Behind the Scenes: Writing a Christmas Romance for Haven

I never thought I'd find myself writing a novel for a traditional publisher.

Early in my career, I chose independent publishing so I'd have full control over the kind of books I write. Back in 2018, clean romance wasn't nearly as well-known as it is today. I knew I wanted to write love stories without explicit scenes—no sex, violence, or language—and I wanted my characters to have the freedom to share their faith or quote scripture without my books being shelved only in Christian fiction. I believe the general market needs more hopeful, uplifting romance. More of the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians.

At the time, there wasn't as much awareness in traditional publishing for books that fit that description. So from 2018 to 2019, I learned everything I possibly could about writing, publishing, and marketing. I hired the most wonderful editors and cover designers, and in October 2019, I published my first book, The Clause in Christmas.

That book—and that series—did so much better than I ever imagined. I'm grateful to the Lord and to my readers every single day.

In 2021, an editor from Revell reached out about writing for their imprint. I loved talking with Kelsey, and I prayed hard over the possibility.

Then I found out I was pregnant with our first child, and I set the idea aside.

We talked again in 2024. This time, I learned Baker Publishing Group was launching a new imprint devoted entirely to Clean & Wholesome romance—which fits the books I write. With a toddler at home now, I was drawn to the idea of working with a team. Independent publishing can be remarkably isolating. So many decisions, all made alone. So many times I wished I could just call someone and ask, what do you think? The idea of a partnership, of having someone else on this journey with me, was deeply appealing.

So I pitched a Christmas book that had been bouncing around my brain for months—one I was eager and excited to write. Haven loved it. And then...

I found out I was pregnant with baby #2, and traditional publishing went back on the shelf again.

At the end of 2025, Kelsey reached out with news: their Clean & Wholesome imprint was officially underway, launching their first book in February, and she wanted to discuss the possibility of me writing their first Christmas title.

By then, with two littles at home and feeling more isolated than ever, the idea of a team—of being part of a bigger publishing family—sounded better than ever. I put together a proposal, and in February 2026, I received an official offer.

I was on a family vacation in Costa Rica when the email arrived, right around 10pm. I showed Mr. Bloome immediately, despite the fact we were ready to conk-out from jet-lag. I was excited—and terrified. If I accepted, I'd have six months to write the book. Six months. I hadn't written a book that quickly since before I had kids. I wanted to say yes, but I had no idea how I'd make it work.

Mr. Bloome, always my biggest supporter, said we'd find a way.

The next morning by the pool, with the warm sun overhead, and the sparkling Papagayo Bay in the background, I told our mothers about the offer, certain I'd have to turn it down.
I wasn't prepared for what happened next.

Both of our mothers offered to take turns watching the kids every weekday morning for the next six months, so I could write.

I don't think I can fully describe how touched I was by their offer. I didn't feel like I could accept something so generous. But they insisted, because they are two of the most loving, generous women I know.

So I gratefully accepted. I signed a contract not just to write Haven's first Christmas book, but a second one the following year.

Over the last six months, I've written what might be my favorite book yet. I still can't quite believe how it all came together. I sincerely can't wait to share it with you. And over the coming year, I'm looking forward to sharing the journey with you, too—the cover design, the characters, the real-life inspirations behind the story, all of it.

While I've been buried in this Christmas book, The Unintentional Teahouse has never been far from my mind. It's book five in my Blessings Bay series, and I love these characters so much, especially Abby and Mia. I've been jotting down ideas, writing scenes here and there whenever I find a spare moment, and I'm finally able to give it my full attention again.

I don't have a release date yet, but I promise you'll be the first to know. This story has been living in my head for so long, I have a feeling the words are going to fly now that I can sit down and really focus on Mia, Henry, Abby, Logan, Max, and the rest of our Blessings Bay friends.

Thank you, truly, to everyone who has waited so patiently for this book. I'd originally hoped to release it this fall, and delaying it was harder than I can say. I wish I could write faster. But I never want to rush a story and put out a book that isn't my very best. It’s my hope that every book is a little better than the last.

So thank you—for your patience, and for your understanding.

At this stage of life, with two littles underfoot, it looks like I can comfortably write two books a year: one for Haven, and one for my own imprint, Secret Garden Press. As the kids grow, and as I grow, maybe that number changes. We'll see.

That's the wonderful thing about this career. It keeps evolving and surprising me at every turn.

In a world quickly filling up with AI-written books, I plan to keep my head down and my fingers on the keyboard, writing stories from my heart—stories that uplift, that make you smile, and maybe tear up a little, too. Stories about the power of hope, love, and kindness in a world that can feel dark sometimes.

I'm proud to be one of many authors trying to shine a little light through the magic of storytelling.

Thank you to Kelsey, and the whole Haven team, for believing in my books.

And thank you, dear reader, for going on this adventure with me.

Blessings & Blooms, 

Rachael