Historical
A Very Difficult Man
By Christina
Oct 15, 2008 - 1:04:22 PM

After her father’s death, Miss Catherine Thurston’s family fell on hard times and she has no choice but to look for work. She accepts a position as a Lady’s companion to an invalid young girl. When she arrives at her destination she is dismayed to discover no one waiting for her at the station.

Catherine is forced to walk three miles in the middle of a terrible storm only to discover that the offer of employment has been rescinded and that she will have to return to London. Exhausted and ill from her journey she faints for the first time in her life.

When she awakens Catherine finds that she has been ill and in bed for a few days. Expecting to be turned out at any moment Catherine is surprised when Lady Glenmore asks her to stay. However, she is horrified that her charge is not a gentle young lady but a very angry and boorish man. Injured in the Crimean war, Richard has retreated from the world. Catherine quickly goes from terrified to irate when Lord Glenmore throws a book at her head in an effort to scare her away. She is determined to make the best of her situation but can she help Richard to want to live again?

Anita Birt has filled her novel A VERY DIFFICULT MAN with rich detail and interesting characters. I really enjoyed the pacing of the plot because it allows the reader to get to know the many of the characters well and get a feel for the setting.

This novel is very romantic. The way that Catherine and Richard flirt with one another is funny and sweet but there are also enough misunderstandings and obstacles between them to keep things interesting and make the ending that much more satisfying for the reader. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys thoughtfully written historical romances.