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Kansas Crossroads #3
The Dark and the Dawn
Jeanette Peterson and her sister, Abigail, are running from a dark past and hiding from an even darker future. When they happen upon the Brody Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, they're given a chance at a whole new life, one where they can choose who they want to become. When Jeanette assists the town doctor with a difficult case, she realizes she has a calling and a passion to become a nurse.
Dr. Phillip Wayment is a set-in-his-ways bachelor, more than happy to run his medical practice alone. When Jeanette asks him to mentor her, he's hesitant at first, not wanting some woman underfoot. But as they work together, he comes to realize how valuable she is to his career ... and to him. Will the secrets from her past ruin what they've built?
Dr. Phillip Wayment is a set-in-his-ways bachelor, more than happy to run his medical practice alone. When Jeanette asks him to mentor her, he's hesitant at first, not wanting some woman underfoot. But as they work together, he comes to realize how valuable she is to his career ... and to him. Will the secrets from her past ruin what they've built?
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2015
177 people are currently reading
55 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 32 reviews
May 7, 2025
2.5 Stars.
March 3, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
The day Harriet’s soon to be husband, Tom, fell from the roof breaking his leg was the day that Jeanette found her calling. Up until that moment she’d been afraid of her past catching up with her and content to have a job at the Brody Hotel along with her sister, Abigail. Yet when she’d helped Dr. Wayment set Tom’s leg, watched as a bit of a miracle happened she knew that she wanted to be a nurse. She wanted to have a part in helping others, in tending to their medical problems and making a difference in lives. She had no doubt, now all she had to do was convince the doctor to mentor her.
Phillip lives, breathes and even sleeps with his love of medicine and helping. He has an endless need to know more, to push himself in understanding the human body and healing what he can of the ailments and injuries a body can be subjected to. He was slightly blindsided by Jeanette’s request to learn about medicine and nursing from him. He was set in his ways, even as a young man. His first reaction was yes, certainly… then he began second guessing that decision and tried to back pedal on his promise. Jeanette was having none of that, she was brave, determined and not afraid to give him a stern lecture when needed. It might be the craziest thing he’d ever done, but he’d help this amazing young woman find the joy in medicine that he felt. He didn’t expect to fall in love along that journey, or to finally discover Jeanette and Abigail’s secrets. What he did know for certain was that no one was going to force Jeanette into anything she didn’t want, and he wasn’t afraid to use his pistol to make sure that didn’t happen.
The Dark and The Dawn is another powerful story that easily flows around the other members of the Brody Hotel that we’ve met so far. Jeanette has spent most of her young life afraid. Now she’s finding a strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for something that is hugely important to her. And, surprisingly, she’s not one bit afraid of the things she will see and have to do in order to have that nursing knowledge. What she’s more afraid of now is not being allowed to follow her own dream. There have been hints that Jeanette and Abigail were running from something and we’ll discover just what that is. Sadly, the desire to take what is not freely given is nothing new no matter the era.
I enjoyed Phillip and Jeanette’s romance very much. There were definitely chuckles along the way as Phillip often has an absentminded professor feel to him. And Jeanette balances those tendencies out very well. Yet there is no doubting Phillips dedication to his patients, and his care for every aspect of their lives that affect their health. Medicine has come so far that it’s almost hard to imagine what we now take for granted in the past were almost miracles. And perhaps they still are miracles we’ve just come to expect them. The ending was perfect for this couple, and I’ll admit to being a bit proud of both of them for their decisions and actions.
I’d recommend The Dark and The Dawn, along with this entire series to any Western Historical Romance reader who enjoys a good story. believable characters and learning a bit about the past.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
The day Harriet’s soon to be husband, Tom, fell from the roof breaking his leg was the day that Jeanette found her calling. Up until that moment she’d been afraid of her past catching up with her and content to have a job at the Brody Hotel along with her sister, Abigail. Yet when she’d helped Dr. Wayment set Tom’s leg, watched as a bit of a miracle happened she knew that she wanted to be a nurse. She wanted to have a part in helping others, in tending to their medical problems and making a difference in lives. She had no doubt, now all she had to do was convince the doctor to mentor her.
Phillip lives, breathes and even sleeps with his love of medicine and helping. He has an endless need to know more, to push himself in understanding the human body and healing what he can of the ailments and injuries a body can be subjected to. He was slightly blindsided by Jeanette’s request to learn about medicine and nursing from him. He was set in his ways, even as a young man. His first reaction was yes, certainly… then he began second guessing that decision and tried to back pedal on his promise. Jeanette was having none of that, she was brave, determined and not afraid to give him a stern lecture when needed. It might be the craziest thing he’d ever done, but he’d help this amazing young woman find the joy in medicine that he felt. He didn’t expect to fall in love along that journey, or to finally discover Jeanette and Abigail’s secrets. What he did know for certain was that no one was going to force Jeanette into anything she didn’t want, and he wasn’t afraid to use his pistol to make sure that didn’t happen.
The Dark and The Dawn is another powerful story that easily flows around the other members of the Brody Hotel that we’ve met so far. Jeanette has spent most of her young life afraid. Now she’s finding a strength she didn’t know she had as she fights for something that is hugely important to her. And, surprisingly, she’s not one bit afraid of the things she will see and have to do in order to have that nursing knowledge. What she’s more afraid of now is not being allowed to follow her own dream. There have been hints that Jeanette and Abigail were running from something and we’ll discover just what that is. Sadly, the desire to take what is not freely given is nothing new no matter the era.
I enjoyed Phillip and Jeanette’s romance very much. There were definitely chuckles along the way as Phillip often has an absentminded professor feel to him. And Jeanette balances those tendencies out very well. Yet there is no doubting Phillips dedication to his patients, and his care for every aspect of their lives that affect their health. Medicine has come so far that it’s almost hard to imagine what we now take for granted in the past were almost miracles. And perhaps they still are miracles we’ve just come to expect them. The ending was perfect for this couple, and I’ll admit to being a bit proud of both of them for their decisions and actions.
I’d recommend The Dark and The Dawn, along with this entire series to any Western Historical Romance reader who enjoys a good story. believable characters and learning a bit about the past.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 30, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Jeanette Peterson and her sister, Abigail, are running from a dark past and hiding from an even darker future. When they happen upon the Brody Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, they're given a chance at a whole new life, one where they can choose who they want to become. When Jeanette assists the town doctor with a difficult case, she realizes she has a calling and a passion to become a nurse.
Dr. Phillip Wayment is a set-in-his-ways bachelor, more than happy to run his medical practice alone. When Jeanette asks him to mentor her, he's hesitant at first, not wanting some woman underfoot. But as they work together, he comes to realize how valuable she is to his career ... and to him. Will the secrets from her past ruin what they've built?
MY TAKE
I've really enjoyed the stories in the Kansas Crossroads series. These novellas are short, sweet reads, but they aren't short on depth. The characters are often dealing with (or in this book running away from) serious issues.
I loved how feisty Jeanette became in pursuit of her dream to become a nurse. The good doctor was set in his ways, and when she called him on it, he also showed that he could learn and eat a slice of humble pie. As the book also shows, he had a kind heart. The romance happens kind of quickly.
I read the very short intro to the Nurses of New York series "Sea of Strangers" that shows Jeanette in her first weeks at nursing school. It also carries over an unfinished plotline from this book. So, don't forget to read it too!
4 1/2 stars
Jeanette Peterson and her sister, Abigail, are running from a dark past and hiding from an even darker future. When they happen upon the Brody Hotel in Topeka, Kansas, they're given a chance at a whole new life, one where they can choose who they want to become. When Jeanette assists the town doctor with a difficult case, she realizes she has a calling and a passion to become a nurse.
Dr. Phillip Wayment is a set-in-his-ways bachelor, more than happy to run his medical practice alone. When Jeanette asks him to mentor her, he's hesitant at first, not wanting some woman underfoot. But as they work together, he comes to realize how valuable she is to his career ... and to him. Will the secrets from her past ruin what they've built?
MY TAKE
I've really enjoyed the stories in the Kansas Crossroads series. These novellas are short, sweet reads, but they aren't short on depth. The characters are often dealing with (or in this book running away from) serious issues.
I loved how feisty Jeanette became in pursuit of her dream to become a nurse. The good doctor was set in his ways, and when she called him on it, he also showed that he could learn and eat a slice of humble pie. As the book also shows, he had a kind heart. The romance happens kind of quickly.
I read the very short intro to the Nurses of New York series "Sea of Strangers" that shows Jeanette in her first weeks at nursing school. It also carries over an unfinished plotline from this book. So, don't forget to read it too!
4 1/2 stars
June 21, 2021
More Drama in Topeka!
Jeanette and her sister are running from a dark past and what would be a darker future. When the train stops in Topeka, Kansas, they see an advertisement for workers needed at the Brody Hotel and there both find jobs and a place to stay. Jeanette assists with the care of a badly broken leg and this experience causes her to ask the local doctor about training her to be a nurse. She has found her calling and accompanies the doctor on a delivery of a baby but complications take the mother's life. She wants to go to nursing school in New York. Her uncle arrives and tries to take both Jeanette and her sister to his ranch out west. He is willing to kill anyone who tries to stop him. The sheriff sends the uncle on his way.
What will happen? Read this book to find out!
Jeanette and her sister are running from a dark past and what would be a darker future. When the train stops in Topeka, Kansas, they see an advertisement for workers needed at the Brody Hotel and there both find jobs and a place to stay. Jeanette assists with the care of a badly broken leg and this experience causes her to ask the local doctor about training her to be a nurse. She has found her calling and accompanies the doctor on a delivery of a baby but complications take the mother's life. She wants to go to nursing school in New York. Her uncle arrives and tries to take both Jeanette and her sister to his ranch out west. He is willing to kill anyone who tries to stop him. The sheriff sends the uncle on his way.
What will happen? Read this book to find out!
March 16, 2021
Jeanette and Philip 💞
Sweet story of Jeanette, younger sister of Amelia. They are on the run, but no one knows why or from where. They find a job working at The Brody Hotel. After Tom falls and is hurt, Jeanette ends up helping Dr Weyment with his treatment and becomes interested in nursing. She asks him if she can be his assistant with the aim of becoming a nurse and he agrees.
Dr Philip Weyment is a loner, easily distracted and doesn’t have too many social skills. He’s second guessing his agreement to Miss Peterson. However, she proves herself well and he starts developing feelings for her. However, he’s 35 and she’s just turning 18 soon....plus, he soon finds out what, or who, she’s running from.
Sweet story of Jeanette, younger sister of Amelia. They are on the run, but no one knows why or from where. They find a job working at The Brody Hotel. After Tom falls and is hurt, Jeanette ends up helping Dr Weyment with his treatment and becomes interested in nursing. She asks him if she can be his assistant with the aim of becoming a nurse and he agrees.
Dr Philip Weyment is a loner, easily distracted and doesn’t have too many social skills. He’s second guessing his agreement to Miss Peterson. However, she proves herself well and he starts developing feelings for her. However, he’s 35 and she’s just turning 18 soon....plus, he soon finds out what, or who, she’s running from.
May 27, 2020
Jeanette is determined to become a nurse, after helping when a fellow employee was injured in the previous book. She works up the courage to ask Dr. Wayment for help and he agrees to let her work with him and learn that way.
Dr. Wayment works best alone and isn't sure it's a good idea to have Jeanette tagging along. Will she prove her worth? Will she want to pursue nursing after surviving her first day working with him?
This is a clean, sweet romance. It was good.
Apparently, Jeanette's story continues in the Nurses of New York series, also by Amelia C. Adams.....
Dr. Wayment works best alone and isn't sure it's a good idea to have Jeanette tagging along. Will she prove her worth? Will she want to pursue nursing after surviving her first day working with him?
This is a clean, sweet romance. It was good.
Apparently, Jeanette's story continues in the Nurses of New York series, also by Amelia C. Adams.....
May 11, 2017
Bacteria
We are so fortunate to live in an age where we have the technology to diagnose and treat many diseases. 100+ years ago, as depicted by this story, those were only dreams. And for those dreamers, research, trial and error were all they had.
We do have diseases that we don't have cures for, but we have facilities dedicated to doing research in hopes of finding treatments to cure those diseases.
We are so fortunate to live in an age where we have the technology to diagnose and treat many diseases. 100+ years ago, as depicted by this story, those were only dreams. And for those dreamers, research, trial and error were all they had.
We do have diseases that we don't have cures for, but we have facilities dedicated to doing research in hopes of finding treatments to cure those diseases.
November 30, 2017
Well Deserved Praise
Miss Peterson went searching for employment for her to become an apprentice to the good Dr. After his trying to spare her feelings and keeping her from getting I'll, she made it known to him he couldn't stop her. This story made me happy for her because she was pursuing a career that in those days was very hard to come by! A very exciting book that makes you want the stories to keep coming.
Miss Peterson went searching for employment for her to become an apprentice to the good Dr. After his trying to spare her feelings and keeping her from getting I'll, she made it known to him he couldn't stop her. This story made me happy for her because she was pursuing a career that in those days was very hard to come by! A very exciting book that makes you want the stories to keep coming.
August 23, 2020
Nice Story!
This third story in the Kansas Crossroads series is about Jeanette, a young quiet maid at the Brody Hotel and a doctor, Phillip. Neither is looking for romance, but rather a working relationship as doctor and nurse. Readers are treated to various patients and conditions plus something mysterious in Jeanette's past which needs to resolve itself. The book ends with an atypical ending which actually splits off as a new series!
This third story in the Kansas Crossroads series is about Jeanette, a young quiet maid at the Brody Hotel and a doctor, Phillip. Neither is looking for romance, but rather a working relationship as doctor and nurse. Readers are treated to various patients and conditions plus something mysterious in Jeanette's past which needs to resolve itself. The book ends with an atypical ending which actually splits off as a new series!
May 17, 2018
Very enjoyable
More adventures at the Brody Hotel. Once again Amelia Adams makes you feel like you are right in the middle of all the fun and adventures of the daily life. Don't be fooled, life was hard, but the unmistakable bonds forged by everyone were strong. Can't wait for the next sequel.
More adventures at the Brody Hotel. Once again Amelia Adams makes you feel like you are right in the middle of all the fun and adventures of the daily life. Don't be fooled, life was hard, but the unmistakable bonds forged by everyone were strong. Can't wait for the next sequel.
February 27, 2019
Jeanette and Abigail, at least they have each other, now hoping for a better future. Taking a chance and asking the doctor, about becoming a nurse. Would he let her work and learn from him. He had thought of it, though he is use to working alone. While Mr Brody wanted to take the chance and learn more. Good continuing plot in this series
July 8, 2019
Sweet romance with heart wrenching scenes as a young girl begins her journey to become a nurse. As secrets unfold, two sisters begin to face a wonderful future, free of their past. Wonderful continuation of the Kansas Crossroads series.
November 20, 2017
Great story...
I enjoyed this story of the adventures of a young woman who was made aware of a new direction she desired for herself. Well written......
I enjoyed this story of the adventures of a young woman who was made aware of a new direction she desired for herself. Well written......
April 18, 2018
The Dark and the Dawn
I enjoyed reading this book number three of this series. I particularly enjoy the continuing characters. There is excitement, danger with romance and love.
I enjoyed reading this book number three of this series. I particularly enjoy the continuing characters. There is excitement, danger with romance and love.
January 6, 2019
This book is just as great as the first two.As I said before,I want to read them all.I really enjoy them but at some point I need to stop and clean my house lol
February 12, 2019
Lovely story
Loved the story and the characters. I really like the writing style of this author. Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Loved the story and the characters. I really like the writing style of this author. Look forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 20, 2019
Sweet historical romance. The hero was pretty lovable. I haven’t read more in this series but it did give me a good understanding the series. I will probably read more by this author.
October 22, 2020
Enjoyed this western romance.
March 17, 2021
We meet the Peterson girls in earlier episodes. Now this story is devoted to Jeanette's new found dream and what she needs to do to fulfill it.
October 9, 2024
0 Now Jeanette discovers who she wants to be and comes out of her shell. Doctor Wayment finds he’s in love with an 18 year old. Then he sends her off to NYC to learn nursing. 5
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.
May 15, 2015
Recommended Reading for Historical Western Romance Readers
It's always darkest before the dawn...Jeanette Peterson and her sister, Abigail, are hiding from the past. Jeanette discovers a love for nursing and the handsome, older doctor in town. It is a gentle love built out of respect, friendship and admiration. Dr. Phillip Wayment loves medicine and his ordered chaos. He agrees to take on and train Jeanette as his nurse against his better judgment.
What I love about this book, besides the gentle, clean love they find together, is watching Jeanette mature and grow in her confidence. Her strength and resolve to break free of the dark and face the dawn of a new day is moving and admirable. We've all faced the dark in our own ways. This book allows you to experience Jeanette's recovery and growth.
It's always darkest before the dawn...Jeanette Peterson and her sister, Abigail, are hiding from the past. Jeanette discovers a love for nursing and the handsome, older doctor in town. It is a gentle love built out of respect, friendship and admiration. Dr. Phillip Wayment loves medicine and his ordered chaos. He agrees to take on and train Jeanette as his nurse against his better judgment.
What I love about this book, besides the gentle, clean love they find together, is watching Jeanette mature and grow in her confidence. Her strength and resolve to break free of the dark and face the dawn of a new day is moving and admirable. We've all faced the dark in our own ways. This book allows you to experience Jeanette's recovery and growth.
October 26, 2015
Pursuing your dream and finding a man to go with it
Jeanette had helped Dr. Wayment treat Tom and she wanted to learn nursing. He was set in his ways but made room for her. Tuberculosis comes to town.
"Any time a woman can better herself, she should. This is a rough world, even more so out here on the western fringes of this new country. Any education you can get will only work to your favor.”
This is my second reading of this short novel. I like way the author views the young doctor, a man wanting to serve and make a difference. He is always looking to the future and dreaming of change. Jeanette has a bleak past, but dreams anyway. A bit of a feminist novel set on the Kansas frontier.
Jeanette had helped Dr. Wayment treat Tom and she wanted to learn nursing. He was set in his ways but made room for her. Tuberculosis comes to town.
"Any time a woman can better herself, she should. This is a rough world, even more so out here on the western fringes of this new country. Any education you can get will only work to your favor.”
This is my second reading of this short novel. I like way the author views the young doctor, a man wanting to serve and make a difference. He is always looking to the future and dreaming of change. Jeanette has a bleak past, but dreams anyway. A bit of a feminist novel set on the Kansas frontier.
December 29, 2016
I started to read the Nurses of New York series by the same author and when I read about the Brody Hotel I came back to this series and realized I had not finished it yet!
I'm so glad I came back to it! This is such a loving and wonderful cast of characters it's like coming home to revisit them again! Looking forward to reading both series now!!!
I'm so glad I came back to it! This is such a loving and wonderful cast of characters it's like coming home to revisit them again! Looking forward to reading both series now!!!
September 10, 2015
Good clean story.
A mystery was finally solved. One of the Brody girls changes her life. I enjoy reading about the people that have gone to work for the hotel/restaurant. So far three women found happiness, two with men from the hotel. These books are very enjoyable stories.
A mystery was finally solved. One of the Brody girls changes her life. I enjoy reading about the people that have gone to work for the hotel/restaurant. So far three women found happiness, two with men from the hotel. These books are very enjoyable stories.
November 29, 2018
Setting: Topeka Kansas
Hero: Dr. Phillip Wayment- the Dr in town
Heroine: - Janette- sister Abigail both have a dark past after working with the dr. she not only desires to be a nurse but him too.
Overall enjoyment: A good HEA: -
-
Hero: Dr. Phillip Wayment- the Dr in town
Heroine: - Janette- sister Abigail both have a dark past after working with the dr. she not only desires to be a nurse but him too.
Overall enjoyment: A good HEA: -
-
May 15, 2015
Great read!!!
Great great book another wonderful read by Amelia Adams, very talented writer , can't wait for book 4 . .....
Great great book another wonderful read by Amelia Adams, very talented writer , can't wait for book 4 . .....
May 25, 2015
Dark/Dawn
Amelia keeps impressing me more with each book she writes. Love the characters and their progression in each book. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
Amelia keeps impressing me more with each book she writes. Love the characters and their progression in each book. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
September 25, 2015
Great story
Love the stories of finding love and overcoming adversity. The books in this series are well written and keep you reading from beginning to end.
Love the stories of finding love and overcoming adversity. The books in this series are well written and keep you reading from beginning to end.
February 10, 2016
Love this series
These books just keep getting better and better! I love this story and how it ends with anticipation for the next book! Great read
These books just keep getting better and better! I love this story and how it ends with anticipation for the next book! Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews