Books

Discover faith-laced stories where characters feel like lifelong friends

With more than 30 Christian romance novels, Karen Baney creates stories of second chances, redemption, and characters overcoming personal trials. Set primarily in Arizona—from modern ranch life to the rugged Territory days—these faith-laced stories feature flawed, relatable characters who feel like lifelong friends.

Most books available as ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks

Contemporary Romance

Vargas Ranch Series | ⭐ Most Popular

7+ Books | Wickenburg, Arizona, Present Day

Love is in the air at the Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort near Wickenburg, Arizona. Meet the Vargas family—five swoon-worthy brothers and their cousins who live by their family motto: "We do not deviate from the Lord's plan." These rugged cowboys run a successful working ranch and luxury resort while navigating the rollercoaster of finding true love.

Each brother's story delivers heart-fluttering romance, family drama, and that perfect small-town feel where everyone knows your business (whether you want them to or not!). From city-meets-country culture clashes to second-chance romances, these contemporary cowboy love stories prove that sometimes the best things in life are worth fighting for.

Series Books:

  1. Falling for a Real Cowboy - Dalton & River (Country vs City)
  2. Falling for a Shy Cowboy - Dylan & Brisa (Secret Crush / Single Mom)
  3. Falling for a Bossy Cowboy - Derin & Madison (Opposites Attract)
  4. Falling for a Smart Cowboy - Devon & Raina (Wounded Hero / Orphaned / Found Family)
  5. Falling for a Humbug Cowboy - Drake & Candi (Christmas Grump vs Sunshine)
  6. Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl - Solana & Adan (Best Friends to Sweethearts / Road Trip)
  7. Falling for a Pregnant Cowgirl - Renata & Gabe (Forced Proximity)

Plus Bonus Book and Novellas:

  • Falling for a Fake Cowboy (Prequel) - Sawyer & Cara (Across the Tracks) - coming Sept. 2025
  • Honeymoon with a Real Cowboy - Dalton & River Sequel (Married Romance Novella)
  • Falling for a Cowboy's Legacy - Dalton Sr. & Maria (Origin Story / Series Finale Novella)

Each book is a complete standalone romance with a guaranteed happily ever after!

"I enjoyed reading this sweet romance. It was a pure delight to read." —Reader Review

Steadfast Love Series 

2 Books | Phoenix Metro Area, Present Day

Real life. Real struggles. Unshakable faith.

The Steadfast Love series follows a close-knit group of friends as they navigate the beautiful mess of modern life in the Phoenix area—workplace drama, complicated families, and love that shows up when they least expect it. These contemporary romances blend emotional depth with authentic faith, reminding us that even when life unravels, God’s love never does.

Perfect for readers who crave heartfelt stories with substance, growth, and grace.

Series Books:

  1. The Heart I Rescue (Prequel) - Kyle & Niki (Workplace Enemies to Lovers / Secret Crush)
  2. The Air I Breathe - Kelly & Matt (Single Mom / Friends to More)

Each book stands alone but reading in order enhances the friend group experience.

"I found myself laughing and crying and rooting for them at different points. I think we all have a best friend like Marcy, and if we don't, we wish we did!" —Reader Review

Historical Romance

Prescott Pioneers Series 

4 Books + 1 Standalone | Arizona Territory, 1863-1866

Step back in time to the wild, untamed Arizona Territory where survival depends on grit, faith, and the courage to start over. Follow three pioneer families—the Andersons, Colters, and Larsons—as they risk everything for the promise of a new life in a land that demands both strength and hope.

This is where it all began. These foundational stories of love, loss, and building dreams from nothing will transport you to dusty trails, cattle drives, and the early days of what would become the thriving ranch empire in later series. Perfect for readers who love historical romance with authentic Western details and emotional depth.

Series Books:

  1. A Dream Unfolding (1863) - Hannah & Will (Starting Over / New Beginnings)
  2. A Heart Renewed (1863) - Julia & Adam (Friends to Lovers / Protector Hero)
  3. A Life Restored (1865) - Caroline & Thomas (Enemies to Lovers / Reformed Bad Boy)
  4. A Hope Revealed (1866) - Mary & Warren (Single Mom Romance / Second Chance Romance)

Connected Standalone:

  • Hidden Prospects - Millie & Paul (Secret Past / Forbidden Love)

Each book is a complete romance that can be enjoyed independently.

"Realistic. Well-written. This series is one of the best series of the old west that I've read." —Reader Review

Desert Manna Series 

3 Books | Prescott, Arizona, 1871-1873

Sometimes the most beautiful love stories bloom in the desert. Set in the growing frontier town of Prescott during the early 1870s, these tender romances follow women rebuilding their lives after heartbreak and the unexpected men who help them discover that second chances at love are worth the risk.

Each story stands beautifully on its own while painting a rich picture of life in territorial Arizona. Expect strong heroines who refuse to be broken by life's hardships, heroes worth waiting for, and that perfect blend of Western grit and tender romance that makes you believe in happily ever after.

Series Books:

  1. Beauty for Ashes (1871) - Rebecca & Perry (Widower & Widow / Single Mom / Revenge vs Redemption)
  2. Joy for Mourning (1872) - Grace & Joshua (Opposites Attract / Single Father / Wounded Hero)
  3. Oaks of Justice (1873) - Mel & Alex (Enemies to Lovers / Protective Hero)

Each book is a standalone romance with a guaranteed happy ending.

"Perfect end to the Desert Manna Series, a beautiful story displaying how God can heal the broken and scarred parts of life." —Reader Review

Colter Sons Series 

6 Books | Prescott, Arizona Territory, 1887-1906

Power, legacy, and forbidden love collide in this sweeping family saga set in the Arizona Territory. The Colter ranch empire has weathered decades of frontier life, but now family secrets and buried betrayals threaten to destroy everything. As five brothers—and one resilient sister—navigate the treacherous waters of love, loss, and redemption, they must decide what's worth fighting for.

From reluctant heirs to reformed drifters, each family member faces their own crossroads. Some battle the weight of expectations, others fight to escape their past mistakes, and all must confront the truth that threatens to tear their family apart. These passionate stories blend Western adventure, family drama, and heart-stopping romance across nearly two decades of territorial history.

Series Books:

  1. The Reluctant Cattleman (1887) - Sam (Reluctant Heir / Secret Identity)
  2. The Roaming Adventurer (1890) - Boone (Free Spirit / Shotgun Marriage)
  3. The Railroad Magnate (1892) - James (Wealthy Hero / Age Gap Romance)
  4. The Resourceful Stockman (1893) - Deacon (Forbidden Love / Justice & Revenge)
  5. The Restless Wrangler (1893) - Preston (Prodigal Son / Single Mom / Second Chance)
  6. The Resilient Bride (1906) - Violet (Multiple Widow / Former Enemies)

Each book stands alone but reading in order reveals the complete family saga.

"This series is one of the best series of the old west that I've read." —Reader Review

Larson Sisters Series

3 Novellas | Prescott, Arizona Territory, 1886-1894

Meet the next generation! These delightful novellas follow the three daughters of Adam and Julia Larson from the Prescott Pioneers Series as they navigate love, courtship, and finding their own happily ever afters in territorial Arizona.

Perfect for readers who want all the charm of historical romance in a quicker read. Each sister brings her own personality and challenges to the table, from Christmas romance to second chances to unrequited love finally getting its moment. These sweet stories capture the excitement of young love with the wisdom that comes from growing up in a large, loving family.

Series Books:

  1. In Love at Christmas (1886) - Caty (Christmas Romance / Answered Prayers)
  2. In Love with the Rancher (1888) - Penny (Friends to Lovers / Second chance)
  3. In Love with the Horse Trainer (1894) - Dory (Unrequited love / Sister's ex-fiancé)

Each novella is a complete standalone romance perfect for cozy reading.

“A beautiful story of faith, hope, and community. I was deeply moved by the characters and how everyone came together when it mattered most.” —Reader Review