Stories Behind the Stories
Get the inside scoop on my faith-laced romances, meet the real history that inspires my novels, and discover exclusive excerpts you won't find anywhere else.
Welcome to my corner of the internet! I'm Karen Baney, and I love sharing the stories behind my stories with readers like you. Whether you're curious about the fascinating Arizona Territory history that shapes my novels, want a sneak peek at upcoming releases, or just want to get to know the person behind the characters you love—you've come to the right place. Pull up a chair and let's chat about faith, love, and the wild adventures of the Old West!
When Romance Meets a Golden Retriever: Falling for a Fake Cowboy Excerpt
Watch author Karen Baney read an excerpt from Falling for a Fake Cowboy where photographer Cara and handyman Sawyer meet for the first time. Clean contemporary western romance with a golden retriever, instant chemistry, and redemption themes. Vargas Ranch series prequel.
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A Cowboy's Best Friend: The Bonds That Make My Heroes Real
The bond between a cowboy and his horse reveals everything about his character—explore how authentic equine partnerships create believable western heroes.
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Inspiration That Sparked Vargas Ranch Sports
A Phoenix resort discovery during a 2008 anniversary getaway unexpectedly inspired the tennis courts and sports rehab center that became central to Derin's transformation in the Vargas Ranch series.
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Why Derin Vargas Needed a Tennis Pro: His Perfect Match
Derin Vargas needed a heroine strong enough to challenge him and forgiving enough to see his potential. Tennis pro Madison Moore, facing her own crossroads, proved to be his perfect match.
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The Man with Calloused Hands and a Faithful Heart
Meet Sawyer Fullerton, the handyman hero of my upcoming prequel Falling for a Fake Cowboy. Discover why the man with calloused hands and a faithful heart proves that grace can make anyone new.
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How Breyer Horses Led to 15 Years of Cowboy Romance
From Breyer figurines to equine therapy research, discover how a childhood love of horses shaped 15 years of authentic cowboy romance writing.
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When Research Becomes Obsession: The Creative Journey Behind Falling for a Cowboy's Legacy
What began as one dinner scene in Falling for a Real Cowboy became a three-year creative obsession, leading to a full novella about the founding Vargas couple and the explosive secrets that shaped seven generations.
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Why I Gave My Heroine the Most Challenging Pregnancy Story
Author Karen Baney shares the creative process behind choosing surrogacy for her pregnant heroine in "Falling for a Pregnant Cowgirl" and how it created a unique twist on familiar romance tropes.
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