Twenty-year-old heroine Joanna Seton arrives at Ravensgarth, a farm in the Lake District, to accept the position of governess to a young girl. But when she arrives everything isn't what she expected it to be. Hero Jake Seton is angry and disapproves of Joanna, thinking she is too young and inexperienced for the job. His eleven-year-old daughter Anya is dirty, unkempt, and out of control. Joanna wonders what she got herself into...

I really enjoyed this book. Joanna was an outspoken, no-nonsense heroine who eventually got through to rebellious Anya, although she was a bit harsh at times. I liked how Anya changed from an angry, uncontrollable child to an eager to learn young girl. Jake was a moody hero. His face was scarred from a car accident (which killed his wife) and he was very sensitive about his looks. He was surly, bitter, angry, and didn't socialize much. Joanna gets him to eventually come out of his shell. Jake thought he was too old for Joanna (he was thirty-nine) so he was frustrated with his attraction to her and tried to resist her. I thought they made a good couple. Joanna seemed mature for her age.

Another wonderful read by Anne Mather. I enjoyed the Ravensgarth, Lake District setting. ( )