At a glance
Short-Straw Bride
Christian Historical Western Romance
Short-Straw Bride
366 pages · First published 2012
Twelve years after Travis Archer rescued her from a dangerous accident, Meredith Hayes has never forgotten the reclusive Texas rancher who won her heart. When she overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their land, Meredith risks entering their fiercely guarded ranch to warn them. But an unexpected injury leaves her stranded among four unmarried brothers, and the resulting scandal threatens her reputation. Determined to make things right, the Archers draw straws to decide which brother will marry her, leaving Meredith bound to the very man she has loved since childhood. As Travis struggles to open his heart and enemies continue threatening the ranch, Meredith must discover whether a marriage born of obligation can become a love freely given. Readers who enjoy humorous Christian historical romances, marriage-of-convenience stories, protective heroes, and lively frontier family dynamics will find a heartwarming Texas romance filled with faith, danger, and second chances.
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Western action violence and danger, including threats to burn a ranch, attempted arson, gunfire, and two nonfatal shootings. Injuries include a childhood accident involving an animal trap and a later head injury caused by a frightened mule. Pressure to marry, threats to a woman's reputation, and controlling behavior by relatives. An unwanted kiss occurs without further sexual assault. Consensual romantic content includes passionate kissing, marital attraction, suggestive thoughts, mild innuendo, and discussions or implications of physical intimacy within marriage. References to parental death, grief, and long-standing family isolation. Historically situated racial prejudice, including a reported racial slur directed at a Black character, and a subplot involving the education of formerly enslaved people. Brief remarks about a character's weight and dismissive treatment relating to a physical disability.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Orange-Vanilla Root Beer
An old-fashioned Orange-Vanilla Root Beer suits the laughter, lively brotherly teasing, and unexpected romance taking root at the Archer ranch.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Add syrup and citrus, top with root beer or sarsaparilla, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Citrus wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Spiced Rum Cider
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warm spiced cider reflects the comfort Meredith brings to the fiercely guarded Archer ranch, where four reclusive brothers gradually rediscover the joys of family and community.
What you'll need
- 6 oz apple cider ↗
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 1 cinnamon stick ↗
- 1 orange slice ↗
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Dark rum · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Warm cider with the cinnamon stick and orange slice in a small saucepan for 5–10 minutes, without boiling. Remove from heat, stir in rum, and pour into a heatproof mug.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
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