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Herefordshire #1
To Be a Lady
After her father’s scandal, Mary Wythe must start a new life as a commoner. When her mother’s old spending habits causes them to be late on their rent, Mary approaches the ornery Lord Malvern to beg for more time. Not only does he extend the grace period, but her honesty and sharp mind with numbers prompts him to offer her a position as steward over his estate. Mary is skeptical. She’s never heard of anyone hiring a woman steward. But she desperately needs to find new employment; her brother is too young to provide for their needs, and her mother still pines over losing her position in society. The problem is, Mary loathes Lord Malvern.
Being the third son of an Earl, Thomas Leeds inherits little when his father dies—except for the self-appointed responsibility of his mother, who is disallowed by Thomas’s sister-in-law to live in the manor and refuses to live in the dower house. He moves his mother to an abandoned family estate in Herefordshire. Thomas, unfortunately, fails miserably at managing his newly acquired Malvern Estate. He needs to hire a steward, but he can’t afford one. Then he stumbles on to the perfect candidate: Mary Wythe. She has a mind for business and could live in the estate’s empty steward’s cottage for much of her wage. The only problem is, she doesn’t like him. Neither does he care much for her.
Can Mary and Thomas put their dislike for each other aside to save Malvern Estate from ruin? Can they open their eyes to each other before it’s too late?
To Be a Lady is an enemy to lovers story with a Cinderella slant inspired by historical events and filled with mystery, tenderness, and clean romantic tension.
Being the third son of an Earl, Thomas Leeds inherits little when his father dies—except for the self-appointed responsibility of his mother, who is disallowed by Thomas’s sister-in-law to live in the manor and refuses to live in the dower house. He moves his mother to an abandoned family estate in Herefordshire. Thomas, unfortunately, fails miserably at managing his newly acquired Malvern Estate. He needs to hire a steward, but he can’t afford one. Then he stumbles on to the perfect candidate: Mary Wythe. She has a mind for business and could live in the estate’s empty steward’s cottage for much of her wage. The only problem is, she doesn’t like him. Neither does he care much for her.
Can Mary and Thomas put their dislike for each other aside to save Malvern Estate from ruin? Can they open their eyes to each other before it’s too late?
To Be a Lady is an enemy to lovers story with a Cinderella slant inspired by historical events and filled with mystery, tenderness, and clean romantic tension.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Twede Frank
32 books97 followersAbout my writing: I don't like to write candy for the brain. But I do like to try to make my books not only fulfilling, but entertaining. Candy is nice, but a meal of meat, potatoes, and veges can leave you more satisfied. My books give the reader a good taste of history and/or science along with a dash of mystery folded into the story.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 7, 2025
(3.5 stars) - enjoyed it, but parental caveat...
This is the kind of story that I think of as a historical fairytale in that it takes place within a historical setting, but the tale itself is more fairytale than plausible.
I enjoyed it, but there were multiple things that simply couldn't have happened in that time period, starting with a woman being a steward. No one, especially the banks, would have done business with a woman. Even if they were willing, it would damage their reputation. British lines of class & propriety were far more rigid than those in America - and it would be unlikely in America at that time as well.
Still, I was willing to suspend credibility, or I wouldn't have even picked up the book. Mary is a strong willed & competent woman who is able to get things done efficiently & effectively. Definitely an asset. Thomas is smart to value her input. His valuing of her attractiveness ends up creating a situation where he is trying to have his Mary & his Ambrose, too (did I miss the explanation of why she had a male name?).
In real life it would obviously be heading toward him having a wife in name & a mistress in fact, which was an awkwardness that kept pulling me out of the story.
Since this is aimed at older teen & young adult readers, it's something I would definitely want to talk to my daughter about. It's not unusual for guys to take advantage of young women who want to prove their capabilities, use them & dispose of them (yes, there's a gender swap version of this as well). It's good to talk with your young people about boundaries & warning signs
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic + the unhealthy pushing of romantic boundaries discussed above
This is the kind of story that I think of as a historical fairytale in that it takes place within a historical setting, but the tale itself is more fairytale than plausible.
I enjoyed it, but there were multiple things that simply couldn't have happened in that time period, starting with a woman being a steward. No one, especially the banks, would have done business with a woman. Even if they were willing, it would damage their reputation. British lines of class & propriety were far more rigid than those in America - and it would be unlikely in America at that time as well.
Still, I was willing to suspend credibility, or I wouldn't have even picked up the book. Mary is a strong willed & competent woman who is able to get things done efficiently & effectively. Definitely an asset. Thomas is smart to value her input. His valuing of her attractiveness ends up creating a situation where he is trying to have his Mary & his Ambrose, too (did I miss the explanation of why she had a male name?).
In real life it would obviously be heading toward him having a wife in name & a mistress in fact, which was an awkwardness that kept pulling me out of the story.
Since this is aimed at older teen & young adult readers, it's something I would definitely want to talk to my daughter about. It's not unusual for guys to take advantage of young women who want to prove their capabilities, use them & dispose of them (yes, there's a gender swap version of this as well). It's good to talk with your young people about boundaries & warning signs
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic + the unhealthy pushing of romantic boundaries discussed above
August 19, 2024
This was a well-written book. Mary is such a likable character. She's had a hard life, losing her place in society when her father made some bad decisions and lost the family's money. Yet, she's a hard worker, willing to work to help her family survive. She's definitely not your typical Regency female main character. She works for her money rather than just sitting at home or attending balls. She doesn't ride sidesaddle. She's not afraid to get a little dirty working outside. She's smart. Yet, she's also a lady at heart.
I love that Mary and Thomas are both characters who really want to help others. They value their families and put the needs of their family members above their own needs. They get mad at each other a few times, and it's generally because of misunderstandings or a lack of knowing the reason behind the other one's actions. They really are a couple you'll want to root for.
This is a clean novel. You won't find any swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. One character does suggest Mary engage in some less-than-honorable activities to repay a debt, but she quickly refuses. There are at least two scenes that could have become violent, but you don't get the gruesome details. If you like Regency novels that aren't your typical Regency novel, this one's for you.
I got an ARC from the author, Carolyn Twede Frank, and I voluntarily wrote a review.
I love that Mary and Thomas are both characters who really want to help others. They value their families and put the needs of their family members above their own needs. They get mad at each other a few times, and it's generally because of misunderstandings or a lack of knowing the reason behind the other one's actions. They really are a couple you'll want to root for.
This is a clean novel. You won't find any swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. One character does suggest Mary engage in some less-than-honorable activities to repay a debt, but she quickly refuses. There are at least two scenes that could have become violent, but you don't get the gruesome details. If you like Regency novels that aren't your typical Regency novel, this one's for you.
I got an ARC from the author, Carolyn Twede Frank, and I voluntarily wrote a review.
November 13, 2024
I finished it…
Amateurish, poorly written Regency. It took me forever to finish. Young lady who happens to be a fabulous seamstress has come down in the world. She takes a job as the Steward to a struggling lord, which was very unusual at the time. Too many plot threads barely touched on; multiple misspellings. Agnes is not spelled Agnus. Ugh.
Amateurish, poorly written Regency. It took me forever to finish. Young lady who happens to be a fabulous seamstress has come down in the world. She takes a job as the Steward to a struggling lord, which was very unusual at the time. Too many plot threads barely touched on; multiple misspellings. Agnes is not spelled Agnus. Ugh.
February 17, 2025
To Be A Lady tells the story of Mary Wythe, who was once a Lady until her family lost their wealth and was cast out of society. Mary is strong and brave, doing everything she can to support her family, including her younger brother, Timothy, who is a favorite character of mine in the book and whose story continues in the sequel.
Lord Malvern, Thomas Leeds, inherits an estate in decline and a mother who constantly complains. He is unaware that his steward has been dishonest with him. His mother is eager to marry him off to a wealthy lady, leaving him feeling overwhelmed about how to improve his life and his estate. Mary and Thomas find themselves in a unique situation where she becomes his steward and he is her employer. As with many Regency romances, their attraction develops as the story unfolds. The dance lessons Mary teaches Thomas highlight their chemistry beautifully. The author skillfully portrays Mary as a strong yet feminine lead.
To Be A Lady is told from two perspectives that focus on overcoming challenges, showing resilience, falling in love, and taking control of one’s future. This book is well-written, and I am excited to read the next two installments in the series.
Lord Malvern, Thomas Leeds, inherits an estate in decline and a mother who constantly complains. He is unaware that his steward has been dishonest with him. His mother is eager to marry him off to a wealthy lady, leaving him feeling overwhelmed about how to improve his life and his estate. Mary and Thomas find themselves in a unique situation where she becomes his steward and he is her employer. As with many Regency romances, their attraction develops as the story unfolds. The dance lessons Mary teaches Thomas highlight their chemistry beautifully. The author skillfully portrays Mary as a strong yet feminine lead.
To Be A Lady is told from two perspectives that focus on overcoming challenges, showing resilience, falling in love, and taking control of one’s future. This book is well-written, and I am excited to read the next two installments in the series.
September 29, 2024
Sweet, period romance
Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read
Mary and Thomas’ story started with both in dire need of help. Mary’s famiky had fallen to ruin at her father’s death and disgrace from his debts. Mary’s prospects ruined, she tries to hold her family together and find a place for them to prosper in a meager fashion.
Thomas’ steward is mismanaging his small, floundering estate and he is in dire need of helping it prosper and pull together the records. Mary becoming his steward brings him more hope than he dreamed possible, but is it in enough time?
Lovely, sweet, tender romance from afar between these two honest, caring, hardworking characters. As they spend more time together trying to solve all the estate problems, they both realize what they really hope, want and care for us each other, but is it possible with the looming debts?
More if a 3.5 for me as a reader, but still with compelling characters and emotions I rounded up, and choose to ignore the minor issues.
Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read
Mary and Thomas’ story started with both in dire need of help. Mary’s famiky had fallen to ruin at her father’s death and disgrace from his debts. Mary’s prospects ruined, she tries to hold her family together and find a place for them to prosper in a meager fashion.
Thomas’ steward is mismanaging his small, floundering estate and he is in dire need of helping it prosper and pull together the records. Mary becoming his steward brings him more hope than he dreamed possible, but is it in enough time?
Lovely, sweet, tender romance from afar between these two honest, caring, hardworking characters. As they spend more time together trying to solve all the estate problems, they both realize what they really hope, want and care for us each other, but is it possible with the looming debts?
More if a 3.5 for me as a reader, but still with compelling characters and emotions I rounded up, and choose to ignore the minor issues.
November 2, 2024
A wonderful book
This book looks at the results of the power of the English ton on innocents connected to the wrong doer and the choices others must make because of that power. Mary’s father lost their money and estate, as well as their standing in the peerage, because of his bad choices. Now Mary is forced to work as a seamstress to support her younger brother and mother, who refuses to accept their change in circumstances. When Mary is unable to make the rent, she appeals to the owner of the cottage, Thomas the Baron of Malvern. Thomas has inherited a neglected estate and is struggling to make it profitable but the financial side of things is beyond his grasp. As he and Mary interact, he soon realizes that she has the skills he needs and hires her as his steward, a job that is traditionally a male role. As they begin working together discoveries are made that can solve the estate’s problems but threats, and others’ schemes stand in the way of profitability as well as their relationship.
This book looks at the results of the power of the English ton on innocents connected to the wrong doer and the choices others must make because of that power. Mary’s father lost their money and estate, as well as their standing in the peerage, because of his bad choices. Now Mary is forced to work as a seamstress to support her younger brother and mother, who refuses to accept their change in circumstances. When Mary is unable to make the rent, she appeals to the owner of the cottage, Thomas the Baron of Malvern. Thomas has inherited a neglected estate and is struggling to make it profitable but the financial side of things is beyond his grasp. As he and Mary interact, he soon realizes that she has the skills he needs and hires her as his steward, a job that is traditionally a male role. As they begin working together discoveries are made that can solve the estate’s problems but threats, and others’ schemes stand in the way of profitability as well as their relationship.
February 7, 2025
I love it when a book surprises you. This one was definitely a good surprise. I enjoyed it so much!
I loved Mary in this book. Her family had once been part of the ton. But due to circumstances, they had been shunned and they had to move as well. I loved that Mary was willing to work so hard to keep their family able to eat and with a roof over their heads. I loved her strength. And her willingness to work so hard, even becoming a steward when she saw no other path forward.
Thomas is a good kind of man. He's trying to make his estate profitable. But the man who collects his rents is not an honest man. That's when he decides that Mary would make a perfect steward. I loved the way Thomas is the kind of man who thinks outside of the box. And that he was honest enough to not want to get married for any woman's dowry, even though that would help his estate.
I enjoyed this story so much!
I loved Mary in this book. Her family had once been part of the ton. But due to circumstances, they had been shunned and they had to move as well. I loved that Mary was willing to work so hard to keep their family able to eat and with a roof over their heads. I loved her strength. And her willingness to work so hard, even becoming a steward when she saw no other path forward.
Thomas is a good kind of man. He's trying to make his estate profitable. But the man who collects his rents is not an honest man. That's when he decides that Mary would make a perfect steward. I loved the way Thomas is the kind of man who thinks outside of the box. And that he was honest enough to not want to get married for any woman's dowry, even though that would help his estate.
I enjoyed this story so much!
January 25, 2026
To Be a Lady is a very unusual kind of story for being set in the Regency period. However, it has always seemed to me that fiction is often about things unlikely to actually happen. Isn't that why we read it? The events of the story certainly stretch the bounds of reality but point out some important principles. The main characters both put other needs above their own and tried to do what was best for all, not just for themselves. They did not expect to just be given good outcomes but worked hard to make them happen. Though not keeping the cultural norms of the day, they did both keep the ideals that were important to their own self-respect. I found it to be an interesting and readable story.
September 20, 2024
Really a Lady
Although the ton has driven her family away, she has found courage to cope and adapt. His mother is still mindset of the ton, even if his financial situation can't. Can she help him with his mansion and financial woes? They both have the ton experiences and problems with their mothers? All the problems of inherited land left 20 years unattended. Well written,entertaining and filled with lots of side events expanding ones vision. Grab a copy and enjoy!
Although the ton has driven her family away, she has found courage to cope and adapt. His mother is still mindset of the ton, even if his financial situation can't. Can she help him with his mansion and financial woes? They both have the ton experiences and problems with their mothers? All the problems of inherited land left 20 years unattended. Well written,entertaining and filled with lots of side events expanding ones vision. Grab a copy and enjoy!
November 23, 2024
I really like the leading character. Mrs Frank developed a strong , determined personality. Her name is Mary Wythe. She addresses concerns directly, and problem solves as a strong person would. I was glad to see none of the petty spats that so many other novels include. It was an enjoyable read. Im hoping to read a follow up of this book.
January 6, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed and adored this romance book massive applause to the author I didn't want the book to end.
With a fall from grace due to family circumstances this hard working, idea inspiring, young lady finds all sorts of solutions when asked to be hired on by her landlord as he steward. I loved the happily ever after.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
With a fall from grace due to family circumstances this hard working, idea inspiring, young lady finds all sorts of solutions when asked to be hired on by her landlord as he steward. I loved the happily ever after.
I would thoroughly recommend this book.
February 3, 2026
Thomas and Mary
This story has a different and interesting premise. I was fully engaged and intrigued by the story line. It grabbed my interest and kept it throughout. I liked getting to know the characters. My emotions were fully engaged even before the true excitement began. I highly recommend this book.
This story has a different and interesting premise. I was fully engaged and intrigued by the story line. It grabbed my interest and kept it throughout. I liked getting to know the characters. My emotions were fully engaged even before the true excitement began. I highly recommend this book.
September 16, 2024
This is a wonderful story with an unconventional female lead and an ornery Lord. They come together through convenience to help her family and his estate that have both fallen on hard times. I like the chemistry that plays out between them as they overcome obstacles that lay before them.
September 27, 2024
I love reading books about strong women and kind, gentle men and this did not disappoint!! You will be drawn into the story right away and will love the twists and turns! I can’t wait to read more of this series!!!
October 14, 2024
This book is amazingly well written! It’s a sweet, poignant story with plenty of conflict to keep the story engaging and great characters that had me laughing and crying at points. Absolutely recommend for a sweet, clean regency romance!
February 18, 2025
An entertaining story of cows and kittens and social classes. Oh. and some hay in there as well.
February 18, 2025
Female steward
Great twist on recency expectations. The writing is smooth and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed Thomas and Mary's story. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Great twist on recency expectations. The writing is smooth and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed Thomas and Mary's story. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
February 25, 2025
A refreshingly different plot
March 9, 2025
Fun read with an interesting heroine
I really enjoyed this more than I expected. The concept was unusual but the author writes so well it pulls you in and is very believable.
I really enjoyed this more than I expected. The concept was unusual but the author writes so well it pulls you in and is very believable.
April 3, 2025
so many typos
so many era errors
so many era errors
July 10, 2025
3.5 stars. The story is fun, but the writing style was too often distracting with much more telling than showing. But I will probably still read the next book about the main character’s brother.
August 19, 2025
Chapter 23 "decisions of Congress" Parliamant 2
Complicated plot -- basic premise of a woman (not a birth member of family) running the estate counter to time period.
Characters grow and change
Complicated plot -- basic premise of a woman (not a birth member of family) running the estate counter to time period.
Characters grow and change
January 22, 2026
Different
I enjoyed this story. Likeable characters for the most part. Well researched. Unique role models. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed this story. Likeable characters for the most part. Well researched. Unique role models. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 19, 2024
This was certainly a refreshing change from what I've been reading lately! There's something about a good, clean regency novel. I was pulled in from the very first page and completely unable to put it down. Definitely deserving of five stars. Highly recommend it!
November 10, 2024
Character Rating:
Mary and Thomas were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed Mary’s grit and determination. She was a strong character who was a wonderful combination of ambitious and humble. Thomas was bold, thoughtful, and kind. He showed quite a bit of determination in his own way as well, and he remained supportive of Mary. Together, the two of them were funny and witty.
Relationships Rating:
The remaining cast of secondary characters were well written. I enjoyed the parallels between the two mothers. Their situations were different, but their approaches to life were similar. Aside from Mary and Thomas, Timothy was one of my favorite characters. He is charming, kind, and an absolutely devoted brother to Mary. Honestly, I am really looking forward to Timothy’s book!
Emotional Impact Rating:
I am always one to enjoy a good regency romance, and this one certainly delivered. I understood Mary’s frustration and admired her resolve to move forward with her life. Thomas and Mary both dearly love their families and value service to others. There are some miscommunications between them that make things difficult, but they are ultimately resolved well.
Writing Style Rating:
This was my first time reading a book written by Carolyn Twede Frank, and I will definitely be reading more after this! I enjoyed the conversations, the beautiful descriptions, and the pacing. It was difficult to put the book down, and I can’t wait to see what other books will be written for this series.
Spice Rating:
This is a closed door romance that does not fail to create tension between Mary and Thomas. Their chemistry was evident, and the moments they shared together were wonderfully written. The private dance lesson was perhaps one of my favorite scenes of the book, and the ultimate conclusion to their story was lovely.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
Mary and Thomas were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed Mary’s grit and determination. She was a strong character who was a wonderful combination of ambitious and humble. Thomas was bold, thoughtful, and kind. He showed quite a bit of determination in his own way as well, and he remained supportive of Mary. Together, the two of them were funny and witty.
Relationships Rating:
The remaining cast of secondary characters were well written. I enjoyed the parallels between the two mothers. Their situations were different, but their approaches to life were similar. Aside from Mary and Thomas, Timothy was one of my favorite characters. He is charming, kind, and an absolutely devoted brother to Mary. Honestly, I am really looking forward to Timothy’s book!
Emotional Impact Rating:
I am always one to enjoy a good regency romance, and this one certainly delivered. I understood Mary’s frustration and admired her resolve to move forward with her life. Thomas and Mary both dearly love their families and value service to others. There are some miscommunications between them that make things difficult, but they are ultimately resolved well.
Writing Style Rating:
This was my first time reading a book written by Carolyn Twede Frank, and I will definitely be reading more after this! I enjoyed the conversations, the beautiful descriptions, and the pacing. It was difficult to put the book down, and I can’t wait to see what other books will be written for this series.
Spice Rating:
This is a closed door romance that does not fail to create tension between Mary and Thomas. Their chemistry was evident, and the moments they shared together were wonderfully written. The private dance lesson was perhaps one of my favorite scenes of the book, and the ultimate conclusion to their story was lovely.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are honest and my own.
January 3, 2026
Such a great book! I love reading a book that is different and this book has a different twist to it.
Mary's family has fallen from grace in societies eyes. Because of that, Mary has to work to provide for her mother and younger brother. She is no longer considered a lady, but now a commoner.
Thomas inherited an estate and is now the Baron of Malvern. His estate may not be the greatest, but he will have to work with what he's got to make his mother happy. After he had to fire his steward, he needed to find someone quickly. Unfortunately he doesn't have the funds to pay for a good steward, nor are there any good prospects. To make matters worse, his mother is determined to get him married.
This dual point of view makes this story even better. I loved getting to know both Mary and Thomas. Their relationship is swoon worthy!
Mary's family has fallen from grace in societies eyes. Because of that, Mary has to work to provide for her mother and younger brother. She is no longer considered a lady, but now a commoner.
Thomas inherited an estate and is now the Baron of Malvern. His estate may not be the greatest, but he will have to work with what he's got to make his mother happy. After he had to fire his steward, he needed to find someone quickly. Unfortunately he doesn't have the funds to pay for a good steward, nor are there any good prospects. To make matters worse, his mother is determined to get him married.
This dual point of view makes this story even better. I loved getting to know both Mary and Thomas. Their relationship is swoon worthy!
June 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading the story for the most part and love the characters, especially Mary and Thomas. Mary is a hard worker and is determined to make the best of her family’s difficult circumstances. It’s different to see a woman in the role of steward but fun to imagine the possibilities. The plot is fairly original and engaging. The history of the Hereford cattle in England is interesting. There are some wording issues and some parts that dragged but I am looking forward to continuing the series. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews