How many books about ranches and cowboys have you read, whether historical or contemporary, and you wondered about their brand?
Hardly anyone describes the brand. Me either. In my historical series, I don’t think I’ve mentioned the brand for my ranch that appears in eleven books!
Well, for the Vargas Ranch Series, the brand plays a central role in describing both the family and their faith. In many of my series, I start with a theme verse, and the Vargas Ranch Series is no exception. When I read these verses in my morning devotion time, I knew this would be the anchor for the series.
With regard to the works of man,
by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
—Psalms 17:4-5 ESV
Then the family motto formed based on the second verse: I do not deviate from the Lord’s plan.
Immediately, I latched onto the word “deviate” and how it might be represented in a brand: “dV8”. I sketched out the design, and then I had to back into how else the letters “d” and “V” might relate to the series.
Then next thing I knew, I was searching for Spanish last names beginning with a “V”. As soon as I saw Vargas, I knew it was the perfect name for my Arizonan ranching family. The idea to start all the men’s names with a “d” also took shape. I scanned through my running list of cowboy names and quickly settled on the five brothers’ names: Dalton, Dylan, Derin, Devon, and Drake.
Now, I could have probably stopped there, but I love developing a rich family history for a series like this. So, I set the founding of the ranch in 1952 with Dalton J. Vargas, Senior. His son, Junior, named his sons Dalton J. Vargas the third and Diego Vargas. The third, or “Tres”, is the father of the five sons in the series.
I’ve really enjoyed weaving the family’s “dV8” brand, family motto, and theme verses into the first book in the series. They will appear in all five books. So, I’ll leave you with:
“I do not deviate from the Lord’s plan.”
Blessings, dear readers!
Karen Baney
About the Series
Love is in the air at the Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort near Wickenburg, Arizona. The Vargas family lives and breathes their family motto: We do not deviate from the Lord’s plan. Five brawny brothers keep the ranch and resort running while life lassos their hearts in this epic contemporary cowboy romance series.
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Book 1) - Dalton Vargas
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Available for pre-order at all major retailers.
She’s trying to resurrect her career. He’s sworn off women. Will this city-meets-country duo find love where they least expect it?
Falling for a Shy Cowboy (Book 2) - Dylan Vargas
Release Date: December 19, 2023
Available for pre-order at all major retailers.
She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?
Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Book 3) - Derin Vargas
Release Date: 2024
She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?
Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Book 4) - Devon Vargas
Release Date: 2024
She’s an orphan on a mission to change children’s lives. He’s an overwhelmed overachiever and her boss. Will these two learn to work together and find love in the process?
Falling for a Grumpy Cowboy (Book 5) - Drake Vargas
Release Date: 2024
She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he wallows in misery. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?
