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2nd out of 196 books
—
290 voters
Short-Straw Bride (Archer Brothers #1)
by
Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author)
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...more
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...more
Paperback, 365 pages
Published
June 1st 2012
by Bethany House
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As a young girl, Meredith Hayes made the mistake of stumbling onto restricted Archer land. And into a steel trap that left her with a permanent limp. As well as a permanent weakness for the young man who pulled her out of that trap, Travis Archer.
Years later, Meredith is now a young woman, expected to marry for the good of her aunt and uncle’s financial security. But when Meredith overhears her espoused suitor plotting to burn down the Archer barn, she eschews family loyalty. And sneaks onto Arc...more
Years later, Meredith is now a young woman, expected to marry for the good of her aunt and uncle’s financial security. But when Meredith overhears her espoused suitor plotting to burn down the Archer barn, she eschews family loyalty. And sneaks onto Arc...more
Both Travis and Meredith were excellent characters, this book is a lot of fun with great wholesome values that cannot help but inspire and poignant romance that stirs the heart. This author has a knack for writing humorous fiction abound with great faith lessons, you won't want to miss getting your hands on her latest instalment!
Meredith is quite a determined child. When the boys at school throw her lunch box into the Archer's property, she refuses to go home without it. Making the decision to trespass onto property that has been fenced off from the world changes her life forever. Now, over 10 years later, Meredith is grown but still can't seem to forget the Archer clan, especially, Travis, the one that rescued her.
From the very beginning, I enjoyed this book. I normally don't like time jumps in books, but for this one,...more
From the very beginning, I enjoyed this book. I normally don't like time jumps in books, but for this one,...more
holy cow, I loved this book. definitely surprised me. honestly, I don't really know what I was expecting as I sat down to start this book, but I don't believe I was expecting to fall in love! already have another book by Whitemeyer on hold at the library. hehe.
rarely ever do I start the first chapter of a book and immediately get sucked in. rarely, rarely, rarely. (my standards are pretty high for books, if you couldn't tell. hah.) but this book had me captured by the first few paragraphs. even...more
rarely ever do I start the first chapter of a book and immediately get sucked in. rarely, rarely, rarely. (my standards are pretty high for books, if you couldn't tell. hah.) but this book had me captured by the first few paragraphs. even...more
So I have to admit that when I look at romance novels I always expect a lot of heat. I was happily surprised when I found out that it was actually a straight-up romance novel. All about two people falling in love. *Swoon.
And better yet she ends up getting stuck on a farm with four hot men and one that is determined to believe she is his responsibility. An of course they’ve only every laid eyes upon each other once before—12 years ago and they remembered each other every since. Her beautiful eyes...more
And better yet she ends up getting stuck on a farm with four hot men and one that is determined to believe she is his responsibility. An of course they’ve only every laid eyes upon each other once before—12 years ago and they remembered each other every since. Her beautiful eyes...more
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Once again, Karen Witemeyer has penned another wonderful read!! Short-Straw Bride pricks your interest with the prologue and by the second chapter, I was captivated. After reading two other books by Witemeyer, I know to expect a book that will entertain, enthrall, and warm your heart all at the same time—and she’s done again with Short-Straw Bride!
I really enjoyed getting to know Meredith and the Archer men. The story behind why the Archer’s are so fea...more
Once again, Karen Witemeyer has penned another wonderful read!! Short-Straw Bride pricks your interest with the prologue and by the second chapter, I was captivated. After reading two other books by Witemeyer, I know to expect a book that will entertain, enthrall, and warm your heart all at the same time—and she’s done again with Short-Straw Bride!
I really enjoyed getting to know Meredith and the Archer men. The story behind why the Archer’s are so fea...more
Love this author, can't wait for this one! She and Deeanne Gist are my favorite Christian romance authors.
Update: I read this one and liked it, but not as much as her others.
Update: I read this one and liked it, but not as much as her others.
I adored every minute that I spent reading Short-Straw Bride. The tension and interaction between the main character, Meredith, and the male lead, Travis, was swoon-worth and so sweet. Travis was protective, stubborn and sweet and Meredith was both brave and vulnerable at the same time. Their relationship progressed in a really heartfelt way, and watching their relationship develop after their "short-straw" wedding tugged at my heart. The supporting characters, especially the other 3 Archers bro...more
I think I can definitely say that Karen Witemeyer is a favorite author of mine! You may remember that I read Head in the Clouds some time ago and simply loved it. This was the next book that I read, and I hoped it would be as good, but wasn’t sure since I’d been younger then. It did not disappoint. The story was super sweet and absolutely impossible to put down. There wasn’t as much humor as HC (though it is true I read HC back in 2011, so my memory may be failing). But one big thing in its favo...more
2/22/13 - Just as good the second time around. Love Travis!!! I would love to see a sequel with Crockett's story!!!
7/2/12 -
So good. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the finish. 4 strong hunky men, one darling lady. My favorite Karen Witemeyer book to date. Love the marriage of convenience books. Clean, Christian romance, but without the preaching.
Meredith Hayes finds herself on forbidden Archer land trying to warn them of an evil plot. When she is injured and...more
7/2/12 -
So good. I couldn't put it down. Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the finish. 4 strong hunky men, one darling lady. My favorite Karen Witemeyer book to date. Love the marriage of convenience books. Clean, Christian romance, but without the preaching.
Meredith Hayes finds herself on forbidden Archer land trying to warn them of an evil plot. When she is injured and...more
Everyone knows that those who trespasses on Archer land do so at their own peril. Even so, Meredith Hayes can’t ignore the scheme she overhears. She has to warn the Archer brothers before their ranch is burned down. She’s had a thing she can’t shake for Travis Archer ever since he rescued her when she was caught in one of his traps. But Travis barely remembers her, and she feels like a fool, especially when what she meant as a good deed backfires. At her uncle’s insistence, the Archer men draw s...more
This is a different take on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and I loved the completely opposite turn around in characters. Though similarities were there, with the head brother in charge (you always need a leader) and a head-strong damsel in distress, here goes the ride and I thought a FUN one at that. Wit, charm, adventure, family strife and deceit, with town trouble thrown in too.
I also felt the narrated was able to capture each of the characters in her delivery without much effort and she must have...more
I also felt the narrated was able to capture each of the characters in her delivery without much effort and she must have...more
A young Meredith (Meri) Hayes trespasses on the infamous Archer land to retrieve her lunch box after a bully tosses it over the fence. Travis Archer promised his dying father that he'd protect his three brothers and the land they'd grown up on. After all, it was his fault that his father died. When he rescues Meri, he breaks that promise to take her home, but that's the only time he ever left the Archer land. Travis's kind, compassionate spirit sparks dreams in tiny Meri's heart and she never fo...more
Can a short straw bride ever find love?
This story had me instantly hooked. It started out with a good deed that set a precedent for the rest of the story. The theme throughout the book was about loving not only your family, but your neighbors as well. A life without friends and loved ones is really no life at all and Travis learns this the hard way. This was a story filled with courage, hope, and most of all love.
The writing style was captivating and filled with wisdom that really spoke to me....more
This story had me instantly hooked. It started out with a good deed that set a precedent for the rest of the story. The theme throughout the book was about loving not only your family, but your neighbors as well. A life without friends and loved ones is really no life at all and Travis learns this the hard way. This was a story filled with courage, hope, and most of all love.
The writing style was captivating and filled with wisdom that really spoke to me....more
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!...more
Short-Straw Bride was so good!...more
I actually started this book the day I received it. I got through the first chapter, then life happened. I was so glad to pick it back up. It is one of many I have begun and not had a chance to finish.
This is the story of a set of brothers known as the Archer Boys. They are reclusive and are doing everything they can to keep and protect their land. Meredith, at the beginning of the book is a young girl. A bully takes her lunch pail and tosses it away. He didn't mean for it to go onto the Archer...more
This is the story of a set of brothers known as the Archer Boys. They are reclusive and are doing everything they can to keep and protect their land. Meredith, at the beginning of the book is a young girl. A bully takes her lunch pail and tosses it away. He didn't mean for it to go onto the Archer...more
I loved Short-Straw Bride. I think this was exactly the book that I was looking for to get me out of the book funk I have been in since Christmas. As the story opens we meet Meri as a ten-year old girl who finds herself on the Archer land after some kid threw her lunch tin into their yard. Now, the Archers have a reputation for shooting anything that sets foot in their yard, no questions asked. This is where she meets the oldest of the boys, Travis, after he helps free her from one of the many c...more
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 mee...more
Meredith first mee...more
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 int...more
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 o...more
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 o...more
I've read other novels by Karen Witemeyer but this by far is my favorite. I was swept up in Meredith and Travis's story of loyalty to family and those you love, trusting others enough to let your walls down, and learning how to make a true, abiding love last. The novel was extremely well-written, without any lags in the plot, and the characters stayed true to themselves throughout the book. It was not overly dramatic, as I have found in other books in the "Love Inspired Historical" series which...more
“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, he’d made no mention of love, but he had only been in
her company for three days—four if she counted the day she stepped in
that trap twelve years ago. The man needed time to catch up. After all,
she’d been in love with him since she was ten. She had a bit of a head
start................"
I’ve waited months to get my hands on this book...more
light-headedness assaulted her. Travis Archer had just proposed. Really
proposed. Sure, he’d made no mention of love, but he had only been in
her company for three days—four if she counted the day she stepped in
that trap twelve years ago. The man needed time to catch up. After all,
she’d been in love with him since she was ten. She had a bit of a head
start................"
I’ve waited months to get my hands on this book...more
Have you ever had a childhood crush that lasted for several years? Answer "Yah" or "Nay" on my blog! :-)
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2012/08/...
Can you imagine dreaming about your childhood Prince Charming for years, and then marrying him as an adult?
When Meredith Hayes stepped onto the forbidden Archer land as a child, she was only trying to obtain her scattered lunch pail that had been hoisted by a town bully. Dared by other schoolmates, she bravely steps onto the land only to have her leg cau...more
http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2012/08/...
Can you imagine dreaming about your childhood Prince Charming for years, and then marrying him as an adult?
When Meredith Hayes stepped onto the forbidden Archer land as a child, she was only trying to obtain her scattered lunch pail that had been hoisted by a town bully. Dared by other schoolmates, she bravely steps onto the land only to have her leg cau...more
There are times when life gets busy and stressful, and I just want a lighthearted read that will allow me a bit of an escape. When I saw Short-Straw Bride, I was immediately drawn to its story-line, and I couldn't resist turning the pages. Short-Straw Bride opens with ten-year-old Meredith Hayes being taunted by school bullies as she walks home. It is easy to immediately sympathize with Meredith's plight and to become enamored with Travis Archer, the young teen who rescues her.
Although the prem...more
Although the prem...more
Review originally posted on my Blog.
Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer is an absolutely delightful historical romance with a charming cast of characters. Meredith Hayes' long time crush on Travis Archer turns to love when he marries her to salvage her ruined reputation. With a bit of determination and a lot of faith in God, Meredith is determined to capture her husband's heart.
Meredith Hayes is headstrong, stubborn and feisty. She is also quite loyal, loving and kind-hearted. While she sometim...more
Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer is an absolutely delightful historical romance with a charming cast of characters. Meredith Hayes' long time crush on Travis Archer turns to love when he marries her to salvage her ruined reputation. With a bit of determination and a lot of faith in God, Meredith is determined to capture her husband's heart.
Meredith Hayes is headstrong, stubborn and feisty. She is also quite loyal, loving and kind-hearted. While she sometim...more
Such a sweet, enjoyable read that I didn't want to end. The story begins when Meredith Hays is just a little girl and being bullied. One boy grabs her lunch pail and give it a heave, and where does it go? On Archer land...Meri does not dare to go home without her pail...but how does she go where she is bound to be shot? In the end Meri didn't get shot but does get a life time injury. One of the Archer's did come to her rescue, Travis. He ends up bring her home and breaking a promise he made his...more
Aug 09, 2012
Theresa
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone who loves a good romance novel
Recommended to Theresa by:
Bethany House Publishing
I loved this book. It was set in Texas and is a story about Travis and Meredith who meet when they are children and fall in love at first sight. They are separated by time and family issues but when she comes to his farm to warn him years later of an attempt by her "so-called" fiance to burn his barn down, they both realize that they have carried a torch for the other for years. Her uncle is not happy to find her at Travis's ranch with his 4 brothers because she is to marry someone who will make...more
I really wanted to like this book. I was drawn to it because it looked like a fun western, and because I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience or mistakenly-needed shotgun marriage storylines, as you know in fiction they will always turn out well! But as much as I wanted to, this book put me off early and gave me no reason to invest my time or emotions in it.
The book opened with the young heroine, Meredith, acting on a schoolmate's dare to go onto the property of the reclusive Archer brothers....more
The book opened with the young heroine, Meredith, acting on a schoolmate's dare to go onto the property of the reclusive Archer brothers....more
Karen Witemeyer has become one of my favorite historical romance authors. Her books all have strong characters, a well-developed romance, a healthy dose of humor, and plots that manage to deal with Christian themes realistically and seamlessly. Short Straw Bride is no exception.
We first meet Meri at the age of 10, when the reclusive Travis Archer comes to her rescue and wins a star-struck place in her little girl heart. Twelve years later, Meri has the chance to return the favor. When circumsta...more
We first meet Meri at the age of 10, when the reclusive Travis Archer comes to her rescue and wins a star-struck place in her little girl heart. Twelve years later, Meri has the chance to return the favor. When circumsta...more
The most disappointing part of this book was that it ended and there was not a sequel!
I found myself pulled into the late 1800's with Meredith Hayes on the Texas frontier. Author Karen Witemeyer helps us to empathize with Meredith, who is bullied by peers and then wounded by a steel trap as a young girl. Travis Archer emerges as the hero early on, rescuing Meredith from the trap he set on his land. Travis, forced to grow up early, has turned his family's ranch into a fortress, protecting his bro...more
I found myself pulled into the late 1800's with Meredith Hayes on the Texas frontier. Author Karen Witemeyer helps us to empathize with Meredith, who is bullied by peers and then wounded by a steel trap as a young girl. Travis Archer emerges as the hero early on, rescuing Meredith from the trap he set on his land. Travis, forced to grow up early, has turned his family's ranch into a fortress, protecting his bro...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is your favorite Karen Witemeyer book? | 24 | 59 | May 15, 2013 01:57pm | |
| Christian Fiction...: * January Main Read - Short-Straw Bride | 117 | 108 | Feb 03, 2013 09:20am | |
| Christian Fiction...: * October Historical Group Read | 17 | 29 | Oct 31, 2012 06:40am | |
| Fans of Amish Fic...: Giveaway:Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer | 1 | 21 | Jul 27, 2012 03:47pm |
CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian Universit...more
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“If you want to protect me, prayer is just as powerful a weapon as that gun you carry.”
—
14 people liked it
“No matter how many precautions we take, none of us are truly in control. Only God can claim that kind of authority. All we can do is use the good sense he provides and trust him to guide us.”
—
11 people liked it
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Jan 06, 2013 06:34am