About the Book

Book: The Restless Wrangler

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western

Release Date: March 8, 2023

A Prodigal Son, Surprise Baby Christian Historical Cowboy Romance. Compelling love story full of heartache and redemption set in Ash Fork, Arizona Territory in 1893-1894.

Preston Colter felt like he was the forgotten son. Years of drinking and drifting finally catch up to him. When a near-death experience recharts the course of his life, he finds himself face-to-face with an old flame. Will he prove he is a new and different man, or will he fall back into his old destructive ways

Years ago, Hetty Clark made one bad choice to follow her attraction to a man she loved which led to the birth of her son out of wedlock. After she inherits her father’s ranch, an older man offers her security for her son’s future if she marries him. When the man from her past shows up on her doorstep, she is faced with a difficult decision. Will she choose a loveless proposal to secure her son’s future? Or will she risk her heart on a man she doesn’t believe has really changed?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona in the late 1990s, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

What was the inspiration behind Preston Colter’s character?

I love a good prodigal story—partly because I was one. I also figured in a family with five boys and one daughter, at least one of them had to have a rebellious streak. Very early in developing the series, I felt like this role would be perfect for a fifth son.

Why did you write the series in the first person?

A few years ago, I read a historical series by Tess Thompson where she wrote the hero and heroine in the first person. I had enjoyed how the point of view felt deeper when written in the first person, so with the Colter Sons Series, I decided to give it a try. Since then, I’ve loved hearing from many readers how much they’ve enjoyed it.

If you’re a little nervous about reading something in the first person, please take advantage of the sample download feature available on most ereaders, including Kindle. The point of view characters are clearly marked at the beginning of the chapter and whenever the point of view changes.

Hetty Clark is a rancher?! What inspired you to choose that profession for her, especially since the book is set in 1893?

One of my favorite research sites for Arizona territorial history is the Sharlot Hall Museum’s online archives and “Days Past” articles. I read several articles about the early days of Prescott, Arizona’s Independence Day Celebrations. These were HUGE events for the town and surrounding communities, which eventually expanded into Cowboy Tournaments (aka Rodeo).

After reading an article about the women winners in the Cowboy Tournament in 1888, I dug deeper into what competitions the women participated in. I was surprised to learn that many of the women worked on ranches right alongside their husbands or brothers.

I enjoy writing strong female characters in unconventional roles, so making Hetty Clark a bronc rider and a ranch manager fit perfectly with the type of woman I pictured for Preston.

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

By The Book, November 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 6 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, November 7

Sylvan Musings, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 10 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Artistic Nobody, November 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, November 14 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card with signed paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28b2b/the-restless-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

Interview with Karen

How did you get started in writing?

In 2010, I went through a soul-searching time. I knew God’s plan for my life did not include motherhood. So, I sought His purpose for me. “Write” was what came to mind. After much more prayer and conversations with close friends and family, I figured I’d try writing a Christian historical romance novel. If God wanted to do something with it, He would. If not, then I would pursue other avenues of writing (Bible studies, etc.).

Twenty novels later, I’m nowhere close to slowing down. I love writing and I love seeking God for each novel. 

Do you have a favorite scene in your newest release?

I love the scene where Hetty sees Preston for the first time after he abandoned her years ago. She’s snarky and puts some walls up, despite being afraid of how strong her feelings still are for him.

What is the genre you write?

I have three Christian historical series, one Christian historical novella series, and just released a Christian contemporary romance. My next series coming out in November is contemporary Christian cowboy romance. Regardless of the subgenre, readers can always expect Christian themes and sweet romance from my books.

What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

I want other prodigals to know you are never too far gone for God’s love and redemption.

Who are your favorite authors?

Right now, Linda Goodnight, Jill Kemerer, Mandi Blake, and Emily Dana Botrous. All four of these authors write contemporary Christian romance. I’m reading everything I can get my hands on because I love the way each of them points readers to God and aren’t afraid to write imperfect characters in need of redemption or growth.

How do you get your story ideas?

Most of my historical stories are inspired by something I’ve read about Arizona history. Other stories have been inspired by my life or someone else’s testimony. My mother-in-law gave me blanket permission to use anything from her life that might help someone else. Sometimes other books I read inspire ideas too.

What advice can you give to writers trying to break into the publishing world?

There are so many options today to get your books out there. There are pros and cons to each. Regardless of how you get your books published, sitting on the sidelines, and avoiding all marketing or engaging with fans isn’t really an option. Just like a plumber can’t expect to get business if they don’t advertise, authors can’t expect to be discovered without some effort on the author’s part. No one ever really tells you that. The important thing is to find what you’re willing to do and keep it in balance with writing your books.

What qualities do you look for in a hero and heroine?

The most important thing I want in any hero or heroine is growth. I try very hard not to write all heroes or heroines the same. I love to model the variety of real life—different personalities, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

What do you plan to work on next?

I am writing a five-book contemporary cowboy romance series called the Vargas Ranch Series. Falling for a Real Cowboy comes out the week of Thanksgiving. It’s fun writing about this city-vs-country romance. She’s a romance writer, and yeah, I poke fun at us romance writers a few times.

What foods do you eat when writing to keep you going?

I don’t like to eat in my writing area or snack. A huge chunk of my writing time is in the evenings or on the weekends. When I’m writing on a weekend, sometimes I’m so into what I’m writing I nuke something quick for a late lunch when I’m hungry (or even hangry).

If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go?

My vacation bucket list places include: Ireland, Australia, Banff. Banff because my 20^th anniversary was in the year that shall not be named and we had to cancel that trip. Ireland because my parents gave me a photo book of Ireland when I was a teenager. Australia because we watched some TV series set in Australia when I was a teenager. No idea what it was, but I remember wanting to go there.

Where can readers connect with you?

My website is: www.karenbaney.com

I have links to Facebooks, Instagram, Twitter (or X), my newsletter, BookBub, Goodreads, and more. You can also email me through the contact form. I love hearing from readers, so drop me a line or comment on social media.