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Bear Creek Brides #11

Healing a Self-Conscious Woman’s Heart

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When life has dealt an unfair hand, healing takes strength, courage, and determination. Journey with Mayme as she learns to accept herself and let love in.

Mayme Ruble has never felt like she fit in. Surrounded by petite, elegant ladies, she’s always felt too big, and despite her longing, she’s never found the right man to settle down with. After yet another disappointing dinner party where she barely feels visible to her potential suitors, an ad from a dairy farmer looking for a bride catches her eye.

Could this be the escape from sadness she’s been looking for? Might she finally find her place in the world?

The only way for Thomas Harris to see his sisters securely married is to set a good example. His work on the farm has prevented him from settling down, so he writes to the newspaper advertising for a wife. When he receives Mayme’s reply, he sees in her words someone who’s different from all the rest: someone who’s open, honest, and warm.

Mayme sets off for a new life in Bear Creek, hopeful that Thomas might be the man she’s looking for, but she’s nervous: will he be as interested when he meets her in person?

Thomas and Mayme have an instant connection, but Mayme’s self-conscious, and aware of every movement she makes. She’s eager to help out on the farm and blend in, but is her passion for baking enough for her to pass? Can she trust that Thomas truly wants a life with her?

When disaster hits Bear Creek, Mayme is faced with her biggest challenge yet: can she prove herself to be the capable, practical woman she longs to be? Or will this simply be another of the world’s tests that she fails to pass?

Healing a Self-Conscious Woman’s Heart is the eleventh book in the Bear Creek Brides historical Western romance series. Lose yourself in an inspirational story of love and healing as Mayme finds the strength to seek acceptance in a world that’s always shown her hostility.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

329 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Rose

101 books166 followers
I am a shameless romance addict with no intentions of ever kicking the habit. Growing up I dreamed of entertaining people and taking them on fantastical journeys with my acting abilities, until I came to the realization as a college sophomore that I had none to speak of. Another ten years would pass before I discovered a different means to accomplishing the same dream: writing stories of love and passion for addicts just like me.I have always loved romance stories and I try to tie all the elements I like about them into my writing.

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5 stars
226 (73%)
4 stars
62 (20%)
3 stars
13 (4%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Frances Hernandez.
744 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2020
I received this ebook ARC, from the author , on the condition that I write an honest review.
I’ve read several of the other Bear Creek books about mail-order brides. This story just flowed so well with the previous books, as several characters from the previous books make repeat appearances. Thomas is a dairy farmer and lives with his 3 sisters. The girls are near marriage age and they encourage Thomas to find a mail-order bride so he will not be lonely when they marry.
Mayme is a wealthy young lady who has lost all her family in a boating accident. She is living a wealthy, but lonely life, and because of her size, no man has been attracted to her.
She leaves the south to go live with Thomas and his sisters. She finally finds her peace and happiness with the love of Thomas and acceptance by his sisters. A devastation affects the town, and Mayme uses her money to help with the needs of the townspeople, and the whole town comes together to help each other out. Thomas and Mayme eventually obtain their HEA.
I enjoy reading all this series about the people of Bear Creek and recommend these books written by Amelia Rose.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
October 23, 2020
❤️❤️ONE DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY❤️❤️
Outstanding! Amelia delivers one beautifully composed piece of wonder with this delectably scrumptious deep dish delicacy, serving up some hard knocks, relentless drive and ruthless determination, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat, blasting this jewel to a whole new level. Toss in captivating drama, tantalizing intrigue, selfless contribution, spawning danger, electrifying suspense and intense situations ensue, bursting this baby to life brilliantly. Traversing the vexing mishaps and unexpected events noting the dramatic twists and intricate turns, broken boundaries and dissolved limitations are amplified and exploited, baring the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and beautiful in it's depth, fusing this gem together flawlessly. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back baring incredibly deep emotions and an intense bond, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, dialogue, interactions and electrified atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Amelia, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,223 reviews54 followers
October 26, 2020
Like getting a present in the mail!

I was so angry for Mayme at the beginning of this book, the way she was treated by everyone but those in her household was deplorable. I was cheering her every step of the way when she chose to travel to Bear Creek, knowing the town and especially Thomas would welcome her with open arms, seeing only the beautiful person she is inside and out...no judgements. The advice given before she travelled did bring a tear to my eye, but is still so relevant today and something so many forget:
1. You must learn to love yourself before you can truly love another person.
2. Promise to always choose happiness
I wish she could have taken her staff with her to start a new life in Bear Creek too, I am sure they would have benefited from a new life with less judgements.
Thomas did not disappoint, he sees Mayme for who she is....a kind, loving, generous soul who also happens to be beautiful! Swoon!
One of the best Bear Creek books, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Amy.
521 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2021
3.4 stars- Thomas’s sisters tell him he should come to bible study and be more social to find a possible wife; he is not interested in getting married but decides to write an ad to appease them.

Maymie sees the mail order bride ad for the dairy farmer with three sisters and thinks this could be interesting so writes a reply. She doesn’t have the typical figure which she thinks has prevented her from finding success in a mate.

They write each other back and forth to get to know each better which suits Maymie just as well since she is worried about her appearance.

Maymie arrives and hits it off with Thomas sisters and he seems happy too.

The Harvest Festival gives them an opportunity to dance and get a little closer. They both admit they are developing feelings for each other.

Danger and devastation sweeps through and destroys most of their herd which is their livelihood. A lot of townspeople are affected but Maymie has something up her sleeve to help.
2,324 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2020
Loving the Dairy Farmer!
This is the story of the romancing of Thomas, a Dairy Farmer and Mayme, a well off heiress who becomes his Mail Order Bride.
Mayne is under the impression that she is unattractive because of her larger, curvy figure. That is until Thomas convinces her otherwise.
I loved her generosity and her willingness to share whatever she possesses and that she has a very loving heart.
Thomas is hard working, yet he finds the time to woo Mayme and the story ends with a lovely happy ever after.
My voluntary and unbiased review above is written after reading an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the ebook.
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,603 reviews22 followers
October 26, 2020
Mayme is big and curvy but with a big loving heart. She sees herself as lacking because of her size. She wants what most women want. A home, family, loving husband and such. She meets a man through a mail order advertisement. He is looking for a wife who will be an example for his family. Do these two look past the outside to what is good and loving on the inside. Too many people think what a person looks like on the outside is only what matters and miss the best thing that has ever come across them. This is exciting, inspiring, surprising, emotional and so much more. Loved this one. I recommend it. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
23 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2020
After reading an advance copy of Amelia Rose’s new book, I like her character development and plot, but the grammar and sentence structure could be better.
The premise that “larger” women are as valuable to society as any other citizen is one that should be stressed, and I am glad that Amanda Rose has tackled this subject. She paints a picture of a loving, generous woman who has been hurt but still cares for family and community.
I hope that other authors will follow suit with more heroes and heroines who are not beautiful or physically perfect like most of the real people who fall in love.
643 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2020
Amelia Rose has written a wonderful story that is slightly different. I really enjoyed the characters that were so believable and I felt as if I had spent time with old friends once again. Mayme was a lonely young woman after the death of her family and she really wasn’t accepted by the other young ladies in her social group. All she really wants is to take care of loved ones and be loved in return. Thomas knows that his sisters will marry eventually and have homes of their own, will he be able to find someone to share his life with?
2,621 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2020
Thomas and Mayme

This is a sweet, loving Mail Order Bride tale written by Amelia Ross. She has done an exceptional job with the plot and the characters, both old and new. Amelia has included plenty adventure and excitement. They is the learning curve for Mayme from rich pampered rich girl into a young lady in the hard working dairy farmers fiancé and wife. There are two marriages and a terrible, devastating tornado to over come.You will greatly enjoy discovering how Mayme and Thomas find their happily ever after.
718 reviews11 followers
December 16, 2020
Inspirational!

A fantastic heartwarming story of finding courage and determination to begin a new life. This unbelievably imaginative and sweet romance between two totally different people who both have a chance on happiness even though they come from different backgrounds was definitely a uplifting story. The characters were charming and sweet ,the challenge of finding courage to face a different life out west for a lady of means was unbelievably sweet and the struggles that the couple faced will hold the reader's attention.
2,304 reviews83 followers
February 23, 2021
Sweet Historical Romance

I enjoyed this story very much, although I don't consider it Christian, it does incorporate many Christian values, including generosity. I find no issues with the story or the narration, with the exception of the proposal timing, and their inner thoughts about their first kiss! I loved how the Sioux tribe once again stepped in to help and their generosity and commitment to the betterment of the community came back double fold. This isn't a Christmas story, but it does conclude with a Christmas day scene.
56 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2020
Beautifully written Clean western Romance! A woman with little self confidence about her appearance searches for someone to accept her for who she is, regardless of how she looks. Miss Mayme leaves the rich comfortable life and tries to find love in the West. She shows us what it truly means to follow your heart even when its something you have no idea if you can do it. Again, beautifully written love story.
I was given this book as an ARC member and this is my honest review.
4,589 reviews32 followers
November 8, 2020
It is always good to visit Bear Creek. Amelia Rose introduces wealthy Charleston, South Carolina native, Mayme Ruble to Bear Creek dairyman, Thomas Harris, and his sisters. This story has bullies, friendship, hard work, tough times and love. I love how the townsfolk and the Sioux work together especially after a disaster. And we have at least two more stories to look forward to as Betsy and Maribel still have to find their grooms.
154 reviews
November 25, 2022
Benefactor angel for those in need

A wonderful story of how much a life can change for the better with a change in residency as a Mail Order Bride. This Angel comes to find love and is able to help rebuild a community with a wealth she wants to share. She enjoys the simple hard work on the dairy so much and is happier than she has ever been in the community that accepts her without judgment of her size.
Profile Image for ReadingWench.
2,103 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2021
I loved these characters. A "real" woman. Awesome. This character was written with real emotions. Of course, the hero in our story doesn't always say the right thing and in a woman's mind....well. The story was great and had a few twists I wasn't expecting. Reading this book I was feeling all the emotions as well.

The audio however. Ugh.
33 reviews
August 15, 2021
Self-conscious Woman’s Heart

Wonderful story about the true meaning of Christian love where a self-conscious woman gain surety and confidence while finding her purpose in life. I love the fact that she is not a slim beauty but people see her true beauty. It makes one believe there is hope for us all.
Profile Image for Millie.
280 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2023
Love this one!

I read Healing a Self-conscious Woman's Heart by Amelia Rose through the kindle Unlimited program. Getting to visit Bear Creek and meet a new family was just a joy. I enjoyed meeting new characters and revisiting old ones. Another good sweet, Christian book. Well done.
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,180 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2020
A wonderful mail-order bride full of surprises. A great addition to the series. I love revisiting old characters. I wish more could have been added on the townsfolk, but I realize the story was staying on point with the characters in this book. A great romance healing story.
5,417 reviews67 followers
November 15, 2020
Healing a Self-conscious Woman 's Heart Inspirational Christian Mail Order Brides

This is a very good story about a young woman that is very self conscious about her size and shape and being made fun of but she became a mail order bride and finds love and happiness
544 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2020
Great Book

I Loved this book just like all the other books in this series.I couldn’t put this one down until I was done.Mail order brides are my favorite books and this one did not disappoint.Wonderful book.
Profile Image for Debbie Moody.
111 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2021
Maybe and Thomas

Wow great story of learning to love yourself and spreading that love to others. Maybe struggles with body issues and bullying and comes out the heroine. What is not to love.
34 reviews
August 14, 2022
Wonderful!!

I love these stories . Thank you for writing them all so well. Its so sad that all indians and white folj in America couldn't work together like they do in Bear Creek. How much nicer it would be if they had. Xx
8 reviews
October 29, 2024
Best, yet

The storyline is good. The wording and descriptions are simplistic. It's safe to a tired soul, without too much drama and the typical knowledge of the end from the beginning.
132 reviews
September 13, 2025
Healing a Self-Conscious Woman’s Heart

This is a lovely story about a woman determined to find herself in the west after loosing her family. She found hers real self as well as her HEA with Thomas a dairy farmer and his sisters. I didn’t want this story to end.
Profile Image for T.
2,084 reviews
October 25, 2020
I love mail order bride reads and this didn't disappoint!
24 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2021
Am a voracious reader and am enjoying mail order bride stories right now. Like Amelia Rose books She has many and I have listened to some as well as read some. Entertaining and fun.
Profile Image for Pamela.
749 reviews
December 19, 2022
Wonderful

I really enjoyed the ongoing story of Bear Creek, I feel like I know the people that you write about. Can't wait to read the next book.
7 reviews
March 7, 2024
Fantastic

I have read all 11 book's and I have enjoyed all of them .
And I am looking forward to.reading more.
126 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2021
Good

Good read book continued with then other books in that the story flowed easily the plot was good and the characters seemed real
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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