Romantic Novel Awards nominee Nicola Knight on shortlist for debut book, The Night Before Christmas
A woman has made a dream start to life as an author after seeing her debut novel nominated for a top award.
Nicola Knight’s The Night Before Christmas has been shortlisted for the Debut Romantic Novel Award in the 2025 Romantic Novel Awards.
The Harleston writer said the news had been hard to keep to herself.
“I found out about three weeks ago and it has been really painful not being able to tell anyone,” she said.
“I am absolutely over the moon. This is beyond anything I could have dreamed of; it really is a dream come true and more.”
The former journalist, who is now head of communications and campaigns at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Hapton, started writing in 2021 as part of her recovery from a severe bout of postpartum psychosis following the birth of her daughter, Ruby.
The rare mental health condition, which affects 1 in 1,000 mothers, can cause delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.
The 46 year-old said: “My therapist asked me what was the one thing I wanted to do in my life. I said I wanted to write a book and he asked what was stopping me.
“Shortly after this, I saw a Christmas love story competition by Penguin, so I entered. I didn’t win it but I carried on writing and it went from there.”
The book follows Felicity Brooks, who works at an animal rescue centre as an escape from the festive season, but her evening is disturbed by a stranger, James, dressed as a penguin and cradling a weak kitten.
As the pair work together to nurse the sick feline back to health, it gives them the perfect excuse to bond over their mutual dislike of all things festive. And soon, sparks fly.
Having reached number one in the romantic comedy chart on Amazon on Christmas Day, Nicola has been amazed at the way the book has been received.
“All I need now is for Richard Curtis to call, saying he wants to make it into a movie,” she added.
The Romantic Novel Awards will take place in London on May 19.
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