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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Publishers Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Bethany House Publishers Short-Straw Bride - eBook
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.
Average Customer Rating:
(70 Reviews) 70
Rating Snapshot (70 reviews)
5 stars
60
4 stars
8
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
0
70 out of 70100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Review 1 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:April 14, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
A stellar read from Witemeyer!
From page one my heart adored Witemeyer's endearing character, Meredith, and her handsome hero, Travis. I knew I was up for some heart-string pulling and guessed I wouldn't easily be setting the book down. To say the least, I was right. This is my first novel from Witemeyer and I am very pleased. It makes me look forward to Stealing the Preacher all the more. (Especially because it's about Crockett! :D)
Meredith Hayes is a feisty, stubborn, young woman almost engaged to a businessman she doesn't love. When she overhears this almost-fiancée talking about committing a crime against a childhood hero, she knows she must do something about it. So she does. A dangerous trait Meri possesses is impulsiveness. She is very spur of the moment and doesn't seem to think things all the way through before she acts. This gets her into trouble more often than others would prefer. But I find it hard to criticize Meri when I know I would probably do the same thing, under her circumstances.
Since I don't want to spoil much, I'll end the review with this: Short Straw Bride is set in the late 1800s, Texas this is a cute Christian romance to brighten your day; with a well-rounded cast, a strong hero and heroine, and some humor this is a very pleasant read. :-)
My grandmother bought this book for me, no review required. Thanks, Grandma!
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Review 2 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Karen does great job research of place and history
Date:February 4, 2013
quilter lady
Age:Over 65
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I think Karen does her "homework" when she designs the setting and plots for her books. She uses accurate historical accounts and geography in her settings. Although the characters are fictional they are realistic and could easily fit in the historical period.
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Review 3 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:January 31, 2013
AmyC
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book is light-hearted yet the characters show depth and grow over the course of the book. Meredith and Travis are fun to watch. I was hooked from the first chapter and hated to put the book down. The ending leaves you like most good books should--with a warm, feel-good feeling.
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Review 4 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
L-O-V-E-D It!!
Date:March 15, 2013
Dhea
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have read all 4 of Karen Witemeyer's books and enjoyed them all... but Short-Straw Bride is the best!! When you stay up way past your bed time and you can't fall asleep because you can't put the book down... you know it's a good one. :) I'm excited she has another one coming out in May. "Stealing the Preacher". And even more excited that it is continuing on with one of the characters in the Short-Straw Bride book. Keep up the good work Karen!!
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Review 5 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Couldn't put it down!
Date:March 13, 2013
smiley
Location:Ontario, Canada
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I could not put the book down and neglected some household chores! oops. I really enjoyed the story and how it was written; happy to read more from this author.
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Review 6 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
I loved this book
Date:February 20, 2013
Mishka
Location:Spruce Grove, Canada
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book combines a sweet romance with a little adventure and intrigue--and still contains the good message. I love it when romance fiction has characters that are also learning about God. The characters are very charming and there was not one section of the book that dragged. Good character development and plot.
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Review 7 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Oh My Goodness!
Date:January 27, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Wow! This definitely ranks as one of my new favorite books! It was my first by Karen Witemeyer, and I couldn't put it down! The story is delightful and it's impossible not to fall in love with the characters. Personally, I love stories where the bride and groom end up marrying under pressure because of some strange circumstance, and this book surely didn't disappoint. To all you lovers of a good historical romance, don't miss this book!
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Review 8 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Another must-read by Karen Witemeyer!
Date:January 16, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
To say I'm a fan of Karen Witemeyer's writing and books would be an understatement. Whenever I bring one of her books into the house, my daughter sniffs it out and her persuasive speaking and debate skills shift into high gear, trying to convince me why she should be the first one to get to read it. =) Sometimes she wins, if she promises to hurry. But sometimes, well, I have to play the mom card. What can I say? We are both lifetime fans of Karen Witemeyer books.
Short-Straw Bride was so good! I could hardly put it down, but life dictates that you can't just read all the time. This book went with me nearly everywhere. You never know when you might have to wait in line somewhere and we all know that time flies when you're having fun, right? And this book was so much fun to read!
If you haven't read this one yet, add it to your "to be read" list or pile. Now! You'll thank me. Okay, well, you'll be thanking Karen, she wrote the wonderful story, afterall. But you'll be glad I said something. Readers unite! It's an unwritten code to recommend and share about books that you love, right?
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Review 9 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Unique twist. I really enjoyed it!
Date:January 11, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I enjoyed this novel from start to finish because it held my attention and was not a simply plotted love story. It had a cute theme, but at the same time the emotional part of the story ran much deeper than I expected from what could have been a simple cookie-cutter plot. It has a unique twist on the bride of convenience theme and that difference from the same-old same-old kept me turning the pages.
The best part of the story was probably the cord of love developing between them and the author’s twist on the things that kept them apart. I loved how the author used easy to assume misconceptions to create barriers for them, and I loved how they discovered that none of what they believed was true in the end. Of course, the hero was very heroic, and the heroine had strengths as well as flaws, but not the annoying kind that makes you want to roll your eyes. Bottom line, I loved everything about this book.
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Review 10 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Western Fairy Tale
Date:November 26, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
If you think of the typical fairy tale, what comes to your mind? Well, in my version, there’s always a damsel in distress that falls in love with the strong, handsome fellow, the one she hopes will sweep her off her feet one day – their wedding day. Short-straw bride has all that, along with boots covered in mud, horses swiftly galloping to the rescue and even “Indians.” The only difference is that fairy tales generally end in a wedding, but this novel has one at the beginning.
Meredith first meets Travis when a bully throws her lunch pail in his land – the forbidden Archer Land, dutifully and fiercely guarded by the four orphaned Archer brothers. Her leg gets caught in one of Travis’s traps, and injures her leg in such a way that even its natural growth is hindered. However, that day is when Travis becomes her first love (Maybe first crush?), and she never stops daydreaming about him. Some years later, after Meredith has been sent a way with her uncle, she overhears a plan to take over Archer Land. Meredith feels it’s her duty to warn the brothers about the tragedy about to fall on them, and she ends up spending the night at the Archer’s cabin. With her reputation soiled, one of the brothers is forced to marry her, and they decide to draw straws to make the final call. However, Travis hasn’t forgotten Meredith either, and he feels it’s his duty as the oldest brother to marry her; he ends up fixing the straws and marrying Meredith.
Day by day, they all have to face situations that will test their faith. For one thing, they live together, but they decide that it would not be correct to “be married” without the proper courtship – so they don’t sleep together. On another hand, Meredith finds out about the straws and believes Travis will never love her. She decides to prove herself, and the ever independent and problem solver, her naive intentions translate into disappointments after her plans generally end with her repeatedly injured. Travis, the ever handsome, strong husband, comes to her rescue, but is willing to forgive – sometimes, just because someone else intercedes for Meredith. I enjoyed reading about their conflict, and how they gave in, in order to better love and serve the others. Even Meredith finds daily household chores an opportunity to be a dutiful wife that will honor God with her marriage. It was refreshing to read a story where the link between a married man and woman is so truthfully depicted, pointing to God providing opportunities to shape their characters.
Obviously, the more they get to know each other, the more Meredith and Travis are actually attracted to each other and they start making silly mistakes, which gives the story a funny note. However, sexual tension also rises. Generally, I would not comment on this particular feature, but the fact that there is a point where there is a repetitive and continuous description of physical demonstrations, actually harm the quality of the story to my taste. A very classy, romantic story turns tacky and distracting from the main plot. This is the main reason why I’m not giving a 5-star rating in this review.
I do commend Mrs. Witemeyer for the inclusion of the Native American community. This story is a beautiful reminder of how we all share ups and downs in life, face challenges, and come together when there is someone in need – no matter our backgrounds nor skin color.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in a fast-paced, easy to read romantic story. Also, there are enough situations that could be used in a teenagers class to talk about Biblical principles and godly decision making. Just exercise caution regarding all the sexual implications. I think that it could also be a good teaching tool for couples who want to get married; it might require a resourceful facilitator, but the multiple events that will try Meredith’s and Travis’s relationship could be good examples of how marriage is constantly tested.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This has not biased my opinion on the book, nor on the author.
Meredith first meets Travis when a bully throws her lunch pail in his land – the forbidden Archer Land, dutifully and fiercely guarded by the four orphaned Archer brothers. Her leg gets caught in one of Travis’s traps, and injures her leg in such a way that even its natural growth is hindered. However, that day is when Travis becomes her first love (Maybe first crush?), and she never stops daydreaming about him. Some years later, after Meredith has been sent a way with her uncle, she overhears a plan to take over Archer Land. Meredith feels it’s her duty to warn the brothers about the tragedy about to fall on them, and she ends up spending the night at the Archer’s cabin. With her reputation soiled, one of the brothers is forced to marry her, and they decide to draw straws to make the final call. However, Travis hasn’t forgotten Meredith either, and he feels it’s his duty as the oldest brother to marry her; he ends up fixing the straws and marrying Meredith.
Day by day, they all have to face situations that will test their faith. For one thing, they live together, but they decide that it would not be correct to “be married” without the proper courtship – so they don’t sleep together. On another hand, Meredith finds out about the straws and believes Travis will never love her. She decides to prove herself, and the ever independent and problem solver, her naive intentions translate into disappointments after her plans generally end with her repeatedly injured. Travis, the ever handsome, strong husband, comes to her rescue, but is willing to forgive – sometimes, just because someone else intercedes for Meredith. I enjoyed reading about their conflict, and how they gave in, in order to better love and serve the others. Even Meredith finds daily household chores an opportunity to be a dutiful wife that will honor God with her marriage. It was refreshing to read a story where the link between a married man and woman is so truthfully depicted, pointing to God providing opportunities to shape their characters.
Obviously, the more they get to know each other, the more Meredith and Travis are actually attracted to each other and they start making silly mistakes, which gives the story a funny note. However, sexual tension also rises. Generally, I would not comment on this particular feature, but the fact that there is a point where there is a repetitive and continuous description of physical demonstrations, actually harm the quality of the story to my taste. A very classy, romantic story turns tacky and distracting from the main plot. This is the main reason why I’m not giving a 5-star rating in this review.
I do commend Mrs. Witemeyer for the inclusion of the Native American community. This story is a beautiful reminder of how we all share ups and downs in life, face challenges, and come together when there is someone in need – no matter our backgrounds nor skin color.
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in a fast-paced, easy to read romantic story. Also, there are enough situations that could be used in a teenagers class to talk about Biblical principles and godly decision making. Just exercise caution regarding all the sexual implications. I think that it could also be a good teaching tool for couples who want to get married; it might require a resourceful facilitator, but the multiple events that will try Meredith’s and Travis’s relationship could be good examples of how marriage is constantly tested.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. This has not biased my opinion on the book, nor on the author.
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Review 11 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
fun book that made me smile (and laugh)
Date:November 5, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This isn’t your typical marriage-of-convenience story where the couple is in dire straits (think Love Comes Softly) or a mail-order-bride tale. Instead both Meredith and Travis secretly love or think highly of the other but are too prideful or misguided to acknowledge their feelings to the other.
Nor are they isolated or semi-isolated. Travis’ three brothers live in the house, two temporary farm workers are old friends of Meredith’s father, and a tradesman stops by with deliveries every few months.
Another difference is that the story is not solely about the couple falling in love and overcoming their personal obstacles. Instead, while that still is a part of the tale, there is more focus on what brought them together in the first place: the threat against the Archer’s farm that Meredith warned them against.
This book is full of good laughs - or if you're reading it in a bookstore and can't laugh out loud, it'll make you smile like crazy. One lady saw me sitting on the floor with a big grin on my face and asked what I was reading. :-)
There is a fair amount of kissing – after all Meredith and Travis are a married couple in the process of figuring out that they are falling in love (hope that’s not a spoiler for you…). But the romance is sweetly and sincerely written.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 12 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Truly an exceptional story of unconditional love.
Date:October 30, 2012
Lourdes Menezes
Location:Canada
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this 4th book from Karen. She is an excellent writer. The plot to this story was better than the previous 3 books. But please Karen, continue this as a series on Archer brothers. Those guys each have a personality of their own which no woman could resist. Mainly brother no. 2. He is more than an rancher. He is a family preacher on Sundays, tends to medical needs, quite a tease and a good communicator. Would be interesting to see what woman comes his way. I do not wish to see the end of the Archer boys and will wait to see more books coming from Karen with glimpses of Travis and Merideth in the follow up books as older brother and sister-in-law. As always, thank you Karen for using your background in psychology to bring out the fears and insecurities of your characters which relates to our own. You are one great writer, so please dont stop ...
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Review 13 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
a lighthearted historical romance
Date:October 27, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
No bride would ever want to have lots drawn to decide which of the brothers would marry her. And yet, this is what happens when Meredith ventures onto Archer land to warn the brothers, and Travis particularly, of a scheme being hatched for someone in town to gain not only access but title to their land. That it is the man her uncle wants Meredith to marry, is of no little concern to her. Told with humor, yet brimming with empathy, this story is told in vivid colors and the reader is immersed into the life of four young men on their isolated farm. The reason for their isolation stems from childhood, but is woven seamlessly into the story. I love to read Karen's novels, and she proves that looking at life through humor can be beneficial and the learning of lessons just as deep as those told through the eyes of sorrow. Deeply ingrained thoughts and practices can be good, but things change as one grows older and more established and wiser. Just because someone is in charge, does not always mean that we need to follow blindly the way they have decided we must go if our convictions lead us in a different path. To keep our communication open with our relationships is most important.
I will be recommending this novel to my friends. I received this book from Karen Witemeyer and Bethany Publishers. The opinions stated are my own.
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Review 14 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:September 26, 2012
godiva
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Excellent book - totally exceeded my expectations of what Karen's newest book would be like!
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Review 15 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
I loved the Book.
Date:September 25, 2012
Pamla
Location:Arkansas, USA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved this book! It grabbed me right at the beginning and kept me going and wanting to know more about their lives and relationships. I really want to know more about the rest of the family and hope there are more books coming about them. The early years of the 19th century are one of my favorite times to read about. And if you enjoy that time period, you are really going to enjoy this book.
It spoke to me on more than one level. The story was not only full of action and clean romance it made me think about my relationship with God. I'm so often wanting to do it my way, not God's way. I don't often ask myself, What would God not want me to do? And I find it so easy to erect walls and fences with big gates around myself that keep me and God inside of a box when He really wants me to step outside and let others in. This was a wonderful reminder to take a chance, rethink the boundaries I've set for myself and God, and just love someone.
I hope you will pick up a copy of this book, Karen Witemeyer found a way to share two people's hearts and how their faith in the Lord led them thru several misunderstandings to the start of a loving relationship. It will give you hope for your own relationships.
I received this book from Bethany House as a free copy to review.
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Review 16 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Fun and thought provoking
Date:September 22, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
From the moment I saw the cover on Short Straw Bride I knew it was the perfect book to get me back into blogging for books! Meredith trying to peek over Travis's shoulder...uh-huh. You know he's up to something sneaky. Especially since he's holding four straws and has a slight grin on his face. But what really drew me in even more than that was the grief aspect in the storyline.
It seems everything I pick up to read deals in some way with death. It's a secondary theme in Short Straw Bride, but Travis Archer, at age 17, suddenly finds himself head of the home and caretaker to his three brothers after his father's passing. He made a death bed promise to him and felt convicted to keep it – Never let anyone on Archer land. What a responsibility to lay on a young man's shoulders.
Not long after, he finds Meredith, a 10 year old girl with mesmerizing eyes, trespassing and injured from one of the animal traps on his property, he tells no one, just frees her from the trap and carries her to her home quietly, thinking he will never see her again.
Meredith knew the stories about these strange Archer's but held a candle in her heart all through her teen years for Travis. Upon overhearing a devious plot to steal Archer land, she feels compelled to warn them and goes to their home. From there it is a non-stop delight of sharp wit and watching how the Lord uses Meredith to soften the heart of this wounded and misguided man, Travis, along with his brothers. They have some big issues to deal with, trust being the main one.
I think what resonated the most with me in this story is not how easy it is to shut ourselves off from others but the danger of letting it go on for too long. I understand too well the grief process and the desire to run and hide but it cannot be a place that is stayed in indefinitely. One must, at some point, come out and be among the living, allowing God to complete the healing process.
Don't get me wrong. It's not all serious. Not at all. I laughed out loud at those Archer brothers! They are a feisty bunch and when a pretty girl arrives, hold on to your hat because she is about to cause a heap o' trouble among them! I hope there will be three more books because those brothers all deserve a good woman to come along side and show them what they've been missing in life.
Bethany House provided a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive one, just my opinion, which I have done. No other compensation has been received.
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Review 17 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Who is the loser with a Short Straw Bride?
Date:September 16, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Short Straw Bride
by Karen Witemeyer
When Meredith “Meri” Hayes overhears a plot to drive the Archer brothers from their ranch she determines to warn them. Twelve years have passed since Meri was rescued by Travis Archer and she feels indebted to her rescuer. But what should have been a quick warning turns into a stay of several days and a ruined reputation.
With her uncle insisting that Meri marry one of the Archer brothers to restore her honor, what's a household of men to do? Hold a straw draw of course! In Meri's eyes this solutions results in her being a duty and Travis is the loser saddled with her.
Can a long ago meeting be enough of an acquaintance to be the foundation for a marriage? Meri and Travis are about to find out? Can Meri help the Archers reach out to their neighbors and removed the barriers they've built around themselves or will Meri become a prisoner of the same fear that sent the Archers into hiding all those years ago.
But danger is lurking waiting to strike again, who will sound the next warning and what are the Archers willing to sacrifice to keep their land?
The Short Straw Bride is a lesson in the value of trust. Can Meri and Travis learn to trust each other with their hearts or will Meri forever be the Short Straw Bride and never a wife of the heart?
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Review 18 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
Very good
Date:September 14, 2012
Goody
Location:ND
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Enjoyed this book. The story line was not so "predictable".
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Review 19 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Fun Read
Date:September 6, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Karen Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride is a fun read set in Texas in the late 19th century.
Ten-year-old Meredith Hayes made the "mistake" of trespassing onto Archer land -- something that few people are brave enough to try. Her one brief encounter with Travis Archer made such an impression that she spent much of her childhood and teen years dreaming of him as a dashing hero.
Fast forward twelve years and Meredith finds herself facing the prospect of stepping onto Archer land again. After overhearing a plot to do damage to the property fiercely protected by the four Archer brothers, Meredith feels obligated to warn them of the danger. A series of unfortunate circumstances forces Meredith into a marriage of obligation to one of the Archer brothers. When she discovers that Travis is the one she's matched up with -- all because he drew the short straw -- she worries about the prospects of ever experiencing real love with the man of her dreams.
I would recommend Short-Straw Bride to anyone who enjoys an easy-to-read story involving romance, suspense, adventure, and faith. Many of the characters some alive on the page and are people who would be fun to meet. You can't help but cheer them on as they face the dangers posed by those with less than noble motives to their actions.
(This book was provided free of charge from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.)
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Review 20 for Short-Straw Bride - eBook
Overall Rating:
HUMOR, ACTION, ROMANCE, AND DRAMA!
Date:September 2, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have to say I have never read a Christian fiction like this and I loved it!!! There was humor, romance, drama and surprisingly some real romp’n stomp’n action! I read it in 2 days and most of that time was when I was supposed to be sleeping! I couldn’t put it down!
When Meredith was ten years old it was a known fact you never step foot on Archer land or you would be shot on sight. On a school yard dare she stepped on the land and found herself caught in an animal trap. Young Travis Archer found her, rescued her and carried her home. That one meeting and act of kindness spurned a school girl crush that lasted into her young adulthood.
The Archer brothers weren’t bad, just fearful. Having lost both of their parents when they were very young, Travis, the oldest, took on the role of protector and father to his brothers. He had taken that role very seriously. The four brothers had been living as bachelor/hermits their whole lives. Their childhood terror of having someone take their land from them had grown into an all-out war toward those on the outside. The last thing on their minds was a woman.
The Archer land was prime land for the railroad and Meredith over hears a plot to attack them and take their land. With her love for Travis and wanting to repay his good deed 12 years ago, she risks all and goes onto their land at night.
As you can imagine they aren’t overly happy to see her, even with the important news she brings, but most of all the very presence of a woman sends their lives into a tail spin! Through some ill-fated incidents, Meredith ends up staying on the ranch for several days. Being noble men, the brothers are determined to save her reputation. The only plan they can come up with to see who the groom will be is to draw straws. Travis draws the short straw and becomes her husband. Both have a strong relationship with God and desire to please Him in all they do. Will this be the common bond in a relationship that has nothing in common?
This book with all its humor and fun has some very strong lessons in turning our preconceived plans and ideas over to God. Travis and Meredith show how we can be too focused what “we” think we should be doing, and listening to God and letting Him guide.
I would absolutely love to see future books on the lives of each of the brothers. This book is a must read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
When Meredith was ten years old it was a known fact you never step foot on Archer land or you would be shot on sight. On a school yard dare she stepped on the land and found herself caught in an animal trap. Young Travis Archer found her, rescued her and carried her home. That one meeting and act of kindness spurned a school girl crush that lasted into her young adulthood.
The Archer brothers weren’t bad, just fearful. Having lost both of their parents when they were very young, Travis, the oldest, took on the role of protector and father to his brothers. He had taken that role very seriously. The four brothers had been living as bachelor/hermits their whole lives. Their childhood terror of having someone take their land from them had grown into an all-out war toward those on the outside. The last thing on their minds was a woman.
The Archer land was prime land for the railroad and Meredith over hears a plot to attack them and take their land. With her love for Travis and wanting to repay his good deed 12 years ago, she risks all and goes onto their land at night.
As you can imagine they aren’t overly happy to see her, even with the important news she brings, but most of all the very presence of a woman sends their lives into a tail spin! Through some ill-fated incidents, Meredith ends up staying on the ranch for several days. Being noble men, the brothers are determined to save her reputation. The only plan they can come up with to see who the groom will be is to draw straws. Travis draws the short straw and becomes her husband. Both have a strong relationship with God and desire to please Him in all they do. Will this be the common bond in a relationship that has nothing in common?
This book with all its humor and fun has some very strong lessons in turning our preconceived plans and ideas over to God. Travis and Meredith show how we can be too focused what “we” think we should be doing, and listening to God and letting Him guide.
I would absolutely love to see future books on the lives of each of the brothers. This book is a must read!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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