Short-straw Bride

Twelve years ago Travis Archer came into ten year old Meredith's life for just a day when she was being bullied and daringly stepped onto Archer land and was captured in an animal trap.  She saw something in him that has stayed with her and she has compared every male to him since.  The problem is, she hasn't seen him since that day and well-to-do Roy Mitchell has proposed. Marrying him would please her family and strengthen the family business but she has nothing in common with him and feels nothing for him.

When Meredith overhears a conversation that reveals Roy's true nature, she sets out to make certain harm doesn't come to the Archer family.  Riding out to warn them, Meredith risks her reputation and her home.  When her reputation does come into question, there is only one solution. One of the Archer brothers must marry her.  Travis draws the short straw. 

I was taken in with Meredith and Travis in the prologue.  Meredith is a feisty girl who desires to know God's will for her and is willing to risk all she has to do what is right.  Travis is a strong yet tender man whose love for his family guides everything he does.  What's not to love about them both?  I also enjoyed watching how their relationship begins to develop and grow into something very special and desirable.

Five stars for Short-Straw Bride!  I have never read any other Karen Witemeyer books but hope to do so.  She does an excellent job developing her characters, adds a lot of humor (some laugh out loud), and develops a plot that is fast-paced which makes you not want to put the book down.  Travis isn't the only interesting Archer brother in the story so it makes the reader wonder if there will be additional stories about the other three.  I will definitely be placing this book in the church library to share with other readers.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B15ATNlSxI8

I did receive this book free from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review.