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The God Who #1
Who Touches the Mountains
Traveling all across the country is exciting…until it isn’t anymore.
Liesl Bachman enjoys success as a travel writer, but that success comes at a price. Now she feels isolated and stuck in a way she never expected in the “cool” job she always wanted. Zach Freylan is bound by an unspoken promise he made to his beloved wife before her death in a mysterious one-car crash. For two years, he’s run The Inn at Rosebud Lane that belonged to Jenny's grandparents, but he finds little joy in maintaining what was always her dream. From the moment Liesl checks in for an extended stay at the inn, something begins to shift inside Zach, letting him dare to hope that his life could be different. Liesl feels that same promise of hope, but the clock is ticking for them both as circumstances only grow more complicated. Is thirty-seven days enough to know for sure that this is God’s yes?
Liesl Bachman enjoys success as a travel writer, but that success comes at a price. Now she feels isolated and stuck in a way she never expected in the “cool” job she always wanted. Zach Freylan is bound by an unspoken promise he made to his beloved wife before her death in a mysterious one-car crash. For two years, he’s run The Inn at Rosebud Lane that belonged to Jenny's grandparents, but he finds little joy in maintaining what was always her dream. From the moment Liesl checks in for an extended stay at the inn, something begins to shift inside Zach, letting him dare to hope that his life could be different. Liesl feels that same promise of hope, but the clock is ticking for them both as circumstances only grow more complicated. Is thirty-seven days enough to know for sure that this is God’s yes?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2024
103 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books683 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards 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 three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 11, 2025
Audiobook
A sweet, lovely romance, and a worthy Christy Award finalist.
A sweet, lovely romance, and a worthy Christy Award finalist.
December 1, 2024
I’ve always loved her books, so excited when I saw she had a new one, this story is beautifully written, looking forward to the next one. God paints beautiful pictures in the NC mountains, I’ve lived in NC most of my life, right up the street from the mountains. They will cure all that ails you!
February 13, 2025
A great start to Deborah Raney's new series. This story is filled with second chances, starting over after loss, forgiveness, redemption, and a whole lot more. I'm looking forward to the next book in The God Who series!
December 9, 2024
Deborah Raney has released the first book in a new series, Who Touches the Mountains, based on Psalm 104:31-34, from which she takes the phrase, The God Who. This passage speaks of praise for God’s glory seen in creation. Raney aptly selected the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, specifically the scenic area around Asheville encompassing Black Mountain, Chimney Rock, and Montreat, as the setting for her debut book in the series.
Just before the scheduled release of Who Touches the Mountains, Hurricane Helene tore a path of destruction through that region, with catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Raney wondered if allowing publication on the heels of this real-life tragedy would seem insensitive and exploitative. In the end, she decided the book honors the resolve of the area’s residents, and she is donating a portion of the book’s profits toward rebuilding the affected communities.
In Who Touches the Mountains, Raney crafts a tale of loss, grief, romance, and even mystery. The veteran author incorporates inspirational elements into the story in a natural, unobtrusive way, touching on themes of prayer, church attendance, one’s relationship with God, and forgiveness.
For those who have weathered a storm, may you find encouragement in the pages of Raney’s book, as you lift your eyes toward The God Who.
Upcoming titles in The God Who series include Who Stirs Up the Sea, Who Names the Stars, and Who Measures the Oceans.
Just before the scheduled release of Who Touches the Mountains, Hurricane Helene tore a path of destruction through that region, with catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Raney wondered if allowing publication on the heels of this real-life tragedy would seem insensitive and exploitative. In the end, she decided the book honors the resolve of the area’s residents, and she is donating a portion of the book’s profits toward rebuilding the affected communities.
In Who Touches the Mountains, Raney crafts a tale of loss, grief, romance, and even mystery. The veteran author incorporates inspirational elements into the story in a natural, unobtrusive way, touching on themes of prayer, church attendance, one’s relationship with God, and forgiveness.
For those who have weathered a storm, may you find encouragement in the pages of Raney’s book, as you lift your eyes toward The God Who.
Upcoming titles in The God Who series include Who Stirs Up the Sea, Who Names the Stars, and Who Measures the Oceans.
November 26, 2024
So so good! A beautiful story of second chances, redemption, and ultimately God’s care and provision!
Love these characters and their sweet story!
And that cover!!! 😍🤩
Love these characters and their sweet story!
And that cover!!! 😍🤩
February 15, 2025
Another winner from Deborah Raney!
I always know to expect a cast of characters that stay with me and a story that ultimately leads to the road of Grace and Gods sovereignty as the key to a good ending. Deb is the queen of good Christian fiction.
I always know to expect a cast of characters that stay with me and a story that ultimately leads to the road of Grace and Gods sovereignty as the key to a good ending. Deb is the queen of good Christian fiction.
October 23, 2025
A contemporary romance novel with a dash of mystery.
Travel writer Liesel enjoys her life until she is staying at a bed and breakfast in her home state of North Carolina and wonders if she would trade in traveling for something different.
Widower Zach runs the bed and breakfast and Liesel is the first women to spark his interest since his wife died tragically in a car accident.
Travel writer Liesel enjoys her life until she is staying at a bed and breakfast in her home state of North Carolina and wonders if she would trade in traveling for something different.
Widower Zach runs the bed and breakfast and Liesel is the first women to spark his interest since his wife died tragically in a car accident.
December 30, 2024
Another sweetly inspiring romance from Deborah Raney! A former resident of North Carolina, I especially enjoyed revisiting the state through the characters' perceptions. It's a story about healing, moving on after a loss, finding new joy in one's calling, and being open to change—all with the help of God through difficult and challenging times.
November 30, 2024
What a good start to this series.
I really enjoyed this story. The mountains are my favorite, so reading about them made it even better. And the storyline keeps you reading. Well done! Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this story. The mountains are my favorite, so reading about them made it even better. And the storyline keeps you reading. Well done! Looking forward to the next book.
December 3, 2024
Deborah Raney never disappoints
Once again Deborah builds a story woven with many different strands that paints a picture so vivid the reader feels they are right in the midst. And it leaves one knowing that with God in the picture all things are possible!!
Once again Deborah builds a story woven with many different strands that paints a picture so vivid the reader feels they are right in the midst. And it leaves one knowing that with God in the picture all things are possible!!
January 14, 2025
Another touching story!
I expect a lot from Deborah Raney books, and she never fails to deliver! What a sweet story with many ups and downs along the way. Zach and Leisl are imperfect characters, that we get to know perfectly! I love the area this is written about and since my birthday is June 23rd it makes it all the more special. I f you know, you know! :)
I expect a lot from Deborah Raney books, and she never fails to deliver! What a sweet story with many ups and downs along the way. Zach and Leisl are imperfect characters, that we get to know perfectly! I love the area this is written about and since my birthday is June 23rd it makes it all the more special. I f you know, you know! :)
June 16, 2025
I was able to lose myself in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and think about how God works in our lives while enjoying a good story. Liesl is living her dream job but wonders if the dream is not all it’s cracked up to be. Zach is living someone else’s dream but wonders if he needs to follow his own dream. Through the twists and turns, I was cheering them on to figure out a solution that worked for both of them. There are some challenging lessons about forgiveness woven into the story and the power of redemption. A lovely summer read.
February 13, 2025
Faith and Forgiveness
A great read that takes you into the world of faith and forgiveness . Times of personal tragedy and discovery, bring the challenge of accepting the past and moving forward to find rewards of love and adventure for a handsome inn keeper and a lovely author. They are joined by their quest to locate secret places that bring experiences of peace and joy!
A great read that takes you into the world of faith and forgiveness . Times of personal tragedy and discovery, bring the challenge of accepting the past and moving forward to find rewards of love and adventure for a handsome inn keeper and a lovely author. They are joined by their quest to locate secret places that bring experiences of peace and joy!
March 5, 2025
The setting for this story is in a lovely Inn in small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains
. A Innkeeper who had a great loss in his life and a Journelist find second changes. A great story of adventure and love.
. A Innkeeper who had a great loss in his life and a Journelist find second changes. A great story of adventure and love.
February 21, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! Great descriptions of North Carolina - Black Mountain/Asheville area.
October 8, 2025
3.5 stars
"Where had the days gone when she'd felt such elation at arriving at her new destination with a whole new city to explore . . . The job she'd loved so much in the beginning had gradually become more like drudgery."
Travel writer Liesl Bachmann arrives at The Inn at Rosebud Lane on the cusp of wondering if her wandering life was beginning to grow tiresome as well as a bit lonesome. Her career had certainly brought success, but lately it was falling short of fulfilling. Upon meeting her host for the next few weeks, Zach Freylan, Liesl could not help but question his career choice, for Zach wasn't the most hospitable of hosts and seemed to enjoy directing his guests to the information laden notebooks in their rooms rather than engaging in personal conversation. Was this trip to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina going to be a bang or a bust?
It had been two years since the tragic death of his wife and Zach Freylan had lost his enthusiasm for the constant ebbs and flows of proprietorship, after all it had been Jenny's family history that prompted them to save and restore the inn property. Along came Liesl, like a breath of fresh air, full of curiosity with her probing questions and unique perspectives. Might she be an answer to prayer that Zach never thought to utter?
Moderately paced and deep inspiring this nearly love-at-first-sight novel is such a sweet reminder that the God who touches the mountains has plans for our lives that are far above our own.
"Where had the days gone when she'd felt such elation at arriving at her new destination with a whole new city to explore . . . The job she'd loved so much in the beginning had gradually become more like drudgery."
Travel writer Liesl Bachmann arrives at The Inn at Rosebud Lane on the cusp of wondering if her wandering life was beginning to grow tiresome as well as a bit lonesome. Her career had certainly brought success, but lately it was falling short of fulfilling. Upon meeting her host for the next few weeks, Zach Freylan, Liesl could not help but question his career choice, for Zach wasn't the most hospitable of hosts and seemed to enjoy directing his guests to the information laden notebooks in their rooms rather than engaging in personal conversation. Was this trip to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina going to be a bang or a bust?
It had been two years since the tragic death of his wife and Zach Freylan had lost his enthusiasm for the constant ebbs and flows of proprietorship, after all it had been Jenny's family history that prompted them to save and restore the inn property. Along came Liesl, like a breath of fresh air, full of curiosity with her probing questions and unique perspectives. Might she be an answer to prayer that Zach never thought to utter?
Moderately paced and deep inspiring this nearly love-at-first-sight novel is such a sweet reminder that the God who touches the mountains has plans for our lives that are far above our own.
November 9, 2025
This is the story of Leisl and Zack. Zack lost his wife two years ago in a car accident. He is running an inn that he had run with his wife. This was her dream, not his, and he feels stuck. Leisl is a travel writer and has been traveling for a good while and now looking to put down roots. She checks into Zack’s inn in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and falls in love with both Zack and the beautiful countryside. Deborah Raney, the author, writes an inspiring story about how these two opposite people come together and how the power of forgiveness can set you free. An inspirational read.
March 17, 2025
A sweet, descriptive story, the North Carolina setting is as much a character in this book at Liesl and Zach.
In addition to the setting (which is easy to visualize and experience), two things I really enjoyed about this book were the natural integration of a Christian theme (it didn't preach and blended into the story well) and the five-week timeline (definitely enough time to fall in love with someone, versus the love-at-first-sight trope).
I haven't read many books by Deb Raney, but I enjoyed this one. I'll definitely share it with others.
Rated PG.
In addition to the setting (which is easy to visualize and experience), two things I really enjoyed about this book were the natural integration of a Christian theme (it didn't preach and blended into the story well) and the five-week timeline (definitely enough time to fall in love with someone, versus the love-at-first-sight trope).
I haven't read many books by Deb Raney, but I enjoyed this one. I'll definitely share it with others.
Rated PG.
July 4, 2025
Who Touches the Mountains is the first book I have read written by Deborah Raney and it has been such a pleasure. I look forward to reading more books by her. This is the first book in the series and I look forward to reading the next one in the future.
The character development was great. Liesl has the perfect job, until it is no longer perfect. Trying to figure out her next steps in life and where she wants to be. Zach is still trying to process and grieve the loss of his wife, Jenny. Pulling back the layers and watching him go through some of the grieving process was encouraging.
The setting and storyline were great. I loved being in the North Carolina mountains at this cute little Inn. It was totally Hallmark vibes. As the storyline progressed, and we got to meet some of the other characters I had a fun time trying to figure out what the significance was at first. As it was coming to light, it was interesting to see what would pan out, and then the big plot twist happened. I was not ready for that (no spoilers). But the connection that happens between Liesl and Zach brings a different depth.
The romance was a sweet, kisses-only romance that was perfect. I loved that Zach was getting a second chance at his happily ever after again.
Deborah Raney did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved how much scripture and prayer were included. Even their struggles in coming back to God. I loved that even though both Zach and Liesl took a break from church while they were going through their struggles, they both chose to go back to church and reconnect with God.
The character development was great. Liesl has the perfect job, until it is no longer perfect. Trying to figure out her next steps in life and where she wants to be. Zach is still trying to process and grieve the loss of his wife, Jenny. Pulling back the layers and watching him go through some of the grieving process was encouraging.
The setting and storyline were great. I loved being in the North Carolina mountains at this cute little Inn. It was totally Hallmark vibes. As the storyline progressed, and we got to meet some of the other characters I had a fun time trying to figure out what the significance was at first. As it was coming to light, it was interesting to see what would pan out, and then the big plot twist happened. I was not ready for that (no spoilers). But the connection that happens between Liesl and Zach brings a different depth.
The romance was a sweet, kisses-only romance that was perfect. I loved that Zach was getting a second chance at his happily ever after again.
Deborah Raney did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book. I loved how much scripture and prayer were included. Even their struggles in coming back to God. I loved that even though both Zach and Liesl took a break from church while they were going through their struggles, they both chose to go back to church and reconnect with God.
July 19, 2025
What a beautiful story about the way things work out in our lives if we are open to change, God's healing and moving forward. It's not preachy but the setting alone in the Blue Ridge Mountains was very descriptive and had a large impact in the story. Liesel and Zach's characters were very well developed and seemed like old friends to me by the end of the book. I felt their struggles and their love. This story really touched me and I look forward to reading more of this series.
April 22, 2025
This was a fabulous story about two people helping each other overcome her struggles. Zach and Liesl find that they enjoy time together and begin to fall in love. I appreciated the way they were willing to go out of their way for one another while not chnaging the other person. I enjoyed them renewing their relationships with God as well through their experiences.
September 28, 2025
Loved!
This was such a sweet love story that had many twists and turns. The storyline was filled with faith journeys that led each character to see their personal God stories! I really appreciate well done Christian fiction for the way it helps us see God at work in our own lives and see our own God stories!
This was such a sweet love story that had many twists and turns. The storyline was filled with faith journeys that led each character to see their personal God stories! I really appreciate well done Christian fiction for the way it helps us see God at work in our own lives and see our own God stories!
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November 28, 2025Deborah Raney has been one of my favorite writers since I was introduced to her very special books. Since having retired I spend much of my time reading, and Deborah's latest was another lovely reading experience. Zach's loss of his beloved wife struck me as I lost my beloved husband. Deborah's story was beautiful, and I highly recommend her books to any caring person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
slow
The story was good and about forgiveness. It had a nice romance too but it was easy to put down. Without any drama until about 2/3rd through it, there was just dialogue and getting to know the history of the characters.
I liked it ok but several times thought about not finishing it. It was slow.
The story was good and about forgiveness. It had a nice romance too but it was easy to put down. Without any drama until about 2/3rd through it, there was just dialogue and getting to know the history of the characters.
I liked it ok but several times thought about not finishing it. It was slow.
September 14, 2025
Beautiful and cleverly written
Beautiful and cleverly told
with just enough twists and turns to keep your interests in the main characters who, at first, seemed like the stand-offish types. Made me want to put North Carolina on my list of places to explore. “Along my route”. LOL
Beautiful and cleverly told
with just enough twists and turns to keep your interests in the main characters who, at first, seemed like the stand-offish types. Made me want to put North Carolina on my list of places to explore. “Along my route”. LOL
March 20, 2025
You did it again Deb. What a great read, and even before I finished I was anxiously awaiting the next offering. Thank you Deborah
July 3, 2025
A Clean Love Story
This was a simple love story with minor challenges. I didn't think the mystery involving a fatal car crash was developed enough. It seemed to end suddenly.
This was a simple love story with minor challenges. I didn't think the mystery involving a fatal car crash was developed enough. It seemed to end suddenly.
September 17, 2025
a second chance novel. Nice to see a new series by Deborah Raney
December 19, 2025
Who Touches the Mountains by Deborah Randy
I truly enjoyed this story of Zach and Liesl's story. Story of faith, trust in our Savior, healing and forgiveness.
I truly enjoyed this story of Zach and Liesl's story. Story of faith, trust in our Savior, healing and forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews