Welcome to a world where faith and romance intertwine, creating stories that touch your heart and characters who become part of your life. I'm Karen Baney, author of more than 30 Christian romance novels that span from the rugged Arizona Territory of the 1800s to contemporary ranch life.

New Release

Falling for a Fake Cowboy

Vargas Ranch Prequel

One photo. Two fractured pasts. When secrets resurface at Vargas Ranch, can love rooted in faith withstand the storm?

Released October 14, 2025

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She fell into a ditch, then fell for the fake cowboy.

Watch this excerpt read by me!

4 minutes

Popular Series

Vargas Ranch Series

Love is in the air at the Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort near Wickenburg, Arizona. When five brawny brothers find their hearts unexpectedly lassoed, they discover that God's plan for love is more wonderful than they ever imagined. 7 books & 2 novellas | Contemporary Western Romance

Start Your Ranch Romance

Prescott Pioneers Series

Set during the Civil War, the Prescott Pioneers series follows five courageous women who risk everything to start over in the untamed Arizona Territory. As they journey west, they face illness, betrayal, and the unforgiving frontier. Through it all, they find strength, faith, and life-changing love. These stories bring Prescott’s rugged beginnings to life with rich historical detail and heartfelt romance. 5 books | Historical Western Romance

Join the Journey West

Colter Sons Series

Set in 1880s Arizona Territory, the Colter Sons series follows five brothers and their sister as they navigate family secrets, personal trials, and the rugged frontier. Each brother’s journey to manhood is shaped by hardship, faith, and unexpected love. With rich historical detail and emotional depth, these stories explore how loyalty, redemption, and romance can flourish even in the harshest landscapes. 6 books | Historical Western Romance

Meet the Brothers

What Readers Are Saying

"Baney crafts characters who feel like lifelong friends, making it easy to root for them... The way faith gallops through the story is beautifully woven, serving as a gentle reminder of the strength found in believing."

Lu Ann

Devoted to Hope

“Deliciously romantic! After reading Falling for a Real Cowboy, I wanted to book a casita on Vargas Ranch for a month. The Arizona setting came to life, and I had all the feels while watching River and Dalton fall in love. A terrific start to a memorable series.”

Jill Kemerer

Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author

"I loved getting to know Derin and Madison. Their fun banter kept me engaged. I smiled, laughed, and cried."

Amy

"Karen Baney has a unique, engaging writing style and the ability to create relatable characters and heartfelt stories."

Gina M.

Recent From My Blog

When Romance Meets a Golden Retriever: Falling for a Fake Cowboy Excerpt

14/10/2025
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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Why Derin Vargas Needed a Tennis Pro: His Perfect Match

31/08/2025
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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Inspiration That Sparked Vargas Ranch Sports

31/08/2025
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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