The Power of Connection: How a Kris Kringle Gift Sparked a Global Literary Journey

In a heartwarming tale that exemplifies the adage "From little things, big things grow," a simple Kris Kringle gift has blossomed into a global literary journey, connecting people from across the world through the power of storytelling.

It all began in 2021 when Ben and Kristy, cousins and co-hosts of the podcast then named Either Side of Nhill, exchanged gifts during a Kris Kringle celebration. Ben’s gift to Kristy was a copy of ‘Bold Lies’, the fifth book in the Detective Kelly Porter series by UK author Rachel Lynch. What started as a holiday tradition quickly transformed into something far more meaningful.

The cousins, both avid readers, were immediately captivated by the novel and began sharing their thoughts with family and friends. This sparked the idea for a unique book club, humorously named the ‘One Book Book Club’. As listeners of their podcast caught wind of the book, they began requesting to join in on the reading experience. The podcast, originally intended for light-hearted discussions, soon found itself at the centre of a growing community of Rachel Lynch fans.

Eager to deepen their connection to the books and the author behind them, Kristy and Ben invited Rachel to be a guest on their podcast. To their delight, Rachel accepted, and the interview turned into a lively discussion filled with mutual admiration and amusement at how a book purchased in Australia had created such a bond. During the conversation, they joked about Rachel visiting Australia, and even including the character of DI Kelly Porter in an Australian setting.

The connection continued to grow, and in 2022, ‘The Australian Rachel Lynch Book Club’ was formed on the podcast. This wasn’t just any book club—it had a unique twist. Members would pass around a single copy of the book, each signing the inside cover and leaving a personal message for the next reader. The sixth book in the series, ‘Blood Rites’, was added to the collection, purchased serendipitously from a newsagent in Kalbarri, Western Australia, while Kristy was on holiday. By December 2023, the club had three books in circulation, including Rachel Lynch’s stand-alone novel, ‘The Rich’.

Kristy ranks ‘The Rich’ as one of the best books she has ever read, “I’ve read it twice!”, Kristy says. A sentiment that resonates with their podcast audience.

The bond between the podcast hosts and Rachel Lynch has continued to strengthen. Rachel appeared again on their podcast, now renamed ‘Two Cousins One Chat’, where she shared a special message especially for her Australian audience. By this time, Rachel had become a million-copy bestselling author, a testament to her storytelling and the loyal fanbase she had cultivated, including Ben and Kristy, who affectionately referred to her as "Aussie Rach."

As 2024 approached, Rachel announced the upcoming release of ‘Shared Remains’, the 12th book in the Detective Kelly Porter series. To Kristy’s amazement, when she received her personally signed copy and reached page 303, she discovered that the novel included a reference to Australia, specifically, the town of Nhill, Victoria. Rachel had woven this small Australian town into her narrative, remarking, “How could I resist? It was too good not to include, and I’m thrilled DI Kelly Porter is heading to Australia.”

Kristy was overjoyed, saying, “I couldn't believe my eyes and what I was reading! ‘Shared Remains’ is a brilliant novel, and I was kind of sad when I was getting to the end of the book, but when I read the reference to Nhill and Australia, I was shocked, delighted, and felt so incredibly happy".

With Book 13 in the DI Kelly Porter series on the horizon, fans are excited to find out where Rachel Lynch will take her characters next. As for Kristy and Rachel, the story isn’t over yet. They are currently mapping out plans for a podcast exclusively dedicated to Rachel's library of novels, a project that promises to further cement their global connection.

From Cumbria in the Lake District, UK, to the tiny Wimmera town of Nhill, Australia, this story underscores the power of connection and the extraordinary things that can grow from even the smallest of beginnings.

There is no better time to pick up a book and experience the incredible journeys they can take you on. Whether you’re starting a new novel or sharing a favourite with friends, the power of stories to connect us all is limitless.

Thanks for reading, Ben, Kristy and Rachel

?? Spotify Two Cousins One Chat

?? Rachel Lynch

Ben Kempster MCIPS Kristy Horne Canelo Digital Publishing Limited Rachel Lynch