Raeford's Mvp

Thirty days from home, Billy Coker is no longer sure what home means.

After eleven brutal months in Vietnam, Billy has learned to survive with cynicism, dark humor, and a St. Sebastian medal he can’t quite bring himself to take off. It was given to him years ago by Bonnie Jo Parker—the girl who believed in him long before he understood what that meant.

Now Billy has one month left in-country. One month to stay alive.

But surviving Vietnam may be easier than surviving what comes after.

Back home in Mississippi, the war follows Billy into friendships he no longer understands, memories he cannot escape, and a future that feels empty of purpose. To build a life worth living, he must confront what combat has taken from him—and reconsider the girl he once left behind.

By turns harrowing, heartfelt, and sharply funny, Raeford’s MVP is a Vietnam-era historical novel about brotherhood, trauma, homecoming, and the redemptive power of love.

Because sometimes the hardest battle begins after the soldier comes home.

Rick DeStefanis served with the United States 82nd Airborne Division from 1970 to 1972. He brings his military experiences as a paratrooper to this work, Raeford's MVP.
DeStefanis is the author of seven other novels, Melody Hill, and the award-winning thriller, The Gomorrah Principle, as well as Valley of the Purple Hearts and his latest, The Birdhouse Man.
An avid outdoorsman, photographer and writer, he lives in northern Mississippi with his wife Janet, two dogs, and four cats.
More information about Rick and his books can be found at rickdestefanis.com and on Facebook at Rick DeStefanis Books.