Helpful Score: 3
I always dive into Karen's books head-first, expecting a humorous historical story set in Texas with great characters and lessons I can apply to my life today, and Short-Straw Bride lived up to my expectations. I finished the book in two days and wished for more. Travis and his brothers are good, if misguided, men. Meredith is a romantic at heart with courage and honor to burn. One of Meredith's quirks was the extra care she took to keep her corset in good condition, and it always made me giggle. I think if I'd had to wear one of those contraptions, I'd be throwing it across the room into a corner every night. The lessons about friendship, helping others, and faith instead of fear, were laced through the story nicely, instead of being blatantly shoved in the reader's face. I'm hoping there will be more books about the remaining Archer brothers, because each one is unique and has a compelling story. Write on, Karen, so we can read on!
With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
With thanks to Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
Helpful Score: 2
Well, get ready for a fun adventure set in the past! If you like a book that has a fiesty female, a tough yet tender hero, and lots of rip roarin' fun, this is the book you want to pick up! Ever since reading my first book by Karen Witemeyer I have enjoyed them all. But this one really took me by surprise. Great plot that you don't often see. The heroine goes out to warn a man she only met once before as a young child. While there an accident happens and she is knocked unconscious and happens to spend the night(no fallen morals here people). Come the next morning, she is awakened from her unconscious state to find out that her reputation has been tarnished, even though nothing has happened. So she if forced, or rather, the Archer brothers have to choose which one gets to marry her. From this point on the book just picks up speed and doesn't stop! Excellent characters and I can't but hope that we see more of the Archer brothers in a later book:)
Sharon F. (bookworm01) reviewed Short-Straw Bride (Archer Brothers, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I think with this book Karen Witemeyer has surpassed Mary Connealy as my favorite writer. I love the idea of four brothers who vow NEVER to leave their ranch...until one day, Travis rescues a child and leaves the land to return her to her home. Well, some good deeds are never forgotten. Meredith is one spunky heroine! She risks everything to repay a debt from over a decade.
This book has action, romance, suspense and humor. I loved it! I thought it was hilarious when the brothers decided to draw straws to see who would marry Meri. It's so funny how that scene plays out.Can't say enough but can't say too much! Great book!
This book has action, romance, suspense and humor. I loved it! I thought it was hilarious when the brothers decided to draw straws to see who would marry Meri. It's so funny how that scene plays out.Can't say enough but can't say too much! Great book!
Helpful Score: 1
Short version: I laughed (a lot). I almost cried. I enjoyed every second.
How do I describe an incredibly amazing, funny, and down to earth book. The Archer brothers have been sworn to protect their land and not allow anyone to steal it away from them, because of this commitment the handsome foursome become quite the recluses. In walks in Miss Meredith Hayes (literally she walks on their land). Having a debt to pay to the eldest brother [from 12 years earlier when he showed her kindness] she risks her life to tell them of a dangerous plot to buy them out of their land. What happens after this meeting is a witty camaraderie where the honorable four feel obligated to repay a good deed for a good deed.
"Stealing the Preacher" is Crockett Archer's story
"A Match Made in Texas" is Neill Archer's story
How do I describe an incredibly amazing, funny, and down to earth book. The Archer brothers have been sworn to protect their land and not allow anyone to steal it away from them, because of this commitment the handsome foursome become quite the recluses. In walks in Miss Meredith Hayes (literally she walks on their land). Having a debt to pay to the eldest brother [from 12 years earlier when he showed her kindness] she risks her life to tell them of a dangerous plot to buy them out of their land. What happens after this meeting is a witty camaraderie where the honorable four feel obligated to repay a good deed for a good deed.
"Stealing the Preacher" is Crockett Archer's story
"A Match Made in Texas" is Neill Archer's story
Meredith gripped the edge of the chair seat with her left hand as a new
light-headedness assaulted her. Travis Archer had just proposed. Really
proposed. Sure, hed made no mention of love, but he had only been in
her company for three daysfour if she counted the day she stepped in
that trap twelve years ago. The man needed time to catch up. After all,
shed been in love with him since she was ten. She had a bit of a head
start................
Ive waited months to get my hands on this book and I was not disappointed. Once again, Karen Witemeyer has woven a fascinating western romance that completely satisfies on all counts. I found the story to be riveting and the characters delightful and real. Karens writing style is superb and her handling of the subject matter has just the right balance of suspense, romance, and passion while maintaining a wholesome tone that is appropriate to Christians. I highly recommend this novel as well as her other works. This is Christian Fiction at its best. This one will definitely be on my top ten list of the year.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
light-headedness assaulted her. Travis Archer had just proposed. Really
proposed. Sure, hed made no mention of love, but he had only been in
her company for three daysfour if she counted the day she stepped in
that trap twelve years ago. The man needed time to catch up. After all,
shed been in love with him since she was ten. She had a bit of a head
start................
Ive waited months to get my hands on this book and I was not disappointed. Once again, Karen Witemeyer has woven a fascinating western romance that completely satisfies on all counts. I found the story to be riveting and the characters delightful and real. Karens writing style is superb and her handling of the subject matter has just the right balance of suspense, romance, and passion while maintaining a wholesome tone that is appropriate to Christians. I highly recommend this novel as well as her other works. This is Christian Fiction at its best. This one will definitely be on my top ten list of the year.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed this book by Karen Witemeyer. I would like for her to more books of the Archer brothers. These characters are too good to end with only one book ! Highly recommended!
Teresa G. (tgriffis) -
I loved this book. I agree with all the other reviews that this was a book well worth waiting for. Held a few surprises along the way, too. Highly recommend. I also hope there are forthcoming books about the Archer brothers.
Beautiful Meri is saved twice by Travis Archer. But injured the second time she must stay at the Archer home alone with the 4 Archer brothers.All draw straws to redeem her honor and marry her, but only one can draw the short straw.Which one will it be?
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 hardens 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.
"Humor, romance, history, interesting plot and great characters--Short-Straw Bride has it all. A lovely Christian romance.
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 hardens 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.
"Humor, romance, history, interesting plot and great characters--Short-Straw Bride has it all. A lovely Christian romance.
With each turn of the page I fell more in love with these two characters. Both with heads harder than the land they work (Im sure), but no two could be more fun to watch grow, changeand fall in love.
Know what I love? A good love story. Know what else I love? Characters that are witty and endearing. Stubborn and determined, but with a healthy dose to do whats right. Travis and Meredith both have that in spades.
The plot is unique and just wait until you read the scene where the brothers draw straws. You might want to swoon. I wanted to Humor provides perfect comedic timing and the dialogue quick and fast paced. This is one of those exceptional books that combines perfect amount of descriptions with dialogue and character action. No one word really slows the novel, instead constantly propelling the story forward.
I love characters that make me love them. Travis and Meredith make it so effortless, though I do think I might be a tad more partial to Travis
This novel is SUCH solid winner for the inspirational historical market in so many ways. Unique plot. Touch of suspense. Excellent, excellent story telling. Characters that simply demand the readers attention. Really, what gets better than that? Oh yes, a forbidden romance. Ill throw that one out there just to tease you. I melt when I read such a romance as this. Really, who wouldnt want to pick up this novel? A five-star, enchanting novel!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publishers for my copy to review.
Know what I love? A good love story. Know what else I love? Characters that are witty and endearing. Stubborn and determined, but with a healthy dose to do whats right. Travis and Meredith both have that in spades.
The plot is unique and just wait until you read the scene where the brothers draw straws. You might want to swoon. I wanted to Humor provides perfect comedic timing and the dialogue quick and fast paced. This is one of those exceptional books that combines perfect amount of descriptions with dialogue and character action. No one word really slows the novel, instead constantly propelling the story forward.
I love characters that make me love them. Travis and Meredith make it so effortless, though I do think I might be a tad more partial to Travis
This novel is SUCH solid winner for the inspirational historical market in so many ways. Unique plot. Touch of suspense. Excellent, excellent story telling. Characters that simply demand the readers attention. Really, what gets better than that? Oh yes, a forbidden romance. Ill throw that one out there just to tease you. I melt when I read such a romance as this. Really, who wouldnt want to pick up this novel? A five-star, enchanting novel!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author and publishers for my copy to review.
This story sounded cuter than it turned out to be. In fact, it was boring in parts and predictable throughout the story.
The four Archer sons have been sequestered on their land since their father died. No one is invited to visit or even welcomed. There's a lock on their gate and people must shoot two shots to get an Archer to come to the gate to find out what they want.
Meredith overhears a plot to burn out the Archers and she goes to warn them. She has a history with the eldest Archer (Travis) because she trespassed once and was hurt on their land.
It is hard to believe that all four Archers were willing to marry Meredith. However, it made for a catchy title.
The four Archer sons have been sequestered on their land since their father died. No one is invited to visit or even welcomed. There's a lock on their gate and people must shoot two shots to get an Archer to come to the gate to find out what they want.
Meredith overhears a plot to burn out the Archers and she goes to warn them. She has a history with the eldest Archer (Travis) because she trespassed once and was hurt on their land.
It is hard to believe that all four Archers were willing to marry Meredith. However, it made for a catchy title.
