Monday, September 10, 2012

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Summary:
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?


From Misty:
Witemeyer's books never disappoint me. Plus the covers are aDORable. Darling and predictable, but not at all what I was expecting, and I definitely had expectations because I have been dying to read this book. It surprised and delighted me.

In this story Witemeyer succeeds in creating believable characters with both strengths and vulnerabilities. They were relatable and likeable (except for the villians--they were appropriately scummy). I so dislike stories where the main characters are completely unlikable, have no redeeming qualities,and are selfish and self-centered (*cough* young adult novels *cough*), and you just don't run into that in Witemeyer's books.

Witemeyers books have an appeal to readers of Christian fiction. That element is definitely there in Short-Straw Bride, and as always, is tastefully done with respect and knowledge. Short-Straw Bride is inspiring and uplifting, and definitely appreciated when there is so much icky garbage being published.

5 stars--definitely recommend.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I think the book sounds adorable. I'd love to pick it up. Thanks for the review.

Jillian said...

Hey now, I caught that oh so subtle jab at YA! Not all of them have horribly selfish main characters. You'll have to read my latest work in progress to see what I'm say'n. ;)

Rosenbalm Photography said...

I think this will be my next read.

Misty Moncur said...

I know, Jillian, but you have to agree that a lot of YA novels are just filled with whatever sells--teens that drink and party and have no personalities. Not saying all of them are like that, though. And, ahem, I would LOVE to read your current WIP. :D