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Kansas Crossroads #11
A Begrudging Bride
Suddenly left an orphan and forced to leave behind her beloved Kentucky ranch, Camille Waterford answers an ad for a mail-order bride and begins her journey to Wichita, where she will begin her new life. When she reaches Topeka, however, she's plagued with doubt, and decides to remain where she is, taking a job at the Brody Hotel. She plans to pay her groom back for whatever he spent to bring her out west, but she just can't go through with the wedding. He's not happy when he hears the news, but she needs to find her own path and discover for herself what love really is.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2016
170 people are currently reading
64 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 28, 2018
This is an ok story. I didn't like the main character and the only reason this gets two stars instead of one is the fact that she woke up to what a brat she was being at the end. This is written ok, nothing deep or moving just a bland story with a irritating heroine. This is not too long and is squeaky clean and has a Christian theme.
July 28, 2022
My Musings
Another sweet mail order bride romance with endearing characters and a lovely storyline. I immediately got pulled in to the plot. David is an amazing hero. I emphasized with him right away. I hoped he'd win the girl and adored his way of accomplishing it. Can't wait for read the next one in this series. Happy reading!
Another sweet mail order bride romance with endearing characters and a lovely storyline. I immediately got pulled in to the plot. David is an amazing hero. I emphasized with him right away. I hoped he'd win the girl and adored his way of accomplishing it. Can't wait for read the next one in this series. Happy reading!
September 7, 2018
Sweet
Take a mail order bride and slow it down; then you get a romance born of communication and patience. Nice.
Take a mail order bride and slow it down; then you get a romance born of communication and patience. Nice.
April 27, 2018
Reviewed at Historically Romantic
Begrudging Bride is a sweet, tender tale of choices, trust and finding the courage to take a risk that will change a life. When Camille set out for Kansas from her native Kentucky she felt she had only one choice in life. She was now an orphan with no family, and she’d been taught by her mother that a woman’s only purpose was to eventually be married. When she answered an ad for a mail order bride Camille was acting on instinct and training but as she neared her destination she found that she simply could not go through with a marriage to a stranger. She wanted love in her life, and wanted the same for the kind man she’d written to these last weeks. She took her destiny in her own hands, exited the train in Topeka and headed for the Brody Hotel in hopes of a job and a different future.
David was left hurt, puzzled and at a loss when Camille never showed up on the train. He returned several days, several times a day but to no avail, his bride was not coming to him. He wasn’t the least surprised when her letter finally arrived. Usually not a man to push an issue, yet this time he’d felt that he and Camille had a good chance at happiness, at least through their letters he believed that. He made a rash decision to head to Topeka and the Brody Hotel, just to assure himself that she was alright. Then the first unfortunate lie escaped his lips. Now he not only had to court the woman he desired as wife through a false name, he had to hope that once she learned the truth she could forgive him.
A lie is never a good way to begin a relationship. Not only is it wrong, but it really can never be unsaid or unheard. David and Camille make an interesting couple, one that I really wanted to see work. Did I suspect that they could have worked out fine if Camille had continued on her journey to hem? Actually, yes I do. But now they both get the chance to really know the person they’re attracted to – and make choices in spite of a lie. I enjoyed A Begrudging Bride very much. It not only gave us a sweet romance but an update on happenings around the Brody Hotel as well. I always have a smile while reading of the ongoing romances and friendships that began at the Brody Hotel. I’d not hesitate to recommend A Begrudging Bride or this entire Kansas Crossings series to any Western Historical Romance reader who loves a good romance, likable characters, believable situations and a tight knit community.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Begrudging Bride is a sweet, tender tale of choices, trust and finding the courage to take a risk that will change a life. When Camille set out for Kansas from her native Kentucky she felt she had only one choice in life. She was now an orphan with no family, and she’d been taught by her mother that a woman’s only purpose was to eventually be married. When she answered an ad for a mail order bride Camille was acting on instinct and training but as she neared her destination she found that she simply could not go through with a marriage to a stranger. She wanted love in her life, and wanted the same for the kind man she’d written to these last weeks. She took her destiny in her own hands, exited the train in Topeka and headed for the Brody Hotel in hopes of a job and a different future.
David was left hurt, puzzled and at a loss when Camille never showed up on the train. He returned several days, several times a day but to no avail, his bride was not coming to him. He wasn’t the least surprised when her letter finally arrived. Usually not a man to push an issue, yet this time he’d felt that he and Camille had a good chance at happiness, at least through their letters he believed that. He made a rash decision to head to Topeka and the Brody Hotel, just to assure himself that she was alright. Then the first unfortunate lie escaped his lips. Now he not only had to court the woman he desired as wife through a false name, he had to hope that once she learned the truth she could forgive him.
A lie is never a good way to begin a relationship. Not only is it wrong, but it really can never be unsaid or unheard. David and Camille make an interesting couple, one that I really wanted to see work. Did I suspect that they could have worked out fine if Camille had continued on her journey to hem? Actually, yes I do. But now they both get the chance to really know the person they’re attracted to – and make choices in spite of a lie. I enjoyed A Begrudging Bride very much. It not only gave us a sweet romance but an update on happenings around the Brody Hotel as well. I always have a smile while reading of the ongoing romances and friendships that began at the Brody Hotel. I’d not hesitate to recommend A Begrudging Bride or this entire Kansas Crossings series to any Western Historical Romance reader who loves a good romance, likable characters, believable situations and a tight knit community.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
September 9, 2018
A touching and charming western romance!
A Begrudging Bride is the eleventh book in the western romance series, Kansas Crossroads. This story is one that will have you turning page after page. A unique and captivating story with romance and a happy-ending that we all have come to expect. Camille reconsiders marriage before reaching her destination. However, when she didn’t show up, David decided to go check on her to be sure that she was okay. This begins the story that could be the happily-ever-after that they were both desiring.
The characters are well developed and engaging. The descriptiveness throughout the story will give you a good sense of the area, the homes and the businesses. I will definitely continue to read the series to see what happens with the rest of the characters.
This is the first book I have read by Amelia C Adams however it will not be my last. I was not disappointed! Amelia is a remarkable storyteller that has a talent for the western romances. I recommend this book and series to anyone that enjoys reading western romances with a delightful ending.
A Begrudging Bride is the eleventh book in the western romance series, Kansas Crossroads. This story is one that will have you turning page after page. A unique and captivating story with romance and a happy-ending that we all have come to expect. Camille reconsiders marriage before reaching her destination. However, when she didn’t show up, David decided to go check on her to be sure that she was okay. This begins the story that could be the happily-ever-after that they were both desiring.
The characters are well developed and engaging. The descriptiveness throughout the story will give you a good sense of the area, the homes and the businesses. I will definitely continue to read the series to see what happens with the rest of the characters.
This is the first book I have read by Amelia C Adams however it will not be my last. I was not disappointed! Amelia is a remarkable storyteller that has a talent for the western romances. I recommend this book and series to anyone that enjoys reading western romances with a delightful ending.
June 1, 2020
Camille is a mail order bride on her way to meet her groom. But she's decided she doesn't want to be rushed into marriage, despite her desperate circumstances. She's also convinced she's not what her groom wants in a wife. She gets off the train and takes a job at the Brody Hotel instead.
David is worried when his mail order bride doesn't arrive. When he receives a letter instead saying that she's changed her mind, he decides to go make sure she's ok. But when he arrives there, he lies about his identity.
Will Camille change her mind about marriage? Will they fall in love still? Can David regain Camille's trust?
This is a clean, sweet romance. I thought it was interesting. But I didn't like Camille's character. She didn't have any worries about David being a good man, so she should have followed through with her commitment to him, especially when he had paid for her train ticket. And she was so fussy about him buying hair ribbons for her. Gasp! Shocking! Rather than being nice, she rips a strip off him...And then she gets to know him and doesn't seem to have any remorse even in the back of her mind for the groom she's disappointed....
David is worried when his mail order bride doesn't arrive. When he receives a letter instead saying that she's changed her mind, he decides to go make sure she's ok. But when he arrives there, he lies about his identity.
Will Camille change her mind about marriage? Will they fall in love still? Can David regain Camille's trust?
This is a clean, sweet romance. I thought it was interesting. But I didn't like Camille's character. She didn't have any worries about David being a good man, so she should have followed through with her commitment to him, especially when he had paid for her train ticket. And she was so fussy about him buying hair ribbons for her. Gasp! Shocking! Rather than being nice, she rips a strip off him...And then she gets to know him and doesn't seem to have any remorse even in the back of her mind for the groom she's disappointed....
March 21, 2021
Camille and David 💞
Camille is to be a mail order bride to David Johnson in Wichita, but when the train makes a stop in Topeka, she feels panicked about it all and makes the decision to grab her bag and run. She gets hired at The Brody.
David finds out from his friend Wallace that Camille is in Topeka working at the hotel. He feels led to go there to make sure she’s okay and then he will move on in life. Little does he know he will fall for her instantly. However, he panics and comes up with a fake name intending to get to know her better and hopefully she will fall for him too. But when Camille finds out the truth, how will she react?
Sweet, enjoyable story ☺️
Camille is to be a mail order bride to David Johnson in Wichita, but when the train makes a stop in Topeka, she feels panicked about it all and makes the decision to grab her bag and run. She gets hired at The Brody.
David finds out from his friend Wallace that Camille is in Topeka working at the hotel. He feels led to go there to make sure she’s okay and then he will move on in life. Little does he know he will fall for her instantly. However, he panics and comes up with a fake name intending to get to know her better and hopefully she will fall for him too. But when Camille finds out the truth, how will she react?
Sweet, enjoyable story ☺️
September 10, 2020
Nice Story!
This Kansas Crossroads series story involves a mail-order bride, Camilla, who gets cold feet. The groom is actually from Wichita, and happens to know Wallace and Caroline, characters from previous books. There are typical ins and outs of a relationship building as well as plenty of involvement with secondary characters, including the news that Harriet finally has her baby, I think she's been pregnant since the third book in the series. All in all, this was a very enjoyable story!
This Kansas Crossroads series story involves a mail-order bride, Camilla, who gets cold feet. The groom is actually from Wichita, and happens to know Wallace and Caroline, characters from previous books. There are typical ins and outs of a relationship building as well as plenty of involvement with secondary characters, including the news that Harriet finally has her baby, I think she's been pregnant since the third book in the series. All in all, this was a very enjoyable story!
November 26, 2017
Great story..
I enjoyed this story as I did all of the other stories in the series. I'm a true believe in the fact that I think that I'm a very big fan of the author's work, I have read all of the stories in the Nurses of New York and I truly loved them also. Please keep up the wonderful job Ms Amelia.
I enjoyed this story as I did all of the other stories in the series. I'm a true believe in the fact that I think that I'm a very big fan of the author's work, I have read all of the stories in the Nurses of New York and I truly loved them also. Please keep up the wonderful job Ms Amelia.
January 19, 2019
I was intrigued by the plot but the story is flat. I liked David Johnson most and wanted to keep reading for his sake. It easily could've been longer with more scenes and development. Although they got their HEA, there was no spark at the romance. It's a clean romance but there really was no emotion in this story.
August 21, 2018
Enjoyable
Love the way she writes. Really enjoy the Brody Hotel stories, lots of warmth, fun, community care, love and usually adventure involved. This one does too, with a difference, and a good ending. Really enjoyed it.
Love the way she writes. Really enjoy the Brody Hotel stories, lots of warmth, fun, community care, love and usually adventure involved. This one does too, with a difference, and a good ending. Really enjoyed it.
February 10, 2020
Nice book
This was everything you would expect from Amelia! A fast paced story with enough details to understand all the aspects. There was no extra fluff added! I like that. I truly enjoyed this quick weekend read! I hope you do read it too!
This was everything you would expect from Amelia! A fast paced story with enough details to understand all the aspects. There was no extra fluff added! I like that. I truly enjoyed this quick weekend read! I hope you do read it too!
February 23, 2020
Loved the characters especially David. I loved reading this sweet clean romance, a man who doesn’t give up on what he wants. A mail order bride who doesn’t follow through with plans and makes life long friends. A wonderful story.
February 27, 2017
A sweet innocent story.
September 16, 2018
This is a sweet, clean romance with endearing main characters and engaging side characters. My only complaint, if you can call it that, is that I wish it were longer :-)
June 20, 2019
I was born in Kansas 😄
I have truly enjoyed the stories in this series. All the history and the railroad were a lot of fun. It reminds a bit of the Harvey girls. Thanks.How
I have truly enjoyed the stories in this series. All the history and the railroad were a lot of fun. It reminds a bit of the Harvey girls. Thanks.How
March 31, 2020
This is such a great story! 💜
July 8, 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.
March 7, 2025
I enjoyed this story as it was very entertaining. I Can’t
Quite understand whiny woman write that they get so bent out of shape over a small lie, and when it is explained, where’s the love gone? She finally arrived - the mail order bride.
Quite understand whiny woman write that they get so bent out of shape over a small lie, and when it is explained, where’s the love gone? She finally arrived - the mail order bride.
September 28, 2016
Amelia C. Adams has done it again by creating a tender love story in her latest novel “A Begrudging Bride,” her 11th book in her Kansas Crossroads series. Camille Waterford has traveled westward from her Kentucky home after her parent’s death to become a mail-order bride, but the closer she gets to her destination she begins to have second thoughts about her decision. Camille chooses to get off the train in Topeka where she is welcomed into the Brody Hotel family. David Johnson is a rancher in Wichita who finds himself at a crossroad in life, so he sends for a mail-order bride, but when she fails to appear on the appointed day he chooses to go to Topeka to assure himself of her well being. Together David and Camille commence in the dance of courtship, but they both must come to a consensus on the issues they are keeping them apart. Ms. Adams has proven time and time again that she has the ability to weave stories together that touch the reader's heart, and her latest novel is just one more delightful feather in her cap. I was given this book to read by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2017
Enjoyable story
I really liked this book and it's telling of the story of cold feet and mail-order brides. It could be taken out to a longer book, but I also appreciate the shorter length for times when I'm waiting for my kids at school, lessons, etc.
I really liked this book and it's telling of the story of cold feet and mail-order brides. It could be taken out to a longer book, but I also appreciate the shorter length for times when I'm waiting for my kids at school, lessons, etc.
September 29, 2016
Camille Waterford is now an orphan and all alone in KY. She agrees to become a mail order bride to David Johnson in Witchita. She makes it as far as Topeka before she gives in to having cold feet. She sends David a letter explaining why she will not be coming. David makes plans of his own, and then the story keeps getting better!
October 1, 2016
Uncertain about the future
Aren't we all uncertain about what the future holds for us. Being a mail order bride doesn't have to many certainties in it either. Once you meet your future, all bets are off. Especially when that future is as good looking as David! Excellent story Amelia Adams!
Aren't we all uncertain about what the future holds for us. Being a mail order bride doesn't have to many certainties in it either. Once you meet your future, all bets are off. Especially when that future is as good looking as David! Excellent story Amelia Adams!
October 4, 2016
Great Romance
Cold feet on a mail order bride makes for a sweet romance. As usual, the main characters were well-written and the plot had a feeling of reality to it. The people at the Brody Hotel were familiar to me, but a new reader would feel right at home without having read earlier stories in this series.
Cold feet on a mail order bride makes for a sweet romance. As usual, the main characters were well-written and the plot had a feeling of reality to it. The people at the Brody Hotel were familiar to me, but a new reader would feel right at home without having read earlier stories in this series.
January 23, 2017
I believe this is the final book in the series! It will be hard to say goodbye to everyone at the Brody Hotel! I'm looking forward to reading the Nurses series that begin with the fiance of the Dr, who used to be a waitress at the Brody!
This book was a breath of fresh air and a pleasant surprise from the series! A wonderful happy ever after indeed!
This book was a breath of fresh air and a pleasant surprise from the series! A wonderful happy ever after indeed!
November 29, 2018
Setting: Topeka Ks
Hero: David- was to be the groom went to make sure/convince her.
Heroine: - Camille - orphan and forced to leave behind her beloved Kentucky ranch was to be a M/O bride but got cold feet stayed at the brody and worked.
Overall enjoyment: A good HEA: - both new to series but didn't stay moved back to Witchita
Hero: David- was to be the groom went to make sure/convince her.
Heroine: - Camille - orphan and forced to leave behind her beloved Kentucky ranch was to be a M/O bride but got cold feet stayed at the brody and worked.
Overall enjoyment: A good HEA: - both new to series but didn't stay moved back to Witchita
July 28, 2019
Not bad for a light read aside from being not so run~on~the~mill as the usual mail~order bride romances go plus Camille is a pragmatic and plucky heroine despite her losses and grief.
April 15, 2017
This series is very nice reads.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews