Who Names the Stars: Deborah Raney on Kansas Roots, Faith, and Second Chances
Some books feel personal from the very first page. That’s exactly the case with Deborah Raney’s newest release, Who Names the Stars. On this week’s Book Bites, Raney joined us to talk about the story, her writing process, and the family history woven into every chapter.
A Story Rooted in Real Kansas Soil
Who Names the Stars is the third book in Raney’s God Who series. It’s set in Kansas’s Flint Hills, near land her father once farmed. Interestingly, her 93-year-old dad became her go-to research source. Since he doesn’t own a computer, Raney mailed him printed chapters and gathered his feedback by hand. In turn, he shared stories she’d never heard before. That kind of firsthand insight, she explained, is a rare treasure.
Meet August and Renly
At the story’s center are August McClure and Renly Harper. Childhood friends turned near-strangers, the pair grew up on neighboring ranches. However, a falling-out between their parents drove a wedge between the families. Consequently, the two barely speak for years.
Eventually, circumstances push them back together. August cares for his father, who battles Alzheimer’s, while trying to save the family farm. Meanwhile, Renly has lost both parents and inherited her share of the ranch alone. Combining forces seems practical. So, they agree to a marriage of convenience, though readers can likely guess where the story leads from there.
Also worth watching for: Coda, a black lab who steals several scenes throughout the novel.
Writing Without a Map
During the conversation, Raney described herself as a lifelong “pantser,” meaning she writes without a detailed outline. As a result, her characters sometimes take unexpected turns. She recalled writing several chapters before realizing a scene wasn’t working, then adjusting course. Rather than viewing this as wasted effort, she sees it as part of the creative process.
How the Series Titles Came First
Unlike many authors, Raney didn’t start with characters or plot. Instead, the series began with a phrase from a sermon: “the God who…” She started collecting biblical references describing God’s power, and eventually landed on four: touches the mountains, stirs up the sea, measures the oceans, and names the stars.
From there, each title dictated its setting. The Blue Ridge Mountains suited the first book. St. Simons Island, Georgia, fit the second. Finally, Kansas felt right for the third, given its expansive night skies. A childhood memory of cousins seeing stars for the first time helped cement that decision.
Faith, Marriage, and Writing for Family
Raney was candid about her Christian worldview, noting that her faith has always shaped her writing. Though earlier books included lighter romantic threads, this series leans further into both romance and faith than her previous work.
That shift traces back to a real-life moment. During her 50th wedding anniversary celebration, her granddaughters asked how she and her husband first met. Inspired by that question, Raney began writing with those grandchildren in mind. Ultimately, she hopes readers walk away understanding marriage as a deep, three-way covenant between spouses and God, rather than a decision made lightly.
Both Raney’s youngest daughter and, by her own account, Raney herself now consider this her favorite book yet. High praise, considering her long career.
Catch the Full Conversation
This episode offers a heartfelt look at faith, family, and storytelling. Tune in to the complete conversation with Deborah Raney using the links below or anywhere you find your favorite podcast. Then pick up Who Names the Stars — along with the rest of the God Who series — for your next great read.
