Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

I found Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer to be one of the best books I've read so far this year. Karen's tale delighted me as both a reader and a writer. She weaves words and uses verbs in a way I never imagined, and the product is incredible.

I fell in love with young Meredith Hayes from the first few sentences of Karen's book. Meredith is a sweet, young woman with longings for a marriage of love, not convenience. When she overhears a plot to burn their property, she feels duty-bound to warn the Archer brothers, even at the risk of her own life.

Travis Archer, is Meredith's childhood hero and rescuer, but twelve years of living in seclusion has hardened the man. When circumstances demand a marriage of convenience, will they ever be able to experience true love?

I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

This book was provided free for review by Bethany House Publishers.

A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray

A Texan's Promise by Shelley Gray is a delightful tale set in Texas in 1873. Shelley weaves a story about Vanessa Grant, a young woman who has suffered tremendously, after undergoing advances from her stepfather. Clayton Proffitt, foreman of the ranch, comes to her rescue.

Clayton chooses the honorable thing in taking care of Vanessa, and getting her away from her stepfather's evil clutches. But will he ever choose to love her or will he always just be honor bound?

I found A Texan's Promise to be a wonderfully written novel and highly recommend it.

* This book was provided free for review by Abingdon Press.