Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bethany House Publishers: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Book Description

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

About this author

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.




My Review:

Such a sweet, enjoyable read that I didn't want to end. The story begins when Meredith Hays is just a little girl and being bullied. One boy grabs her lunch pail and give it a heave, and where does it go? On Archer land...Meri does not dare to go home without her pail...but how does she go where she is bound to be shot? In the end Meri didn't get shot but does get a life time injury. One of the Archer's did come to her rescue, Travis. He ends up bring her home and breaking a promise he made his father to never leave the land!
Forward twelve years and we find Meri living with her Uncle and Aunt after loosing her parents. Her Uncle has found a match for her, and when she over hears him and a worker planing to burn down the Archer's barn...she needs to do something. She heads to the Archer's land and warns them.
When a turn of events end up with Meri injured and in a compromising position. There is a shot gun wedding. Which of the brother's held the short-straw? I loved how even without leaving their land they held Sunday services. Low and behold there is now a female living with them. This is a great Historical Western Romantic Story, with a few shoot outs thrown in!

I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

3 comments:

  1. I recently read this book and loved it too!!! Thne I passed it to my MIL who loved it as well!!! Then she gave it to a lady in her church! This is a fun read!

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  2. This sort of reminds me of the Hatfields and McCoys! I love Historical fiction (and non-fiction as well)

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  3. Now I don't usually like this type of fiction, but it sounds really good! Great review. :-)

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