If you love women’s fiction, you will enjoy The Outsider’s Welcome, a tale of resilience, community, and a search for belonging.

Imka leaves behind everything she loves in South Africa for a fresh start in the serene village of Eden Cove, fleeing the shadows of past trauma. Her hopes for an idyllic new life are shattered when a dispute over a fence turns her neighbours against her, adding unforeseen layers of difficulty.

Shunned and lonely, Imka battles for healing and a chance to rebuild her life. Unexpectedly, an ally emerges, encouraging her to confront her fears and find solace in her faith.

Can Imka summon the courage and grace to embrace the challenges of her new life and discover where she truly belongs?

Hello there! I’m Vida Li Sik, and I’m delighted to join Danielle’s blog today. I call Johannesburg, South Africa home, right here on the stunning continent of Africa. Tea, coffee, and chocolate fuel my days while I work as a content creator in my day job, and write romance, women’s fiction, and Christian devotions in my spare time.

Fun fact about me: I’m one of eleven children—yes, all from the same amazing parents. Growing up in post-apartheid South Africa has shaped me in profound ways, blending blessings with challenges. Being the third-youngest meant there was never a dull moment, whether it was playing, arguing, studying, or enduring the inevitable sibling comparisons at school (not always fun!).

Our family mealtimes were lively, where my trusting nature often led to my treats mysteriously disappearing from my plate when I wasn’t looking. New Year’s Eve was equally eventful with games until midnight, though I often found myself snoozing before the clock struck twelve, waking to discover my prized fireworks had vanished.

Coming from a mixed-race background, I’ve always felt “in-between,” which surprisingly made it easier to connect with people of diverse races, backgrounds, and ages wherever I go. While I cherish this ability to adapt, it hasn’t come without its challenges of not fitting in anywhere.

My experiences living in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Mauritius added more layers to my adaptability. Switching languages, embracing new cultures, and adjusting to different climates gave me fresh perspectives, especially moving from a city to the seaside.

All these experiences influenced my writing, especially in crafting Imka’s journey of feeling like the odd one out. Drawing from my older sister’s move to Canada and friends’ tales of relocating, I found inspiration in our shared missteps and challenges.

Struggling with anxiety myself, writing Imka’s story was a poignant reminder of how faith, scripture, and prayer can conquer fear. Whether it’s moving homes, cities, or countries, we all rely on a support system. I hope Imka’s story resonates with you, highlighting the importance of community and the joy it brings.

Vida Li Sik is a wife, mother, award-winning journalist, and multi-genre author. She grew up in a small town, Nigel, in sunny South Africa, and now lives with her family in Johannesburg, the City of Gold. She has no pets and has yet to find a weird and wonderful hobby. In the meantime, she loves to write about people, real ones and imagined.