A special anniversary (and a giveaway!)

ByDeborah Raney
103 Comments

UPDATE: The winner is Angie Quantrell! Congratulations, Angie! I’ve sent an e-mail to you with the title of my book in the subject line. Thank you for all the great comments!

New Years Day 2019 marked a special anniversary in my writing life. Twenty-five years ago on the first day of 1994, I sat down with a red felt-tip pen and a small steno pad to pen what would become the prologue of my first novel, A Vow to Cherish.

Click on the image above to purchase ebook or print book.

It’s really hard to believe I’ve been writing for that long! When I started writing that novel, it was the fulfillment of a dream that began when I was a young girl reading all of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books. Marriage and staying home to raise our three older children put that dream on the back burner for many (very happy) years.

I wrote my first few novels on a sweet little Mac Classic that my husband bought in a silent auction where he worked. Once I learned how to use that thing, there was no stopping me! I wrote seven days a week to finish my first book, but now Sundays are much-needed days of rest! We still have that computer sitting in a place of honor in Ken’s studio.

But then God blessed us with an “oops” baby just as our oldest son was starting high school! And when he started looking at colleges and we saw how much tuition would be, I knew that I would need to go back to work. But now, I had a three-year-old that I desperately wanted to stay home with, as I had with our other children. So I began to pray that God would help me find something I could do from home.

It felt like he tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Remember that book you always wanted to write? Start writing.” So I did! And by May of 1994, I had a first draft of the novel that would (after much editing and rewriting) become A Vow to Cherish. It was first published in January 1996, and was made into a movie by Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures in 1998. Ten years later, Steeple Hill re-issued the book and it came out in trade paper, mass market, ebook formats, and several foreign languages.

Ken and I (along with some of his family in California) and Gary and Carol Johnson of Bethany House Publishers got to attend the movie premiere in Hollywood and meet many of the wonderful actors from the film including Barbara Babcock and Ken Howard.

Now, my husband and I have reissued the novel again through our Raney Day Press in trade paper and ebook formats. A Vow to Cherish has had more lives than the proverbial cat! But it is wonderful to see my book continue to be available for readers all around the world, and I’m thrilled with the gorgeous new cover Ken designed for my first “book baby” all these years later. (The sequel, Within This Circle, will be available later this winter!)

I’d love to give away a copy of the new book (winner’s choice of ebook or print) to one of our Inspired by Life…and Fiction readers! To enter the random drawing, simply tell me in the comments below whether you’ve ever read A Vow to Cherish or watched the movie of the same title. I’ll name a winner tomorrow morning.

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DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Forty books later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a four-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is on faculty for several national writers’ conferences and served on the executive board of the 2,500-member American Christian Fiction Writers organization for 18 years before retiring in 2022. She is a recent transplant to Missouri, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, e-biking, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard.

103 Comments

  1. I have not read your first novel, A Vow to Cherish, yet. I look forward to reading it now that I know about it though! Thank you for extending the opportunity to win it!

  3. Yes, I have read the book. You did an amazing job, with it being your debut novel. I have not seen the movie though. I love the anniversary version of the book. It is beautiful! Great job, Ken!

  4. I love the story of how God led you to start writing and blessed your efforts! I have not read or seen the movie of “A Vow to Cherish” but I found the Ebook in our library today. I am looking forward to reading it!

  5. I’ve not read this one yet, but would love the opportunity. Thanks for sharing some of story/Journey it’s taken.

  6. I saw the Billy Graham movie years ago on TV. I didn’t realize how this movie touched me until i remembered my Mom suffering and dying from senility dementia when she was all most 82. This was really hard on my Dad and family. He was blessed to pass away before she did so he never lived to see her forget his name and be in a vegetative state.

  7. Sadly, I have neither read “A Vow to Cherish” or seen its movie. However, I would love to. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!

  8. Happy Anniversary of your writing career! I’ve never read the book and I haven’t seen the movie either.

  9. Wow! What a computer! ha! I’ve not read this book or seen the movie (although I’ll be looking for it later as I’m familiar with Barbara Babcock and enjoy her work). Thanks for the chance to win the book!

  10. I don’t remember reading the book or watching the movie. Would love to do both, though!

  11. I did watch the movie years ago and was touched by this poignant story. It was an eye opener as we experienced family members decline in memory. I would love to read the book. Congratulations on writing such an excellent story.

  12. Hi Deborah. First I want to thank you for your generous giveaway of A Vow to Cherish! I would love to win a copy of it. I have never read this book before. I’m not sure if I’ve seen the movie. I may have at church. I hope to be able to get the opportunity to read it plus the new sequel for it very soon.

  13. Congrats 👏 on your Anniversary
    Thanks for the chance
    I haven’t read any of your books yet.

  15. Love all your books that I’ve read so far. This is one of the few I haven’t read yet! Congrats on 25 years of writing!

  16. I have not read the book or watched the movie. I would love to win the book!
    I have read some of your books and love them!

  17. It’s great how the Lord has worked in your life. I have an old copy of the book somewhere but would love to own a new one. The cover is gorgeous. I’ve seen the movie too. Both are in need of a ’tissue alert’. 🙂
    God bless you and your husband with many more exciting adventures in books and RV’ing. 🙂

  18. I have not read the book and didn’t know about the movie, but am glad I do now.

    Love the cover! Thanks for the giveaway.

  19. I have not read the book or watched the movie, but would love to. Thank you for the chance.

  20. I love your beginning story. I have not read this or seen the movie.I would love to read it Thanks for the chance.

    Tighefan42atgmail dotcom

  22. I’ve not read the book or seen the movie, but I’d love to!! It sounds very special!

  24. I have not read your book or watched the movie but I would love too. I love the cover! Thanks for the chance.

  25. I have not read the book not seen the movie. I would like to read the book. The book is always better than the movie. Right? I’ve read many of your books and would live to read this one.

  26. I have not read your book,but would love to! Thank you for the opportunity!! Loved hearing about the start of your writing adventure!!

  27. How wonderful to see that marvelous story come full circle, Deb. Twenty-five years! Wow. And that story is still touching lives. (BTW – I love how you used a black and white photo of your old Mac to emphasize how vintage that really was! Ha!)

    1. I saw the movie many years ago when I two girls were young and you were just getting started! It’s been fun following you!

  29. I have watched the movie of A Vow To Cherish and absolutely loved it! If I would happen to win, I would prefer the print form of the book. Thanks for the give-away!!

  30. Congratulations! I love looking at your pictures and your tiny little Mac! I’ve never read this lovely book or viewed the movie. I’m glad you get to celebrate this special anniversary!

  31. I have many of your books, but not this one. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

  34. I have not read a Vow to Cherish, nor have I seen the movie. What am I waiting on?!!! I have read some of your other books and LOVE them!

  36. I have not read it and I need to change that but I may have seen it. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

  37. Some how I have missed this book. I would absolutely love to read it. Thanks for the chance for a free copy!

  38. I have seen the movie A Love to Cherish. It was fantastic! I would love to win a copy of the book. Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of your first book baby!

  39. I haven’t read this one yet but I have read two others. Congrats on the 25 year writing career!

  40. I enjoyed reading how you got started in your writing career. =)

    I have not read “A Vow to Cherish” or seen the movie. It sounds like a wonderful story!

  41. Hi,

    I haven’t read the book, but would love to! I also haven’t seen the movie, but I will look for it on Hoopla. Congratulations!

    Thank you.

    Sandra

  42. I have not read A Vow to Cherish! But I definitely want to and it’s on my TBR list!! Thank you for the chance!

  43. I can’t remember having read the book, A Vow to Cherish or having seen the movie. Enjoyed reading about your story of writing it.

  45. A Vow To Cherish was one of the first of your books I ever read. That was LOTS of years ago. Loved that book. I never saw the movie but I know it was good.

  47. I have not read A Vow to Cherish but would love to. Your husband Ken does a great job on book covers. It’s gorgeous! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  50. Congratulations on your writing anniversary!!! Thanx for the giveaway!!! I have not read A Vow to Cherish, but I watched Billy Graham movies at the time. I may have seen it. Looking forward to reading it now. I enjoy following your adventures on Facebook.

  51. I read the book when it first came out and recommended it to many people who were looking for something to read the they came into our church library. Would love to have a personal copy.

  53. I have not read this book or seen the movie. Congratulations on having it made into a movie and I will have to try and find a copy to watch!

  54. Definitely one of the most powerful books I have ever read! It started me on my way to loving Christian fiction. After reading the book, I sent you an email telling you how much the book meant to me – and you emailed me back!! I was so honored. I have never seen the movie, I’ll have to see if I can find it somewhere. So glad you started writing all those years ago! PS – my oldest is 30, and I am blessed to still be at home with our “bonus” baby.

  55. I haven’t read the book or seen the movie. And I would love to read the book. Love the old Mac pictures.

  56. I’ve never read this particular book of yours, nor have I seen the movie, but I’m intrigued now to remedy that. I loved Barbara Babcock in Dr. Quinn and am sure she would do your character justice.

  57. Yes, I have read (and loved) A Vow to Cherish and have seen the movie as well. I and have also read every book you have written that has come out in print form. I love this new cover and it would be great to be able to re- read it.

  58. No, I have not read the book nor have I seen the movie yet!!!! I will check my church library this week to see if they have it!!!

  60. I have not read the book or seen the movie. Thanks for the chance to win ! Congrats on your 25th writing anniversary.

  61. I am sad to say that I haven’t read the book nor have I seen the movie but I would like to. Happy Writer’s Anniversary and congratulations on being given a dream to follow and a pathway to make it come true! we are all the better for it!

  62. I have not read the book or seen the movie. In my defense, from under the rock where I have been living, when it was first published, we were stationed in Japan with the Marines. I can’t wait to read this landmark edition. Congratulations!

  63. I’ve read many of your books, but not this one! Last summer, I discovered Beneath a Southern Sky and After the Rains, and I’m longing for the day when the third one is out! Until then, I’ll continue to go through the list of your books that I’ve missed along the way . . . such a good “problem” to have. 😉 Thank goodness books don’t go bad!

  64. I have read this wonderful book & what a debut novel it was! God obviously anointed your writing career 🙂

  65. I don’t think I’ve read this book or watched the movie, but now my interest is piqued and I want to find a book to read!

  67. I have not read the book or seen the movie. Congratulations on your 25th writing anniversary and thanks for the chance to win this book.

  68. I saw the movie and many years later read the book. Both remind me of how quickly life can change at any given time. It is hard to believe that 25 years has gone by. Congratulations on your anniversary. I cannot wait for the sequel.

  69. I have not read this book. I do love the story about you writing for the first time in 1994. I’m glad God answered your prayers and you got to stay home with your child.

  70. I don’t remember reading the book or seeing the movie but I will certainly look it up now! Would love to win!
    That computer should be in a special place alright!
    Congratulations to you! And keep writing!

  71. I would love to read “Vow of Cherish”. The cover is beautiful. I have read several of your books over the last few years and always enjoy them so much. Thanks

  74. I have not read the book but I have seen the movie. It is such an inspiring story that really stays with you.

  75. Happy Anniversary!

    I have not read your very first book “A Vow to Cherish”. Nor have I seen the movie version of the book.
    I would very much like to win this Giveaway.

    Thank you.

  76. Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary!
    I would love to read your first book since I have not yet done so. I wonder if the movie is still available, maybe even on-line? I would much rather read the book, though, the book is always so much better.

  78. Happy Anniversary! I have never read A Vow to Cherish or seen the movie, but I would love to do both!

  79. I have read A Vow to Cherish. The first time was shortly after my dad died and the enduring love story of the book touched my heart. I had to tell you about it and wrote my first letter to an author. I have also watched the movie. ❤️

  80. I have not read your book A Vow to Cherish & I have not seen the movie, but I would love to read the book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. Happy Anniversary!

  82. I haven’t read A Vow to Cherish but would like to. The new cover is simply beautiful.

  83. I have read your Vow to Cherish, saw the movie and heard you speak in Anthony, Kans. at your Sister church. I bought another book that night as well as the two friends with me bought a book and we read and exchanged the books. I have read every book of yours in Harper, Anthony and Newton libraries. For Christmas a Grandson gave me the new book Reason to Breathe. I have enjoyed every one of your books. Thank you for the way you witness to your readers.

  84. I must be behind the times…I’ve not read the book or seen the movie. I must rectify that soon!

  86. What a wonderful story! It gives me hope someday I will be able to tell my story! Congratulations on 25 years! I have not read the book or watchithe movie! Would love to do both!

  87. Thank you so much for give away. Congratulations on your anniversary! Would love to win this book. If not, I’ll have to find it somewhere else.

  88. I’ve read A Vow to Cherish but it’s been years and I’ve been thinking I need to read it again. I think my library has it.

  89. I haven’t seen the movie and I haven’t read the book… yet. When these came out, I think it was a very intense time in my life, meaning I had no time to read or watch TV, but now I’m enjoying books again.

  90. I have never read it or seen the movie but it looks very interesting….I also love the cover♥️

  92. I’ve neither read the book nor watched the movie🙈 but I would love to do both. Congrats on the 25th anniversary of your book 🤩😊.

  93. And the winner is ANGIE QUANTRELL! Congratulations, Angie! I’ve sent an e-mail to you with the title of my book in the subject line. Thank you for all the great comments!

    1. Yay! I can’t wait to read it! Thank you so much! Just made my day! I’ve responded to your email. 🙂 Have a great day!

  94. I haven’t read this book or seen the movie! But I would love to!!😊 Thank you for the opportunity!!

  95. Thanks so much, Deborah! I feel blessed to be able to read this lovely book! Blessings to you on this day!

  98. I haven’t read these book yet but I do believe it will be a good book. It sounds very interesting and heartwarming. Thank you for the chance in these wonderful giveaway.

  99. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t read this book of yours…yet. And I haven’t seen the movie, I didn’t even know they made a movie. I’ll have to check it out.
    Thank you Deobrah for this chance to win the book!

  100. i am so happpyy to see this!!! Congratulations Deborah for 25 years! God had blessed you so much as you bless other people too! Me and my friend have read Beneath A Southern Sky and I swear, that book had been our favorite novel to talk about. I never heard about A Vow To Cherish nor seen the movie but I do really hope to be able to grab a copy since books are scarce here in my region. I do hope to win 🙁 this would be an amazing book to reflect upon. God bless you Deborah!

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