Book Review: Short-Straw Bride

Title: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 365 pages
Release Date: June 1, 2012
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads 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?

I loved the beautiful, fun cover of this book the instant I saw it and was hoping it would be good. I’m happy to say that Karen Witemeyer did not disappoint!

Meredith (Meri) Hayes has had a crush on the reclusive Travis Archer since he rescued her when she hurt herself on his land when she was 10 years old. Twelve years later, she gets the opportunity to repay him for his kindness and ends up with much more than she bargained for.  

I love historical romances where the main characters are thrown into a situation where they are compelled to get married and then get to know each other afterwards. This one is even more fun since Meri already has a major crush on Travis and he is extremely lacking in the dating and courtship department.

Meri is a great main character! She is smart, spunky, brave and very likable. I also love the relationship she has with her cousin Cassie and the high road she takes with people who treat her poorly because she limps from an old injury. The dynamics with Travis and his three younger brothers is also great.

I’m a huge fan or well developed relationships and love the way Meri and Travis slowly fall for each other. There is also a really great message throughout the book about loyalty to family, friends and completely relying on God even when the circumstances look dire. This book is not all romance, however. There is some action in it as well as you would expect from a historical novel set on a ranch in Texas.

If you are in the mood for a really sweet, clean and romantic read, Short-Straw Bride is definitely the book for you! It’s well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I’ll definitely be looking out for more books from this author.

Content: Kissing and some violence

My Rating: Really Good!