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| Short Straw Bride |
By Karen Witemeyer
(Bethany House, 2012)
5 stars*****
Entertaining Historical Fiction!
In Short Straw Bride, Karen Witemeyer has spun a delightful yarn that takes us away to 1870s Texas, where loyalty and the love of the land runs deep, and so does romance!
When Meredith Hayes is ten years old she is forced to step where no one steps--on Archer land. Crossing over to retrieve her lunch pail that had been tossed over by a school bully, Meri is injured by an animal trap and is rescued and carried to safety by none other than the owner of the forbidden land himself--Travis Archer.
Travis has carried a tremendous burden of guilt on his shoulders for years, feeling he was somehow responsible for his father's death as a young boy, and only one thing is important to him...guarding Archer land and his brothers.
When Meredith returns the favor and once again finds herself on Archer territory to warn them of impending danger, she finds her reputation compromised and the brothers come up with a brilliant plan...to draw straws for her hand. Which brother chooses the short straw, and will Meredith accept his proposal? Or will a former suitor come to claim her for his own?
Karen Witemeyer has proven herself to be quite a writer! Her books have a little something for everyone...humor, suspense, lovable characters (loved those Archer brothers!), a solid storyline, and let's not leave out the breathtaking romance! I read this book very quickly; it was a relaxing, enjoyable read, and definitely one to put at the top of your wishlist!
Nicely done, Karen--my favorite of all your books thus far!
Karen Witemeyer's books can be purchased at Amazon, CBD, B & N, Lifeway and other Christian book stores.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Your choice of Karen's books and choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format, not as a paperback.
Additional giveaway: Karen has a signed copy of Short-Straw Bride for an American winner.
I LOVE every story Karen writes and Short-Straw Bride was no different!! They're always enjoyable, always interesting, always delightfully romantic, and ALWAYS hard to put down!! But that also means they're quick to finish and then I'm left longing for another Karen Classic! Great review Diana! :)
ReplyDeleteYep, this definitely was another great review by DIANA!
ReplyDeleteAnd a nice summary by Noela. :)
Thanks NOELA! Karen's books ARE a delight and I am so looking forward to Crockett's story!
ReplyDeleteHey, MAID MARIAN! Thank you so much. Have you read this one yet? Very entertaining!
ReplyDeleteAmazing review LADY DI! I'm not sure I can say which one of Karen's books I liked the best, it's so hard to choose. :)
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you, TERESA! It's almost like trying to pick your favorite child--you just can't do it! LOL I THINK this one may be my favorite one of all, though.
ReplyDeleteI am SO late in getting over here, but, Diana, you are SO right -- this is definitely the best of Karen's books, and that's saying something!! I read somewhere where one reviewer called it a perfect book -- perfect mix of everything, and I would have to agree!! It's got a KILLER cover (absolutely the best I have seen in this genre ... literally had me turning back to look at the cover nonstop, it's that good), great writing, great romance and great spiritual insight. Just a lovely book that I can see readers reading over and over again.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on all the reviews, ladies, and great job to Karen on what is sure to be an award-winning book (no doubts about this, WHATSOEVER!!!).
HUGS,
Julie
DIANA, awesome review, as usual! Big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with JULIE--great cover. And I love that the way the model leans in would be how someone with a limp would have to do. I know.
JULIE, such a pleasure to see you here as always! This book does have a little bit of something for everyone, and the cover is so charming and lovely. Thank you for coming by, JULIE, and showing your support for Karen's books!
ReplyDeleteThank you, CARRIE! Big hugs back atcha! As always your comments are so insightful-I had never thought of that when I looked at the cover before. They did a great job on it!
ReplyDeleteDiana- Thank you for such a great review! You gals are awesome!
ReplyDeleteNoela- Your comments just made my day! I'm so glad that you have enjoyed my books so well.
Julie- I am humbled that such a fabulous historical author like yourself would gush on my behalf. Keep up that passionate writing! Will I see you at ACFW this week? I hope so!
would love to win! What to found out who wins her!
ReplyDeletelovesmusic2@consolidated.net
Great review, Carrie! As you know, I, too, enjoyed this novel. Don't enter me into the giveaway since I already have my own copy!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy Karen's books and look forward to reading more of them in the future!
So looking forward to reading this book! And soon hopefully if I win=)
ReplyDeletePatty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
DEBBIE...Yes the age old question of who wins the girl? LOL! Good luck in the drawing! :)
ReplyDeleteCECELIA...Diana did a great job on the review! Do you have a copy of all of Karen's books? If not, we can enter you in the drawing and you can have your choice of another one of Karen's books.
ReplyDeletePATTY hopefully you will get to read it, good luck!! :)
ReplyDeleteHad a wonderful luncheon for my sis-in-law's birthday! Thank you all for stopping by, and a special thank you, TERESA, for filling in for me!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a nice time. Was Barbara surprised?
ReplyDeleteLoved the review. I will have to read it for sure.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the contest.
Blessings, Tina
She was stunned, T! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tina! It's great to see you here and pretty pleeeease come back and leave your email addy! :)
ReplyDeleteDiana - thank you sharing this review of another favorite author. I love western themed love stories!
ReplyDeletemissionwife@hotmail.com
MELODY, you're quite welcome! I'm sure you will enjoy this one then-lots of luck in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a FUN review of Karen's book!! I have only read one of her books so far and would LOVE to get to read this one too. I am hooked as a fan of hers since just the one book. Thanks for entering me.
ReplyDeletepurensimplenatural at gmail dot com
ACFWBC (hehe)
I can't wait to read this one!! It's right at the top of my TBR pile. :)
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
~Marissa
ACFWBC
PAMELA, so glad you are a fan!! I was hooked from the very first book I ever read of Karen's, too!
ReplyDeleteYou are in for one delightful read, MARISSA! Hoping for a win for you!
ReplyDeleteI got a little surprise bundle about an hour ago...no not books! LOL I'm the proud Grandma of a new baby girl, Anniston! Not sure about the birth weight yet-7 lbs and something. Mama and princess both doing fine.
ReplyDeleteI have read A Tailor Made Bride and Head in the Clouds and I enjoyed them both. I would love to win her latest!
ReplyDeleteemmamalissa(at)gmail(dot)com
EMMA, I loved Head in the Clouds as well...don't think I have had the pleasure of reading A Tailor Made Bride yet. Thank you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteACFWBC...I ♥♥♥ Karen's books!!! I can't wait until the Crockett's story! I need to get my review of SSB done and posted. It is a fantastic book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Diana, as always :)
Love y'all!
Thank you, ANNE! Can't wait to read your review of this great book!
ReplyDeleteGreat review...love Karen's books.I can't wait to read this one.Thanks..
ReplyDeleteHi, JACKIE! Nice to see you again, and thank you for your support of Karen's books!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an intriguing book, thanks for a chance to win a copy. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteGlenda Parker
parker.glenda@ymail.com
GLENDA, it's great to see you! Karen is a very talented writer and I believe you will really enjoy this one!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Diana. It has a great storyline, humor and romance.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to her next release.
Janella
arieljo12 at hotmail dot com
Me, too, JANELLA! Wonder when it is scheduled for release. You and I tend to like the same type of books. Great minds run alike they say. lol
ReplyDeleteFrom your mouth to my keyboard! :D I'd love to win any book written by Karen. Enter my name please. Blessings! Darlene
ReplyDeletespangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
Great review - thanks for sharing it! I'm looking forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteJes
jswaks at gmail dot com
DARLENE-Gotcha entered! Here's hoping for a win for you!
ReplyDeleteJES, welcome to OTT-WGH! I certainly hope you get a copy of this one in your hands soon. And thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove Karen's books. Been a while since I read one. Would love to win.
ReplyDeletejrs362 at hotmail dot com
SQUIRESJ, I'm with you! I love Karen's books as well...all of them...and am hoping you get the chance to read another ASAP!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLove Karen's way of including wit along with the storyline. Even my dad liked her books.
ReplyDeletemissionwife@hotmail.com
Wow, your dad, MELODY? That is great! My husband wouldn't be caught with his nose in one of my books for anything! That's saying alot for Karen's books!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have very much enjoyed the Karen's books that I have read. I have not read To Win Her Heart and would love to win it. Short-Straw Bride was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBattles2001@hotmail.com
MELISSA, you picked a good one! If I'm not mistaken KAREN just won the Carol Award for this one! Congrats, KAREN!
ReplyDeleteI love Karen's wonderful plots! So happy for her winning the Carol!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, all!
carlagade @ gmail (dot) com
Congrats to Karen....really really enjoyed all of her books...still need to read "Head in the Clouds", have that on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteOh just in case I win
ReplyDeletebetcee63@gmail.com
CARLA, isn't that wonderful! One day perhaps you'll be up there accepting an award. You never know what God has in store!
ReplyDeleteBETSY, we are sooo proud of KAREN! Head in the Clouds is awesome. I hope you win it--you'll love it!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteOur two winners were drawn for this week--Dana and Cynthia! CONGRATS to both of these ladies!
YAY! Congratulations to DANA and CYNTHIA for winning a book by our new Carol Award winner, KAREN WITEMEYER!!
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