
Book: Falling for a Humbug Cowboy
Series: 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?

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.

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:
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Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer – Candi belts out the tune while working.
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White Christmas by Bing Crosby – Candi “crooned along with Bing Crosby, making a nice duet”.
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The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole – causes Drake to picture holding Candi close, swaying to the music.
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Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives – playing while Drake helps Candi with a rush of customers.
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Feliz Navidad – Candi dances around Drake until she gets him to dance and sing along.
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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.
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Christmas in Your Eyes by Travis Shaw – playing during a special moment between Drake and Candi.
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas by Michael Bublé – Candi’s lunch with a friend.
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Mele Kalikimaka – Driving to Flagstaff together to play in the snow.
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All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey – sets the stage for Drake’s proposal on July 25th (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. 😊
In Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, Karen Baney delivers a story rich with the essence of Christmas, faith, and the healing power of love. With the backdrop of the Vargas family ranch, the holiday season provides a fitting stage for Drake Vargas, a cowboy struggling with a painful family revelation, and Candi Kaine, whose vibrant Christmas spirit brings light to even the darkest corners of his heart.
The beauty of this story lies not in dramatic twists but in its steady, unwavering focus on the heart of the holiday season—faith, forgiveness, and transformation. Drake’s gruff exterior and Candi’s radiant optimism create a dance of contrasting personalities that never feels forced. Instead, it feels genuine, much like the way God’s grace works in our lives—unexpected but powerful.
The Christian faith themes run throughout this book. The Vargas family's commitment to their beliefs and to one another is felt in every scene, making the story feel not just festive but deeply grounded in the values that matter most.
As the book unfolds, the focus shifts away from the expected Christmas romance to something more lasting—personal growth, healing, and the kind of love that changes lives. It’s a reminder that God’s love doesn’t always appear wrapped in the shiny paper of a perfect holiday but often comes in the quiet, humble moments that lead to deep, lasting transformation.
For those looking for a Christmas story with depth and heart, Falling for a Humbug Cowboy is a perfect gift. The themes of faith, forgiveness, love, and family linger.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
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