Stepfather Christmas: A heartfelt funny festive story that sparkles with Christmas wonder and magic!

by L.D. Lapinski

From L. D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency , comes a heartwarming and hilarious story about a girl who is convinced her new stepdad is actually Father Christmas. Structured like an advent calendar, this is the perfect story to read one day at a time in the lead up to Christmas (with an extra special chapter for Christmas day!).

It's 25 days until Christmas . . .

And 10-year-old Harper gets a surprise when Mum announces she's bringing her new boyfriend Nick home for the holidays!

Nick s eems nice enough. But why do strange Christmassy things happen whenever he's around? Like snow falling only in the family's garden? Or a reindeer suddenly appearing on the roof?!

Harper's convinced that Nick must be Father Christmas! And if her mum and older brother won't believe her, she'll just have to find a way to prove it herself . . .

A Festive Countdown Story in 25 Chapters

Genres: Middle Grade, Christmas, Holiday, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2023

About the author

L. D. Lapinski is the best-selling author of JAMIE, Stepfather Christmas, and The Strangeworlds Travel Agency series, including Adventure in the Floating Mountains, which was a 2023 World Book Day title. JAMIE was nominated for the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing.

L. D's new middle-grade fantasy series ARTEZANS launches in February 2024 with the first book Artezans: The Forgotten Magic.

L. D.'s books are published around the world in fifteen languages, and each book in the Strangeworlds trilogy has been awarded a Kirkus star - one of the most coveted designations in the book industry,
marking books of exceptional merit.

L. D. Lapinski lives just outside Sherwood Forest with their family, a lot of books, and a cat called Hector. L. D. first wrote a book aged seven; it was made of lined paper and sellotape, and it was about a frog who owned an aeroplane. When L. D. grows up, they want to be a free-range guinea pig farmer.

L. D.'s literary agent is Claire Wilson at Rogers, Coleridge and White Literary Agency. For Film / TV, contact Emily Hayward Whitlock.

Twitter / Instagram / TikTok: @ldlapinski

Reviews

[Nadja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, festive read. The story was sweet and had some nice surprises.

[Amelia Stocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting up every morning or getting ready for bed every night to read the next chapter I love how supportive the kids are to the mum having a new boyfriend and I'm definitely going to be getting this book out every year from now on very cosy Christmas feel

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, festive read.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a chapter of this every day this month leading up to Christmas, and this made for such a fun advent calendar! It's a super cute story as well

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was supposed to be reading a chapter every day but instead read on because i am not a very patient person and the story is really good and engaging i really loved this and can see myself coming back to it next year

[Denise Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Will’s mum has a new boyfriend called Nick, who looks a lot like... Santa Claus, except he can’t be, can he?

When Nick starts spending a lot mote time with the family, the children notice how good he is with animals, at baking Christmas cookies and fixing broken toys. They wonder whether these skills point towards his true identity or whether he’s just a nice guy.

The story explores the children’s feelings about their mum having a boyfriend and how the end of just the three of them being together isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

As a Christmas story for older children, this worked perfectly. It didn’t question whether there is a Santa Claus, or try to persuade the reader to believe. The fact that he exists was just taken for granted. The magic and wonder in the story came from the realisation that he could be masquerading as an ordinary bloke living next door for most of the year.

The story is written in 25 chapters so it could be read a chapter per day throughout December, but it was too engrossing a story to be spread out like that. I read it in 3 big chunks.

I loved this book and will be buying copies to give as Christmas presents.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One chapter a day for the 25 day run up to Christmas? What a great idea! I love the idea of an advent calendar book and the story itself was brilliant and so enjoyable.

It’s perfect for children and adults alike, and as an adult I can fully recommend. It became somewhat of a morning ritual for me in the morning, up early, cocooned in bed warmth, one chapter and my advent chocolate. Became a sacred moment of the day! Although it doesn’t need to be read like this, you could read it in chunks or all one go and it doesn’t affect the reading of it in anyway (it’s easily binge worthy!).

We meet Harper and her brother who are used to a small family Christmas with their mum. Tinsel everywhere, a Christmas loving family who have the excitement of Christmas ahead of them. Only thing different this year? Their mums new boyfriend. And he looks an awful lot like a familiar, jolly figure …

Cue a fun filled 25 days of unravelling the mystery of what Harper is certain is Santa Claus. But could her potential new step dad really be him?

So so enjoyable and I loved every chapter of my 25 day countdown. Do glad they’ll be another next year as it’s such a great way to mark the run up to Christmas and there’s so much potential in this story. I can’t wait for next Christmas!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Stepfather Christmas was a fun Christmassy read!


The chapter a day Christmas countdown was a fun and unique style; however, the chapters did feel a little quick and unfinished. Nonetheless, Stepfather Christmas was a perfect and magical way to enjoy the Christmas season.

[Emma Sollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10 year old daughter and I read this throughout December like an Advent Calendar. She rarely reads with me these days, so it was genuinely lovely to share a book with each other, and enjoy it together.

It's a lovely, happy festive read and it made us both laugh at various points.

[Ocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book of joy was such a delight to read! The cutest middle grade Christmas story of all time.

[Louise Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolute joy. Perfect length chapters for a regular nighttime read!

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, festive, and the PERFECT advent read on the lead up to Christmas 🎄🎅. I am so excited for number 2 next year ❤️.

[Alice Nuttall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely lovely Christmas story, perfect for putting you in the festive spirit.

[Hâf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepfather Christmas by L.D. Lapinski is an absolute delight, brimming with festive warmth and family magic. Written in 25 chapters, it is perfect for the holiday season.

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun festive story, unique and entertaining. I really liked it.

[Emily T · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75-4⭐️ this was so cute and such an easy read. A very good time

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your mum meets a new partner and she wants you to meet them, things are always going to get a bit complicated. But what if you begin to suspect that that partner might not be all they appear to be? This is the situation in which Harper and her brother, Will, find themselves. As well as this, Will has mysteriously fallen out with his best friend, Henry, and though Harper doesn’t know what has gone wrong, she knows her brother is hurting and just wants to help.
This is a perfect, heart-filled festive story. It has just the right balance of traditional Christmas magic and fresh modern touches, keeping it relevant for children today. I imagine it’s difficult to create a story about Father Christmas for this age range, but Lapinski has managed this expertly. There is plenty in this novel to appeal to a middle grade audience without them feeling patronised and I would thoroughly recommend it.
This gave me all the Christmassy feelings without me ever thinking that I’d heard it before. With 25 chapters, this will make a wonderful alternative advent tradition for bedtime, or provide a great novel for a class read on the lead up to Christmas

[Laura Fowler-Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic, brilliant festive read. I loved it

[Izzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love about this book, lots of festive fun in 25 chapters so it can be shared as an advent treat in the run up to Christmas.
Harper, Will and their Mum love Christmas and this year Mum introduces her boyfriend Nick. With Nick around, special things start to happen and Harper wonders whether Nick is really Santa
A fab festive book, although I raced through and think I'd find it hard to restrict myself to a chapter a day!

[Lloyd Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a really great idea! It really has made each night on the lead up to Christmas feel really festive for me and my boys! Definitely going to factor this or the sequel in each Christmas!!!

10 year old review below:
“This book was brilliant! I loved all the twist and turns it occasionally had. I thought it was really good having a chapter a day like an advent calendar, and the cliffhanger ending was brilliant!”

[Helen Tamblyn-Saville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, cosy, Christmas fun! An absolute joy for this Christmas.

[KIRIAKI(Dominica Amat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Πρώτη δημοσίευση εδώ: https://www.dominicamat.gr/2025/12/25...

Χριστουγεννιάτικη βιβλιοπρόταση!

Τίτλος: Ένας διαφορετικός Αϊ-Βασίλης, Αντίστροφη μέτρηση με 25 ιστορίες

Συγγραφέας: L. D. Lapinski

Κάθε χρόνο διαβάζω και σας παρουσιάζω πολύ αξιόλογα παιδικά/εφηβικά βιβλία με θεματική γύρω από τις εορτές και τα Χριστούγεννα/την Πρωτοχρονιά, αλλά θα μου επιτρέψετε, φέτος, να θεωρώ ότι έχουν ανεβάσει το επίπεδο, με αποτέλεσμα το ένα να είναι καλύτερο και πιο συγκινητικό από το άλλο! Η σημερινή μου χριστουγεννιάτικη βιβλιοπρόταση αφορά ένα από τα πιο αγαπημένα μου παιδικά βιβλία για φέτος κι όχι μόνο! Ο λόγος για το βιβλίο της συγγραφέως L. D. Lapinski, με τίτλο ''Ένας διαφορετικός Αϊ-Βασίλης, Αντίστροφη μέτρηση με 25 ιστορίες" (Stepfather Christmas, A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters), το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στη χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας, σε μετάφραση της κυρίας Ιωάννας Μπαμπέτα. Το βιβλίο απευθύνεται σε παιδιά ηλικίας άνω των 8 ετών.

''Η Χάρπερ βρίσκεται αντιμέτωπη με μια μεγάλη έκπληξη όταν η μαμά ανακοινώνει ότι για τα Χριστούγεννα θα έρθει στο σπίτι ο νέος της φίλος. Ο Νικ φαίνεται αρκετά καλός. Όμως γιατί συμβαίνουν περίεργα χριστουγεννιάτικα πράγματα όταν βρίσκεται τριγύρω; Όπως το χιόνι που πέφτει, μόνο στον κήπο της οικογένειας. Ή ο τάρανδος που εμφανίζεται ξαφνικά πάνω στη σκεπή; Η Χάρπερ είναι σίγουρη πως ο Νικ είναι ο Αϊ-Βασίλης. Κι όταν η μαμά και ο αδερφός της δεν την πιστεύουν θα προσπαθήσει να βρει αποδείξεις." (Από το οπισθόφυλλο)

Ξέρω πως για αρκετά παιδιά εκεί έξω, η γνωριμία με τον/την καινούργιο/α σύντροφο του μπαμπά, ή, της μαμάς αποτελεί μία ιδιάζουσα και πολύ βαρύνουσας σημασία -απ'όλες τις απόψεις- συνθήκη. Δεν είναι εύκολη αυτή η μεταβατική περίοδος και είμαι βέβαιη ότι θα επικρατεί ένας δισταγμός, ίσως και φόβος, μαζί με την όποια συστολή από αμφότερες τις πλευρές των εμπλεκόμενων προσώπων. Η συγγραφέας, λοιπόν, έχοντας αυτό κατά νου, προσπαθεί να μπει στην ψυχολογία των παιδιών και να τους παρουσιάσει μία εύθυμη, χιουμοριστική, ψυχαγωγική και ταυτόχρονα συγκινητική χριστουγεννιάτικη ιστορία με πρόσωπα που θα μπορούν να ταυτιστούν μαζί τους και να βιώσουν τη μαγεία των Χριστουγέννων.

Το βιβλίο αποτελείται από 25 κεφάλαια όσες και οι μέρες από την έναρξη του Δεκεμβρίου έως και τον εορτασμό των Χριστουγέννων. Κάθε κεφάλαιο μας πάει όλο και πιο κοντά στην πιο αγαπημένη εποχή του χρόνου σαν άλλο ημερολόγιο αντίστροφης μέτρησης που μπορούν τα μικρά παιδιά είτε να διαβάζουν από ένα κεφάλαιο κάθε μέρα, ή, αν είναι ανυπόμονα -όπως εγώ- να το διαβάσουν όλο μαζί! Εγώ αγάπησα την ομορφιά του λόγου της συγγραφέως, το γεμάτο της λεξιλόγιο, τις ξεκαρδιστικές περιγραφές, την αίσθηση του μυστηρίου και την αποκάλυψη του μεγάλου μυστικού έως και τον επίλογο που είναι πλημμυρισμένος από αγάπη, νοιάξιμο, φροντίδα, ευγνωμοσύνη, ελπίδα, φιλία, μα πάνω απ΄όλα μαγεία κι αστερόσκονη των Χριστουγέννων!
Αναζητήστε το! Καλή ανάγνωση.

Κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Μίνωας.

https://vivliovamon.blogspot.com/2025...

[Motherbooker · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to buy a copy. It's a book that's also an advent calendar. It sounded like so much fun. I always like finding unusual advent calendars for my niece and nephew so this really caught my eye. I'd bought advent calendars that gave a tiny book each day but a chapter a day sounded perfect. Especially as the story sounded like a lot of fun and perfect for the run-up to Christmas. As an adult, the short chapters weren't enough to satisfy my reading needs but I think they'll be the perfect length for younger readers. They're only ever a few pages long so it won't be a slog to finish it each day.

As well as being a fun Christmas adventure, this book introduces some important ideas. For one thing, the main story revolves around Harper and Will coming to terms with their mum's new boyfriend staying with them for the holidays. The pair haven't ever thought about a new man becoming part of their family so it takes time to adjust. There are also plenty of other themes to take in which are a great addition to the story. It's definitely full of holiday spirit but it's also got more substance to it. I love that. Although, there is one story element that feels like it's been tacked on at the disappointing end. But I guess it's also refreshing that it isn't a big deal either.

In terms of the story, it's not trying to do anything too different or new. It feels very familiar because it's a classic Christmas film kind of narrative. It also doesn't offer much in the way of character depth or growth. However, I don't think that's a problem. Especially when you consider who will be reading it. You want children to be engaged and following a story structure that they recognise is a good thing. This is a book written for a specific audience and it works. The story is simple enough to follow for a whole month and I think plenty of kids would enjoy picking this up in December.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the start of December, and mum has got something bracingly new to tell Will and Harper – she's shacking up with a new fella at last. But this guy, who proves immediately to be a very saintly Nick, only raises eyebrows with the kids. He's an ace at cooking seasonal bakes and making hot chocolate, he can mend toys like there's no tomorrow and seems to know a lot about reindeer – indeed he's looking after a select few at a petting zoo… How will the family of three adjust to being a foursome, and how will that be heightened by the firm belief in Harper at least that her potential new stepfather is Father Christmas?

This was briskly-read fun, but lacking a final bit of distinction. It seemed to very cleverly hit all the beats such a plot as done for a made-for-TV movie would feature, but in almost a mechanical fashion. The author clearly knows the genre well, and gets to include everything expected in tidy, regimented order, without really glossing anything over with enough personality or character.

Also to doubt the success of is the idea this should be read as an advent book – a chapter a day leading up to the big one. (a), this is too good to ration in such a way, and (b) when you start to name the days of the week – I think the 3rd here was a Saturday – that kind of makes it that this is only good for 2025, and not for any of the years around it.

Still, if you come to this with no great expectations, this is fine – it has a warming, cosy, 'yep, that was nice… yep, expected something like that...' feel I was not disappointed to encounter. A sequel is already on the books, perhaps further proving my thoughts that this is a bit rote, and done-to-order, but this being the spirit of goodwill I don't see a full four stars as too far from the truth.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, as you know, I absolutely love the festive period and yep, I did buy this book purely for the fact that it had a great front cover image and a gorgeous sprayed edge (Santa sleigh and reindeer image!)

At the time, I hadn't realised that this was also meant to be read as an advent read - a story with 25 chapters, meant to be read one each day from the 1st December!
What an absolutely brilliant idea and definitely the sort of advent calendar I'd have loved when I was younger!

Well I say when I was younger, but in truth....I have had the best time - and behaved myself up to the end - I'll be too busy with the kids tomorrow so had to sneak in my last two chapters today (24th).

I adored the storyline which was a super relatable, modern take on a Santa story - where Will and Harper's mum is dating Nick, who looks suspiciously like Santa - and the more they get to know him, the more Harper is convinced.

I loved all the little festive touches included in this which will appeal to children both younger and older - with elements that many will connect with and recognise themselves.

The chapters are all nice and short so really don't take up too much time each day - perfect for reading first thing before school.

The writing style is nice and easy to read, but includes lots of detail, a nice mystery and a good dose of humour to keep all entertained.

A brilliant read that I know will be brought out year after year - and being enjoyed every time!

[Leah Capewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really lovely book I read it with my family my Siblings are 8,10,12 and I’m 14. I love the way the author has done it in 25 short chapters, but they are not to short to have as a bedtime story each night. I love the way the scenes were described as you could picture it in your head like you were in the story itself. 10-year-old Harper lives with her single mum and her older brother Will. All is happy and well, until Mum announces she is bringing her new boyfriend, Nick, home for the Christmas season. Nick is a bit weird Harper who is convinced her new step-dad is actually Father Christmas tries to catch Nick out. In the end Harper and Will end up helping Nick and everyone works together to save the big day.

This Book is a great advent to have every night and is full of Christmas magic and showing that Christmas isn’t all about the presents its about who you spend it with Aswell. It is a delightful, amusing story about accepting family changes and touches on sensitive topics for children in a sensitive and reassuring way Even though the chapters are fairly short the story is still quite fast past and causes a lot of suspense and makes you want to read on to the next chapter.

My family would give this book 5 stars and recommend it to anyone over the age of 7.

[Agapanthus.books.100 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a bit of festive fun, then Stepfather Christmas by L.D. Lapinski is a lovely Christmas read.

Harper and Will are used to having Christmas with their mum...who loves the festive season and goes all out to make Christmas merry for her children. But this year, she annouces that she is bringing her new boyfriend home to join them. Nick seems nice, but suddenly lots of Christmassy things start happening from a reindeer on their roof, to snow falling only in their garden. Not to mention his Santa Claus like appearance. Harper is convinced that Nick is the real deal, but her brother is not so sure. What will it take for Harper to prove it!

This is definitely a feel-good read, written in 25 chapters so you can read it daily like an advent if you wish.
Perfect for 8 yrs and above, I loved this fun story and whizzed through it in a couple of sittings.

[Jasmine Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosy festive middle grade for any age to read. Definitely a reread for every Christmas.

What if your mum’s new boyfriend is really Santa, well for Harper and Will this could be a reality. This book was funny and told some truths about what it is like to have an older sibling (my opinion as the older sister ahah). I loved the representation, how that is revealed towards the end of the book and how it deals with the topic, especially with it being a middle grade and not really spoken about (as it should be, I will not discuss due to spoilers) i also loved how there was potentially autism rep showed, although it was never revealed I could definitely see myself in Will’s obsession with certain objects and the comfort of them.

Overall this is a book for everyone and I think we will all get something different from it.

If you’re still reading this, thank you and have a great Christmas.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is wonderful written in 25 chapters which gives the reader a chance to enjoy a chapter a day running up to Christmas.
Harper and Will usually have Christmas with just their mum.
She loves the festive season and goes the extra mile to make it really special for them.
This year there is a slight change.... mum is bringing along her new boyfriend Nick to join in the festivities.
Extra christmassy things begin to happen in and around the house which gets Harper thinking.... could Nick really be Santa Claus?? Her brother is not quite sure so she has a lot of persuading to do!
There is magic and wonder throughout the book and also writes about different family dynamics really accessibly.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this advent book with my 11 and 9
Year old daughters and we loved it. It was such a good premise and something we haven’t done at Christmas before. We have had the advent books where you get a mini one each day but this is a full book with a chapter to read everyday in the lead up to the big day and special Christmas Day chapter and also the edition we had had a bonus chapter. The chapters are a good length and are pretty much the same length through the book! Short enough to keep children engaged but long enough to keep an interest!

Harper and Will’s mum announces that she has invited her boyfriend to stay over the Christmas period and soon they begin to suspect he may be Father Christmas due to snow falling only on their garden and a reindeer on their actual roof! Could he be Santa?

This was the highlight of our evening, in front of a snowy fire scene on the TV, snuggled up on the sofa with the advent candle burning. Perfect. We can’t wait to read the next one in the series next December. If you didn’t read it this year and you have young children, I highly recommend!