Short-Straw Bride [Paperback]

Karen Witemeyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Lighthearted Historical Romance From a Rising Star

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?

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

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

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across 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 prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

"Humor, romance, history, interesting plot and great characters--Short-Straw Bride has it all. A lovely Christian romance." --Historical Novels Review

"If you want a hard-to-put-down, fast read, then Short-Straw Bride is the next book you should read. Set in the1880's in Texas, the characters are as real as any in life today. There is loyalty, gentleness, humor, love, anger, greediness and stubbornness yet this story is inspirational and fun to enjoy. With the full flavor of the West and the oftentimes deceitful actions of others, this heartwarming love story adds so much to the rich, engaging plot" --Portland Book Reviews

About the Author

Two-time RITA® Finalist, Carol Award Finalist, and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209655
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209659
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (357 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. 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. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book With All The Trimmings May 22, 2012

By M. Parks

Format:Paperback

Short version: I laughed (a lot). I almost cried. I enjoyed every second.

I have read all four of Karen Witemeyer's novels. There's a reason I keep coming back for more. And
I must say: Short-Straw Bride could be my favorite.

Why? Well, I'm glad you asked.

For starters, I'm not a fan of prologues. However, this prologue was a short love story of its own. I jumped into chapter one immediately after. Then two. Then three and so on until I had lost track of all time and transported to the Archer land with Meredith and Travis.

Which brings me to the characters. Meredith and Travis may have the limelight, but the stage was also shared by a humorous cast--Travis's brothers: Crockett, Jim, and Neill. The names were nearly as delightful as the brothers. I loved them all. Crockett just really stole my heart though (possibly more so than Travis, the hero) because he was always doing something cute. It was almost like a love triangle in the book. Meredith and Travis could not have a heart-warming moment without Crockett interrupting. Without Crockett there love story would not have been nearly as delightful and appreciated.

Plot. Okay, I give. It is a bit predictable. A bit. Smidgen. Keep in mind I read this in less than a day. The tension drove me to the final page. You know what's going to happen, and you can't wait to get there to see what the characters have to say about it.

Witemeyer rules at dialogue. I love the more dated words she substitutes into her dialogue. It gives a sense of life to her historical characters.

As far as spiritual content goes, I was a little shocked at how little there was. Don't get me wrong. This is a Christian novel. Her moral is clear and ties a nice bow around the story, but considering her previous three it was less significant.

In summary, there are only two things I didn't like about this book. 1) It ended. 2) It is not the first of a series, which means I will never read a book about Crockett (sappy sigh). At least I have my dreams. ;)

I received this book free from Baker Publishing (which I am ever so grateful for!). This review is my honest opinion.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning - Reading this book in public can lead to mild embarrassment. June 15, 2012

By Regina Jennings

Format:Paperback

I had a doctor appointment recently and was excited to finally have some quiet time to read "Short-Straw Bride". Unfortunately, the waiting room was too quiet.

When young Meredith steals onto Archer land and Travis - the misunderstood and feared hero - comes to her rescue, I was hooked. I was completely engrossed in the story when Meredith, under the impression that she's dreaming, tells the scary Mr. Archer what she really thinks of him...and I snorted...snorted loudly earning concerned glances from my waiting-room friends.

But I couldn't stop thinking about the story and when I got back to my car I gave into temptation and decided to sit there and read at least one more chapter - after all, the kids were okay without me for just a bit more. One chapter stretched into another...and another. When would Travis figure out that Meredith didn't want him to be SO gentlemanly? Would Crockett, Jim and Neill find brides of their own? (Love their names, by the way.) I was quite engrossed when one of my new waiting room acquaintances knocked on the car window to see if I was having car trouble. Busted.

Short-Straw Bride is a wonderful story. Travis's confused handling of his bride is endearing. Meredith's hero worship transforms seamlessly into a mature understanding of her husband, without costing him any shine. I don't know if there are subsequent books planned for these entertaining brothers, but sign me up for the petition drive.

Well done and highly recommended. Just don't read it with an audience.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read :-) May 25, 2012

By jesusbookgirl

Format:Paperback

Short-Straw Bride... How do I describe an incredibly amazing, funny, and down to earth book. The Archer brothers have been sworn to protect their land and not allow anyone to steal it away from them, because of this commitment the handsome foursome become quite the recluses. In walks in Miss Meredith Hayes (literally she walks on their land). Having a debt to pay to the eldest brother she risks her life to tell them of a dangerous plot to buy them out of their land. What happens after this meeting is a witty camaraderie where the honorable four feel obligated to repay a good deed for a good deed.

I don't know how Ms. Witemeyer does it but each time she comes up with a unique story line that surpasses all other books. Recently I have been inundated with sea books, don't get me wrong I like a good sea tale, but it is really refreshing to read such a well blended book where the plot is a rare find. I found myself on edge wondering what would happen next. There were also parts where I was laughing so hard I nearly peed my pants :-) The conversations were in depth, and meaningful. I also loved how the side characters interacted with the main characters. It truly was a fun read. I hope you read Short-Straw Bride.