Find Me in the Silent Night: Lisa Jordan Brings Christmas Magic to Jonathan Island
Christmas came early for Book Bites listeners this week. Author Lisa Jordan stopped by to talk about her newest release, Find Me in the Silent Night, and the beloved series it belongs to. If you’re searching for a cozy, community-driven romance to kick off your holiday reading, this episode delivers.
A First Christmas Novel for Lisa Jordan
Find Me in the Silent Night marks a milestone for Jordan. It’s her very first Christmas book. The story sits within the Jonathan Island series, published through Sunrise’s Hometown Hearts imprint. Specifically, it’s the ninth installment in Season 2.
The fictional Jonathan Island draws inspiration from Michigan’s real-life Mackinac Island. However, Jordan takes creative liberties throughout. As a result, longtime Mackinac visitors will spot familiar touches alongside entirely original details. That freedom, she explained, is one of fiction’s greatest gifts.
Meet Vanessa and James
At the heart of the novel are two characters carrying old wounds. James is the eldest sibling in the Sullivan family, longtime stewards of the island’s Grand Hotel. Vanessa, meanwhile, is the eldest in her own family, with deep ties to the McBride Adventure Resort across the island.
A quiet, generational feud simmers between their families. Twenty years apart, separated by broken hearts, James and Vanessa must now work side by side for their community’s sake. Naturally, sparks reignite along the way.
Favorite Scenes: Gingerbread and a Blizzard
During the interview, Jordan shared two scenes she loved writing most. First, a lighthearted gingerbread house contest brings Vanessa and James together in playful competition. Second, and more memorably, a planned sleigh ride gets scrapped when a blizzard rolls in. Rather than risk a ride on icy roads, the community pivots to an impromptu pizza party at the Grand Hotel.
That pizza scene carries real emotional weight. It ties directly to James’s happiest childhood memory. Meanwhile, banter over pizza toppings adds humor and chemistry between the leads. Interestingly, Jordan credited her son, a professional chef, for helping shape those kitchen details.
Behind a Multi-Author Series
Beyond her own writing, Jordan also serves as line director for the Hometown Hearts imprint. In that role, she coordinates a team of authors writing interconnected stories. A shared Discord channel and a detailed story bible keep everyone aligned. Regular video calls further ensure continuity across each author’s book.
This kind of collaboration, Jordan noted, strengthens more than the storylines. It also builds genuine friendships among the writing team. Consequently, readers benefit from a richly connected world where characters reappear and relationships evolve across multiple books.
What’s Next for Lisa Jordan
Jordan’s writing schedule shows no signs of slowing. She recently released a book with Love Inspired and has another arriving in November. That upcoming story centers on a gluten-detection dog, an idea sparked after Jordan discovered a real working dog on Instagram. Since she follows a gluten-free diet herself, the concept resonated immediately.
The new release is the third book in her Rusted Rose Ranch family series, set in the fictional town of Aspen Ridge, Colorado. A fourth book proposal, submitted just days before this recording, is already in the works.
Where to Find Lisa Jordan
Readers can learn more at lisajordanbooks.com, where Jordan also shares devotional-style blog posts. A newsletter signup lives on her Connect page, and an upcoming reader magnet will introduce new fans to her earlier novels set in the fictional Pennsylvania town of Shelby Lake.
Catch the Full Conversation
This episode is a warm, encouraging listen for anyone craving holiday romance recommendations. Tune in to hear Lisa Jordan’s full conversation with Rebecca Reed and Rebecca Yauger, then pick up Find Me in the Silent Night to start your Christmas reading early.
Listen or view to the full episode using the links below, or wherever you find your favorite podcast. Browse our complete schedule at rebeccaandrebecca.com.
