About Deborah Raney

Books by Deborah Raney

Now Available!
HOME TO CHICORY LANE

August 2014

1st in the Chicory Inn Novels series from Abingdon Press!

Audrey Whitman's dreams are coming true now that her kids are grown and she and her husband have converted their home into a cozy bed-and-breakfast inn. But when their newlywed daughter shows up during opening weekend with a loaded moving truck—and no husband—things take a twist no one expected. Suddenly the empty nest isn't so empty anymore.

AWARDS:
• 2015 Christy Award finalist 

• 2015 bronze award in Foreward Reviews magazine's INDIEFAB Book of the Year contest
• 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winner
• 2015 "Christian Retailing's Best" Award finalist

Coming Soon!

June 2015

October 2015

Now Available!

BECAUSE OF THE RAIN

New from Greenbrier Press, available in all e-book formats. This novel is an expanded and updated version of my second novel, originally titled In the Still of Night. Because several novels have since used that title, we felt it best to give this new version a new title.  

A JANUARY BRIDE

Part of the new "A Year of Weddings" novella series from Zondervan/ HarperCollins, A January Bride is a "remake" of my 2004 novella Playing by Heart––complete with all new scenes from Maddie and Art's romantic wedding. 

November 2014

SILVER BELLS

Elvis croons from the radio as Christmas descends on a small Kansas town in 1971. Michelle Penn has started a new job at a tiny weekly newspaper, and the boss's son is quickly making her forget all about her former sweetheart in Vietnam. Rob Merrick felt trapped working for his father and dreams of a job with a big city newspaper. Until he met Michelle... Unfortunately, they're forbidden by office policy to date. But if Rob were to quit his job, he'd have nothing to offer. As snow blankets the town, it seems the gifts they most desire––each other––are out of reach. But then they didn't count on a small Christmas miracle.

AWARDS: 
• 2014 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist
• 2014 Carol Award finalist

THE FACE OF THE EARTH

When Mitch Brannon's beloved wife kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Jill doesn't return from her conference and when she's still missing three days later, Mitch enlists the help of Jill's best friend, their next-door neighbor Shelley. Weeks, and then months go by, with no inkling of what has happened to Jill. As Mitch and Shelley's friendship grows ever closer, Mitch must decide how he will honor his vows to a woman who may never return––or who could walk through the front door tomorrow.

AWARDS: 
• 2014 HOLT Medallion Winner
• 2013 RT Reviewers Choice Best Book Award nominee


The Hanover Falls Novel series (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) 
ALMOST FOREVER ~ FOREVER AFTER ~ AFTER ALL

AWARDS for Almost Forever:

• 2011 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Winner

• 2011 HOLT Medallion Award of Merit

AWARDS for Forever After:
• 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award Finalist

AWARDS for After All:

• 2013 Winter Rose Award, 1st Place, Inspirational
• 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist

A PRAIRIE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION (Barbour Books 2010)

Nine historical novellas set on the Kansas prairie, including "Circle of Blessings" (this is the same story featured in A Currier & Ives Christmas––the only historical story I've written.) This romance collection is packaged in a beautiful Christmas edition featuring fold-over cover flaps, deckled edged pages and beautiful foil stamping and embossing.

The Clayburn Novels Series:

REMEMBER TO FORGET A Clayburn Novel (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster 2007)

Who hasn't dreamed of getting a chance to reinvent themselves and begin a brand new life? That's exactly what graphic designer Maggie Anderson is offered when a terrifying carjacking leaves her stranded a hundred miles from her New York apartment—and her abusive boyfriend. When a kind stranger offers Maggie a ride, she begins a cross-country journey that ultimately lands her in tiny Clayburn, Kansas––and in the arms of Clayburn's favored son, Trevor Ashlock. Once Maggie realizes Trevor is for real, she falls for him...hard. But if she confesses all the lies she’s let him believe about her, she will lose his trust and destroy everything she's worked so hard to build.

AWARDS:
• 2008 Christy Award Finalist
• 2008 HOLT Award of Merit
• 2008 FHL Inspirational Reader's Choice Winner
• 2008 ACFW Carol Award

LEAVING NOVEMBER A Clayburn Novel (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster 2008)

Daughter of the town drunk, Vienne Kenney has escaped Clayburn for law school in California. But after failing the bar exam—twice—she’s back home with her tail between her legs, managing Latte-dah, the Clayburn café turned upscale coffee shop. Jackson Linder runs the art gallery across the street and Vienne has had her eye on him since she was a skinny seventh grader and he was the hunky high school lifeguard who didn’t know she existed. Now it’s his turn to fall for her and suddenly Clayburn seems like a pretty nice place to be...until Vienne discovers that Jack is fresh out of rehab and still struggling with the same addiction that ultimately killed her father.

AWARDS:
• 2009 National Readers Choice Award finalist

• 2009 Booksellers Best Award finalist

YESTERDAY'S EMBERS A Clayburn Novel (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) Tragedy has left Doug DeVore with five children to raise alone. When Mickey Valdez, the children’s daycare teacher, lends a helping hand, sparks flicker between them and quickly ignite. But romance and real life are two very different things, and too late, Doug and Mickey realize they've said "I do" to something neither of them bargained for. Now they must find a way to untangle their knot of hasty choices without breaking the hearts of five precious children—or their own—in the process.

AWARDS:

• 2010 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist
• 2010 Carol Award finalist

______________________________

ABOVE ALL THINGS (Steeple Hill)

Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled to become parents. But the couple faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old mixed-race girl born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child. She thought she was open-minded--until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage and the very notion of who she thinks she is.

AWARDS:

• 2010 Carol Award finalist

INSIGHT
(Steeple Hill 2009)

She's having a baby. It's a blessing that brings comfort to newly widowed Olivia Cline. Yet with no insurance, no job and precious little money, how will Olivia care for herself and her child?

The answer is a handsome and brooding artist seeking an assistant. Reed Vincent has recently regained his eyesight thanks to a donor. And through his eyes, Olivia begins to see all the possibilities before her. Before them. Until, in a flash of insight, she knows why his signature is so hauntingly familiar.

WITHIN THIS CIRCLE

sequel to A VOW TO CHERISH (Steeple Hill 2007)

Within This Circle continues the story of John Brighton and Julia Sinclair. After a tumultuous courtship, John and Julia Brighton have a second chance at happiness, a fresh marriage and, now that their children are grown, a new era in their lives to revel in the promise of the future. Only such a promise is never guaranteed. And life can change in a heartbeat. The Brightons' life is turned upside down when John's daughter, Jana, abandons her husband Mark and three-year-old daughter. As Jana struggles through delayed grief over her mother's death, her actions put her marriage and her own daughter in danger. John and Julia reach out to little Ellie, to give the young couple time to heal, but the little girl is confused and longing for her mother. How much sorrow and stress can both fledgling marriages endure? Two very different couples–each with only their love and faith to guide them–can only pray it will be enough. (A Vow to Cherish released in mass market format recently. This beautiful book duo would make a wonderful Christmas gift for your favorite reader.)
AWARDS:
• 2008 ACFW Carol Award
NOW AVAILABLE IN MASS MARKET SIZE!

A VOW TO CHERISH

(Steeple Hill Books 2006; mass market 2007)

When his wife of thirty years receives a devastating diagnosis, John Brighton's love is tested as never before. While Ellen slips away from him day by day, a young widow, Julia, becomes John’s confidante. She understands his pain as no one else can, and John finds himself torn between doing what he knows is right and what his heart tells him can not be wrong, John soon discovers the heart cannot be trusted where true love is concerned.

A Vow to Cherish was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ acclaimed motion picture of the same title. This edition of the novel from Steeple Hill is an updated and expanded version from the original published by Bethany House Publishers in 1996 and again in 1999 with a movie tie-in cover. The film is available on video in English and Spanish, and on DVD in 7 languages. Order from World Wide Pictures.
AWARDS:
• 1997 Angel Award from Excellence in Media
A VOW TO CHERISH was first published in 1996 by Bethany House Publishers. The novel was reissued by Steeple Hill in 2006, and came out in mass market size in October 2007 with Steeple Hill. 

______________________________

MISSOURI MEMORIES

including Deb's novella "Finally Home" (Barbour Books 2007)

AWARDS:
• 2008 ACFW Carol Award

______________________________

OVER THE WATERS

(Steeple Hill Books 2005, mass market size, May 2008)

As "Dr. Botox" to the bored rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan was shocked by the decision of his son, Joshua, to focus his medical talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua's death, Max searches for resolution in the very place his son called home. The selfless labor of Joshua's coworkers stuns Max. He is particularly taken by American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose dream of a honeymoon on a tropical beach were crushed, replaced by a stint working in the impoverished orphanage. But Valerie's view of Joshua's sacrifice challenges everything Max has lived for. Now Max wonders if he can ever return to his "Max-a-Million" lifestyle, or if the doors to his gilded cage have finally opened.

AWARDS:
• 2005 RT BOOKclub Reviewers’ Choice nominee
• 2005 Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence finalist
• 2006 Inspirational Readers Choice, 2nd place
• 2006 ACFW Carol Award, 2nd place

OVER THE WATERS in mass market size features a brand new epilogue containing "the rest of the story."
______________________________

A NEST OF SPARROWS

(WaterBrook Press/Random House 2004)

Starr Parnell was the only woman Wade Sullivan ever loved. Now his fiancee's three children are all he has left. But when Starr's abusive ex-husband shows up claiming custody - and Wade's grieving heart is stirred by a compassionate social worker - he must learn when to fight, when to let go, and when to simply wait. A Nest of Sparrows is the tender story of a love that defies the odds. A Nest of Sparrows won the HOLT Medallion and the More Than Magic Award in 2004 and was a finalist for the prestigious RITA Award, and six other awards.

AWARDS:

• 2004 HOLT Medallion winner

• 2004 More Than Magic Award

• 2004 RITA Award finalist

• 2004 National Readers Choice Award finalist

• 2004 Booksellers Best Award finalist

• 2004 Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence finalist

• 2004 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist

• 2004 Golden Quill finalist

• 2004 ACFW Carol Award, 3rd place

______________________________

A SCARLET CORD

(WaterBrook Press/Random House 2003)

Managing the graphic arts firm of her former in-laws and caring for her 5-year-old daughter, widow Melanie LaSalle doesn't have time for a new relationship - until she meets Joel Ellington, a new staff member at her church. As their love blossoms, something doesn't seem quite right. Then, without warning, cash disappears from a church bank account, and Joel along with it. Can Melanie ever forget the man who opened her heart to love, the man her little girl had already begun to call Daddy? A Scarlet Cord explores what life is like for an ordinary citizen hiding in the witness protection program.

AWARDS:

• 2003 Golden Quill Finalist

______________________________

PLAYING BY HEART

(Barbour Books 2003)

When young novelist Madeline Houser is offered the sanctuary of a charming bed-and-breakfast in which to write while her kitchen is suffering a remodeling, she gladly accepts. The owner of the inn, 40-year-old English professor Arthur Tyler, is not home during the day, but his lonely cat Alex is, so the situation is ideal for each of them. The arrangement has been coordinated by their spry octogenarian friend, Ginny Ross. Arthur and Madeline have never met, but a wonderful correspondence begins through the daily notes they leave each other. But because Art and Maddie each believe the other to be Ginny's elderly friend, finding love with each other is the furthest thing from their minds. Playing by Heart was conceived one autumn when Deborah went away to write at a bed and breakfast while on a tight deadline.

AWARDS:
• 2003 National Readers Choice Award Best Novella
• 2004 ACFW Carol Award
• 2004 Christy Award Finalist
• 2003 HOLT Medallion Finalist

______________________________

BENEATH A SOUTHERN SKY

(WaterBrook Press/Random House 2001)

After two years serving as a missionary in a remote area of South America, Daria Camfield has returned to the States to mourn her husband, reportedly killed while providing medical aid to a neighboring Colombian village. At first, Daria finds comfort only in the daughter born to her after Nate’s tragic death. As she begins to heal, she also finds a listening ear and a tender heart in her new boss, veterinarian Colson Hunter. Determined to move forward with life, Daria ignores the still small voice calling her to wait and accepts Cole’s marriage proposal. But after the wedding, Daria’s new dream life turns into a nightmare with the arrival of an unbelievable telegram:“Nathan Camfield found alive. Flying into K.C. Int’l. via Bogota…” Now two men have the right to her daughter, her life, and her love.

Beneath a Southern Sky, winner of the 2002 RITA Award, has a sequel, After the Rains, which continues the story of Natalie Camfield as she grows into a young woman. The novel was re-released in 2010 with a new cover in WaterBrook Press' Value Line.

AWARDS: 

• 2002 RITA Award from RWA

• 2002 Inspirational Readers' Choice Award

• ACFW Carol Award (formerly Book of the Year), 2nd place

• 2001 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award

• 2002 HOLT Medallion Finalist

• 2002 Aspen Gold Award, 2nd place

• Also named one of the Top 10 Fiction books of 2001 in christianbook.com's Fiction Newsletter, Dec. 26, 2001

______________________________

AFTER THE RAINS

(WaterBrook Press/Random House 2002)

Long ago, Natalie’s mother faced an agonizing choice between the two people she loved most, and the difficult resolution to her predicament affects Natalie throughout her young life–fueling a season of teenage rebellion that results in tragedy. As a young woman, Natalie attempts to put her troubles behind her, ultimately finding solace in the arms of a man with close ties to the tragedy. Yet neither time nor love can liberate her from the past. Determined to confront her terrible guilt, Natalie embarks on a journey that will take her thousands of miles from home and straight into the life and heart of a man unlike any she has ever known. Confronted with a decision that echoes the one her mother faced so many years before, Natalie must confront the sins of her past before her heart will be free to find its home. After the Rains is the sequel to Beneath a Southern Sky, continuing the story of Natalie Camfield as she grows into a young woman.

AWARDS:

• 2003 American Christian Romance Writers Book of the Year

• First Place Blue Boa Award Inspirational Fiction

• 2002 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice nominee

• Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence finalist

• Also named one of the Top 20 Fiction books of 2002 in christianbook.com's Fiction Newsletter, Dec. 27, 2002

______________________________

ALSO BY DEBORAH RANEY

Fiction:

CURRIER & IVES CHRISTMAS with Deb's novella, "A Circle of Blessings" (Barbour 2002)

The artistry of renowned lithographers Currier & Ives captures the beauty and nostalgia of simpler days and Christmases past. Yet, while a picture may be worth a thousand words, there are times when even the best illustrations leave viewers with a yearning to know more. These seasonal, historical love stories delve deep inside the artists' portrayals to imagine the untold tales behind each wintry scene. (A special hardcover collector's edition is also available.)

A VOW TO CHERISH (Bethany House 1999, 1996 out of print, please order 2006 or 2007 mass market editions from Steeple Hill Books.) Now available on video in English and Spanish, and on DVD in 7 languages. Order from World Wide Pictures

KINDRED BOND (Bethany House 1998, out of print)

For Claire Anderson, landing a teaching job in Hanover Falls is the realization of a long-held dream. In this loving community she attempts to cast aside the memories of her troubled childhood. Michael Meredith finds worth as a nursing home administrator until an unwelcome investigation concerning suspicious deaths among the residents threatens his career. In the midst of this crisis, the linking of Claire's and Michael's lives seems a gift. Until an agonizing secret is revealed that threatens to destroy their love.

IN THE STILL OF NIGHT (Bethany House 1997, out of print)

Anna Marquette accompanies her husband on a business trip to Orlando. A terrifying encounter there will forever change their lives. Anna and Paul’s love for God and for each other faces the ultimate test, and for a season the painful choice they must make wrenches them from each other's arms. Can even this give new meaning to their love?

Non-fiction:

MORE CHILDREN'S SERMONS TO GO (Abingdon Press 2001)

CHILDREN'S SERMONS TO GO (Abingdon Press 1998)

both written with Deb's sister, Vicky Miller

Contributor to:

PEARL GIRLS (Moody 2009)

I'M GLAD I'M A MOM (Harvest House 2008)

THE ONE-YEAR LIFE VERSE DEVOTIONAL (Tyndale House 2007)

INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD (Honor Books 2003)

THE STORYTELLERS' COLLECTION-Tales from Home (Multnomah 2001)

THE STORYTELLERS' COLLECTION-Tales of Faraway Places (Multnomah 2000)

TEATIME STORIES FOR MOTHERS (Honor/River Oak 2001)

TEATIME STORIES FOR WOMEN (Honor Books 2000)

Contributor to these books on the craft of writing:

A NOVEL IDEA (Tyndale House Publishers 2009)

WRITING THE CHRISTIAN ROMANCE (Writer's Digest Books 2007)

THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO WRITING CHRISTIAN FICTION (Alpha 2007)

THE NEW WRITER'S HANDBOOK (Scarletta Press 2007)

YOU CAN MARKET YOUR BOOK (ACW Press 2003)

Featured in:

LET GOD SURPRISE YOU by Heather Whitestone McCallum (Zondervan 2003)

BEHIND THE STORIES by Diane Eble (Bethany House 2002)

Deborah Raney novels are available at your local Christian bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and online at cbd.com, amazon.com, etc. They can be ordered anywhere books are sold and most are available in e-book format and/or as audio books.

NOTE TO READERS: There has been some confusion about a non-fiction book, Someday a Blessing, by an author also writing under the name of Deborah Raney. This is that author's only title, so any other books or articles with a Deborah Raney byline were probably written by the author featured on www.deborahraney.com. This page contains affiliate links, meaning that (at no additional cost to you), I may earn a small commission on sales through this page.