Short-Straw Bride

Back Cover

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?

Review

Short-Straw Bride was a perfect read.  As soon as I turned the last page of the book, I wanted to start it all over again.  The only thing that stopped me was the fact that I had another book to read and review for this month!

Orphaned at a young age and left to take charge of his three brothers, Travis built a "fortress" in order to protect his family.  He has to control everything that goes on in the family to ensure the safety of his brothers.  With Meredith, who is passionate, out-going, and very trusting, his control is challenged, and he is forced to look at his brothers as the men they have become, and not the boys they were. 

This novel encapsulates the perfect balance of romance, wit, and adventure.  The interactions amongst the four Archer brothers often had me grinning and the sparking moments between Travis and Meredith will draw out a sigh from even the hardest of hearts.  I loved it from beginning to the end and would highly recommend it.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.