Short-Straw Bride Review

 

Short-Straw Bride Review

 What’s a girl supposed to do? Meredith Hayes loves her cousin and would hate hurting her or damaging her hopes of a good husband, but she also finds her hairs raising more from apprehension than anticipation when considering the man her aunt and uncle have chosen to be her husband. She has deep loyalty issues (and a girlhood dream of heroes coming to her aid—and true love) that bleed out from years of gratitude to a young man who rescued her from harm. Then there’s her faith, prayer, and trust that God will guide her into His will. 

Enter, the man: Travis Archer's objective is to keep out all would-be enemies to the Archer family and estate. He'd rescued Meredith once, and now twelve years later he is still steadfastly protecting his land and three younger brothers. And yet, he has all but forgotten the ten year old girl he helped, although it meant leaving Archer land and breaking a promise to his father two years earlier. He is completely unaware that this trespasser might be a gift, the missing piece to his reclusive life, sent from God directly into his heart.

When her reputation is called into question, Travis and his brothers are instructed by Meredith’s uncle to make it right. One of them will marry her. And through a little cunning on his part, Travis secures his role as the groom. And she will forever know herself as The Short-Straw Bride.

I won’t spoil the story for you; but, when I opened my envelope from Bethany House on Saturday evening, I immediately peeled back the front cover and began to read the prologue aloud, with my husband listening. Usually, I skim through the pages of the book, try to see where it’s headed, and then proceed with reading. In this case, I finished the prologue, continued on into chapter one, two, three, and so on. My husband going along for the journey. Soon, though, I quit reading aloud and curled up on my sofa, a ravenous reader, taking in every word, scene, and turn to the plot.

Eight hours later, I was closing the book, a sigh escaped my lips. This historical romance is a heartwarming, endearing tale laced thematically with trust. Trust in each other, those outside our safe and comfortable surroundings, and ultimately in God.  Karen Witemeyer has developed her hero and heroine, Travis and Meredith, with such care that I felt as though I was reading the story of her family's history. There's depth and genuine struggle involved in their actions and reactions. I laughed with them (and at him) when they fought to do the honorable thing. I celebrated with them when they overcame their greatest obstacles. And I sighed with relief when they escaped those nearly tragic ends.

Over the past two years, I have been reading (seemingly) nonstop, between analyzing literature for English classes I’m taking, proofing books for a small publishing house, reviews, and leisure. I can honestly say this is one of the most delightful reads I’ve encountered in a long time. I felt as though I'd been taken on a literary retreat. The characters have imprinted their images in my heart to such a degree that I keep going back to “see” them inside those pages.

I’m excited to hear how you like it.

You can find your copy at the local bookstore, amazon, Bethany House, and Christianbook.com.

(Disclaimer: While Karen Witemeyer's novel, Short-Straw Bride was offered free in exchange for a review on my blog, my opinion was in no way influenced by the generosity of Bethany House.)

Come Rain or Shine, Keep Dancin'

K. A. Jacobsen
Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com