"Falling for a Bossy Cowboy" by Karen Baney -- Author Interview

 

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: March 26, 2024

She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?

Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.

Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.

Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

1. What is your favorite part about writing?

I love creating relatable characters in settings different from what most people experience.

Arizona is my home state and it’s full of so much inspiration for both historical and contemporary

novels. We were the last of the Wild West. We have mountains for skiing in the winter and

desert valleys full of beautiful and unusual blooming cacti in the spring. Maybe, just maybea few

readers will fall in love with Arizona with me.

2. Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?

Two years ago, my husband bought me a reMarkable e-ink tablet for our anniversary. (Some

women like flowers or jewelry, but I like stuff like this!) It’s amazing! I organize different folders

for each series and then have different notebooks. I love that I can handwrite or type on it. I do

all my book editing on it and sometimes write entire chapters which I can transfer to my laptop

later. Anyway, I have several notebooks on this tablet for my ideas. I also have a character

template which I copy and fill out whenever new characters come to mind.

3. What is your writing space like?

This past summer as I was trying to write a Christmas novel (book 5 in the Vargas Ranch

series) in the hot Arizona summer, I completely changed my writing space to another part of the

house. During the holiday season, we transform our fun living room (some people have a formal

living room, but I chose to make it fun instead) where we have an electric fireplace. I know

you’re probably thinking, who would run a fireplace in the dead of summer. Me—with the heat

off, of course. The ambiance of the fireplace and all the fond memories of the holiday season in

that room really helped me stay in the mindset for writing that book.

4. Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Everywhere! The idea for Derin’s dramatic transformation in Falling for a Bossy Cowboy was

inspired by the stories from Celebrate Recovery at my church. Periodically our church shares

video testimonies from church members during our services (we’re a huge church of 6,000+

families per weekend). Several men have shared how much Celebrate Recovery has helped

them overcome deep rooted sin in their lives. Their stories inspired me to tackle a tough topic in

Derin’s life in a loving and encouraging way.

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?

The witty banter, boss and sass as one reader described it, between Derin and Madison comes

from me. I can be sarcastic. I enjoy a good verbal spar. My husband and I go back and forth

much like Derin and Madison in the novel. We joke that maybe one day we’ll start a podcast.

When we share a particularly good zinger, we say, “put that on the podcast.” (Sorry to

disappoint, we don’t have one. If we did, it would be full of real married life humor.)

About the Author

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.

More from Karen

101 Questions

In Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas desperately wants to change how he sees and interacts with women. One of his buddies recommended an app for 101 Questions to Ask on a Date.

When I incorporated this into the novel, the interactions between Madison and Derin became so much easier (and fun!) to write. I searched for new questions and added them with answers from the character’s point of view.

But where did this idea come from? A marriage seminar. I highly recommend using 101 questions for any couple, married or just dating. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re with, without all the awkward “what do we talk about?”.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Falling for a Bossy Cowboy from Madison Moore’s point of view.

______

Madison watched as Derin pulled his phone from his shirt pocket, swiping and tapping a few times. Then he looked up, expression serious, and asked the most bizarre question.

“If you were stranded on a deserted island and could choose any three things to have with you, what would you pick and why?”

“What?” Her eyes rounded.

“You heard the question, Madi.”

She chewed slowly, mulling it over.

“That’s hard.”

“Right?” He chuckled.

“What would you pick?”

“No dodging it. I’ll answer after you do.”

“Ugh. Let’s assume I have food and water.”

Derin narrowed his eyes and conceded.

“My Bible.”

He rolled his eyes.

“What? It’s a legit answer.”

“So says every church goer. Next?”

“You wouldn’t?”

He wagged a finger at her as he stabbed a chunk of roast before popping it in his mouth.

“Chocolate.”

Derin tossed his head back and chuckled loudly. So much so that a few heads turned their direction. “Women.”

“And a Costco-sized bag of ground coffee.”

“How are you making the coffee?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure I could figure it out.”

Madison pushed her empty plate away. “Your turn.”

“First choice? You.”

Heat flamed her cheeks. What was he saying?

“Second choice would be Djano.”

Madison quirked an eyebrow.

“My horse. And that’s only because you put the stipulation that food and water aren’t an issue. So, he won’t starve.”

She snorted. “Me and your horse.”

“Yup. And my hat. That’s it.”

“Me, your horse, and your hat.” She shook her head. “Why me?”

Derin’s eyes glinted with mirth. “You’re insanely beautiful. Smart. Very entertaining.”

Her cheeks warmed at the compliment.

“We would fight like cats and dogs.”

He shook his head. “I’m not buying that.”

“I can’t stand you.”

“Not buying that either.” Derin grinned. “Here’s another one. Have you ever won an award for a sport?”

Madison snatched up the phone. “Huh. That’s really the question. What is this?”

“One hundred and one questions to ask on a date.”

“Is this a date?”

“Welcome to the party, Madi.”

Heat warmed her face. Derin was one of a kind. She shook her head and handed him his phone.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 7

Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11

Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, November 13

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

For the Love of Literature, November 16 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Blossoms and Blessings, November 18 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, November 19 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5488/

"Suddenly Unemployed" by Rebecca Krusee -- Author Interview

 

About the Book

Book: Suddenly Unemployed –  52 Personal Stories of Hope & Encouragement through Financial Crisis

Author: Rebecca Krusee

Genre: Christian Living – Non-Fiction

Release date: July 12, 2024

Losing your job, home, financial stability, dreams and possibly more can be heartbreaking, lonely and difficult. Immediately, you’re scrambling for answers to questions like “Why me? Where will we live? What’s next?”

Rebecca understands firsthand what it’s like to be stripped of her 15 year management career in Silicon Valley manufacturing when her company outsourced her four departments overseas and, as a result, lost her beloved home among other necessities.

Suddenly Unemployed shares her family of four’s true-to-life personal stories and biblical passages to encourage you through whatever storm you’re facing.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

1. Why did you choose to write non-fiction? I enjoy writing about life's experiences and
my readers can find my writings in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul,
Guidepost and my new book Suddenly Unemployed.

2. Why did you choose to write about this particular topic? I felt the Lord placed on my
heart to share our financial crisis to let others going through similar struggles know they
are not alone and that God cares for them too.

3. What is your writing area like? I live in the majestic Santa Cruz mountains and am
blessed to be among the coast redwood trees which naturally inspire my writing
creativity.

4. How do you balance writing time with other things? I recently became an empty nester
allowing me time to write while my children are at college.

5. Do you think reading helps you with writing? Absolutely. Reading other books gives us
a peak into different writing styles and helps hone our craft.

About the Author

Rebecca Krusee‘s stories appear in Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts as well as other publishing. Rebecca lives in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains of California where she enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking a leisurely drive along the Pacific Ocean and exploring her community.

 

 

 

 

More from Rebecca

I felt lead to write Suddenly Unemployed – 52 Personal Stories of Hope & Encourgagement through Financial Crisis describing our family’s experience with job loss and financial crisis. I know firsthand not having the concentration needed to read a novel while enduring a crisis. My focus was on the basics necessities of shelter, food and clothing. Hence, I wrote fifty two bite size stories that can be read one per week for a year and split the sixteen year jouney into three distinct sections of entering, navigating and exiting the crisis.

Although this time period was painful, my trust and faith in God along with personal character grew. These qualities helped navigate me through further trials such as a COVID world, California wildland fire, loss of parents, empty nest syndrome and more.

Some people hide their struggles from others. I chose to openly share our story with the hope it will encourage the readers as they read about God’s goodness woven throughout our book. Perhaps they will say to themselves, “If God carried the Krusees through the toughest storme of their lives, maybe He will carry me and my family too.”

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 8

For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 9

An Author’s Take, November 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)

Batya’s Bits, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 14

Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 16

Stories By Gina, November 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of an eBook or print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5489

"Jackson's Fall" by Carole Brown -- Author Interview

 

About the Book

Book: Jackson’s Fall (Troubles in the West Book Three)

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 20, 2024

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.

Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good  friends, and neither of them expected anything else.

But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

Do you have a way to keep track of your story ideas?
Yes, each idea I have has a folder of its own. In them, I keep track of names, characters, ideas for the book,
events that could and may happen, timing, etc. Each file folder is kept in a specific place with any other book file
folders in the same series. While writing the book though, I usually keep the folder on my desk where I can
check out things I need to remember, thoughts that I jotted down for possible scenarios, etc. It works for me.

What is your writing space like?
Large, refinished desk that my hubby refinished after getting it from a deserted school building. I love it,
surrounded with my books, papers, folders, a large window, etc. close by. When I'm thinking about how to go
forward in my writing, I have my folders to check what possible scenarios could happen. I can make sure I'm not
reusing a name. I love my space!

How long does it usually take you to write a book?
I like to give myself six months. I don't always need that time to finish writing the book, but I do need time to
not only write the book, but to edit it multiple times.
As for Jackson's Fall, I wrote this book in two months. Of course, I had several edits after that. It was the fastest
one I ever wrote, except for a children's book.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Oh, my, from all kinds of places. People share with me there wishes for a certain book. Events happen that
trigger a possibility. My hubby always has great suggestions. I see or hear something that gives me an idea. I
might read an article that gives me a possibility for a book. They come from everywhere.

What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
I like my alone time while writing. I also create a schedule for every writing day. Along with the word
counts I have on it, I will place chores or things that need done. These chores are scattered between my
different word count aims. That not only gives me a short break and clears my mind, but it seems to
make my writing easier. If I';m stuck, then it gives me time to take a breather and look at the book
scenario a different way.
Not only for those benefits, I find that breaking up the word counts and placing them in between
different chores will find me writing more words than I'd scheduled for that specific day. If I fail to
reach my total word count, I try not to stress too much over that fact. Tomorrow is another day.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie

1 cup of self rising flour

¾ cup of sugar

1 stick of butter

¾ cup of milk

Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish

Pour batter over butter

Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter

Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes

Serve as is or with ice cream.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485

"A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado" by Kathleen Denly

About the Book

Book: A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 8, 2024

When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?

Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.

Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.

As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts . 

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked being at the del Coronado during its heyday. It was a bit of a cozy mystery and I enjoyed trying to solve the case along with Eleanore and Thomas. There was a nice biblical faith thread. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Denly.

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was inspired first by the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman that occurred at Coronado’s world famous hotel in November of 1892, and second by the fun antics of Miss Scarlet in the Masterpiece television show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Although Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to make my heroine, Eleanore Wainright, an amateur sleuth who typically puts her keen observation skills to use when secretly writing her own mystery novels. That is, until an unexpected death compels her to use those skills to uncover the truth. Of course my hero, Thomas Harding, gets wrapped into helping her despite the tension of past heartbreak lying between them.

One of the most fun parts of writing this story was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has got the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Glady is snooping through her niece’s room for clues.

To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Devoted To Hope, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 3

Connie’s History Classroom, November 4

She Lives To Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Donna)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7

Stories By Gina, November 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 8

Hannahbandanarama, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Bizwings Book Blog, November 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of an enamel mug, scented candle, A6 journal notebook, ballpoint pen with black ink, and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5481