Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
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Back Cover:
 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 harden 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?

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS?
    Karen has always been one of my 'go-to' Writers. I love reading her books, and seeing what kind of story she will come up with next. And this was no disappointment. I have been looking forward to this book since I got to read the back cover last year. A tale of young infatuation that will eventually lead to love. Meredith and Travis meet once in the woods, and 12 years later she comes waltzing back into his life.
 Travis made a promise to his father to never leave the ranch...and this included his 3 brothers. So for over 12 years the Archer men stay holed up on their land, threatening anyone and everything that comes on their land.
 Meredith is an Orphan living with her Uncle who has control of all of her inheritances until she is married. And when her Uncle wants to 'force' her into marriage to help secure his business, she overhears a plot to destroy the Archers. Remembering a heroic act 12 years ago pushes Meredith to do something she had always wanted to do, but was always scared to try. Return to Archer land and warn The handsome boy that helped her all those years ago.
  When the Archer men use 'Drawing Straws' to decide her fate...She suddenly feel's like the "Short-Straw". Will she ever feel apart of their family and community? Will she be the one to finally bring the Archer's "out of the woodwork?"
 I suggest picking up this book, and enjoy the story...It only took me 3 hours since I couldn't put it down :)


To the FTC and whomever else it may concern, I received this book Bethany House Publisher. In return, I have promised to review the book but have been given the freedom by Bethany House to give my honest opinions whether they be positive or negative.