| 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? |  |
Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western
Release Date: March 8, 2023
Release Date: March 8, 2023
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Interview with Karen
#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Being the fifth son in a family is rough. I felt Preston’s position within the family made him the perfect candidate for a Prodigal Son story. I’ve had my own prodigal journey so it’s a theme dear to me. I want other prodigals to know you are never too far gone for God’s love and redemption.
Being the fifth son in a family is rough. I felt Preston’s position within the family made him the perfect candidate for a Prodigal Son story. I’ve had my own prodigal journey so it’s a theme dear to me. I want other prodigals to know you are never too far gone for God’s love and redemption.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
About three months. Most of my books take roughly three to four months from first word to final edit. I’ve been writing since 2010, so I’ve got my system down. The one unusual thing with The Restless Wrangler (Colter Sons Book 5) is that I wrote it after I wrote book 6.
About three months. Most of my books take roughly three to four months from first word to final edit. I’ve been writing since 2010, so I’ve got my system down. The one unusual thing with The Restless Wrangler (Colter Sons Book 5) is that I wrote it after I wrote book 6.
#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I’ve been a long-time fan of Christian historical romance—ever since the eighth grade. When I first started writing, I had been living in Arizona for more than ten years but didn’t know anything about the history of my adopted home state. Once I started researching Arizona history, I was hooked. I would be surprised if I ever write a book that is not somehow tied to Arizona.
I’ve been a long-time fan of Christian historical romance—ever since the eighth grade. When I first started writing, I had been living in Arizona for more than ten years but didn’t know anything about the history of my adopted home state. Once I started researching Arizona history, I was hooked. I would be surprised if I ever write a book that is not somehow tied to Arizona.
#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Hetty Clark is spunky, independent, and I just loved writing her. She was inspired by a few sentences in a research article about the earliest women’s competitions in the “Cowboy Tournaments” in Prescott, Arizona. There was a woman named Hetty who was named as a competitor. I used my great-grandma’s last name. That article inspired me to think about what kind of woman would have the courage to compete in a rodeo in the 1890s. Thus Hetty was born.
Hetty Clark is spunky, independent, and I just loved writing her. She was inspired by a few sentences in a research article about the earliest women’s competitions in the “Cowboy Tournaments” in Prescott, Arizona. There was a woman named Hetty who was named as a competitor. I used my great-grandma’s last name. That article inspired me to think about what kind of woman would have the courage to compete in a rodeo in the 1890s. Thus Hetty was born.
#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
People can change. God can miraculously change any heart. Preston and Hetty are both proof of that. It doesn’t just happen in fiction.
People can change. God can miraculously change any heart. Preston and Hetty are both proof of that. It doesn’t just happen in fiction.
#6. How did you name your characters?
In the case of the Colter Sons, the last name was easy, since their parents were in the Prescott Pioneers Series. Sometimes the character names just come to me. Other times I scroll through different name lists or character name generators online to get inspired. I also keep a running list of names l like in a notebook.
And, fun fact, my husband points out football player names that “would make a great cowboy name.” I may occasionally mix and match some football player names. Just saying.
In the case of the Colter Sons, the last name was easy, since their parents were in the Prescott Pioneers Series. Sometimes the character names just come to me. Other times I scroll through different name lists or character name generators online to get inspired. I also keep a running list of names l like in a notebook.
And, fun fact, my husband points out football player names that “would make a great cowboy name.” I may occasionally mix and match some football player names. Just saying.
#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
There’s a scene toward the later part of the book where Preston’s family rallies around him. When I wrote the scene, I originally included his brother James. It wasn’t until the third or fourth read through that I realized James could not possibly be there. He was in Chicago (per Book 3) on those dates. Yikes! I was just glad I caught it before it went to press.
There’s a scene toward the later part of the book where Preston’s family rallies around him. When I wrote the scene, I originally included his brother James. It wasn’t until the third or fourth read through that I realized James could not possibly be there. He was in Chicago (per Book 3) on those dates. Yikes! I was just glad I caught it before it went to press.
#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
My hubby Jim and I live in Arizona. We both moved here in our 20s and met here. We both don’t ever want to live where there is snow, so I doubt we would ever move. We enjoy history and a favorite pastime is visiting airplane museums. One day we hope to visit the big one in Dayton, Ohio.
My hubby Jim and I live in Arizona. We both moved here in our 20s and met here. We both don’t ever want to live where there is snow, so I doubt we would ever move. We enjoy history and a favorite pastime is visiting airplane museums. One day we hope to visit the big one in Dayton, Ohio.
#9. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Writing a book is a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of time and deliberate thought and prayer. Writing Christian fiction is even harder. Sometimes authors need to take characters places that might be a little uncomfortable, maybe even offensive to some, to fully illustrate what redemption looks like. Please give us grace. Our intentions are good, and we do seek to honor God in what we write.
Writing a book is a lot of hard work. It takes a lot of time and deliberate thought and prayer. Writing Christian fiction is even harder. Sometimes authors need to take characters places that might be a little uncomfortable, maybe even offensive to some, to fully illustrate what redemption looks like. Please give us grace. Our intentions are good, and we do seek to honor God in what we write.
#10. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV) says: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” If you feel crushed or brokenhearted today, know that He is near. He loves you and His love never fails. Ask Him to make that tangible to you today.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV) says: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” If you feel crushed or brokenhearted today, know that He is near. He loves you and His love never fails. Ask Him to make that tangible to you today.
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.
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.
 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 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. |
It's Time For A 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!!
a $50 gift card with signed paperback copy of the book!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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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)
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Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Guild Master, November 14 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 15