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Prescott Pioneers #5
Hidden Prospects
Sometimes the richest veins of love lie buried beneath a shattered past.
Prescott, Arizona Territory — April 1869
Millie Pritchett arrives in town with little more than a weathered valise and secrets too dangerous to unpack. Cast out by her father’s new wife, the thirty-seven-year-old spinster is determined to stay invisible. But working for Prescott’s most eligible bachelor upends everything, especially when her guarded heart begins to crack.
Paul Lancaster built his family’s business with quiet sacrifice. At thirty-eight, the respected entrepreneur is still reeling from his mother’s remarriage and the threats looming over everything he’s worked for. Hiring Millie was a gesture of compassion. Falling for her? An unplanned risk.
As Millie’s past claws closer and whispers swirl through town, Paul must decide what he’s willing to gamble—his reputation, his livelihood, and one last chance at love. Because some prospects are worth digging deep… even when the cost cuts to the bone.
Hidden Prospects wraps up the Prescott Pioneers series with a soulful blaze of redemption, grit, and faith—proving that God's timing never fails, even when it comes decades late.
Prescott, Arizona Territory — April 1869
Millie Pritchett arrives in town with little more than a weathered valise and secrets too dangerous to unpack. Cast out by her father’s new wife, the thirty-seven-year-old spinster is determined to stay invisible. But working for Prescott’s most eligible bachelor upends everything, especially when her guarded heart begins to crack.
Paul Lancaster built his family’s business with quiet sacrifice. At thirty-eight, the respected entrepreneur is still reeling from his mother’s remarriage and the threats looming over everything he’s worked for. Hiring Millie was a gesture of compassion. Falling for her? An unplanned risk.
As Millie’s past claws closer and whispers swirl through town, Paul must decide what he’s willing to gamble—his reputation, his livelihood, and one last chance at love. Because some prospects are worth digging deep… even when the cost cuts to the bone.
Hidden Prospects wraps up the Prescott Pioneers series with a soulful blaze of redemption, grit, and faith—proving that God's timing never fails, even when it comes decades late.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2014
69 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Karen Baney
42 books449 followersFaith, hope, and love come alive in the rugged beauty of Arizona.
As a member of Faith Hope & Love Christian Writers and author of over 30 Christian contemporary cowboy romances and historical romances, I write faith-laced stories where characters feel like lifelong friends. My novels follow flawed individuals who need second chances, redemption, or the courage to overcome personal trials—all set against the backdrop of real Arizona history and the landscapes I treasure.
My husband, Jim, and I live in Gilbert, Arizona with our two dogs, Bella and Daisy. We love exploring our beautiful state together, discovering new adventures that often find their way into my stories. We're also involved at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek.
Thank you for joining me on these journeys through the Arizona I love.
As a member of Faith Hope & Love Christian Writers and author of over 30 Christian contemporary cowboy romances and historical romances, I write faith-laced stories where characters feel like lifelong friends. My novels follow flawed individuals who need second chances, redemption, or the courage to overcome personal trials—all set against the backdrop of real Arizona history and the landscapes I treasure.
My husband, Jim, and I live in Gilbert, Arizona with our two dogs, Bella and Daisy. We love exploring our beautiful state together, discovering new adventures that often find their way into my stories. We're also involved at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek.
Thank you for joining me on these journeys through the Arizona I love.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 18, 2015
Paul gets a sweetheart
This book continues the saga told in the collection Prescott Pioneers. These are clean romances with a strong Christian theme. Paul was the hard worker in the last 4 novels, now he wants to do nothing but prospect for gold. Millie is a minister's daughter and part Shawnee although it is hard to tell. Interracial romance in the old West.
This book continues the saga told in the collection Prescott Pioneers. These are clean romances with a strong Christian theme. Paul was the hard worker in the last 4 novels, now he wants to do nothing but prospect for gold. Millie is a minister's daughter and part Shawnee although it is hard to tell. Interracial romance in the old West.
October 15, 2014
Another great book from Karen Baney
I loved reconnecting with the characters from the Prescott Pioneers series in this book. I pre-order it and was delighted when it was delivered. It did seem like a quicker read than Karen's other books, but it was still a great read.
I loved reconnecting with the characters from the Prescott Pioneers series in this book. I pre-order it and was delighted when it was delivered. It did seem like a quicker read than Karen's other books, but it was still a great read.
April 22, 2015
Hidden Prospects
This book was great. I couldn't put it down. It started off great with no slow points. The story was great and character's held your up most attention.
This book was great. I couldn't put it down. It started off great with no slow points. The story was great and character's held your up most attention.
February 23, 2018
Placer
What a great read. Two people from difference walks of life meet in a town of long ago. They were voted the least likely to marry. While they both have secrets from their pasts will they be able to work through them?
Before they are married, Paul saves a young girl from a brothel of working young girls. She is only 9 or 10 years old. Her parents were killed in a savage attack by what was suggested to be Indians; but others thought differently.
Paul adopts the young girl without Millies' knowledge and he brings her home surprisingly, and tells Millie she now has a daughter. But he also tells her he will raise her by himself if need be. Millie thinks about his comments carefully.
After the physical attacks from Jake, which Millie believes caused the loss of her best friends baby and now a young girl is sprung on her; is it too much for Millie to endure? Will she stay or will she move on? What would you do?
What a great read. Two people from difference walks of life meet in a town of long ago. They were voted the least likely to marry. While they both have secrets from their pasts will they be able to work through them?
Before they are married, Paul saves a young girl from a brothel of working young girls. She is only 9 or 10 years old. Her parents were killed in a savage attack by what was suggested to be Indians; but others thought differently.
Paul adopts the young girl without Millies' knowledge and he brings her home surprisingly, and tells Millie she now has a daughter. But he also tells her he will raise her by himself if need be. Millie thinks about his comments carefully.
After the physical attacks from Jake, which Millie believes caused the loss of her best friends baby and now a young girl is sprung on her; is it too much for Millie to endure? Will she stay or will she move on? What would you do?
May 10, 2017
Up until done
Let the past be the past and move on with your life. The devil will remind you of your past, and your past will dictate your future, so chose wisely! Bullies get their comeuppance every time. Read and learn.
Let the past be the past and move on with your life. The devil will remind you of your past, and your past will dictate your future, so chose wisely! Bullies get their comeuppance every time. Read and learn.
May 15, 2020
Historical Western
Hidden Prospects by Karen Baney. This was book 5 of the series Prescott and it was a good book of learning to trust and have faith in God's grace. It's a sweet romance.
Hidden Prospects by Karen Baney. This was book 5 of the series Prescott and it was a good book of learning to trust and have faith in God's grace. It's a sweet romance.
May 14, 2024
This is an awesome book.
This is an amazing read of Millie and Paul's story that I fell in love it. The ups and down that they had to go through to find their ever after. It is also a page turned story.
This is an amazing read of Millie and Paul's story that I fell in love it. The ups and down that they had to go through to find their ever after. It is also a page turned story.
September 2, 2025
Best if read in order but can be a standalone.
A mistake years ago altered her life drastically.
He is desperate to live his life his way.
Both never thought they would find their own HEA
Several obstacles stand in the way.
A mistake years ago altered her life drastically.
He is desperate to live his life his way.
Both never thought they would find their own HEA
Several obstacles stand in the way.
October 28, 2025
Oh my, what an array of mystery with so many things going on with and towards each character. You will end up rooting for the main characters as the story unveils the secrets along the way. Well written and HEA. I highly recommend this book and the series.
December 31, 2017
Sweet and compelling . . .
July 23, 2018
Spell binding
I love the way Karen weaves the characters into her stories I couldn't put this book down trying to figure out what was going to happen next
I love the way Karen weaves the characters into her stories I couldn't put this book down trying to figure out what was going to happen next
August 17, 2018
Disappointing
I was hoping more for a good story rather one that was filled with hate and deceit. I do not believe I will read anymore of this author's books.
I was hoping more for a good story rather one that was filled with hate and deceit. I do not believe I will read anymore of this author's books.
February 3, 2015
This lovely book was given to me as part of the Goodreads First Reads program, autographed by the author.
The story is a well written Christian love story about two people who for almost 40 have never been married. Had they never been in love or had they each suffered some heartache in their past?
Millie has some secrets in her past that she is afraid to tell for fear of rejection but Paul takes her in as his cook and housekeeper at the boarding house he owns in Prescott, Arizona. She soon sings her way into his heart.
Paul has secrets of his own and is trying to keep his boarding house as well as his mine in the desert afloat. He has a big heart and knows that Millie is the woman for him, as long as his friend Jake Waters stays out of the picture. Jake's family was killed by the Apache's and is seeking revenge.
This is the first novel I have read by Karen Baney but she has written others to enjoy. I liked the way she incorporated an antique 1840's Hymnal into the songs Millie sings.
If you enjoy Christian fiction this has to be one of the best ones out there.
The story is a well written Christian love story about two people who for almost 40 have never been married. Had they never been in love or had they each suffered some heartache in their past?
Millie has some secrets in her past that she is afraid to tell for fear of rejection but Paul takes her in as his cook and housekeeper at the boarding house he owns in Prescott, Arizona. She soon sings her way into his heart.
Paul has secrets of his own and is trying to keep his boarding house as well as his mine in the desert afloat. He has a big heart and knows that Millie is the woman for him, as long as his friend Jake Waters stays out of the picture. Jake's family was killed by the Apache's and is seeking revenge.
This is the first novel I have read by Karen Baney but she has written others to enjoy. I liked the way she incorporated an antique 1840's Hymnal into the songs Millie sings.
If you enjoy Christian fiction this has to be one of the best ones out there.
April 29, 2016
Yet another book I am not going to finish but will leave at three stars. While the author had talent and and the story and characters were interesting. I also have to give credit that this was some originality to the story.
However, I A) didn't like the language that popped up (mild but I just personally don't like it in my books) and B) I thought the romance was on the lustful side of things, especially for two people that seemed to have a very strong faith.
The faith of the characters was a plus to this story and one of the reasons I kept reading for so long. I would be willing to try another book by Baney simply because her main characters, for the most part, seemed to be living out their faith.
However, I A) didn't like the language that popped up (mild but I just personally don't like it in my books) and B) I thought the romance was on the lustful side of things, especially for two people that seemed to have a very strong faith.
The faith of the characters was a plus to this story and one of the reasons I kept reading for so long. I would be willing to try another book by Baney simply because her main characters, for the most part, seemed to be living out their faith.
July 24, 2015
A Good Christian book
I really enjoyed this book it had so many curves I wasn't sure where it was headed all of the time. It had many exciting and scary parts. But it came thru loud and clear of God's unending love,mercy and grace. This book is worth reading and is a heart touched. I recommend it and the author. Thank you for no detailed sexual scenes.
I really enjoyed this book it had so many curves I wasn't sure where it was headed all of the time. It had many exciting and scary parts. But it came thru loud and clear of God's unending love,mercy and grace. This book is worth reading and is a heart touched. I recommend it and the author. Thank you for no detailed sexual scenes.
October 19, 2015
Awesome ! Love the continuation of the Prescott Pioneer series
Another great book. Couldn't put it down. The Prescott series continues, yet a stand alone story. Loved reading about the early history where I was born and raised. Highly recommended.
Another great book. Couldn't put it down. The Prescott series continues, yet a stand alone story. Loved reading about the early history where I was born and raised. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2017
Great story
Hidden Prospects written by Karen Bandy is an excellent read. The characters are really good. And the story flows very smoothly, I absolutely enjoyed reading this delightful story. I think you should give this wonderful story a try today. Thanks
Hidden Prospects written by Karen Bandy is an excellent read. The characters are really good. And the story flows very smoothly, I absolutely enjoyed reading this delightful story. I think you should give this wonderful story a try today. Thanks
November 28, 2014
I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. I always wish for a happy ending and got it. The characters were interesting and their stories heartfelt.
March 15, 2015
Loved!!
What a heartfelt story of Paul and Millie..
"Her heart sang praise to her God who made her new—who makes all things new."
What a heartfelt story of Paul and Millie..
"Her heart sang praise to her God who made her new—who makes all things new."
May 2, 2015
Hidden prospects
Beautiful Christian love story! This story brings out the ugliness, devastation that prejudice has in the lives of those involved.
Beautiful Christian love story! This story brings out the ugliness, devastation that prejudice has in the lives of those involved.
December 28, 2015
One of the best in the Prescott series.
Enjoy ed the book, the hymns , verses, and lessons on love is not always easy. I recommend this short novel.
Enjoy ed the book, the hymns , verses, and lessons on love is not always easy. I recommend this short novel.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews