Q. What message do you hope readers take away from Escape to Whispering Creek?

A. I have a theme for all of my stories. Emma’s favorite verse is Psalm 18:2a:

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.

This verse is on a stone under “Herbie.” Herbie is a cactus that was once Emma’s Sunday School craft. Emma’s church community is important to her since her parents aren’t believers in Jesus.

I have to laugh though, because every story of mine has the overall theme of God is in control even in the chaos of life. I have lived that theme over the years and it is one to cherish if life is handing you tough trials.

Q. Have you always written contemporary romance?

A. Biblical Fiction has been my first love. I enjoy bringing little-known Bible stories to light. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through two surgeries, and the last one was extensive.

 After my treatment, I felt it was important to write about breast cancer and how it is affecting younger women. I couldn’t flesh out a breast cancer theme in Bible Times, so I jumped genres and wrote a contemporary romance with Emma’s friend Samantha in “Christmas at Whispering Creek.”

 Emma was such a fun character to create that I gave her a new story and hurdle to overcome. I enjoyed revisiting the town of Whispering Creek, Tennessee too.

 Q. What are some of the benefits and challenges of writing Christian Fiction?

 A. The benefit of writing a Christian story thread in my novels is that I focus on Jesus and how he strengthens and comforts us as we are going through tough times. Characters can pray to God, read the Bible, and seek counsel from pastors and other mature Christians. I hope readers are encouraged in their faith journey and grow closer to God.

I learn so much about God and the Bible when I am doing research for my novels.

The challenge for a Christian author is the smaller market for Christian books. It’s sad that the more you speak about Jesus in your novel, the less some readers will buy the book. I pray for a revival in our land where people will be seeking Christian books where they can learn about what it is like to live as a Christian and thrive in your relationship with God.

Emma uses her knowledge of God and her Christian friends to overcome hardships in her life. My hero, Wade, also draws on his faith to find understanding in his delayed recovery.

 In Christian romance, we are ultimately bringing two characters together to start a Christian home. We can’t leave God out of the equation.

Q. What was the best advice you received as a writer?

A. The advice I received in my first writing workshop served me well. I was told to attend writing conferences—which is easier today with virtual conferences—and to join professional writing organizations. Getting involved in writing organizations is helpful because you build relationships with other writers. These friendships can help you as your author train starts rolling.

 The publishing business is constantly changing with the rise of technology. Promoting books also changes with new ideas and avenues to reach readers. Having other authors to guide you and encourage you is huge in this business.

I received my first contract through a mentoring program. I would never have known about the mentoring program if a writer friend hadn’t told me about it and saw that a mentor was looking for someone in the genre I wrote. Being generous with your time and knowledge is key to thriving in the publishing business.

I blog and teach often about what I have learned and unlearned since my first book released in 2016.

 Q. What are you working on now? 

A. My first ever fiction/nonfiction collaboration will be released on January 6, 2026. I visited Israel in March of 2023 and was inspired by the Sea of Galilee, and all the teaching Jesus did on its shores.

Look for “Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee” to hit in January. We will dive into six stories from the Gospel of Mark. I hope the book is life-changing for its readers.

‘this was a tender, engaging read with memorable characters and a meaningful message. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of inspirational romance looking for both heart and suspense.‘ – Escape to Whispering Creek Amazon Review

Rachel K.