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While he was growing up, Tommy Moran --- an Irish Catholic from the West Side of Chicago --- was in his older brother Tony's shadow, and that was fine. With sedate, older parents who were often in their own world, a big brother was a handy thing to have. Besides, who doesn't look up to their elder siblings during childhood? The rub came, however, when Tommy began to move out of the shadow and into his own light.
From the start, Tony, now Father Anthony in adulthood, disapproves of Tommy's choice of a wife. But why object to a woman who is beautiful, talented and educated as well as Irish Catholic? When Tommy decides to run for the Senate, that's a problem as well. As far as anyone can tell, little brother cannot make a choice that pleases big brother, and a flurry of heart-wrenching criticism and outspoken recrimination is always forthcoming.
With the exception of his relationship with his brother, Tommy couldn't be happier. He has a beautiful, redheaded wife named Mary Margaret whom he loves dearly, three beautiful daughters (Mary Rose, Mary Ann and Mary Therese) and a flourishing legal practice. Life is good.
But when Tommy makes the decision to run for the Senate, opposition comes from every corner. His own brother speaks out against him, and his opponent runs a nasty campaign that seems almost certain to sink the little known lawyer, who is saddled with the nickname Mr. Mom. While it was a decision made in the best interests of the family so Mary Margaret could pursue her own rising legal career, will the voters see it that way, or will Tommy become a laughingstock?
Violence also becomes a part of the campaign, and one begins to wonder just how far Tommy's opponent will go to ensure a win that will allow him to hold his already-established seat in the Senate. Political dirty tricks abound in this book and escalate to include life-threatening events.
Tommy has to decide for himself, as all politicians must, whether to take the moral high ground or allow himself to be tempted and drawn into the perks and immorality that are made available to anyone in American politics today. He wrestles not only with his high ideals but also with his own moral convictions.
THE SENATOR AND THE PRIEST is interesting not just because of scandal and family rivalry, both of which are enough to keep one reading, but also for the issues it tackles. Such topics as immigration policies, campaign finance and negative political ads are timely and in the news today.
I also enjoyed the alternating viewpoint of the novel --- all first person but transitioning from Tommy to Mary Margaret and back again. This story is one of scandal, intrigue, politics in America, the Catholic Church and true love. There is not a dull moment in THE SENATOR AND THE PRIEST!
--- Reviewed by Amie Taylor
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