Who Names the Stars

by Deborah Raney

The tallgrass prairie is all they’ve ever loved. But will they be the last generation to nurture it?

Wrenlee Harper and August McClure grew up on adjoining ranches in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, but after tragedy struck their families, their names may as well have been Hatfield and McCoy for all the love lost between them. After her dad’s death, Wrenlee’s brother washed his hands of the ranch, and she was forced to come home and manage the struggling ranch her great-grandfather established before the turn of the twentieth century. Meanwhile, August is in his own fight to keep his ailing dad’s ranch above water. Though it feels like a losing battle, August believes he has no other options. Ranching is all he knows, and the tallgrass prairie is all he’s ever loved. When disaster strikes the Harper ranch, it seems Wrenlee has no choice except to hang up her boots. She didn’t count on the creative solution her neighbor proposes. Could it be as simple as tearing down old fences? But if August’s plan fails, it just might ruin them both.

Genres: Christian Fiction

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2026

About the author

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. 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.

Reviews

[Tavia]

This is one of my favorite Deborah Raney books! Love the characters, the trope, and the banter! But I also love how there was depth and themes of forgiveness, deep love and such a high value of marriage. The sweetest ending! All the warm fuzzies!

[Tamera Alexander]

HEARTFELT, ENGAGING ROMANCE and a wonderful addition to The God Who series.

I love a good marriage-of-convenience story, and this one ticked all the boxes! Deborah Raney delivers another heartfelt, engaging romance and a wonderful addition to The God Who series. I loved watching the relationship develop between Wrenlee & August—the humor and tenderness, the complications, and all those little moments that gradually turn a practical arrangement into something so much more. Add Deb’s signature warmth and naturally woven faith, and this was a thoroughly satisfying read. Highly recommended!

[Jeanne]

The Merger

What begins as a business merger between neighbors, becomes so much more! A Deborah Raney book always draws me in, but The God Who series is not to be missed, and this third book in the series is my absolute favorite of all. August and Wrenlee offer laughter, tears, country life, great family history and a wonderful ending. Not to be missed.

[Mary Vogelsong]

A marriage of convenience awakens long-buried feelings and overcomes a family feud.

[Tracey]

I have been watching for Who Names the Stars by Deborah Raney and was thrilled when I saw it had released. 5 stars!


I've written over 300 reviews in the past 10 years and have all but "retired" from reviewing. And then...this charming book swept me away and I knew I had to tell other readers it was so very worthy of adding to their must read list.


Childhood neighbors, August and Wrenlee have a serious dilemma on their hands. August suggests a marriage of convenience would go a long way in helping them solve their problems. I'm pragmatic enough to see the logic in August's "proposal" and romantic enough to see Wrenlee's point of view. All manner of negotiations and complications ensue! Their journey into making things right was quite the experience. I was especially impressed with the stand August took as he moved towards being the man God wanted him to be.


Deb Raney has stayed true to her Kansas roots and written a compelling story that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you with a satisfied sigh. I enjoyed it every step of the way. The epilogue was so romantic and charming I did not want the story to end. I could not recommend Who Names the Stars more. I can hardly wait for next summer to read book four, Who Measures the Oceans.

[Kim]

If I could I would give this book 10 stars. I love all Deborah Raney books. I read this one in two days and in between reads thought of nothing else but!
We raised our kids on the Kansas prairie and I can see and hear and feel this book. I have read other pioneer marriage of convenience books but this was so unique and current.
By the time I finished I felt so full. Satisfied.
Weepy. Strengthened in my belief of the covenant of marriage God designed for us. Every little detail is just perfect and I laughed and I fell in love with the characters.
Another great book in this series. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Arleen]

This was a sweet, feel good story. Just the kind of book you need to relax and have that getting away from it all feeling. Even though you have a pretty good idea how the characters are going to end up from the beginning, the plot was interesting and entertaining. I also appreciated how God and honoring Him was entwined throughout the story. Very enjoyable book.

[Beth Wyant]

This one is my favorite in the series and maybe my favorite Deborah Raney book! It was perfect! I love a marriage of convenience story but I don’t think I’ve ever read a modern-day one. The story was fresh, engaging and filled with themes of forgiveness and truth. Just delightful!

[Joy Kidney]

What a delightful summer read! A marriage of convenience to save two ranches, between two enemy families, among the mesmerizing Kansas Flint Hills, which becomes another compelling character in the story. The characters--from Wrenlee and August (who could out-stubborn Wrenlee) to Wrenlee's brother Wyatt, from August's father Angus with Alzheimer's to no-nonsense Judge Cleo Maxfield, and even pet dog Koda--are wonderfully shared.

Oh, the terrible accident that killed Wrenlee and August's mothers! Oh, that Zoom call! And a pet bitten by a snake! Homemade brownies make a delightful appearance and even pitching horseshoes. I also appreciated the Author's Note at the end.

[Myra Johnson]

An absolutely charming enemies-to-sweethearts novel from one of my favorite authors! Wrenlee and August, neighbors and former childhood friends, find themselves separately struggling to keep their family ranches afloat. They reluctantly agree to an arrangement where each helps the other, but neither is prepared for the consequences—including the answer to a long-suppressed truth about the source of the animosity between their families. The story unfolds tenderly, thoughtfully, and with hope always on the horizon. Exactly the kind of heartfelt novel Raney is noted for!

[Charla Friday]

I really loved this book!

What a unique story line! The characters were well developed, likable and believable. And their faith, although imperfect like all of ours, shined through.

[Kathleen Bruner]

Always love her books!

I always love Deb Raney's books, and this was no exception. I loved getting to know Wrenlee and August and their story touched me!

[Dolores East]

Another beautifully written book by Deborah Raney. She can always be trusted to write about interesting characters and enjoyable and often surprises. I highly recommend all her books. I have not found one disappointing one.

[Laura Ann]

I love this book and love story! Such a fun read and such beautiful scenery described in this book.
This is an awesome series!
I love the elements of faith and forgiveness and grace in this book.

[Amber Wellin]

Who Names the Stars is my favorite Deborah Raney book to date! While I haven't had the opportunity to read all of her books, this one had me hooked from the beginning. I absolutely love a good marriage of convenience trope, and this one did not disappoint. It's no small feat to weave a modern-day marriage of convenience story into a contemporary setting while keeping it relevant, believable, and engaging, but Deb did this masterfully. I did not want the book to end! I'm hopeful to see similar storylines from her in the future.

[CarolynB]

So good. I loved this whole series!

[Leanne]

I loved this marriage of convenience story set in the farmlands of Kansas.

[Rebecca Johnson]

loved this book!

This is a wonderful story of Wrenlee and August who try everything they can to save their families farms, even by getting married. A heartwarming story.