I submitted this to SmartB*tchesTrashyBooks' HABO, but due to the many requests they could not post it there.

I am looking for a book that was probably written in the 70's or 80's. All I
can really remember is that the woman is whipped (possibly in front of the
town's people or by a large tree on his property & maybe for trying to get
away from the man holding her captive). It seems like he made her his
mistress or wife against her will and he abuses her quite often. I want to say that
he has money or has a large estate that has been passed down through
generations of his family. I think the book is a historical romance. 

Could it be The Conqueror by Brenda Joyce?

I'm thinking it's by Johanna Lindsey and it's a Western? He is a ranch owner and she is I forget.

Off to see if I can figure out what I'm thinking of.  There is maybe a stolen horse?

No, it is not either one of those. I am pretty sure it is a 70's or 80's romance since it came from my great grandma's bookshelf. Thanks for posting though.