A More Perfect Love

Kate
Forest
Genre: 
Historical

Cathy Gold’s father is extremely protective of her. He believes Jewish girls should live with their parents until marriage, even if they go to college. Cathy has a job in Philadelphia after college until her father contacts her boss and cancels her contract, so she can remain at home. Devastated, she finds another job, this time at Belvedere resort which is currently being built. Mr. Gold reluctantly agrees to her taking the year-long position. There she meets and falls for Thomas Cullen, an Irish Catholic man who is the manager of Belvedere. The feelings are mutual, and he asks Cathy to marry him. She steadfastly refuses, stating she prefers career over husband and family. They agree to a covert affair, which will last until Cathy leaves. Can Thomas convince her to marry him? Are there other options for Cathy?

“A More Perfect Love” demonstrates a dichotomy of characters when a Jewish girl and a Catholic man come together in love. Cathy and Thomas are strong, stubborn characters who know their minds. They are both creative in getting what their hearts truly want. There are several secondary characters who have depth and are worthy of getting to know. Unfortunately, this piece is full of angst from the beginning to nearly the end. Cathy thinks she knows what will make her happy, while she throws happiness away with both hands and is miserable for most of the story. Thomas knows what he wants, but Cathy won’t budge, so he too, is miserable. This novel is written in the post WWII era and sets the scene well in that time period of joblessness and rebuilding.

Belinda Wilson