Hallie Reads: her mistaken identity cowboy

about the book

He’s running from his twin’s crimes. She’s haunted by the man who betrayed her. Can she open her heart to his identical twin?

Shannon thought she’d buried the past—until she arrives at Vargas Ranch and sees the face of the man who shattered her trust. The man she swore she’d never forgive.

Parker has spent his life paying for his brother's sins. False accusations and shattered opportunities follow him everywhere—because no one sees the man behind the face. When Shannon mistakes him for his twin and has him arrested, his fragile fresh start shatters.

Now forced to work together in the ranch’s equine therapy program, Shannon and Parker must navigate a tense enemies-to-friends journey. As they confront the pain of the past and the pull of unexpected attraction, trust becomes the hardest battle of all.

She must learn to trust the man her heart keeps mistaking for the one who broke it. Parker must prove he's not his brother before he loses his second chance at love.

When the past collides with the present, can love build the bridge to healing and forgiveness?

A heartfelt Christian romance about redemption, mistaken identity, and love that dares to heal. Her Mistaken Identity Cowboy will steal your heart.

publisher: desert life media

release date: february 3, 2026

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excerpt

After an awkward encounter where Shannon mistakes Parker for his criminal twin, she offers him a ride back to the ranch from the Sheriff’s office. What her mistake might cost this innocent man begins to unfold.

"I mean, I've only been here two months," Parker said finally, his voice barely above a whisper but carrying more weight than any shout. "Dylan and Adan seem like good men, but I've thought that about employers before. Most of them decide it's easier to let me go than to deal with whatever drama Lucas's history brings."

"They're different," Shannon said, though the words felt hollow even as she spoke them. How could she know? She'd met them once. Today. In the middle of her hysterics. Heat warmed her face as she realized how inadequate her reassurance sounded.

Parker's smile was grim but not unkind. "Maybe. I hope so. But hope doesn't always change reality."

Shannon held back a sigh. She'd put his fragile sense of security at risk with her rash actions and had potentially destroyed his latest fresh start when he'd already lost too much.

"It's the first time in years I've felt like I might actually belong somewhere," Parker admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The honesty of it hit her like a physical blow, and she leaned slightly toward him, drawn by the genuine vulnerability he was offering. "If that's gone now…"

He didn't finish the sentence, but Shannon heard what he wasn't saying. If he lost this job, this place that had begun to feel like home, because of her mistake, he'd be back to starting over in places where nobody knew his name or his brother's reputation. The thought made her stomach twist.

"Parker," she said as he started to climb out of the car, her hand moving instinctively toward his arm before she caught herself. "I know you have no reason to trust me, but if there's anything I can do to make this right—anything at all—please let me know."

He paused, half in and half out of the car, studying her face in the soft glow from the barn's security lights.

"I'll keep that in mind."

about the author

Karen Baney is a member of Faith Hope & Love Christian Writers and the author of over 30 Christian contemporary cowboy romances and historical romances. She writes faith-laced stories where characters feel like lifelong friends—flawed individuals navigating second chances, redemption, and personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, Karen loves researching the state's rich history and seamlessly weaving real settings and historical details 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. They enjoy exploring Arizona together, discovering new adventures that often influence Karen's stories. Both are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Connect with Karen by visiting karenbaney.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a "There's no such thing as too many books" tote & makeup bag, plus two slimline inspirational journals, and a signed copy of Her Mistaken Identity Cowboy!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 11, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

tour schedule

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