A Week to Remember (and a Giveaway)
[THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED: THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL COMMENTS! I don’t answer individually on drawing days, but I read every one. Special thanks to those who commented on the beautiful cover my husband designed. I’ve passed your praise along to him.
And now….DRUMROLL PLEASE…the winner of Who Names the Stars is:
Leandra Massey! Please email me at debraney@mac.com and let me know your preference of ebook or print, and where to send your copy.]
We just got back from a week in Texas babysitting our youngest grandson while his parents took his big sister to college! Everything went great from our end. This boy is an absolute delight…not one bit of trouble, slept through the night every night, ate like a champ, and happy as could be all day long.

But wow, it was quite a circus on the front end! First of all, everybody in our son’s family got that Norovirus that is sweeping Texas (except our daughter-in-law’s 90-year-old grandmother who lives with them. Thank the Lord, she was spared!)
The virus didn’t hit our son’s family until we were halfway to Texas so we holed up in a hotel an extra night waiting until everybody was well, lest we get sick and not be able to babysit! There were other complications getting our granddaughter halfway across the country to college. Those aren’t my story to tell, but while they battled all kinds of challenges, we had fun with grandkids, including our youngest son’s five.

Our family has experienced the Norovirus once before, the first Christmas after we moved to Missouri in 2019. There were eighteen of us then, and everyone (except Ken and our oldest daughter) was hit hard! Mere minutes after this photo was taken, the littlest guy on my lap threw up, and from that point forward, we fell like flies!


Thankfully, the Norovirus is very short-lived, and Ken and I and Grandma managed to stay healthy, our girl got moved into the dorm in plenty of time for classes to start, and now everybody is healthy and back home where they belong. Thank you, Lord!
~~~~~~~

A GIVEAWAY: Just before we left for Texas, my newest book released! I’d love to give away a copy to one of our wonderful Inspired by Life…and Fiction readers! To be entered in the drawing for your choice of e-book or print of Who Names the Stars, simply comment on this blog post. I’ll announce the winner in the comments tomorrow.
Discover more from Inspired by Life . . . and Fiction
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

That norovirus is awful! Our worship services yesterday were down a lot and even our Worship Pastor was out of commission with it. I’m glad you didn’t get it this time! You have a beautiful family (and I’m still pondering one girl going to college and one boy that little–that’s quite a spread!)
I’d love a print copy.
Glad she got moved in. My kids are spread out like your daughter’s. Our youngest was 2 when her sister went to college. Glad everyone’s better.
God bless,
Kim in NC
I love your books. I have read the first book in The God Who Sees series and look forward to reading the remainder.
I am looking forward to read the latest book.
SO glad you and Ken (and Grandma) stayed well and that you’re safely back home. What precious grands, and I’m praying for your oldest’s first year of college. Though it’s been years, I remember that experience like yesterday. A special time of life. Congrats again on the new release!
Glad you had a nice trip. Sad that it was interrupted by a bit of sickness.
Sounds like our quick two day trip north to visit friends we hadn’t seen in some time. We had a blast, albeit too short, up until we were getting ready to leave. I’m talking ten minutes before we were going to leave. And then I took a rather hard tumble – fast first. Still no idea how I fell, but boy did I hit hard on my right knee, left arm and then face planted barely missing hitting the coffee table. I did faceplant, but my glasses didn’t break – just bent in the nose piece where it bruised each side of my nose where the nose pads are. Thank God I didn’t break any thing and we were able to leave about 30 minutes later instead of 10. Each stop along the way, it was harder to get out of the car making me glad when we got home. After my physical therapy this morning, for my hand after trigger finger surgery when it’s everything else that hurts LOL, I think it will definitely be a do nothing day. Everything can wait until another day. 🙂
I’m so glad you didn’t get sick! Your family is beautiful, what a blessing! We don’t have any grandchildren yet, but maybe someday.
I love the family pictures. I’ve never had norovirus, I’m glad everyone is doing better. Thank you for the chance to win your book.
Glad y’all are safely home and healthy!
What a beautiful family you have! I love hearing about your visits to them and their visits to you! And…I’m looking forward to reading your newest book!
What a time you’ve had! Glad you stayed healthy!
So glad you got to spend time with your Texas grands! I know they loved it as much as you did. Thank you for doing a giveaway!
so glad to hear your family is doing well. No fun being sick. I would love a hard copy of your new book.
Glad everyone is well! Would love a copy of the book. Thanks!
Wow, sorry to hear everyone was sick but so happy it’s all better now. The times with the grandkids are so precious and very needed. Have a blessed week and keep the stories coming.
I love big family pictures! My husband and I are looking forward to gathering together with the family soon.
Hi Deb, I always enjoy seeing you with your family and hearing those stories. It sounds like you had a good time babysitting and keeping that crew happy! Please tell Ken I love the cover for Who Names the Stars. I think it’s my new favorite of all your books! I hope to see you at ACFW. Blessings, Carrie
In sickness and in health…
I love the covers for your series. Ken did a fabulous job with them.
I’d love a copy of your new book. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with the grandkids. My husand and I watched our youngest grandson overnight last night while the rest of the family went to a Josiah Queen and Ben fuller in concert at the Iowa State Fair. We had a lot of fun too!
God is good all the time. He worked it all out. Daniel 12:3 ” Those who turn many to righteousness will glitter like the stars forever .” This verse was for August 17 th from my from my Walk By Faith calendar .I wrote this verse on a note card where I can easily see it. I prefer printed books. I love to hold them in my hand. The Lord’s blessings bon you and your family and give you all His strength and peace. Psalm 29:11.
I look forward to reading your new book!
Glad all are well and you enjoyed your visit. Hope your granddaughter has a wonderful first year of college. My granddaughter just went back for her second year of college at VCU in Richmond, a two hour drive from me. Looking forward to this book. It’s one of the books I’m going to read for the Christian Fiction Reading challenge.
Oh, the challenges and blessings of life. Thank you for the chance to win your new release. I love the title and the cover.
Years (and several peeps) ago, our town was nearly wiped out by what they called “the crud.” They shut down schools as the Norovirus swept through our small community. I had to take a call from a potential agent for my first book in between trips to the bathroom and taking care of my husband and son. Needless to say, she passed…and so did the bug. I’m so glad you and Grandma weathered the storm, enjoyed babysitting, and successfully launched a book and a college student!
Great book giveaway. Thank you.
Love your books!
I’m glad you are all better. Thanks be to God.
I would love a print copy, but being from another country the ebook is more practical. Thank you for the opportunity win it.
May God bless you and yours!
My daughter is an EMT. When she comes over after getting off we tend to disinfect her Lol. Never know what she may have encountered during her work hours. So glad she has a serving heart to help people even though she is exposed to many things
Deborah,
You have a beautiful family. I would love to be able to read your newest book.
When I was six we shifted farms….& the whole family went down with chickenpox….
I especially love your style of writing. Historical novels and western or rural settings are a fav. I looked forward to reading another awesome Deborah Raney book. I immensely enjoy following your yard sale decorating sprees too! As a reader and a writer, reading your novels help hone my fiction writing craft. Multi-tasking the fun way.
Great blog. Love your books!
Thank goodness everyone is healthy again. The cover looks great, looking forward to reading it. I would love a print copy.
Oh, Deb. Sorry that your son’s family got sick before taking their daughter to college. We’ve been okay here (knock on wood). It seems strange that we don’t connect in Texas often, but I’m looking forward to seeing you in a few days! Safe travels. And I’m looking forward to reading this book! Take care.
So glad you missed the sickness–and that you got such precious time with the grands!
Life has such ups & downs-so thankful when we come through them all!🙏🥰
Oh boy, norovirus is awful. Glad you are all good now. I live in Missouri also! SW Ozarks near Ava 🙂
Hoping to have my folks move here, you may know my mom, Sunni Jeffers
I’d love a print copy.
book looks great! Glad all are feeling better since that Norovirus can be tough!
I have read the first book in “The God Who” series and have the second one to read now. Will be ready for the third one soon! Love all your books!
What a beautiful family you have! I’d love to win a copy of your new book! I’ve heard wonderful things about it!
The book looks and sounds great. Thanks for your great generosity.
Congratulations on the new book. I can not wait to read it.
Grandkids are such a gift.
Love this series! Of course, I love EVERY book of yours!
Love the title of this book- I’ve often looked up at the night sky thinking about family and friends near and far, who might be looking up at the same time. I say a prayer for those dear loved ones near and far, knowing we are under the same sky, loved by the same loving God who has his hands protecting us every moment of each day and night. Xo
I would love to win!
Crossing my fingers!
Sounds fun, especially since you missed the sickness!
That virus is awful,glad you stayed well.
Thanks for the opportunity to win,I’d like print please.
I have loved every book of yours that I’ve read! Thank you so much for writing clean, interesting stories. Books that I have a hard time putting down. Books that I don’t want to ever end!!
Thanks for the chance! Love your books and your stories of your family and your garage saling finds!!
Glad to hear everyone is well now and you, Ken, and Grandma escaped the sickness! Grandkids are the best, aren’t they?
Thanks for the chance to win your new release!
I’m sure it’s a great read but I have to comment (as a former Commercial Art student and occasional artist) I love the artwork which plays a big factor when selecting a new read for myself or as a gift book.💗 -Daphne
I’m so glad everyone is well now and you had a great visit. As for your book, this may well be the most beautiful book cover EVER! If I were to win a copy, it will be displayed as the piece of art it is. Well, after I finish reading it, of course. Thanks for the opportunity to win, Deborah!
So sorry your family was hit with motors, but thankful you and Ken (and Grandma) stayed well and could enjoy your grandkids!
It’s always an exciting day when a new Deborah Raney book is released! Congrats!
Oops – looks like autocorrect didn’t like “norovirus.”
Glad that you are safely home and healthy!
That’s a beautiful cover!
Norovirus, yuck. My sister along with my nephews who live in Texas got that at the beginning of the year & it sounded HORRIBLE. My husband & I will be in Texas in the begging of September to visit her & attend a Celebration of Life/Birthday Bash for my Dad & handle some family business. I hope we don’t catch it. That would NOT be fun on a vacation. Well, I’m glad you were able to remain well & take care of the grandkids, sounds like you had a wonderful time.
I enjoy your family pictures.
Thank you so much for the chance. Praise God everyone is feeling better. Have a blessed evening.
Lucy
l think the Flint Hills is one of our most beautiful areas in Kansas so that is one reason I want to read your book. I’m glad your family wasn’t sick very long. What a blessing that you were able to spend that time with your grandchildren.
What a vacation trip… babysitting your grandson. I’m sure you made so many memories not only for yourselves but with your grandson and your other grandchildre, too.
Without evening reading the blurb, I fell in love with the book based solely on the cover, title, and author. *wink, wink*
Now that I’ve read the blurb, my desire to read it is even stronger. Living in WV, any time the Hatfield and McCoys names are alluded to, it always piques my curiosity.
Curious to learn what creative solution is proposed.
I have totally enjoyed your new series. This one surprised me with its setting. Since the other two were set in the eastern states, Kansas was a surprise. I would love my own copy, so thanks for this opportunity.
Holy Moly, girl! You and Ken never travel by halves, do you?? So glad that everyone is well and that you enjoyed the visit with all those adorable grandchildren. Now…stay home and rest, at least for a little while. 😉
I’ve had Who Names the Stars on my list of books I’d love to read!
I would love to read your book. and thank you for the chance.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL COMMENTS! I don’t answer individually on drawing days, but I read every one. Special thanks to those who commented on the beautiful cover my husband designed. I’ve passed your praise along to him.
And now….DRUMROLL PLEASE…the winner of Who Names the Stars is:
Leandra Massey! Please email me at debraney@mac.com and let me know your preference of ebook or print, and where to send your copy.
Hope I’m not too late. I’d love to win this book!