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New Beginnings

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Aspen Falls 1870'sTucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado Territory, is the home of the Hart family, founders of the growing town. Rachael, the oldest daughter and her siblings have grown up here and hope someday to achieve their goals of love and purpose.

In spite of the idyllic setting, many of the inhabitants of the close-knit community must overcome challenges in their personal and professional lives.


Rachael Hart must face an unforeseeable tragedy that nearly crushes her spirit.

Benjamin Hart wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond Aspen Falls, while his father wants him to take over the family's sawmill. Jason, the youngest son, wants to take over the business and expand it, but his father hasn't even considered that.

Miriam, the youngest Hart daughter, the tomboy, flouting convention and prompting her mother's apoplectic fits.


Conflicts, misunderstandings, and disappointments trigger obstacles for Millicent Benson, the baker's daughter to Sheriff Clay Buford, an emotionally wounded veteran of the War Between the States.

Doc Hemmings' skills are put to the test when a mysterious illness reaches Aspen Falls.

Susan Rogers faces obstacles as she tries to build a schoolhouse for the burgeoning town.


The inhabitants of Aspen Falls are used to struggles and hardships, but courage is not in short supply in the community, prompting every one of its residents to reach for - and fight for - their future.



Historical western romance short story series.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2018

1501 people are currently reading
326 people want to read

About the author

Ellen Anderson

125 books12 followers

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5 stars
418 (45%)
4 stars
246 (27%)
3 stars
160 (17%)
2 stars
59 (6%)
1 star
27 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
November 23, 2018
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This is installment focuses on setting the foundation for the basic group of individuals that this series represents from the small western, pioneer town, of Aspen Falls.

This series includes short inspirational, faith-based, historical romance stories that can be read quickly. They each have good bones and a myriad of potential. They are not very long or particularly challenging. The characters are likable, but they really didn't have much meat on their bones and the conclusions come abruptly with limited details. The plot was initially compelling, including interaction that reflected hope, faith, and the ability to conquer a major conflict or challenge in their lives. As per the description of the book, "In spite of the idyllic setting, many of the inhabitants of the close-knit community must overcome challenges in their personal and professional lives."

Consequently, the shortness of the book gives readers a feel for the author's writing and the author learning her craft, but it doesn't allow enough time to flesh out the characters, develop the plot, shape or develop the story, and conclude in a more dynamic conclusion without such abruptness. Audiences who like romances that take their time to develop characters, good chemistry, and logical progressions of events will be disappointed. Based on the shortness in length, grammatical errors, and lack of development, I am unable to rate this book higher than a 3, even though I enjoyed reading the series.

I read this series through the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon. These stories include clean romance, each installment is able to stand on its own, with the exception of the first one, (although make more sense if the complete series is read in order), and deliver the idea or hopeful thought of an H.E.A.

Profile Image for Elizabeth Bennet.
742 reviews8 followers
June 16, 2018
This book was on the freebie list and I knew it would not end with this book. The image on the book really caught my eye as well as the story line. It is slow but you can begin to see where it's headed and I'm intrigued to see if William really is back or if possibly the sheriff plays a bigger part. It is definitely one that will appeal to those who like historical reads that hold some pain that pull the couple together. It hasn't happened yet it's really early with this short tale but it's on the horizon. I hope it won't disappoint and I saw that it comes in a boxed set. It gives me something to consider. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Christine.
570 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2020
The first part was the backstop of how the whole town began. The second part was about the main family of the town, especially the oldest daughter. You could tell at the end that there was more to the story and would need to read the next books in the series.
Profile Image for Mary.
181 reviews
March 23, 2019
Slim pickings or an old friend?

I was disappointed to find this wasn't a complete story. I thought I was getting the whole book. Some places the wrong word was used, & places where story was repetitive. When the heroine talked about her dream for her future & when she talked about William. Several times it was mentioned that he had just left Rachel with no warning. She doesn't talk as if she is totally in love with William either. Mentioning her vision & headache problem at least 3-4 times, m a's ybe more.
Profile Image for Marissa.
304 reviews29 followers
December 6, 2018
This is a free book on amazon kindle. So, the purpose of this book is to interest you and make you want to pick up the rest of the books in the series. As a stand alone book, this story is short and there's no real resolution. Yes, William returns but does he stay?

I have to say, I am interested in continuing the series. I have a feeling this book can be skipped though. The description of Aspen Falls and the introduction of Rachel's family is nice but there's no actual substance to the story. This reads more like a #0.5 prequel rather than the first book in a series.
Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
522 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2018
Good story line, sweet romance

I didn't particularly enjoy this book. I felt like the characters needed more development. The book seemed like a preview.
2 reviews
January 12, 2020
Good book. A very welcome change from the ones that writers think they have to use dirty words to keep one's attention. I will never buy or read a book that is full of stuff like that.Our world is too full of violence and evil to have to read about it in our times of relaxing also.I would recommend this to my friends

Anytime.looking forward to reading more like these. Let's see more like this. They also could be longer though so one could enjoy it longer.
Profile Image for Lynda.
1,224 reviews35 followers
February 1, 2021
Really REALLY dislike magazine installment books

What is a magazine installment book? They used to be in old newspapers too. A book is printed out in pieces. Chapter or two at a time. Call this on an introduction because that's all you are going to get. Had the summary made this clear, I wouldn't have gotten this ... I can't call it a book. Or a novella. Or even a short story. It has no end.
482 reviews
October 12, 2021
This was a good book. I love stories set in the 1800’s and this one was no different. I love the way families were back then, persevering through problems, our children couldn’t even imagine, and I love how they love each other and stick together in the face of obstacles, no matter how hard they seem. Community was important back then, as well. This was apparent in this book. No spoilers, but a clean good story here in the beginning of this series.
2 reviews
June 28, 2018
I was very interested in all the characters. What I couldn't figure out is this series all short stories? I know this is not a review. I just can not figure out how to purchase books when I want them. I am unable to do unlimited or Prime time, unable to afford them. Just want to read good clean books. Thanks for listening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
294 reviews
August 19, 2018
This was incredibly short, I felt the whole point in this story was to establish that there might possibly be something between Rachael and William and that Rachael's eyesight was failing.
It seemed rather ridiculous. It wasn't a true story, but a small idea. It could have been interesting, but it ended so quickly that I couldn't get into it. So I would not recommend it.
Profile Image for Missy.
429 reviews
June 6, 2019
Short sweet full of strength from characters

The family unit is close knit and helpful to each other. 1800's so well behaved children with values and morals. They grow up to help family. Each has a strength and vulnerability that they must handle, with the help of great of family and good friends.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,704 reviews
August 26, 2018
This was a very good teaser for this series and it worked, I bought all 8 more books. It was an awesome tease. You get so into the main character's life you just want to know what happens
I'm hoping the rest of series is as good as this short story. Found lots of enjoyment reading this.
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2018
Great series..........

I'm excited about starting this series of stories about a young woman and her family. The characters of this series are people living in the west in the early days of America.
2,379 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2019
New Beginnings ( Aspen Falls Boom 1)

This was really a great story, actually 1 and 2 of Aspen Falls. It was about a family finding their home near Aspen Falls. Growing up, two gils and two boys. Finding their happiness. You Will enjoy these stories
Profile Image for Anna Meyer.
Author 1 book8 followers
March 1, 2020
This was a freebie, and I knew it would end on a cliffhanger, encouraging you to want to buy the series. There was a whole lot of background in this first book of the series, and some story. I honestly won’t care to finish the series, as the book was unsatisfying as a whole.
1,397 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2022
There is a time for everything time to be happy a time to cry

I really enjoyed this book. Look forward to more . NEW BEGINNINGS AND BLIND FAITH , ASPEN FALLS BOOK 1 BY ELLEN ANDERSON, KATIE WYATT. I recommend teens and up.
2,629 reviews10 followers
April 4, 2018
Refreshing

Really a quick read and so very enjoyable. The characters are so unique I can't wait to hear each of their stories.
Profile Image for Donna Little.
30 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2018
Book 1. Aspen Falls

Good story with insightful characters. Great descriptions put you in the heart of the action. A hard story to put down.
1 review
August 18, 2018
What's next for Aspen Falls

Totally enjoyed the book. Can't wait to learn more about the founding family and the growing town and interesting residents.
Profile Image for Joyce DeVore.
27 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2018
Just a little short story - almost didn't read because of it. Just average characters in a little forgettable tale.
5 reviews
February 5, 2019
Dissapointing

I thought I was reading a book, but it was more like a short story that had no end. I doubt I will read another in the series.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,339 reviews38 followers
April 14, 2019
This was a nice introduction to Aspen Falls.
Profile Image for Rose Helg.
2,880 reviews28 followers
June 8, 2019
Good Book



I never read their books before. This was an Good Book. The ending was Good, also. I will definitely read more if their books.
Profile Image for Mettesknit .
1,162 reviews6 followers
November 13, 2019
Eummm 😳
I don't think anything happened in this book... 😐😑😐
Profile Image for Michele King.
23 reviews
December 15, 2019
A simple story.

There is nothing objectionable, or outright wrong, but there is no depth to the characters or the plot, both are completely predictable.
195 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2019
Nicely paced

Refreshing stories more in tune with day to day living of the early settlers in the 1800s. Definitely authors to keep reading.
Profile Image for Casey.
1,537 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2019
Enlightening

The absolute awe and admiration I feel for those who overcome the loss of a sense most take for granted is huge.
This author communicates it well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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