An Ocean Apart

Bouncing between the U.S. and Europe, this American debut from Vanderbilt, a former Jesuit priest, explores the passionate love between a Dutch Jesuit priest and a beautiful American woman. Father Stefan Van den Bergh, S.J., a biology professor from Amsterdam who spends two months out of the year as a visiting priest in Massachusetts, is powerfully drawn to Eucharistic minister Jackie Stanford from the moment he meets her. Initially, ""Father Steve"" is attracted to Jackie's emotional strength and spiritual faith in coping with a host of tragedies, including the death of one of her children. Soon, however, his admiration turns to love. When Jackie's husband dies, the Greeley-esque stage is set for the priest to question his vows, eventually choosing to leave the Jesuits and to marry. The union is met with resistance on all fronts, before a predictably saccharine conclusion ensues. Vanderbilt's long tale is hampered by painfully stilted dialogue and a sexist slant. Jackie's assessment, following the first time she makes love with virginal Father Steve, that male sexual prowess is ""definitely inborn,"" will leave many women scratching their heads. 20,000 first printing; author tour. (Nov.)