Monday, January 7, 2013

Book Review: Short Straw Bride, by Karen Witemeyer

Short Straw Bride, by Karen Witemeyer
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?


Print Length: 371 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)

My Review:
This is another sweet, christian romance novel that is free of sex scenes and/or violence.  There is some suspense and romance, but nothing to make you squirm.  Meredith is a strong christian heroin with a vibrant love for the Lord and a desire to do His will.  She gets caught in a predicament that forces her to marry Travis Archer, the recluse cowboy that refuses to let anyone come onto his land. 

The Archer brothers are all so humorous and adorable.  I especially loved Crockett.  He was quite the character.  Jim was funny because he was so stoic, and you never quite knew what he was thinking, except when it came to Meredith's cousin.  

I love characters that have flaws, whether they are physical or internal.  Both Meredith and Travis have strengths and weaknesses that make them more realistic and believable.  

I felt like the second half of the book dragged on a little bit too long.  One thing after another kept popping up to keep the newlyweds from ever being alone together.  But it was a fun twist to see a couple that is forced to marry still try to go through a proper courtship and get to know each other before anything physical happens between them. 


The Cover: I love this cover.  It is super cute, and I love the way Meredith is trying to sneak a peek at the straws in Travis' hands.  The title design is really cute and goes well with the rest of the cover.




About the 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.


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