| 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? Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family’s ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for an online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others—that of his childhood crush. There’s only one impossible problem—she is Adan’s little sister. Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother’s best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment. Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship? |  |
Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance
Release date: December 19, 2023
Release date: December 19, 2023
Click here to get your copy!
Interview with Karen
Thank you so much for the fun interview and for hosting me today.
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Someone close to me once told me about her abusive spouse. She only broke free because he died in a car accident which she credited to God’s grace in providing a way out. I know no more details than that, but her story inspired Brisa and her son’s backstory. I know writing about abuse is a sensitive subject so I tried to handle their backstory delicately and to show life on the other side of abuse—a free life—through Brisa and Braden. Dylan plays an important role in illustrating the stark contrast between an abuser (Brisa’s ex) and a man of God (Dylan).
One of my favorite lines in the book is when Brisa finally realizes that stark contrast: She had been suffering Tristin’s abuse when a man like Dylan—Dylan himself—wanted to date her.
Someone close to me once told me about her abusive spouse. She only broke free because he died in a car accident which she credited to God’s grace in providing a way out. I know no more details than that, but her story inspired Brisa and her son’s backstory. I know writing about abuse is a sensitive subject so I tried to handle their backstory delicately and to show life on the other side of abuse—a free life—through Brisa and Braden. Dylan plays an important role in illustrating the stark contrast between an abuser (Brisa’s ex) and a man of God (Dylan).
One of my favorite lines in the book is when Brisa finally realizes that stark contrast: She had been suffering Tristin’s abuse when a man like Dylan—Dylan himself—wanted to date her.
#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Dylan Vargas is one of my favorite characters in the series. He is a strong man of God with a huge heart, but deep wounds due to a speech impediment make it hard for him to risk expressing the real him. He instantly wants to help Brisa and her son in extravagant ways yet holds back many times.
To me, Dylan is a wonderful reflection of many of the godly men I’ve known in my life. They are real and very much worth getting to know.
Dylan Vargas is one of my favorite characters in the series. He is a strong man of God with a huge heart, but deep wounds due to a speech impediment make it hard for him to risk expressing the real him. He instantly wants to help Brisa and her son in extravagant ways yet holds back many times.
To me, Dylan is a wonderful reflection of many of the godly men I’ve known in my life. They are real and very much worth getting to know.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
In the opening chapter of the book, Brisa returns home after turning her life and circumstances over to God. Her life isn’t perfect, but she sees how God provided for her even through difficult times. I hope she will be an example to readers of what it looks like to trust God more, even though not everything is sunshine and roses.
In the opening chapter of the book, Brisa returns home after turning her life and circumstances over to God. Her life isn’t perfect, but she sees how God provided for her even through difficult times. I hope she will be an example to readers of what it looks like to trust God more, even though not everything is sunshine and roses.
#4. How did you name your characters?
I keep a notebook of cowboy names or names that intrigue me. When I sat down to name the five brothers in the series and designed the dV8 brand (which ties to the family motto), I ran through all the names starting with “D” and picked out the five I liked the most.
Funny story about Dylan’s name. I work for a Christian ministry and the account manager for a big software system that we use is also named Dylan. For the record, I chose the character’s name before I met him, but I think he would be flattered to share a name with my Dylan—especially since they are both godly men.
I keep a notebook of cowboy names or names that intrigue me. When I sat down to name the five brothers in the series and designed the dV8 brand (which ties to the family motto), I ran through all the names starting with “D” and picked out the five I liked the most.
Funny story about Dylan’s name. I work for a Christian ministry and the account manager for a big software system that we use is also named Dylan. For the record, I chose the character’s name before I met him, but I think he would be flattered to share a name with my Dylan—especially since they are both godly men.
#5 Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I am so thankful for the times in my life where I memorized Scripture. One Psalm in particular came to mind when I was writing a scene where Brisa is helping Dylan learn to meditate to overcome his speech impediment. She says the first line and Dylan recites the second in these verses below.
I am so thankful for the times in my life where I memorized Scripture. One Psalm in particular came to mind when I was writing a scene where Brisa is helping Dylan learn to meditate to overcome his speech impediment. She says the first line and Dylan recites the second in these verses below.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
Many times, when I’m faced with difficult situations or find myself discouraged, these verses come to mind. God is our help, and He is a powerful and mighty God—so powerful He created the heavens and earth. My problems are put into proper perspective, and I know I can face anything with Him at my side. I hope this brings you comfort today.
More from Karen
You’ve Got Mail?
As an author, sometimes you write something so identifiable to readers that you (the author) completely miss the obvious. Yeah, I did that in Falling for a Shy Cowboy.
Since Dylan Vargas, our hero, deals with a speech impediment, I thought a great way to help him connect with his one true love would be through a dating app—one where he keeps avoiding meeting in person. His best friend, Adan, signed him up for the dating app with a profile picture that obscures part of his face. When Dylan looked through the app, he finds Adan’s sister Brisa on the app. Imagine his excitement that his long-term crush was available!
So, Dylan responds to Brisa’s profile as Wrangler92. He’s much more comfortable pouring out his heart through messages in the dating app than fighting with his speech impediment in person. She’s keeping a few secrets of her own through their interactions on the app, creating tension.
And voila! The You’ve-Got-Mail “trope” successfully applied.
If only I had realized that’s what I’d done. It wasn’t until one reviewer wrote, “Who doesn’t like a little You’ve Got Mail in a cowboy romance?”
This is where I face-palmed, laughed out loud, and finally realized my shy cowboy and his one true love are clearly written like the old Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie You’ve Got Mail.
Anyway, I will be forever grateful to Jerah A. for pointing out the obvious connection. I hope you enjoy my take on a shy cowboy who woos a single mom a la You’ve Got Mail style.
As an author, sometimes you write something so identifiable to readers that you (the author) completely miss the obvious. Yeah, I did that in Falling for a Shy Cowboy.
Since Dylan Vargas, our hero, deals with a speech impediment, I thought a great way to help him connect with his one true love would be through a dating app—one where he keeps avoiding meeting in person. His best friend, Adan, signed him up for the dating app with a profile picture that obscures part of his face. When Dylan looked through the app, he finds Adan’s sister Brisa on the app. Imagine his excitement that his long-term crush was available!
So, Dylan responds to Brisa’s profile as Wrangler92. He’s much more comfortable pouring out his heart through messages in the dating app than fighting with his speech impediment in person. She’s keeping a few secrets of her own through their interactions on the app, creating tension.
And voila! The You’ve-Got-Mail “trope” successfully applied.
If only I had realized that’s what I’d done. It wasn’t until one reviewer wrote, “Who doesn’t like a little You’ve Got Mail in a cowboy romance?”
This is where I face-palmed, laughed out loud, and finally realized my shy cowboy and his one true love are clearly written like the old Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie You’ve Got Mail.
Anyway, I will be forever grateful to Jerah A. for pointing out the obvious connection. I hope you enjoy my take on a shy cowboy who woos a single mom a la You’ve Got Mail style.
 Karen Baney | 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, 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. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize
of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!
of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
Blog Stops
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25
Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Devoted To Hope, October 27
For the Love of Literature, October 28 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 28
She Lives To Read, October 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31
Labor Not in Vain, November 1
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 2 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 3
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5
Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7
Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Devoted To Hope, October 27
For the Love of Literature, October 28 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 28
She Lives To Read, October 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31
Labor Not in Vain, November 1
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 2 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 3
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5
Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7