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Herefordshire #4
To Be an Outcast
Behind the mask lies the man she once loved.
Scarred by the Napoleonic Wars and shunned by his aristocratic family, Colonel John Banks lives hidden away in a crumbling Westmorland manor, his only companions a staff of fellow outcasts. Haunted by memories of the life—and the woman—he lost, he keeps his face behind a mask and his heart under lock and key.
Matilda Peverly has fallen from grace and fled the privileged world she once knew. With nowhere else to turn, she accepts a post as maid-of-all-work at the eerie Bleakmore Manor. The master’s secrecy and hidden face should alarm her, but she is too weighed down by her own secrets to care.
Neither expects the shock of she is the woman he once loved and lost; he is the man who broke her heart. Now, forced into proximity, old wounds reopen even as old desires rekindle. But John fears the truth—that his disfigurement and past betrayal will drive Matilda away a second time.
Can love survive the scars of war and betrayal? Or will the revelations inside Bleakmore Manor destroy their second chance at happiness forever?
Scarred by the Napoleonic Wars and shunned by his aristocratic family, Colonel John Banks lives hidden away in a crumbling Westmorland manor, his only companions a staff of fellow outcasts. Haunted by memories of the life—and the woman—he lost, he keeps his face behind a mask and his heart under lock and key.
Matilda Peverly has fallen from grace and fled the privileged world she once knew. With nowhere else to turn, she accepts a post as maid-of-all-work at the eerie Bleakmore Manor. The master’s secrecy and hidden face should alarm her, but she is too weighed down by her own secrets to care.
Neither expects the shock of she is the woman he once loved and lost; he is the man who broke her heart. Now, forced into proximity, old wounds reopen even as old desires rekindle. But John fears the truth—that his disfigurement and past betrayal will drive Matilda away a second time.
Can love survive the scars of war and betrayal? Or will the revelations inside Bleakmore Manor destroy their second chance at happiness forever?
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
3 people are currently reading
10 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 8, 2026
This was another awesome addition to the series. I've read all the books in the series, and I would recommend reading them in order. While most of the book will make sense without the previous books, some of the scenes in this book overlap with scenes from the previous book, so it will make more sense if you're familiar with the third book in the series.
It's been over six months since I read book 3 and over a year since I read the other two books, so I don't remember them completely. With that in mind, I think John and Tilley are my second-favorite couple in the series (my favorite being the one from the first book).
This was a clean book. There might have been a couple of "maybe swear words." There was graphic sexual content or graphic violence.
This was a very enjoyable book. I would recommend reading the whole series. This one is a fun second chance story and about two people who had time to grow and become even better people in the time between their previous broken engagement and now. While the next book isn't scheduled to come out for another year, I am really looking forward to it.
I got a free ARC from the author, and I provided a voluntary review.
It's been over six months since I read book 3 and over a year since I read the other two books, so I don't remember them completely. With that in mind, I think John and Tilley are my second-favorite couple in the series (my favorite being the one from the first book).
This was a clean book. There might have been a couple of "maybe swear words." There was graphic sexual content or graphic violence.
This was a very enjoyable book. I would recommend reading the whole series. This one is a fun second chance story and about two people who had time to grow and become even better people in the time between their previous broken engagement and now. While the next book isn't scheduled to come out for another year, I am really looking forward to it.
I got a free ARC from the author, and I provided a voluntary review.
December 10, 2025
Don’t we all struggle with finding a place to belong
Such a wonderful story of doing the best you can when faced with impossible situations and feeling you failed. Tilley had fled her home. With no where to go and no one to ask for help she happens upon a young boy who gives her a lead on a job. Some place where no one would question her lack of references or background and she could be safe. There she finds herself surrounded by others with tarnished backgrounds but also finds acceptance. She is soon drawn to the owner of the estate, Sir Elliot. As she spends time with him in her role as a maid, he reminds her of her ex-fiance, John, who had abandoned her under pressure from his parents five years earlier, but who she still loved. Elliot, who is actually John, but with his face severely scarred had immediately recognized Tilley, the woman he never stopped loving. But is he worthy and could she ever forgive and accept him? When danger threatens how will either respond? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Such a wonderful story of doing the best you can when faced with impossible situations and feeling you failed. Tilley had fled her home. With no where to go and no one to ask for help she happens upon a young boy who gives her a lead on a job. Some place where no one would question her lack of references or background and she could be safe. There she finds herself surrounded by others with tarnished backgrounds but also finds acceptance. She is soon drawn to the owner of the estate, Sir Elliot. As she spends time with him in her role as a maid, he reminds her of her ex-fiance, John, who had abandoned her under pressure from his parents five years earlier, but who she still loved. Elliot, who is actually John, but with his face severely scarred had immediately recognized Tilley, the woman he never stopped loving. But is he worthy and could she ever forgive and accept him? When danger threatens how will either respond? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2025
This is a clean historical romance.
Matilda, aka Tilly, has run away from London as she has done something bad. She doesn’t want to cause scandal on her family and she doesn’t want to end up in jail. She is trying to find work, though she has been nobility and unsure of what she can do. She is approached by a young man that says that they need a maid-of-all-work. The lord of the manor accepts misfits and it’s possible they will train her. John, who goes by his middle name Elliott, is her former fiancé. He has been banished to this estate as he was injured in his face while in the war. His family felt it was better for him. She has no idea it’s him. He’s never gotten over her and she’s never gotten over him. What will happen if she ever finds out who he is?
I enjoyed the story line and it had a few twists and turns.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Matilda, aka Tilly, has run away from London as she has done something bad. She doesn’t want to cause scandal on her family and she doesn’t want to end up in jail. She is trying to find work, though she has been nobility and unsure of what she can do. She is approached by a young man that says that they need a maid-of-all-work. The lord of the manor accepts misfits and it’s possible they will train her. John, who goes by his middle name Elliott, is her former fiancé. He has been banished to this estate as he was injured in his face while in the war. His family felt it was better for him. She has no idea it’s him. He’s never gotten over her and she’s never gotten over him. What will happen if she ever finds out who he is?
I enjoyed the story line and it had a few twists and turns.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thought this was an incredible story, unique and intriguing. It is the fourth book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I have read books 2 & 3 and really enjoyed them. This book is about Matilda, who is running away from everything she has known. She has no money, no home and no family that she could rely on. With the fear of the unknown she takes a chance on a suggested place of employment. She finds herself with others that are in a similar predicament. Elliot, the Lord of the Manor is himself hiding. He has become a recluse. All that are in his employ, have something to hide. There are some interesting twists and turns that keep you on your toes and hold your interest throughout the book. It really is a charming story that gives you hope in others when you find yourself an outcast. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! I think this one is my favorite of the series so far! The book definitely has the message for outcasts to know that you are important, no matter your past, that those things don’t define you. So many stories wrapped up into one book, it’s amazing!
The pacing of this book is great. I had a difficult time putting it down and would get back to it as soon as possible. The plot was engaging and held many surprises.
The book could probably be read as a stand alone but would be better off read as part of the series. It is dual POV between the MMC and FMC. It is definitely worth reading and I recommend not only this book but the whole series.
The pacing of this book is great. I had a difficult time putting it down and would get back to it as soon as possible. The plot was engaging and held many surprises.
The book could probably be read as a stand alone but would be better off read as part of the series. It is dual POV between the MMC and FMC. It is definitely worth reading and I recommend not only this book but the whole series.
January 8, 2026
An absolutely wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. John and Tilly are amazing in their individual ways. I loved that Tilly fell in love with John again even before she knew he was the same person. My favorite part is how Tilly allows Alice and John to escape and then amazingly protected herself from the scandal. Loved it.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.
January 9, 2026
I loved this book. Tilley is so kind, loving and feisty. She sees the good in others regardless of appearance. John is also very kind and gracious. He has learned much since his war days. With an injury to his face he has turned himself into a recluse, with a rag tag group of servants to help.
I love all the second chances throughout the book. This is a story of love, forgiveness and family of choice.
I love all the second chances throughout the book. This is a story of love, forgiveness and family of choice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap. Can be read as a standalone but better if read in order.
An estate full of outcasts
He's severely wounded in the war
She's desperate to survive
Second chances
Opposites attract
Self inflicted seclusion
Wolf in sheep's clothing
An estate full of outcasts
He's severely wounded in the war
She's desperate to survive
Second chances
Opposites attract
Self inflicted seclusion
Wolf in sheep's clothing
December 11, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
John had a wonderful growth arc. He was hiding in the shadows, resigned to a nearly solitary life in the country, until a chance encounter with his only love gives him hope and courage to leave his room and do brave things.
John had a wonderful growth arc. He was hiding in the shadows, resigned to a nearly solitary life in the country, until a chance encounter with his only love gives him hope and courage to leave his room and do brave things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed reading this story seeing 'misfits' find a place in the world where they can have joy in life. It took a while to get there but turned out for the best for all those people on the estate formerly known as Bleakmore House. There were some unexpected twists and turns in the story to keep the reader on their toes.
I did wonder how things resolved with the parents. Did they have any kind of familial resolve? Some of my questions will likely get answered in the next book. Maybe even the one about the parents...
I did wonder how things resolved with the parents. Did they have any kind of familial resolve? Some of my questions will likely get answered in the next book. Maybe even the one about the parents...
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was outstanding! Pulls at the heartstrings a bit. Family dynamics are really rough but the way they are handled is excellent! Especially Elliott opening his home to so many misfits. I loved the development of the relationship, the twist was excellent and the rescue mission kept me on the edge of my seat!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews