Friday 29 June 2012

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

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 harden 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?


Review: This is the first novel I have read by Karen Witemeyer, but definitely not my last - I have already ordered her other books! If you are a fan of Deeanne Gist or Cathy Marie Hake you will love Karen Witemeyer's novels. 'Short-Straw Bride' is warm, romantic, and funny. Typically when I read a romance I favour one part of the romantic couple over the other. This was not the case with this book. I immediately fell in love with Meri; she is not startling beautiful, flaw-free, particularly brilliant or amazingly talented... but she is wonderfully trusting and she loves with every part of her being. Her quiet courage and willing self-sacrifice mixed with a good dose of firm resolve make her a very real and worthwhile female-lead. If she were an actual person, I would definitely want to be her friend. Travis is a bit more stereotypical - but I loved him anyways. He is broad, strong, dark, and broodingly handsome. He carries command like a seasoned captain and bears heavy responsibility with ease. He is protective and brutally honorable. He is both a man's man and a gentleman. No wonder Meri falls in love with him! I would have too.

I loved this novel and highly recommend you at it to your list of 'must reads' for this summer!

Rating: 4 Stars
What can I say. I loved it. The plot wasn't that incredible, but it gets a 4 because it made me that happy.

"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".

9 comments:

  1. Looks like a great read! I'm following your from Book Blogs!

    Candace
    http://endlessdaysofbooks.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello,
    I am from book blogs. I am a new follower, Here is mine:
    http://dawnandwinniebookreviews.blogspot.com

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm following you from Book Blogs as well :)

    www.mochasmysteriesandmore.blogspot.com

    Short Straw Bride is on my wish list...I love Karen Witemeyer :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a new follower from book blogs:) here is my site: http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. "Warm, romantic and funny." This is one kind of book that I would really be interested in reading. Thanks for sharing a great review.

    Btw, I'm Ara. *New Follower*. (Book Blogs)

    You can find me at http://www.mybookandmycoffee.com/

    Great to connect with you, Amanda ;D

    ReplyDelete
  6. *New follower from Book Blogs* Wow, this sounds like a really good read! I have a deep appreciation for historical romances, as it seems you do, too.

    I would love if you checked out my blog:
    http://twistingyourmindonewordatatime.blogspot.com/

    As I am still trying to learn the ropes at Book Blogs, here is my page (I can't find yours!) http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/BrandiS
    If you want to drop in and say hi, I would love to add you to my friends list.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi :-) Welcome aboard! I'm a fellow book reviewer as well. I have only read one book by Karen Witemeyer and I am a huge fan. I have not read this one but I plan on reading it in the very near future. Her writing style is witty and fun and just in one book, she's on my instant fave list.

    Sabrina
    http://bythecoverbookclub.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Candace,
    I'm new on Book Blogs as well! Like you, I had no idea how valuable BB's would be! Love your happy blog. :) am following and would love a follow back...
    http://authorkristijones.blogspot.com/
    Good luck with your writing and your blog!
    Kristi

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, great blog!! I got your message from Book Blogs and followed you on GFC. I would love it if you could check out my blog! Reading Under The Willow Tree

    ReplyDelete