“For Better, For Worse,” by Martin J. Scott, has a very old-fashioned style, and not surprisingly, since it is from 1923! Refreshingly, this means the Catholic aspects are strong and uncompromising. I found only a few minor flaws: Chapter 4 and 5 came across as unrealistic in that the pre-marriage information was presented like a question and answer catechism session. Readers don’t have patience for that in a novel! Some of the old slang is annoying, but my biggest gripe was the habit of the 13-year-old daughter sounding like a 6-year old and calling herself “Darling.” For example: “Darling must be with Mother.”

These minor setbacks aside, anyone looking for a truly Traditional Catholic novel will enjoy this book, particularly if you’re looking for a love story.

“For Better, For Worse,” is more than a mere love story, however. It begins with “falling in love”– the easy part–and then goes on to deal with after the honeymoon and the problems that may crop up in marriage when it truly becomes “for worse.”

The story is told interchangeably from two viewpoints, Jerry’s and Felicity’s. This young couple marries and thinks all will be smooth sailing. Time passes, Jerry becomes absorbed in business and neglects his religion. He leaves suddenly on a “vacation,” and meets a tempting young woman. (The unsavory aspects are written very tactfully.)

This is a story about mistakes and forgiveness, and how sometimes a spouse is called upon to rise to the occasion of giving 100%, not just the 50/50 deal toted by today’s society. Modern day couples and Catholics would certainly profit by reading this book, and it’s enjoyable, too!