.
