Plot Summary
Southern New Jersey 1878…The ever proper and logical Englishman turned Philadelphia lawyer, Ethan Webb, encounters the witty and feisty widow, Keri Mallory James, who does not trust men, having been betrayed by one man and abused by another. Neither expects to find love amidst the rumors of murder, a destructive hurricane and the devastating Cape May Fire of 1878…while under the watchful eye of a specter.
About the Author
Ms. Catacalos lives in Southern New Jersey and loves going to Cape May. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Patricia when she gave The Novel Tourist’s Active Book Club – Philadelphia a private author talk. She’s amazing, simply put. Always creative, in her younger years she decided to move to Greece and teach drama while taking art classes. To fund this life changing escapade, she took a job in sales. It was then that she met her husband of 30+ years. They eventually moved to Greece and had wonderful adventures. Many years later, after suffering from a personal matter not uncommon to women of a certain age, she took matters into her own hands and found the cure by reading romance novels! After a short while she decided she would write her own. To date, Ms. Catacalos has written 24 novels and novellas, mostly historical romance. A Perceived Indiscretion is the only one set in New Jersey.
What I loved about A Perceived Indiscretion
Let me start off with a confession. When I think of romance novels, I think Harlequin romance. Ick. So…when Ms. Catacalos invited the Active Book Club-Philadelphia to read this historical romance and meet her in Cape May, my initial reaction was to politely decline. However, it was the dead of winter and the idea of planning a literary adventure to the beach was very motivating! Plus, I have a soft spot for historical fiction so I figured I could get past the romance aspect of the book.
I am so glad I had the pleasure of reading A Perceived Indiscretion! I really enjoyed it. Instead of some weak female protagonist pining away for her lover, Ms. Catacalos delivers a strong woman who takes matters into her own hands to raise her young son despite personal and societal obstacles against her. The historical references to 1878 Cape May and Philadelphia were fascinating, educational and well-researched. I learned so much about Victorian-era Cape May and the struggles women, especially unwed pregnant women, faced. Before reading this book, I also had no idea that half the town of Cape May had burned down in 1878 or that a train ran from Philadelphia to Cape May. I was definitely inspired to visit Cape May as soon as possible!
This enjoyable, easy read historical romance made me smile and had me rooting for Keri and Ethan. I may be a historical romance convert!
Destinations to pair with reading A Perceived Indiscretion
Anyone who reads this book will immediately want to dash off to Cape May, New Jersey. When you are there, make life as fun as fiction, and visit the Cape May Fire Museum to learn more about the 1878 fire, dine in Congress Hall, have coffee at Tommy’s Folly, stroll down Perry Street and walk along the beach. Ms. Catacalos’ book also takes us into 1878 Philadelphia, including to the Chestnut Hill and Rittenhouse Square neighborhoods and Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. Heck, you could spend a whole romantic weekend visiting places inspired by reading A Perceived Indiscretion!
Know others who like historical romance? Share away!
