Short-Straw Bride

By: Karen Witemeyer

Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

RITA Award finalist Karen Witemeyer pens heartwarming historical romances that lift the spirit and the soul. Short-Straw Bride finds Meredith Hayes struggling to let go of her childhood crush on Travis Archer - the strapping young lad who saved her as a little girl. With a sensible proposal from the eligible Roy Mitchell on the table, it’s time for her to move on. But when Meredith overhears a plot to drive Travis and his brothers off their coveted land, she has no choice but to intervene.

©2012 Karen Witemeyer (P)2012 Recorded Books

NO "SHORT-STRAW" STORY!

Where does Short-Straw Bride rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is in my top five! This is the third Karen Witemeyer story I listened to...and I love her writing! This is my favorite from her thus far!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would say Travis, because I loved how much of a gentleman he was! He is so honorable in so many ways...wish there was such a man in real life! You get the impression throughout the story that he feels that he doesn't add up or that he doesn't deserve anything considering past events...but that was never the case in my mind. All he ever does all through the book always is for the good of others, never putting himself first. Great character!

What does Pilar Witherspoon bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Haven't heard her before...but I thought she did a great job! She definitely portrayed the emotion that was there throughout the book, which I honestly haven't heard much of from other books I have listened to. It really made you feel as if you were there! She wasn't just reading the words, she acts them out too! She also did very well between all the different characters! I would listen to more from her for sure!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Lots of funny parts! Definitely laughed out loud!

Any additional comments?

The storyline was so great and hooked me right away!

Enjoyable and Sweet Romance

Where does Short-Straw Bride rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's on the upper end.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author did a great job with the main characters AND the supporting "cast"-- since family was an important element of the story, the family members of both sides helped to develop the story.

Which character – as performed by Pilar Witherspoon – was your favorite?

The narrator did a fine job in differentiating the characters with the use of her voice.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the story and felt that the "religious" part supported and enhanced the story. I didn't feel like I was being preached to, through the story. It was very enjoyable listen.
I'm already looking for more by Karen Witemeyer. That's always a good sign. :)

So compelling it derailed my homework.

This is an excellent Christian book about trusting God. The very likable main character and her new found family, the Archer brothers, learn how to balance trusting God with taking action. It is very well written and performed. Great action scenes. I really enjoyed it and my homework suffered. :)

Another Winner!

What did you love best about Short-Straw Bride?

I love how it kept up the suspense and action as well as the love story. The multiple side characters were developed as well as the 2 main ones, and I'm all about characters in a story. Nobody was left out. There's just so much to consider in this book. I really enjoyed it a lot.

What other book might you compare Short-Straw Bride to and why?

Karen Witemeyer's other books are probably the best comparisons. This one was great, and probably ties with my favorite "To Win Her Heart."

Which character ??? as performed by Pilar Witherspoon ??? was your favorite?

Well, other than the main 2, I really enjoyed Crockett. His character in the book just shone, and when he would say something, you knew it was him before they said it was. I think the narrator totally captured his character's mischievous sparkle.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I mostly did too. I listened to it in about 2 or 3 sittings, all within a 24 hour period of time. I'd been waiting for it to become available, and I just couldn't make myself wait till my next road trip.

Any additional comments?

As a Christian historical fiction romance, this book was exceptional. Karen Witemeyer has become one of my new favorite Christian authors, writing romances between two godly Christians in mature, realistic, and godly relationships. I hate when characters in a book "missionary date," and Karen Witemeyer, for me, has tapped into a new way of writing Christian romance. It gets us out of the rut of thinking that we have to get the one we love saved before we can marry them... and into the "radical" thinking of not falling for anyone who doesn't love Christ. Her books don't rely on the need for conflict between the characters (there is that, but it's not the main conflict in the books), and adds a full story, background, intelligent and creative side characters, and action happening around the main characters that moves the story along at a sometimes exciting and sometimes easy pace. I am really enjoying her books, and though I know this one was just released, I eagerly await her next, whenever that might be.

Clean Christian romance

I absolutely loved this book and the complete story line. I was quite surprised to find a romance book with a Christian approach and enjoyed it very much.

wonderful book

this is a story of redemption and love. a must read for all. you will enjoy this book!

love it...

looking for the next book... oh found it...I'm sure it will be just as good

Light Fun Listen

I really enjoy this audiobook. This is my first review. 🙂 Over the last 2 years, I've listened to it at least 3 times. Predictable, but enjoyable Clean romance with a bit of humor. I have enjoyed the books by Karen Witemeyer .

Wonderful.

The story was great. Full character development. I really enjoyed it. A must read for sure

Really enjoyed it!

This book grabbed my attention from the start as little Meredith is rescued by an unlikely hero - Travis Archer whom she heard all kinds of awful stories about - she develops a crush on him. Fast forward 12 years as Meredith rides out to the Archer land to warn them that someone is trying to steal their land. Meredith ends up getting injured and has to stay at their house, when her uncle finds out he demands that one of the Archer brothers marry her to save her reputation. This is where the ingenious title of the book comes in, the brothers end up drawing straws to see who will marry Meredith. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job and had a very pleasant voice!

Good

The story included everything I love in these types of books: an inspirational heroine, time period, descriptions of home life. The plot could be more interesting and certain sections more developed but overall it's a solid 4. The pacing of the book was very good.