Lindsay Gibson's "The Christmas Coin"
I’m back with another interview with Lindsay Gibson—queen of the small-town romance. Her cozy Christmas novel, The Christmas Coin, is now available from Harpeth Road and features ballet and mid-life career changes set in a small town.
Rebecca: As I always ask first, what sparked the idea for The Christmas Coin?
Lindsay: The idea of this story all started when my husband actually had found an old European coin in our own historical 1784 home in Connecticut…thus began The Christmas Coin outline. With my husband being from Ireland, I also had to throw in a little “Irish Luck” into the storyline.
Rebecca: I had been wondering if it were based on finding a coin in real life. Ballet plays a major role in this story, from the reason Amelia is forced to change careers to the reason she meets the love interest. Do you have a background in ballet? You described things so realistically that it makes me think you've lived some of it.
Lindsay: Like many little girls, I had dreamed of being a ballerina, especially when I got to dance in The Nutcracker, so I knew I had to tie this into the story as well. I take my own girls to see it every year! Luckily, there are so many articles and videos to read/watch for research when it comes to ballet terms, that it’s almost impossible these days not to find what you’re looking for.
Rebecca: Did you scout out some New England fixer-upper houses to get the right atmosphere for the setting?
Lindsay: I lived in New England for 40 years and both my father and husband are builders. I’ve lived in so many historical homes that I could give tours in them.
Rebecca: Your novel reminds me of a Hallmark movie but with a lot more substance. It comes across as lighthearted yet has scenes that let the reader know it's more than just fluff. Are there any particular things that inspire you to give it that realistic grounding?
Lindsay: With my previous career in mental health nutrition and psychology, my stories will always have more depth. It’s just in my nature to add more substance to the storyline, hoping to inspire and motivate my readers with real-world hardships and struggles.
Rebecca: Are you planning another novel related to this one? Maybe about the character Diana? I'd love to read more of her story.
Lindsay: Right now there are no sequels in the works, although it’s never completely ruled out. Although, a new ‘happy ending’ to Diana’s story would be nice.
Rebecca: What was your favorite scene to write or research?
Lindsay: There are so many, it’s hard to choose. I thoroughly loved writing this entire book. It was an absolute blast! I really enjoyed the scenes with Amelia and young Ava because I knew how powerful them working together was for both of them and their growth as characters. Not to mentioned touching…
Rebecca: There you have it, readers—another great novel from Lindsay Gibson. You should seriously consider buying it for someone for a present. If you know anyone who likes small-town novels or romance or Hallmark movies or Christmas storylines, this will be a great gift.
Twitter (X): @lgibsonauthor