The Beastly Duke’s Christmas Redemption: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Sally Forbes

“She doesn’t fear the scars on my face… only the ones I hide behind silence.”

Miss Catherine Fairweather has lost nearly everything, her family, her fortune, and her faith in the future. Accepting a position at Ravensholme Castle as governess to the Duke’s troubled ward, she hopes only for peace and purpose. But the castle’s brooding master, Thomas Ashworth, Duke of Ravensholme, is a man burdened by memories of war and a darkness he cannot escape.

Haunted by guilt and scarred inside and out, Thomas hides behind his solitude, until Catherine’s quiet strength and compassion begin to thaw the ice around his heart. As snow falls over the Yorkshire moors and music once again fills the silent halls, an unexpected tenderness blossoms between them.

But peace is fragile, and shadows from the past refuse to rest. As Christmas draws near, love must prove stronger than fear, and offer two wounded hearts the gift of hope.

A heartwarming Regency Christmas romance of healing, forgiveness, and love reborn. Let “The Beastly Duke’s Christmas Redemption” whisk you into a festive world of glittering soirées, mischievous mistletoe moments, and a love that burns brighter than a fireside glow.If you cherish cozy Yuletide romances brimming with charm, feeling, and irresistible chemistry, this enchanting story will make the perfect companion for your holiday reading.

No cheating. No cliffhangers. Simply a joyful happily ever after wrapped in Christmas magic.

Genres: Historical Romance

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2025

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Changes

Thomas was injured in war, more in his soul than his body. He was rescued by the man he brought to his ducal home to become his steward.

Shortly after Thomas’s return from which he suffered terribly, his sister died, leaving him to care for her daughter. Thomas didn’t feel up to the task, as he was often overcome by weakness caused by remembering the war and those he lost.

On her way to the Duke’s home to be the governess to his niece, Catherine was warned off by some of the towns people. She was told he frightened away, several governesses. Catherine was experienced with the war of pain as her brother suffered with the same malady from which he did not survive.

This was a well written story with the Duke, not in a position of strength, but weakness. The governess is wise and strong and filled with light desperately needed by the Duke and his charge. The steward and the cook become friends with Catherine and together they all fight to save the Duke from the machinations of his cousin who is the Duke’s only heir.

I enjoyed all the characters and there is an actual plot in this clean regency romance. Four stars.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story especially with Christmas in the title. The characters you will be able to identify with. The story does have some tragedy, but most of all a loss of hope. With a new governess comes some changes to not only the household, but to the duke too. There is a villain or two in this story. The Duke shows himself to be a fair and compassionate man when many have not been that way toward him. I especially enjoyed the epilogue and the extended epilogue. I hope you do too.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting yet a little sad

The sad part is the Duke came back from from war so physically and mentally ill he couldn't function as Duke like before the war. When you learn what he suffered you understand. Catherine Fairweather came to be governess to the Duke's niece. It is well worth the read to watch all the events unfold. I recommend the enjoyable Christmas story.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The FMC is employed as a governess who is a little unconventional, but she is bold enough to stand up for her charges welfare. The MMC has come back from war scarred outwardly and inwardly. She is helping him as much as his niece in healing. There is a villain in the midst to add intrigue. It was a nice read.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author puts a lot of effort into trying to convince us that the duke is beastly with a hideous temper and lots of dark rumors surrounding him... except that nowhere in the novel does he get angry, lose his temper, go into a dark black mood, or really even get depressed for a longer period of time.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Catherine becomes government to the ward of the Duke and ends up aiding in his healing of war nightmares the and evil of a potential heir to his dukedom with the assistance of his faithful servants. They end up happily married

[Leisa Moghaddam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this one. and it was the perfect Christmas book! Beautiful language, good characters.

[Laura Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could use an editor

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beastly Duke’s Christmas

This book is a well written story of love, trust, greed and betrayal. There are many nuances in this story and is well worth reading.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catherine and Thomas (and Emma)

This is an interesting and intriguing story. It kept my attention throughout even though it is a bit predictable. It could use a good proofreader.