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!
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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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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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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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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Why Montana Made My Hero Irresistible And It's Not What You Think
Discover how Montana's landscape shaped the most emotionally complex cowboy hero and why vulnerability trumps confidence in modern Christian romance.
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