Catherine Thurston’s mother doesn’t wish her to take employment as a companion. There will be gossip and Catherine will be spurned by society, not to mention unable to be in the circuit for a year to find an eligible gentleman. After her father’s death, the family lost all their money and someone has to pay the bills and put food on the table. When Catherine arrives at Glenmore Manor, she learns that her duties are no longer required. Not understanding, Catherine has a fainting spell, only to awake two days later in bed, from a fever. With no job, she worries how she will get the money to help her mother, and she certainly doesn’t wish to go to prison for owing debts. When Lady Glenmore informs her she has changed her mind and that Catherine’s services are needed for three months, Catherine feels some relief. Of course, Catherine believes her companion will be to a young lady who was injured in a riding accident, but Lady Glenmore quickly informs Catherine the companion will be her son, Lord Richard Glenmore.

Richard has a tendency of not keeping companions for very long. The last two quit. Richard is not a likeable man to be around, especially since returning from the war injured. His left leg, below the knee, had to be amputated, making him a cripple. He stays in his room a recluse, from others. When his mother hires a woman companion it is the last straw. Catherine is shocked at the discovery of being companion to a man, even more so when she learns Richard’s behavior. No matter how he was before the war, caring, kind, and vibrant, the Richard now refuses to allow anyone to get near. Catherine shows him no matter how vicious his bite may become, hers can get worse. As Richard begins spending more time with his lovely companion, Catherine has a way of showing him that being an object of pity does not suit the wonderful man.

I cannot remember the last time that such a story really jumped out in every way as A Very Difficult Man did when I read it. I loved the dialogue, the interaction between Catherine and Richard, and the way Richard emitted such scarred emotion that leapt off the pages. Both Catherine and Richard have lost something in their lives that pulls them together like a magnet. The weaving together of a fiancé and a brother, put an even better swing to the story. The well-rounded secondary characters are a true delight to this tale and make it even more believable. Anita Birt does a marvelous job in penning a remarkable work that really delivers compelling credibility to the read. She blends a cast of colorful characters that react like a family in every action they take. I think this tale is splendid and comes as a recommended read.

Reviewed by: Linda L.