Falling for a Humbug Cowboy by Karen Baney // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 5)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

She’s the happiest person he’s ever met. His world has turned upside and he’s in no mood for Christmas. Will these coworkers find middle ground as they head into the holidays?

Reeling from a shocking family secret, Drake Vargas heads into the holiday season grumpier than he’s ever been. He can’t seem to get his footing and his new barista is way too much sunshine for him.

Candi Kaine loves Christmas! Nothing can stop her sunny disposition. As she starts a new job at Vargas Ranch, she’s determined to fix the grumpy, hipster cowboy who just happens to be her boss. Nothing will deter her from making sure he experiences a very Merry Christmas.

Will Drake find his joy again or has Candi Kaine finally met her match?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

A holiday grumpy-sunshine romance, that brings us back to the Vargas Family Ranch, with Drake still reeling from the secrets of his past. 

Drake has a lot of reasons to be less than thrilled going into this holiday season, still coming to terms with the news of his family, while managing the food services and coffee shop on the ranch. Candi Kaine breezes into his life with her annoyingly infectious high spirits, always up for a challenge especially if it means bringing a smile to a humbug cowboy's face. Candi is a good compliment to Drake's hardened exterior, helping him to open up about what he has gone through. 

I loved the interaction between Candi and Drake, as the themes of faith and family. I loved how welcoming the family was towards Candi, and how this story brought everyone together for the holidays, making for a great conclusion to the series. 

Overall, a fantastic addition to a wonderful series! Definitely recommend!

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

Inspiring My Christmas Mood by Karen Baney

In Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, I had a lot of fun incorporating classic holiday songs (and the occasional Christmas story) into scenes to add flavor and sometimes intensify the character’s feelings.

It was purely accidental at first. I love classic Christmas songs and during the holiday season my hubby and I listen to a lot of Holiday Traditions on Sirius XM.

So, when I described a scene where Candi helps Drake decorate the dining hall, I just wrote that she switched the overhead music to a Christmas station and belted out Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. The next thing I know, I’m three song mentions in. So, I decided to make deliberate use of songs.

When I was struggling to get in the mood to write a Christmas novel in the dead of summer (108+ in July in Arizona!), I loaded up my phone with several playlists. One of the first songs was Feliz Navidad and I knew I had to find a way to use it. It would be the perfect song to show off Candi’s fun personality and draw Drake out of his humbug mood.

I hope you enjoy this Christmas playlist from the novel with a few sneak peaks of how I used the songs:

• Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – Candi belts out the tune while working.
• White Christmas by Bing Crosby – Candi “crooned along with Bing Crosby, making a nice duet”.
• The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – causes Drake to picture holding Candi close, swaying to the music.
• Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives – playing while Drake helps Candi with a rush of customers.
• Feliz Navidad – Candi dances around Drake until she gets him to dance and sing along.
• I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by Dean Martin – Candi notices the not-so-humbug cowboy walking away, ratcheting up her interest.
• Christmas in Your Eyes by Travis Shaw – playing during a special moment between Drake and Candi.
• It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé – Candi’s lunch with a friend.
• Mele Kalikimaka – Driving to Flagstaff together to play in the snow.
• All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – sets the stage for Drake’s proposal on July 25^th (Christmas in July).

What’s your favorite Christmas song? By a specific artist or any artist? Please share in the comments, I’d love to know. 😊

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, December 11

lakesidelivingsite, December 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

A Reader’s Brain, December 14 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Back Porch Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 18

Lighthouse Academy, December 19

Devoted To Hope, December 20

Simple Harvest Reads, December 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, December 22

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift 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/00adcf54116

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Texas Revenge Target by Jill Elizabeth Nelson // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Texas Ranger Brianna Macguire became the target of the cartel when she survived a shootout that very few walked away from. 

Now back at her family ranch she finds herself and her family the target of the crime bosses of the cartel, that's when the mysterious Cameron Wolfe steps into the picture. A man with a bounty on his head, deep in hiding with a shadowed past, who offers his help to Brianna. 

A fast paced suspense, with well written action scenes and a high octane plot. I loved the well developed characters, strong faith, and relationship building along the way. I loved the western setting and gripping storytelling. Well worth the read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Hunted for the Holiday Deena Alexander // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Shae went into witness protection for six years, hiding from the crime family who wants her to pay for how she helped put the patriarch away. The only person she can rely on is former FBI Mason Payne, who is also the father of her daughter. 

A fast paced suspense, as Mason, Shae, and Gracie try to stay one step ahead of the the deadly gang bent on retribution. The story jumps right into the action, but also has some sweet relationship building moments. I liked how Mason instantly steps up and works with Shae to keep them safe and get to know little Gracie. 

An entertaining read with a good plot and great characters. Shae is a great mother, raising her daughter to trust in God and giving her courage. I liked the strong themes of faith, the suspense, and second change romance. A very enjoyable Christmas suspense!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Guardian Till Christmas by Danielle Thorne // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Big city business woman Kylee Spokes gains custody of a pair of four-year-old twins after sudden death of her sister and her husband. Her plans to return to the city are delayed when she finds herself out of her depth with children, paramedic Evan Hollister isn't about to abandon his godchildren, so he offers to help share the responsibility for the kids as they find their new normal.

A heartwarming romance where big city meets small town, the children are adorable and are craving stability after their world fell apart. Evan is great with the kids, and has known them all their lives. I liked how he helps Kylee think of things in a new light, and encourages her to get in touch with her roots. 

Overall, a sweet heartwarming Christmas romance with great characters, faith and family in a small town. Great for fans of cozy Christmas movies!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Winter Rose by Melanie Dickerson // Review

My Review: 

A compelling split time novel of faith and resilience in the face of war and heartbreak. 

 Addie Hoult comes to Tonquin Lake at a crossroads in life, looking for answers to help her beloved mentor, Charlie who is fighting for his life against a genetic blood disorder. Decades earlier the daughter of a well known actress fights to protect the lives of Jewish children from the terrors of WWII. 

Gripping and emotionally deep with a solid core of faith. Grace Tonquin is a resilient heroine facing unimaginable risks to save the lives of children from the Nazis. I admired her determination, faith, and her heart for helping others even when it was far from easy. 

Overall, this was a gripping and immersive read with complex characters but an anchoring thread of hope that ran throughout, root in faith in God. Engaging and thought provoking read, with excellent character development and a compelling plot. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Honorable Deception by Roseanna M. White // Review

My Review: 

Utterly satisfying, and my favorite novel of the series!

When the Imposters are hired by a young woman to find her missing ayah, it is quickly revealed that they have stumbled on something bigger and more sinister than they imagined. 

I loved how this book follows multiple characters, running a gambit of emotions, delving into society's dark underside with gravity, with complex characters overcoming trauma, faith, romance, laced with witty banter, and Yate's wry musings. Lavinia is ready to heal, and I admired her bravery and selfless heart putting others before herself, as well as how she reached out in befriending Alethia, recognizing a hearting heart.

An excellent novel from beginning to end, I'm still processing everything, and I can't pick a favorite character because I loved them all! I loved the themes of overcoming the past and forgiving with God's help. And it was great to see another side of Xavier. Well worth the read and an all time favorite of mine from Roseanna M. White!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Amazon | Baker Book House | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Bethany House Affiliates | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)
 

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.roseannamwhite.com

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Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer // Review

Review: 

A fantastic addition to the series, and my personal favorite, is a wild west mash-up of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, full of heart, courage, faith and love. 

Raised away from the typical trappings of wealth, Letty Hood isn't your typical heiress. Now the time has come for her to claim her rightful place as heir of her father's companies, but the road is far from easy with danger at every turn. Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael has been entrusted with ensuring her safety, he is a man of noble character, protective of her and impressed by her capability. I liked how he always wanted the best for her, fighting for her to have options, and protecting her at every turn. 

I liked how Letty was confident and competent, despite her sheltered life, she knew what she believed and how to stand up for herself. Her grandmother and mother are both strong women of faith who have instilled values in Letty and are brilliant at whatever they put their mind to. 

A captivating read that swept me away into a western fairy tale adventure romance that I never wanted to end! An engaging and original take on classic inspirations, along with strong likeable protagonists who are pure perfection together. Truly one of my very favorite reads this year, and a stand out in the series. Highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Deadly Revenge by Patrica Bradley // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Deputy Jenna Hart returns to her hometown of Pearl River after things sour for her in Chattanooga, she gets tapped to help protect the a senate candidate with a dubious past, while warding off personal threats against Jenna stemming from what happened in Chattanooga. 

A small town thriller, filled with suspense, strong characters, and a plot that draws you in. I liked seeing the familiar faces from the previous books in the series, but this book could also stand alone. There was a lot going, and I liked seeing Jenna and Max get to know each other as they worked together to neutralize the threats. Almost non-stop action, with mysteries that kept me guessing. 

Overall, a excellent addition a wonderful series, full of action, great suspense, strong characters, romance and faith. I liked how it kept me on my toes, and am excited to read more from Ms. Bradley in the future. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

For the Rednecks by Mille Shepherd // Review

My Review: 

A cute age-gap marriage of convenience romance. 

Callie's failing bakery needs boost to survive, meanwhile Foster's gubernatorial run needs the stability of a picture perfect homelife. Family friends Callie and Foster join forces to create a symbiotic marriage of convenience, but will their hearts be willing to risk fighting for something more? 

A sweet clean romance, with great chemistry between the main characters, and good interaction that grew the relationship. A sweet quick read, with a fun premise! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Heart Games 3: A Christian (Christmas) Romance Puzzling Experience by Amanda Hamm // Review

Lucie's Review: 

A delightful Christmas time read with accompanying puzzles to solve along with sisters, Monica and Martha, as they celebrate Christmas with their family and friends. 

I was so excited to trying this puzzling experience for the 1st time because two of very favorite things are Christian romance and doing logic puzzles. This was such a fun way to spend an afternoon, the books goes through three scenes, and there are themed accompanying puzzles with hints and answers in the back if you need some help. 

A wonderful combination of my favorite things, and a great afternoon pastime or gift for someone you love. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.