Saturday, September 22, 2012

Review: Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

First off, let me say that it has been months since I wrote a review. Since losing my daughter Amy in May, my mind just hasn't been able to concentrate on reading and retaining information very well. But, I just had to request Karen's book when I was presented with the opportunity to review it for Bethany House. She is one of my favorite historical authors. 

From the moment I saw the cover on Short Straw Bride I knew it was the perfect book to get me back into blogging for books! Meredith trying to peek over Travis's shoulder...uh-huh. You know he's up to something sneaky. Especially since he's holding four straws and has a slight grin on his face. But what really drew me in even more than that was the grief aspect in the story line.

It seems everything I pick up to read deals in some way with death. It's a secondary theme in Short Straw Bride, but Travis Archer, at age 17, suddenly finds himself head of the home and caretaker to his three brothers after his father's passing. He made a death bed promise to him and felt convicted to keep it – Never let anyone on Archer land. What a responsibility to lay on a young man's shoulders.

Not long after, he finds Meredith, a 10 year old girl with mesmerizing eyes, trespassing and injured from one of the animal traps on his property, he tells no one, just frees her from the trap and carries her to her home quietly, thinking he will never see her again.

Meredith knew the stories about these strange Archer's but held a candle in her heart all through her teen years for Travis. Upon overhearing a devious plot to steal Archer land, she feels compelled to warn them and goes to their home. From there it is a non-stop delight of sharp wit and watching how the Lord uses Meredith to soften the heart of this wounded and misguided man, Travis, along with his brothers. They have some big issues to deal with, trust being the main one.

I think what resonated the most with me in this story is not how easy it is to shut ourselves off from others but the danger of letting it go on for too long. I understand too well the grief process and the desire to run and hide but it cannot be a place that is stayed in indefinitely. One must, at some point, come out and be among the living, allowing God to complete the healing process.

Don't get me wrong. It's not all serious. Not at all. I laughed out loud at those Archer brothers! They are a feisty bunch and when a pretty girl arrives, hold on to your hat because she is about to cause a heap o' trouble among them! I hope there will be three more books because those brothers all deserve a good woman to come along side and show them what they've been missing in life.

Bethany House provided a copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive one, just my opinion, which I have done. No other compensation has been received.

17 comments:

  1. Great review! Good to see you "back in the saddle" Anne!

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    1. Thanks, Carrie! I'm not completely satisfied with the quality:) It feels like starting over!

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  2. Glad to see you back doing book reviews Anne! This sounds like a good read. Hint, hint. Time for another give away?

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    1. Thanks! It's still tough to get through a book and even tougher to write the review. I have 3 books that people won right after Amy passed that I haven't mailed out yet so I don't think I'd better do another giveaway yet that I'm responsible for :)

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  3. Good to see you reviewing again, Anne! Blessings!

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    1. Thank you, Marian! You're such a sweet encourager :)

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  4. Nice to see you back Anne! Know that we continue to pray for you. Thanks for sharing.
    Cyber-hug to you!
    Sharon

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    1. Oh Sharon! Thank you so much for your continued prayers!!! I sure am thankful for so many friends who pray for me & my family :)

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  5. Wonderful review! You've got it gal!! Love, Kathleen

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    1. Aw Kathleen! You are so sweet :) Thank you so much for leaving me a comment. It's always a blessing to hear from you, book buddy!

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  6. Wonderful review. Im a new follower, Im so sorry for your loss, Im sending prayers for you and your family.

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    1. Melissa,

      Thank you. Time lessens the ache and we sure feel the prayers.

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  7. I enjoyed reading your review. Im a new follower. =)
    Im sorry to hear of your loss, and will send prayers for you and your family.

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  8. Hi there :) Thank you for stopping by my blog, leaving a sweet comment AND becoming a follower - I greatly appreciate it. Karen Witemeyer is one of my favortite authors right now; I thoroughly enjoy her writing. Anyway, I am now following you and I look forwar to your future posts. Enjoy your day, new friend!

    Blessings,
    Stephanie

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    1. Hey Stephanie,

      I just love Karen's books. No matter how down I might feel, her writing and stories always make me chuckle!
      Thanks for taking time to come by and comment.

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  9. Now I really want to read this one, Anne. So glad I found your blog, with a little help from you. :) I will keep you in my prayers. I understand grief and the loss of a child all to well.
    My 11 year old son and husband where killed in an auto/train accident in 1988. With God's help I have healed, but I still have days when it feels like yesterday.
    The follow box in down on your blog and mine, so they much have issues. Saving your site so I can follow when it is working.
    God bless you.

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    1. Hello Jan,

      I am so sorry about your loss. I can't imagine what that must have been like to lose both husband and son at the same time. Thank you for your kind words. It is extremely difficult some days, but the Lord is good to us!

      If you enjoy a good historical without all the crud, check out Karen's books. She is a fantastic writer!

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I am so delighted that you've taken time to come by and comment. Blessings for a joy-filled day!

1 Corinthians 1:3 ~ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.