A Duchess for Thorneshire Manor: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Scandals and Second Chances 2)
“My heart has been encased in ice, but your presence melted even the coldest of fears within me.”
Miss Clarissa Wyndham once lived a comfortable life before fate plunged her family name into ruinous debt. Now a duke’s reluctant bride, she abandons tarnished dreams to navigate the secrets enshrouding Thorneshire Estate and its brooding master. Behind the Beastly Duke of Thorneshire’s volatile temper and imposing armor, Clarissa glimpses flickers of past demons. As she strives to warm the widowed Duke’s closely-guarded heart, disturbing events threaten to smother their fragile marriage bonds. Yet even as distrust divides them, a greater sinister conspiracy secretly surrounds them both.
Calum Hawthorne, the Duke of Thorneshire, endured relentless scorn ever since his darling Violet perished mysteriously on their wedding night five long years ago. Though dubbed natural causes, whispers blamed the Duke’s ill temper in the tragedy that transformed him into a surly recluse. Convinced by his aunt to remarry, Calum brokers an arranged marriage with Miss Clarissa Wyndham. As Calum battles with old grief, an undeniable connection kindles between the unlikely newlyweds. Will ruthless forces crush this delicate trust once more? Can Clarissa’s steadfast caring heal her husband’s beastly heart?
For even as love cautiously blossoms, a deadly plot steeped in past sins conspires to bring Clarissa’s undoing unless Calum can confront long-buried secrets that shattered his world years before…and realize that a heart once winter’s hostage can be rescued by redemptive love when fate grants second chances.
* An edgy regency romp, it spins a tale without any tricks, one where looks are exchanged, moments are stolen, and a sweet ending. It is an enchanting regency romance of over 60,000 words.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after.
Read A Duchess for Thorneshire Manor – a real romance – now available.
Customer Reviews
D*********i
Jealousy
“It was all so full of life. Everything had come together. Everything was beautiful. And everything was at peace.” I found the story plot to be very engaging. He was always much to hard on himself. So happy they found each other. You must read to find out all she went throughMay 29, 2025
A*C
Hard life
Good addicting read. 2 people with sad histories and a hard life. Semi pushed but was not forced to marry. Clean, easy read. A good plot is not over the top, believeable. Healing, trauma, loss, financial loss, rumors, and scandals. Attempted murder, betrayal.May 27, 2025
K*t
beauty and the beast
Clarissa marries Calum and is curious about the man. Calum meanwhile is lost in the thoughts of his dead wife, but he cannot help but be drawn in by Clarissa. Can these two find real love with each other? Must read.December 14, 2024
V***********2
Wonderful
This was a wonderful mystery and romance. The dukes wife collapsed on their wedding night and dies. His grief is beyond hope of ever ending. 5 years has passed and Calvin’s godmother has called to try and draw him out to a ball she is having. Her reason unless he wants to let his title die with out an heir his father would be disappointed in him. There he meets Clarissa. Whose family has lost everything and she needs to marry to save them. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were so well developed you felt for them. Just a really great read! OnNovember 17, 2024
C*****a
Recommended
An excellent plot that involves death, bitterness, greed, and love. Letting go of bitterness and self-recrimination seems impossible for Calum, until Clarissa enters his life, but, even then, danger is hovering over them.November 8, 2024
J*****e
Beautiful and well written story!
Clarissa & Callum were such a lovely couple. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. First book I’ve read by Ms. Barwood and I surely intend to read more as her writing style is very engaging. The book cover of Clarissa is awesome and graceful, a Duchess through and through.October 17, 2024
M*m
Another happy ending!
The writing was done very well. It’s an engaging story, even though I figured it out early, it was still so well written, I read to the very end.September 25, 2024
B***y
Very good read
Enjoyed the book from beginning to end. It was fast flowing which is what I like. Figured out the bad guy from the very first time he was presented, but not the underlying reason. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.September 14, 2024
K*************r
August review
There were no sex scenes, loved that. The story moved along very smoothly. Could picture in my head All the people.August 23, 2024
K*************r
Awesome romance
This is a exciting and dramatic story of how love and forgiveness can turn a catastrophic situation into one of joy and happiness.August 13, 2024
f*****e
Freddie
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms Barwood but certainly want be the last. Wonderful story with love and mystery and beautiful characters. Just loved Calum and Clarissa. ????August 9, 2024
R********e
A Few Problems Then Perfection
Thank you, Martha. It is a wonder that they didn’t question the first duchesses death. I thought it was very interesting that three people were involved in this deadly scheme. Clarissa was patient and very loving to everyone, so it was wonderful that everything worked out at the end.August 9, 2024
A*************r
A Duchess for Thorneshire Manor
What a lovely story, very well written, I was really immersed in the story it grab me from the start. Fabulous characters. Thank you ps: she looks beautiful on the cover so Duchess.August 2, 2024
e***5
VERY TOUCHING STORY!
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters especially the H/h, they were well developed. Very pleasant read, I finished it in an afternoon.August 2, 2024
E****n
An awesome book!
A Duke that lost his beloved wife on their wedding night is heartbroken and distraught. He has let his temper an anguish flourish for 5 years. Then he decides to have a marriage of convenience. He met the young lady at a ball by his aunt.July 29, 2024
K*******************B
Definite
Really good book. Beware the relative. Fairytale! I loved this book. It was too short. A sequel would be nice.July 28, 2024
A*************r
Simplistic plot
A quick, pleasant read, but a disappointing plot because the who done it and why was easily anticipated almost from the earliest pages.July 27, 2024
L******e
Clarissa And Calums Love Story
This was an exceptionally intense story. It was full of tragedy, loss, fear, anger, intrigue, mystery, and so many strong emotions. It was very engaging and exciting. I enjoyed that love found its way into darkness, bringing forth light and happiness. I highly recommend reading!July 25, 2024
D******n
A Lovely Story
Two souls with tainted pasts finds themselves together. Miss Clarissa Wyndham and the Duke, Calum have been encouraged to consider marriage. Once together he tries to live his miserable life, but Clarissa has a liveliness about her that draws him in. As they continue through their days, off and on again, with comradery they begin to have feelings towards one another. Unknown to them there is a darkness that intends that they will not have their happily ever after. ARC ReviewJuly 25, 2024
P*******a
Outstanding
I enjoyed the story. The characters And their difficulties were authentic and relatable.July 24, 2024
B*******w
Delightful characters, sweet story
I felt the characters pain, and truly enjoyed the story about love lost and found.July 24, 2024
R*********e
Loved the characters and the mystery!
Calum’s first wife died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving him a broken man. Calum marries his second wife, Clarissa, soon after meeting her. He wishes to remain faithful to Violet’s memory by never giving his heart to Clarissa. However, his new wife proves to be a candid lady that manages to unlock his heart. When Calum realizes he loves her, Clarissa is nearly taken from him much like Violet was years ago. I was able to figure out the mystery before the end of the book but one detail of it was a surprise to me. I love a good historical gothic romance and this book had a mystery similar to something from that genre. Loved it!July 23, 2024
r**e
A duchess for Thorneshire Manor
Great book, I really enjoyed the story line and the characters were likeable, really enjoyed reading about Clarissa and Calum story starting with their marriage of convenience and finding love along the way for their happy ever after. I received an advanced copy of this book and I am giving a voluntary review.July 23, 2024
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this bookJuly 22, 2024
J*d
Good read!
Family debt reminded Clarissa that without a dowry her chances for marriage was bleak. Then her uncle made hope seem possible when he offered her a chance to attend the season. The Widowed Duke, Calum Hawthorne, wasn’t interested in entering into society after being accuses of killing his wife on their wedding night. His Aunt encouraged him to remarry because of the need for an heir. This is a special love story which began badly but grew as time went on. There is quite a surprise hidden among the pages of this book that will shock you. Will Clarissa and Calum find happiness?July 22, 2024
B********a
Great novel
This is a great novel I very much enjoyed reading this novel it is a very well written novel a real page turnerJuly 22, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.July 22, 2024
J***e
Loved it
Really enjoyed this book, great storyline, loveable characters and a good romanceJuly 22, 2024
A**************************s
Sweet and Sassy Marriage of Convenience Romance
I loved this book! This is the second book I’ve read from this author and it won’t be my last! She did an amazing job creating a beautiful love story. I loved how our couple grew together through their marriage, and their grumpy/sunshine dynamic was entertaining! I do love a well written grumpy/sunshine trope. There was a little bit of intrigue as well, which really added to the story. The ending was beautiful. If you love a well written and sweet marriage of convenience story, you need to read this one!July 22, 2024
A**********n
Cool read
Lovely and very heart warmingJuly 21, 2024
B***Y
Interesting
I really enjoyed this book. Kept my interest to the end. Well written and good characters.July 21, 2024
