by Karen Witemeyer

Meredith Hayes feels she must warn the Archers of the plot she overheard her, so called, fiance planning. He wants the land and would do anything to run them off.  The Archer land is gated and locked. They may shoot before a person gets a chance to tell them their business.  But, because of an encounter years earlier, Meredith wants to give them information to help them save their land.

After sustaining an injury on Archer land, Meredith is nursed back to health with the care of the four Archer brothers.  When her Uncle finds out she’s been with them unchaperoned, he insists that one of them takes her as their bride.  The brothers draw straws to determine which one of them must marry her.  Travis, the oldest of the four, ends up with the short-straw and the responsibility of Meredith.

With trouble from greedy land grabbers and trying to keep his new wife safe, Travis has his hands full.  Meredith wants to help, but Travis wants to keep her in the house out of harms way.  When her cousin, Cassandra, is in danger, Meredith sneaks out to help, putting them all in danger.  The characters from Short-Straw Bride are fun to get to know and Karen Witemeyer has entwined the story with much adventure.