Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witmeyer

Book Description:  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?

My Review: Two hard heads and two stubborn wills in Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witmeyer brings about a fun, light read perfect for a rainy day or a day at the beach read!

Can dreams from the past truly become plans for the present?  Meredith or otherwise knows as Meri is confronted by a bully who throws her lunch pail onto Archer land.  Archer land!  No one goes on Archer land and lives to tell about it!  But Meri goes to rescue her lunch pail more afraid of her mother's wrath at not returning with said lunch pail.

She is confronted by Travis Archer on Archer land but he seems kind and gently frees her leg from a steel trap. 

A few years go by ... and then Meredith learns of a plot to harm the Archer's and their land.  She takes off to warn them and to pay back that long ago debt when Travis rescued her.

She warns the brothers but is kicked in the head by mule and is seriously harmed.  The brothers decide to place her in Travis' bedroom, in his bed.  When Meredith awakens she is in a strange room but Travis is there.  She feels safe.  In her stupor she tells him that she dreams of him and he is her hero.  Travis is taken aback!  But feelings begin to slowly stir in his hardened heart.

A sweet, funny, light read about two young people who long for love but seem to fight it every step of the way!

*This book was provided for review by Bethany House*

Meet the Author:

Two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1 edition (June 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764209655
• ISBN-13: 978-0764209659