Short-Straw Bride (edición 2012)

4.5 stars.

You know, with Ms. Witemeyer's last book ([b:Head in the Clouds|7794600|Head in the Clouds|Karen Witemeyer|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1276811776s/7794600.jpg|10759688]), I complained that too much of the conflict was external, but this one was the same way, and I liked it better. So maybe the last one just didn't speak to me the way the other 3 have.

This is the first time we've seen a hero without a Biblical name, although his name—and those of his brothers—ARE from Texas history. The main idea of this book is that no man (or family) is an island. Everyone needs help sometimes, and if you've completely cut yourself off from everyone around you, then who can you turn to when you need help. (Yes, God. Obviously. But God expects you to do your part, too. He expects us to help, serve, and love one another... If that weren't the case, what would be the point in going to Church every Sunday? We're supposed to help strengthen and support each other!)

So in this book, the Archer brothers keep to their own land and never ever leave. I don't know how realistic this is. They have animals and a water source, but do they grow their own grains? How do they get new clothes? But whatever. I'm willing to suspect belief there. But 14 years ago, a little girl (young Meredith) came onto their land and got caught in an animal trap, and Travis saved her and took her home. She's always been thankful to him for that, and knows that he's really a nice guy, even if there are crazy-scary rumors about the boys. So when she overhears a plot to set the Archer's barn on fire (because they won't sell their land to the railroad), Meredith feels obligated to return the favor Travis once paid her. She goes onto Archer land... *dun dun dun....*

Well, she ends up getting hurt and having to stay the night there, and so her reputation is compromised and she's forced to marry one of the 4 brothers. They ALL want to marry her, so they draw straws. Travis rigs it so he wins, though. But when she stumbles upon their little "game," she doesn't know that. She thinks NONE of them want to marry her, and so she feels pretty unwanted... a "short-straw bride."

Then, being a gentleman, Travis figures Meredith would like to get to know him before he... err... jumps into bed with her... which just puts a greater strain on things. She's been "in love" with him since she was a girl, and he's totally in love with her, but he's distant (out of respect for her)... and yeah. Communication, communication, communication, people!

Anyway, it's super cute. They figure things out eventually. Plus, there's an ADORABLE side-romance between one of the other brothers and Meredith's cousin. Super cute! I REALLY enjoyed it! :) ( )

Outstanding story very intense ( )

Everyone knows that those who trespasses on Archer land do so at their own peril. Even so, Meredith Hayes can’t ignore the scheme she overhears. She has to warn the Archer brothers before their ranch is burned down. She’s had a thing she can’t shake for Travis Archer ever since he rescued her when she was caught in one of his traps. But Travis barely remembers her, and she feels like a fool, especially when what she meant as a good deed backfires. At her uncle’s insistence, the Archer men draw straws to figure out who will marry her.

Author Karen Witemeyer brings an intriguing love story to life in Short Straw Bride. The characters are flawed enough to be real, their peril gripping, and the unusual love story warms the heart. The plot moves at a fast clip while still managing to give a look into the process of healing from past wounds. Short Straw Bride delivers a delightful mix of love, history, and adventure.

I recommend Short Straw Bride for adult readers who enjoy historical romance set in the American West.

*My thanks to the publisher for a complimentary review copy of this title. ( )

Can a short straw bride ever find love?
This story had me instantly hooked. It started out with a good deed that set a precedent for the rest of the story. The theme throughout the book was about loving not only your family, but your neighbors as well. A life without friends and loved ones is really no life at all and Travis learns this the hard way. This was a story filled with courage, hope, and most of all love.
The writing style was captivating and filled with wisdom that really spoke to me. I was hesitant to read this at first because it isn’t the type of book I normally read, but I was so glad that I gave it a chance. It is simply a beautiful story that I would recommend to everyone even if they don’t care for romances because it is so much more than that.
Travis is no storybook hero. He is simply a man that has had to grow up way too fast and does his best to protect those he loves. He is very honorable and though he makes mistakes he does his best to live his life the only way he knows how. He was a memorable character and seeing him grow into an even greater man throughout the book was a really enjoyable experience. Through faith, hardships, and his love for his family and Meredith he learns that opening his heart to others is a blessing not a burden.
Meredith was a sweet and strong hearted woman who was no stranger to heartache. She had been bullied from a young age first for her beliefs and then for her unfortunate injury. I admired her greatly for her courage in facing these problems with her chin up and a smile. She did not wallow in despair when tragedy struck instead she fought for what she believed in and stayed strong. She is not perfect however and goes through some moments of weakness, but with help from friends and loves ones she doesn’t stay that way for long. She is a beautiful soul both inside and out. Meredith is a character that will stay in my heart for years to come.
A beautiful story that I highly recommend! ( )

I actually started this book the day I received it. I got through the first chapter, then life happened. I was so glad to pick it back up. It is one of many I have begun and not had a chance to finish.
This is the story of a set of brothers known as the Archer Boys. They are reclusive and are doing everything they can to keep and protect their land. Meredith, at the beginning of the book is a young girl. A bully takes her lunch pail and tosses it away. He didn't mean for it to go onto the Archer property. After all, everyone has hear all of the stories about what happens to people when they go on the Archer land. Meredith has to decide whether to be brave enough to go find her pail, or face her parents and tell them the lunch pail is gone. It is a no-brainer. She enters the woods and finds the pail only to step in one of the traps laid out by the Archers. Travis Archer finds this young girl. Through the entire ordeal she tries to put up a brave front. He can't get that or the look in her eyes out of his head as he takes her home.
Several years pass and Meredith has been sent to her uncle's house. It is while she is hear she learns of a plot to take over the Archer land. She has has a crush on Travis since the day he rescued her. She figures the least she can do is warn them. Remember, this is a time when what people perceived or thought could ruin your reputation. Meredith must stay overnight and thus her reputation is ruined. The boys must draw straws to decide who will do the honorable thing and marry Meredith. Truth be known, Travis has never been able to get her out of his mind, so he fixes the straws so that he wins. They are married. Meredith is a lovable character who seems to always bumble things or get hurt while trying to prove herself worthy of Travis' love. Travis comes across as her rescuer, usually rescuing her from herself. This is a wonderful romance. Themes of honor, love and trust in each other and in God abound throughout the book. This is a definite recommendation to all lovers of historical fiction and romance books. ( )