Fun, fast-paced, and....romantic! My review of Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?

MY REVIEW

Karen Witemeyer has penned a fast-moving, entertaining read in Short-Straw Bride. Meredith (or Meri as Travis calls her) is a strong-willed, determined woman who isn't about to let anyone order her around or tell her how to live her life. Living in an age where woman are often expected to fall in line with the expectations the men in their lives place on them, she is in for a clash of wills - and I daresay she often emerges the victor! Her scenes with Travis crackle with humour and, yes, romantic tension, and I am positive that female readers will be racing towards the end of the book in breathless anticipation of finding out how the relationship between Meri and Travis will eventually unfold. I am also certain that readers will not only be entertained, but also learn something along the way, such as the importance of admitting when you have made a mistake, of valuing courtship and emotional intimacy in a marriage, and best of all, of the blessing of submitting to God's will for your life.

Featuring lovable characters, some scenes of suspense, and a dash of fun (and clean!) romance, Short-Straw Bride is sure to be a winner with readers who enjoy historical romance novels. 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

++Many thanks to my wife for greatly helping with reading and reviewing this book!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Karen Witemeyer holds a master's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Abilene Writers Guild. A CBA bestselling author, 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 in 2011. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Visit Karen's Web site at www.karenwitemeyer.com.