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Kansas Crossroads #1
A New Beginning
Handsome young heir Adam Brody sees nothing but possibilities in the sprawling old building he's just purchased. With a little hard work, he will transform it into a hotel to meet the needs of those traveling by railroad. Aunt Caroline believes he's lost his mind, but she agrees to help him give it a try.
Left a widow with a small daughter, Elizabeth Caldwell must find work. When she sees an advertisement in the newspaper inquiring about cheerful young women to work in a hotel, she decides to apply. However, the hotel owner specifically requested single ladies, so she must hide her former marital status, and her child, if she wishes to get the job.
With cloudy pasts to overcome, both Adam and Elizabeth want to believe in a bright future. Will they find the strength they need in each other, or will their differences keep them apart?
Left a widow with a small daughter, Elizabeth Caldwell must find work. When she sees an advertisement in the newspaper inquiring about cheerful young women to work in a hotel, she decides to apply. However, the hotel owner specifically requested single ladies, so she must hide her former marital status, and her child, if she wishes to get the job.
With cloudy pasts to overcome, both Adam and Elizabeth want to believe in a bright future. Will they find the strength they need in each other, or will their differences keep them apart?
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2015
521 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Amelia C. Adams
173 books163 followersAmelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, and a novelist. She spends her days dreaming up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you might just see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.
She loves all things historical and enjoys learning about days gone by, but she's glad she was born more recently (she won't say how recently or not recently) because the Internet is awesome, and she's glad she doesn't have to wash her clothes by hand in a galvanized tub. She has hit Amazon bestseller status twice, once for A Clean Slate and once for A Clear Hope.
She loves all things historical and enjoys learning about days gone by, but she's glad she was born more recently (she won't say how recently or not recently) because the Internet is awesome, and she's glad she doesn't have to wash her clothes by hand in a galvanized tub. She has hit Amazon bestseller status twice, once for A Clean Slate and once for A Clear Hope.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 14, 2026
Even though this is somewhat of a squeaky clean story, it kept my attention the whole way thru with its cute characters, interesting plot, and perfect pace. There are a few kisses only. Just a very sweet story about falling in love. I can't wait to read the others in the series.
March 7, 2021
A light short read. If you like historical books set in 1875, come visit early Topeka, Kansas.
The characters are likable, hardworking people with a purpose to get a mansion ready to serve as a hotel. Could love be in the future, too? You might even meet Wyatt Earp!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
The characters are likable, hardworking people with a purpose to get a mansion ready to serve as a hotel. Could love be in the future, too? You might even meet Wyatt Earp!
*I purchased this ebook from Amazon. All opinions are my own.*
October 14, 2017
I fell in love with the Kansas Crossroads series only a few pages into the first book. The characters are surprisingly well-rounded considering how short the books are and I find them all genuinely likeable. I've recently read some fiction and non-fiction about the Harvey House and Harvey Girls, I was struck right away by the similarities to the fictional hotel and restaurant, The Brody Hotel. The author did confirm that she based them on the Harvey House and Girls and it added an interesting layer of realism for me as I read the books. I definitely recommend all of the books in this series.
December 12, 2020
This is a quick and satisfying romance, predictable but fun anyway. Set in Topeka, Kansas in 1875, the story involves a man who wants to open a hotel in a run-down mansion, and a young widow who is forced to find employment to support herself, her mother, and her baby daughter. She takes a job as a maid at his hotel and helps to get the hotel up and running.
December 1, 2020
The Western aspects of this book are entertaining enough, but the characters are bland and the romance undercooked and unexplained. And alas, this is a romance and not a Western.
February 15, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
I was quickly drawn into the dream behind A New Beginning. Where most people saw a run down dilapidated old mansion Adam saw a hotel that could offer meals and rooms to the masses of people who would be heading West… on the railroad right near by. With Adam’s enthusiasm and his Aunt Caroline’s more practical approach it was impossible to not get caught up in this dream of Adam’s.
Elizabeth is also looking for a new start. A recent widow with a young baby, Elizabeth has the care of the two most precious people in her hands – her daughter and her frail mother. Jobs are hard to come by in this town, well, jobs that don’t involve a saloon and that is not something Elizabeth is willing to do. An advertisement catches her eye. It really is a last chance gamble she’s taking for the new hotel owner specifically is asking for single ladies to work his hotel as staff and waitresses. Yet desperate times call for a few misleading statements, and for her family Elizabeth will skim the truth in order to provide for them.
I enjoyed A New Beginning very much. We’ll meet several of the people who will have their stories told within this series as Adam and Caroline staff the new hotel. Their introductions were natural to the story and made perfect sense along the way. Add in a few real life historical figures, some bad news outlaws, and a simmering romance and you have me hooked from the start. Adam and Elizabeth make a great founding couple for this series, and I’m looking forward to some binge reading to get caught up in their adventure with the Brody Hotel, along with its residents.
I own a Kindle copy of this story.
I was quickly drawn into the dream behind A New Beginning. Where most people saw a run down dilapidated old mansion Adam saw a hotel that could offer meals and rooms to the masses of people who would be heading West… on the railroad right near by. With Adam’s enthusiasm and his Aunt Caroline’s more practical approach it was impossible to not get caught up in this dream of Adam’s.
Elizabeth is also looking for a new start. A recent widow with a young baby, Elizabeth has the care of the two most precious people in her hands – her daughter and her frail mother. Jobs are hard to come by in this town, well, jobs that don’t involve a saloon and that is not something Elizabeth is willing to do. An advertisement catches her eye. It really is a last chance gamble she’s taking for the new hotel owner specifically is asking for single ladies to work his hotel as staff and waitresses. Yet desperate times call for a few misleading statements, and for her family Elizabeth will skim the truth in order to provide for them.
I enjoyed A New Beginning very much. We’ll meet several of the people who will have their stories told within this series as Adam and Caroline staff the new hotel. Their introductions were natural to the story and made perfect sense along the way. Add in a few real life historical figures, some bad news outlaws, and a simmering romance and you have me hooked from the start. Adam and Elizabeth make a great founding couple for this series, and I’m looking forward to some binge reading to get caught up in their adventure with the Brody Hotel, along with its residents.
I own a Kindle copy of this story.
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December 4, 2018💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/4/2018)!💝
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August 7, 2019In Topeka, Kansas in 1875
In 1875, Adam Brody lost his mother,father and also his fiancee in the same year and Adam needed a new start in life. He moves to Topeka, Kansas to begin his new beginning. He purchased an old mansion that was in need of repairs. During the gold rush days, a gold miner had struck gold and had his mansion built, but after wards lost everything. Adams intentions were to fix the mansion up for a hotel and restaurant near the train station. Adam hired Elizabeth and several other girls were also hired.
This is the first book in the series. This is a light romance, Adam and Elizabeth were beginning to have feelings for each other but Elizabeth had some secrets that needed to be
brought out into the open. Th book held my interest throughout with intrigue, romance, murder, hardships with love added. I enjoyed this good clean book.
Note: On Aug. 6, 2019
I went on Amazon to purchase the next book in the series, and the author has all five books in a boxed set for 99 cents. I couldn't pass that up. I don't know how long it will last.
In 1875, Adam Brody lost his mother,father and also his fiancee in the same year and Adam needed a new start in life. He moves to Topeka, Kansas to begin his new beginning. He purchased an old mansion that was in need of repairs. During the gold rush days, a gold miner had struck gold and had his mansion built, but after wards lost everything. Adams intentions were to fix the mansion up for a hotel and restaurant near the train station. Adam hired Elizabeth and several other girls were also hired.
This is the first book in the series. This is a light romance, Adam and Elizabeth were beginning to have feelings for each other but Elizabeth had some secrets that needed to be
brought out into the open. Th book held my interest throughout with intrigue, romance, murder, hardships with love added. I enjoyed this good clean book.
Note: On Aug. 6, 2019
I went on Amazon to purchase the next book in the series, and the author has all five books in a boxed set for 99 cents. I couldn't pass that up. I don't know how long it will last.
August 1, 2020
I purchased this book because the premise intrigued me having personally purchased a historic B&B and performed extensive renovations. I was skeptical as to how realistic the story would be because of others I’ve read that breeze through construction issues with few problems. The author did a nice job of balancing Adam’s idealism in the face of the constant difficulties that arose during the project without weighing down the story. Some of the projects took “record time,” but a little “literary license” is to be expected as this is fiction not a DIY primer. I liked Adam and Elizabeth a lot. He’s charming and sweet without being sissyish, and she puts her family above all else, but works hard when she’s on the job. Aunt Caroline is the voice of reason for Adam without being overbearing. It was interesting to read about renovation during the time before power tools and technology. Adam and Elizabeth both have past hurts they have to resolve, and sometimes they can’t seem to get out of their own way making for interesting situations.
January 26, 2025
Adam sinks his inheritance in a mansion in Topeka which he plans to change into a hotel for people traveling west via the railroad. He advertises for single women to be maids. Elizabeth answers the ad but keeps the fact that she is a widow with a baby secret. Both are attracted to the other but keep their feelings hidden as they work to get the hotel up and running. Two men keep harassing Elizabeth. When Adam learns of it, he takes steps to protect her. Will they let their attraction deepen? Will Adam find out about her baby?
I enjoyed this story. I liked Adam and Elizabeth. The time period comes through very well. The story is believable. I liked seeing how they got the mansion changed to a hotel as well as them waiting for their supplies to come in on the train. I enjoyed how historical figures are placed in the storyline.
I look forward to reading more of the series.
I enjoyed this story. I liked Adam and Elizabeth. The time period comes through very well. The story is believable. I liked seeing how they got the mansion changed to a hotel as well as them waiting for their supplies to come in on the train. I enjoyed how historical figures are placed in the storyline.
I look forward to reading more of the series.
September 20, 2018
Adam Brody came to Topeka, Kansas in 1875 after a year of personal losses and found a new dream of restoring an abandoned mansion into the Brody Hotel. With the help of his Aunt Caroline and four hired girls and a handyman he works hard beside his crew to make his dream come true.
Elizabeth Caldwell is the first young lady he hires and he finds her attractive; so do two wanted killers the bother her on the street and as she travels from her home to work. Adam works hard to help her but she has a big secret, she is a young widow with a baby, a little girl named Rose that her mother keeps for her while she works to support her family.
Between secrets, criminals attacking, a runaway horse, a house fire and an attempted kidnapping A New Beginning is an exciting tale of the old west full of sweet romance too.
Elizabeth Caldwell is the first young lady he hires and he finds her attractive; so do two wanted killers the bother her on the street and as she travels from her home to work. Adam works hard to help her but she has a big secret, she is a young widow with a baby, a little girl named Rose that her mother keeps for her while she works to support her family.
Between secrets, criminals attacking, a runaway horse, a house fire and an attempted kidnapping A New Beginning is an exciting tale of the old west full of sweet romance too.
August 15, 2017
When Adam Brody suffers some mishaps in life he decides to start fresh with his inheritance with his faithful Aunt Caroline by his side. She is a stable support in his life after he lost his parents and his wife. Adam decides to buy an old mansion and turn it into a hotel with restaurant. He sees so much potential being near the railroad. It gives him hope for his future. Elizabeth Caldwell has lost her husband to violence and is left caring for her mother and infant daughter Rose. When circumstances bring them into the path of Adam and Caroline life changes for them all. This novel has intrigue, murder, romance, hardship and love. If you enjoy historical romance, this is the book for you.
August 23, 2018
I spent a lovely afternoon listening to the gem of a book and it left me wanting the next book in the series.
I couldn't help but love Adam and Elizabeth, they're both kind and good people and their attraction to each other was so sweet. The characters are surprisingly well done considering the length of the book and the setting is beautifully described. I enjoyed the glimpse into life in another era and life on the railroad frontier.
The character voices and the delivery were well done and I enjoyed listening to this narrator.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
I couldn't help but love Adam and Elizabeth, they're both kind and good people and their attraction to each other was so sweet. The characters are surprisingly well done considering the length of the book and the setting is beautifully described. I enjoyed the glimpse into life in another era and life on the railroad frontier.
The character voices and the delivery were well done and I enjoyed listening to this narrator.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
May 18, 2019
This is a lovely and valiant adventure set as Topeka begins its growth and the railroads bring passengers and prosperity. Alarming events still occur, and the lawmen are called for, during the tale. Our guide is a young widowed lady who has a small baby and an ailing mother in her care. She takes work helping a new hotel owner get a shabby building back on its feet.
I enjoyed the historical romance and the author has placed some historical figures in the tale. I liked the author's style and would be happy to read more of this series.
I downloaded an ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
I enjoyed the historical romance and the author has placed some historical figures in the tale. I liked the author's style and would be happy to read more of this series.
I downloaded an ARC from Instafreebie. This is an unbiased review.
March 23, 2019
A JOY of a book to read! “A New Beginning” is a feel good clean Historical Romance that I could not put down once I started it. Adam and Elizabeth’s story is mixed with suspense, danger and of course romance. The characters and their lives are well developed and true to the time period. If you love Historical Romance, this one set in the West is a must read. I must say I am now hooked on this series!! This book was won in a newsletter giveaway so my thanks go to authors Joyce DiPastena and Amelia Adams for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful story!
August 25, 2019
(4.5 stars) - Sweet frontier cinderella story
What a delightful story! While it technically falls under the category of a cinderella story, it actually reminded me of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz - one of my favorites.
This was the author's first published book, & while there are a few moments where one might argue that the plot doesn't flow quite as smoothly or as believably as we see in her later books, her gift for storytelling is already undeniable here. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
What a delightful story! While it technically falls under the category of a cinderella story, it actually reminded me of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz - one of my favorites.
This was the author's first published book, & while there are a few moments where one might argue that the plot doesn't flow quite as smoothly or as believably as we see in her later books, her gift for storytelling is already undeniable here. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
August 19, 2020
Nice Start to a Series!
This is the first book in the Kansas Crossroads series. It takes place in 1875 in Topeka, Kansas. The male lead character is Adam Brody who lost his parents and fiancee over the course of 11 months. After receiving his inheritance he moved to Topeka, bought a mansion and converted it into a hotel. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Caldwell, a widow and new mother, needs a job to support herself, her child, and her mother who is also a widow. She gets a job working for Adam. This story seems to set up several characters for future stories. It's a nice story.
This is the first book in the Kansas Crossroads series. It takes place in 1875 in Topeka, Kansas. The male lead character is Adam Brody who lost his parents and fiancee over the course of 11 months. After receiving his inheritance he moved to Topeka, bought a mansion and converted it into a hotel. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Caldwell, a widow and new mother, needs a job to support herself, her child, and her mother who is also a widow. She gets a job working for Adam. This story seems to set up several characters for future stories. It's a nice story.
July 19, 2017
A New Beginning is a well written story with well developed characters. A hotel by the rail line in Topeka back in frontier days is a great location. These are still frontier days with the railroads pushing people further west. This is a romance story during the time the hotel is getting ready to open. I enjoyed the story, but being honest, not sure if I will read any further in the series. We shall see.
February 27, 2019
Chance to create something wonderful, as they looked at the structure with a sagging porch and roof with holes, Adam and his aunt Carolina .
She had come from New York to help him run, he had always been a visionary type person, thinking he had clearly over did it with this a glimpse of hiring and getting fit ready to open. One he hires is Elizabeth, she holds a secret, Will he help her with that or dismiss her. A good plot and good beginning into this series.
She had come from New York to help him run, he had always been a visionary type person, thinking he had clearly over did it with this a glimpse of hiring and getting fit ready to open. One he hires is Elizabeth, she holds a secret, Will he help her with that or dismiss her. A good plot and good beginning into this series.
September 4, 2019
A New Beginning is my first introduction to Amelia C Adams. I enjoyed the audio version of this first installment from the series, Kansas Crossroads. The narrator Audra Cook did a fabulous job bringing this sweet story to life. I loved it. It is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me.
I received the audio version of this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I received the audio version of this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
October 20, 2020
This sweet and clean historical western romance with a lovely cover maintained my attention throughout. With a setting in Kansas, a young widow with a new baby and mother must find work. She manages to be hired as a housekeeper despite not be entirely truthful, meeting many challenges regarding hiding and the care for her newborn until the owner becomes infatuated with her. Somewhat predictable ending but a wholesome and enjoyable read.
December 17, 2020
Okay, I'm hooked on this series now! I've read and loved Amelia C. Adams books before, so I knew I liked her stories. This one initially made me think of the classic Judy Garland film "The Harvey Girls." I love going back in time to a woman's life, and this one gives a really sweet, romantic story and an idea of what it would mean for a woman back then to get a job. I can't wait to read more about the Brody Hotel!
September 10, 2021
This avid reader first became acquainted with Amelia C. Adams with the quirky series River's End Ranch and Jaclyn and her animals and fairies. Since my son likes to renovate homes, I enjoyed the premise of this historical romance. The characters are likable, the plot had enough conflicts, as a Midwesterner I enjoyed the Kansas setting, and the resolution was satisfying. This book was a nice fall promotion.
May 21, 2025
A Good Read!
I throughly enjoyed Ms Adams book A New Beginning. Elizabeth’s ability to pick herself up and get to work for her family as well as her likable character was nice to see. I also enjoyed Adam’s ability to work on making his dream come true with the help of his aunt. It was a nice fairly quick read with the characters having only a little bit of problems along the way.
I throughly enjoyed Ms Adams book A New Beginning. Elizabeth’s ability to pick herself up and get to work for her family as well as her likable character was nice to see. I also enjoyed Adam’s ability to work on making his dream come true with the help of his aunt. It was a nice fairly quick read with the characters having only a little bit of problems along the way.
February 19, 2019
Wonderful clean romance
I've only read one of Amelia's books before this, A Bride for Joel, but because of that 5 star book, I chose this one and I wasn't disappointed. The characters are interesting and real. I also like the historical aspect of the setting in Kansas. I'm eager to read Book 2 and see what's in store for the employees of the Brody Hotel.
I've only read one of Amelia's books before this, A Bride for Joel, but because of that 5 star book, I chose this one and I wasn't disappointed. The characters are interesting and real. I also like the historical aspect of the setting in Kansas. I'm eager to read Book 2 and see what's in store for the employees of the Brody Hotel.
July 3, 2019
Such a sweet story of a young widow who takes a job to support her baby and her mother. She has a kind boss but he doesn't know about her baby. As they go closer and danger comes to her and her family he is surprised with her secret and she is worried about his reaction. Will he fire her? Or will something better come out of it? You will be surprised.
July 25, 2019
almost positive that Amelia is a newbie author 2 me??!
what a great book cover, love her writing style and will read more from her soon enough! found this book when it was free. quick fast read for me ... fun time era. who doesn't love train time ... i think it would be fun to be whisked away on a train to a new place. can you imagine those times? great!! loved it.
what a great book cover, love her writing style and will read more from her soon enough! found this book when it was free. quick fast read for me ... fun time era. who doesn't love train time ... i think it would be fun to be whisked away on a train to a new place. can you imagine those times? great!! loved it.
January 9, 2020
Excellent Book by a Wonderful author. Amelia Adams held my attention from the first page to the very last. I actually hated for the book to end. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the others in this series. I now have another to add to my favorite author’s list. Thank You Amelia Adams for writing such a delightful entertaining book.
June 29, 2020
5 Thumbs Up
This book was impossible to put down. I love good ole Wild West romance stories and this one did not disappoint. It had intrigue, romance, a couple of wicked bad guys and an ending that satisfied me that this story was a read alone. I will probably buy the next book just to see what happens with the other girls in the story.
This book was impossible to put down. I love good ole Wild West romance stories and this one did not disappoint. It had intrigue, romance, a couple of wicked bad guys and an ending that satisfied me that this story was a read alone. I will probably buy the next book just to see what happens with the other girls in the story.
July 17, 2022
My Musings
An interesting book with characters that will pull at your heartstrings, and a fast paced plot.while I am not a big fan of insta-love, I overlooked that because the rest of this tale stole my heart. I loved the hero and heroine and was glad they found their happy ending. Happy reading!
An interesting book with characters that will pull at your heartstrings, and a fast paced plot.while I am not a big fan of insta-love, I overlooked that because the rest of this tale stole my heart. I loved the hero and heroine and was glad they found their happy ending. Happy reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews