Devon Vargas has always dreamed of becoming more than the ranch cowboy his family expects him to be. With his teaching degree nearly complete, he’s ready to move on from the sprawling guest ranch and the weight of family obligations. But when he crosses paths with the spirited children’s program director, Raina Crawford, everything changes. Her passion awakens feelings he can’t ignore—even as shocking truths about his family threaten his carefully laid plans.
Raina knows what it’s like to grow up without a family. The faith that saved her from the depths of the foster system inspires her mission to bring hope to orphaned kids. Her new role at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a jumping-off point for her dreams, but Devon’s kind heart and restless ambition make her question her own future. How can she follow her calling if it means losing the man who’s capturing her heart—and the one place that feels like home?
When long-hidden secrets come to light, will Devon and Raina overcome the pain of their pasts to build a future together? Or will the truth tear them apart forever?
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.