Spotlight on the Desert Manna Series by Karen Baney

Hello Bookworms!

I am so excited that you're here with me today! Today, I am featuring an entire series and sharing excerpts from each novel! I hope you enjoy this series spotlight and don't forget to scroll to the bottom of this post to enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Desert Manna series by Karen Baney, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About Book #1: Beauty for Ashes

Title: Beauty for Ashes
Series: Desert Manna #1
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: March 7,2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Uplifting Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1871.

As a widow who lost her husband in Sherman’s fiery march to the sea, Rebecca Elliot struggled to provide for her son. When she hears from her brother in Prescott, Arizona, she makes the journey west to start over. An unexpected tragedy on the last leg of her travels changes the trajectory of her heart and life as she never could have imagined.

Perry Quinn finally said goodbye to his late wife when his life is turned upside down. When he loses everything that he worked hard to accomplish, he must humble himself and start over while trying to find the answers to why he lost everything. Along the way, a kind woman steals his heart and reminds him that there is beauty in the middle of the ashes of his life.

Will he let go of his grief to find true love?

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Excerpt from Beauty for Ashes

In this excerpt from Beauty for Ashes, Rebecca and Mr. Pike come upon Perry Quinn after Perry’s ranch has been burned to the ground.

“This way,” Mr. Pike said.

As they neared the cabin, he slowed. “I must warn you, he’s alive, but barely.”

Rebecca rounded the corner, and her legs grew weak. Morgan! Her heart screamed as she stumbled forward. Mr. Pike steadied her.

She closed her eyes. This was not Morgan. The poor charred man was Perry Quinn. A rancher. A man in desperate need of help. Just like those poor soldiers she helped during the war. Just like Morgan when someone tried to nurse him back to health.

Fear. Doubt. Insecurity. Fear.

She straightened her back and lifted her chin. She would do what she could to help the poor man.

Rebecca stroked her thumb across Perry’s hand as she wondered what would happen to him. Would he recover? If he did, what would he do? It sounded like he had nothing left on his ranch and no family. Who would care for him and nurse him back to health?

About Book #2: Joy for Mourning

Title: Joy for Mourning
Series: Desert Manna Series #2
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: April 25, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1872.

Grace Talbert spurns every suitor her father finds. She longs for the spark of romance and is unwilling to settle for something less. Her passion is running the Women’s Aid Society, which organizes many charitable events to help the poor and the Indians. When a trip to deliver goods to the reservation leaves her stranded with a handsome stranger, she discovers the love she longed for.

After many years of wandering and building up his freight business, Joshua Harrison decides to return to Prescott. As bachelor, he is ill-equipped to raise the orphaned daughter of a friend. He hopes the stable life of a small town will bring what he needs to become a good father. Having failed at love twice, he is afraid to try again, until he is stranded with the unconventional and beautiful Grace Talbert.

Can he move past his heartache to open himself to love again?

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt from Joy for Mourning

In this excerpt from Joy for Mourning, Joshua just found out that Grace wants him to take a load of a goods to help the people who tortured and abused him.

Joshua tightened his jaw as his breath shallowed. He fisted his hand and squeezed until his knuckles turned white.

“Absolutely not.” There was no way he was going to take her into danger.

Grace took a step back. “What do you mean? Ira and I have made the trip twice before now.”

“Ira is out on a run and won’t be back for a week or more. You’re stuck with me and there is no way I’m agreeing to that.” He frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. The foolish woman had no idea how lucky she had been to come away.

She sucked in a loud gulp of air. Then she stepped closer and narrowed her eyes. “You won’t? Or J.W. Harrison & Company won’t?”

“I won’t.” He pressed his lips together in a firm line. No way was he letting her put herself in such danger.

She let out a frustrated groan. “We have been working with your company for years on several similar projects. But you won’t help those who are starving, cold, and sick?”

She paced back and forth periodically looking at him.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“Look,” he said after a few minutes. “You have no idea what they did to—”

“These people are starving!”

Joshua’s blood boiled. She was insane if she thought he would agree to such nonsense. He walked out of the storeroom and headed for the front door with heavy footsteps.

“Wait!” she called after him. Her voice softened as she reached for his arm. “I’m sorry I lost my temper.”

He snorted but turned to face her. “The most I will agree to, is to take the goods down there and drop them off. If you want to ride along then so be it. But once the crates are unloaded, we are turning around and coming right back here.”

Her mouth opened and closed several times. At length she finally said, “That would be fine. Can we leave first thing in the morning?”

He nodded and stormed out of the building.

The absolute nerve of that woman! She had no idea what she was asking him to do or how painful it would be for him.

His heart squeezed. Victoria, his daughter, lost her mother because of them. He had so many deep scars from the abuse he suffered at their hand. Why would he want to help them?

About Book #3: Oaks of Justice

Title: Oaks of Justice
Series: Desert Manna Series #3
Author: Karen Baney
Publisher: Desert Life Media
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Gripping Historical Christian Romance Fiction set in Prescott, Arizona in 1873.

Mel Larson is used to being underestimated as a female attorney. When her life is threatened, her mentor takes her home to Prescott. As the defense attorney for her innocent client who is on trial for murder, she goes head-to-head with the new District Attorney. When she apologizes to him for using some unconventional tactics, sparks fly, and she finds a love she had not been looking for.

Alex Glassman was ready to settle down but after a failed courtship, he doubted if he would ever find the right match. When a major court case falls into his lap, he is unprepared to argue the case against a fiery red headed woman. When the case is over and he humbles himself to admit his mistakes, his heart is captured, and he dares to hope that she could be the one.

When Mel's life is threatened, can Alex save her in time?

If you like these authors, you'll enjoy this book too: Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Karen Witemeyer, Lacy Williams, Jodi Hedlund, Misty M. Beller

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Excerpt from Oaks of Justice

In this excerpt from Oaks of Justice, Alex Glassman is the District Attorney. He still had not met his opposing counsel—a man named Mel Larson.

As the judge entered the courtroom, Alex looked around for Mel Larson. No such man appeared. Missy sat next to Virgil at the defense’s table wearing a lime green dress that nearly stole his breath away. Alex reined in his thoughts as the judge started the trial. Alex stood and began his opening statements.

“The prosecution will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Oscar Molina murdered Jose Gutierrez on the night of December thirtieth outside of the Mexican restaurant on eighth street. During the night, Mr. Molina was seen conversing heatedly with Mr. Gutierrez. Eyewitness testimony will show…”

Alex made the mistake of looking at Missy. She narrowed her eyes as she tapped a finger on her chin slowly. His ADA shuffled some papers noisily, rousing Alex from her mesmerizing gaze.

“Eyewitness testimony will show that Mr. Molina was the last person to see Mr. Gutierrez alive.”

After he finished his opening remarks, Alex took his seat.

When Missy Larson stood and walked over to the jury, his stomach plummeted to the floor. Missy. Melissa. Mel.

He frowned as she delivered her opening remarks. He had not seen that coming.

Buy the Complete Series in One Volume

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.

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

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win signed copies of all 3 books in the Desert Manna series plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight May 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 13, 2024. 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.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!