What do you think?
Rate this book
Always and Forever
In love with dedicated physician David Kohn but married to his dashing, wealthy cousin Phil, Kathy Ross finds her happiness undermined by her husband's infidelities and her continuing love for David
600 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Cynthia Freeman
31 books58 followersBeatrice Cynthia Freeman (January 10, 1915 - October 22, 1988), pseudonym of Bea Feinberg, was an American novelist. She was born in New York City, where, as a young girl, she began writing books but abandoned writing to pursue a career running an interior decoration business. When poor health forced her to give up her business, she decided to dust off an old manuscript from childhood but discovered the cleaning lady had thrown it out. From memory, she rewrote the story.
Ms Freeman specialized in multi-generational stories of Jewish families, centering on a female protagonist. Her novel, "No Time For Tears," was No.10 on the list of bestselling novels in the United States for 1981 as determined by the New York Times. Her books were translated into thirty-three languages, selling more than twenty million copies worldwide.
Cynthia Freeman died of cancer in San Francisco in 1988,[1] aged 73.
Ms Freeman specialized in multi-generational stories of Jewish families, centering on a female protagonist. Her novel, "No Time For Tears," was No.10 on the list of bestselling novels in the United States for 1981 as determined by the New York Times. Her books were translated into thirty-three languages, selling more than twenty million copies worldwide.
Cynthia Freeman died of cancer in San Francisco in 1988,[1] aged 73.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2025
It wasn't what I expected it to be and the characters were a little too black and white, but I'm such a sucker for plots (especially in love stories) that go on for years that I had a blast. The narrator had a really pleasant voice.
May 16, 2019
Pretty predictable story. Storyline much like Danielle Steele. Not too exciting.
March 3, 2016
Borrowed from Bernice/ park lib. An excellent read, set in 1945, following WWII. A group goes to Hamburg, Germany on a mission trip. Forever bonded together this group stays together through the years with many diversions along the way. Cynthia Freeman weaves a vivid tapestry of war, family, and a love that continues through the years.
March 7, 2011
DOE read - fun romance
June 10, 2011
Total chick book - a bit of history, some intrigue and lots of romance. Enjoyed it but - - -
April 26, 2012
A man marrying his cousin's divorcee.... What sorta love is that? not cool
May 14, 2012
Typical romance
Good - enjoyable
no surprises
Good - enjoyable
no surprises
January 4, 2013
What a ho hum book......
September 23, 2014
I will always remember this book not because it was great but because I bought it with a good friend of mine from college in a small book fair in Cáceres. I will always miss you grils.
October 9, 2026
★★★★★ **Five-Star Review for *Always and Forever***
*Always and Forever* is a lovely choice for readers who enjoy stories centered on love, emotional connections, and the relationships that make life meaningful. The title itself evokes a sense of lasting devotion and the hope that genuine connections can withstand the challenges that life brings.
One of the most appealing qualities of romantic storytelling is its ability to make readers reflect on their own experiences with love, trust, and commitment. The most memorable stories are those that allow characters to feel real, with emotions and struggles that readers can understand. When a narrative explores the complexities of relationships, it creates opportunities for both heartfelt moments and meaningful reflection.
I especially appreciate books that remind us that love is not simply about grand gestures or perfect circumstances. It is also about patience, understanding, forgiveness, and the willingness to stand beside someone when life becomes difficult. These themes can make a story feel comforting and emotionally engaging, leaving readers with something to think about long after finishing the final chapter.
Another reason this title appeals to me is the promise of an emotionally satisfying reading experience. Stories about lasting affection often provide a welcome escape from everyday routines while celebrating the importance of human connection. They remind us that relationships can shape our lives in unexpected ways and that even small moments can carry great significance.
Overall, *Always and Forever* is an appealing pick for readers who enjoy heartfelt storytelling and narratives that explore the enduring nature of love. It offers the promise of an engaging journey through the emotions and experiences that bring people together. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic or relationship-focused read that encourages reflection on devotion, hope, and the bonds we treasure. Five stars for its appealing title, meaningful themes, and celebration of lasting connections.
*Always and Forever* is a lovely choice for readers who enjoy stories centered on love, emotional connections, and the relationships that make life meaningful. The title itself evokes a sense of lasting devotion and the hope that genuine connections can withstand the challenges that life brings.
One of the most appealing qualities of romantic storytelling is its ability to make readers reflect on their own experiences with love, trust, and commitment. The most memorable stories are those that allow characters to feel real, with emotions and struggles that readers can understand. When a narrative explores the complexities of relationships, it creates opportunities for both heartfelt moments and meaningful reflection.
I especially appreciate books that remind us that love is not simply about grand gestures or perfect circumstances. It is also about patience, understanding, forgiveness, and the willingness to stand beside someone when life becomes difficult. These themes can make a story feel comforting and emotionally engaging, leaving readers with something to think about long after finishing the final chapter.
Another reason this title appeals to me is the promise of an emotionally satisfying reading experience. Stories about lasting affection often provide a welcome escape from everyday routines while celebrating the importance of human connection. They remind us that relationships can shape our lives in unexpected ways and that even small moments can carry great significance.
Overall, *Always and Forever* is an appealing pick for readers who enjoy heartfelt storytelling and narratives that explore the enduring nature of love. It offers the promise of an engaging journey through the emotions and experiences that bring people together. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic or relationship-focused read that encourages reflection on devotion, hope, and the bonds we treasure. Five stars for its appealing title, meaningful themes, and celebration of lasting connections.
June 24, 2017
Surprisingly satisfying if simple and predictable, this slightly old fashioned love story takes the reader from Brooklyn, NY to post-war Germany where Kathy and David meet and fall in love. Unfortunately, David is too slow to announce his feelings to Kathy who is clearly hungry for a loving physical relationship. When his scheming cousin Phil comes on the scene and is taken by Kathy's beauty, he decides she can come in handy, plus she can easily be his for the taking. Before long, Phil claims Kathy and David sinks silently into the background.
Together, Phil and Kathy rise to the ranks of the very wealthy in the United States where Phil joins his father's fur business. For his part, David stays behind in Germany where he lives a life of medicine, research, and devotion to helping the human race. Phil is not the loyal type and before long he is cheating; there are no surprises there. David is loyal to a fault, ever dedicated to his family, specifically, Phil's parents who took him and made it possible for him to go through medical school after David's entire family perished in the concentration camps.
While Kathy travels a rocky road married to Phil, David remains in the back of her mind. They do see each other sporadically, when it becomes obvious to them and to the reader, that their love remains, despite it staying hidden and undeclared. Meanwhile, the story progresses from Brooklyn to Connecticut, Manhattan to Southampton, Montauk to Groton, to Europe and back. Always, the reader hopes for Kathy to tire of a faithless marriage and for she and David to realize they belong together. The expected and hoped for ending takes way too long to come to pass, with Kathy making a real name for herself in the business world, and once the wheels start spinning in the right direction, they travel at lightening speed, which I felt detracted a bit from the story. All things considered, though, it was a good way to pass a few lazy days in the sun.
Together, Phil and Kathy rise to the ranks of the very wealthy in the United States where Phil joins his father's fur business. For his part, David stays behind in Germany where he lives a life of medicine, research, and devotion to helping the human race. Phil is not the loyal type and before long he is cheating; there are no surprises there. David is loyal to a fault, ever dedicated to his family, specifically, Phil's parents who took him and made it possible for him to go through medical school after David's entire family perished in the concentration camps.
While Kathy travels a rocky road married to Phil, David remains in the back of her mind. They do see each other sporadically, when it becomes obvious to them and to the reader, that their love remains, despite it staying hidden and undeclared. Meanwhile, the story progresses from Brooklyn to Connecticut, Manhattan to Southampton, Montauk to Groton, to Europe and back. Always, the reader hopes for Kathy to tire of a faithless marriage and for she and David to realize they belong together. The expected and hoped for ending takes way too long to come to pass, with Kathy making a real name for herself in the business world, and once the wheels start spinning in the right direction, they travel at lightening speed, which I felt detracted a bit from the story. All things considered, though, it was a good way to pass a few lazy days in the sun.
July 30, 2020
I've enjoyed this author's novels and this one was a gem to read... now this is after WW2 and the aftermath of Germany's assault on the Jews in particular. Young generation of Jewish Americans who want to help those displaced.. it also involves a generational story about a 'bow-like brooch' that surrounds the lives of Kathy and David and his cousin Phil. David too slow in voicing his love and Phil enjoying conquests and rising to greed and power in the Kohn Fur trade. Love, lust, marriage, family, betrayal, freedom in women's equality as strong business sense prevails. Eventually just dessert is served and that beloved jeweled bow brooch comes home to its rightful pair .....
December 6, 2020
A pleasure to read
Kathy's life takes many turns. Through it all she shows that she is a strong woman who will protect her son and find a way to survive. Her story was hard to put down. Also, this novel is presented in chronological order. So many current novels switch back and forth between past and present. Makes them difficult to follow at times. Freeman wrote her novels before that became the vogue in creative writing. Refreshing.
Kathy's life takes many turns. Through it all she shows that she is a strong woman who will protect her son and find a way to survive. Her story was hard to put down. Also, this novel is presented in chronological order. So many current novels switch back and forth between past and present. Makes them difficult to follow at times. Freeman wrote her novels before that became the vogue in creative writing. Refreshing.
February 16, 2023
I read this years ago, Goodreads didn't exist then for ratings
probably would been a 5 star rating back then
but reading it again I say a 3 star now
I couldn't wait to finish it, not that it was good, but didn't like
most of the characters and the ones I did like took too long to
come to their senses. The ending was good, but took too long to
get there
probably would been a 5 star rating back then
but reading it again I say a 3 star now
I couldn't wait to finish it, not that it was good, but didn't like
most of the characters and the ones I did like took too long to
come to their senses. The ending was good, but took too long to
get there
February 29, 2020
A Magical Read
I really enjoyed this book! It is such a moving and beautiful story. Once I got into the story I couldn't put the book down. I found myself so emotionally attached to the characters, whether I loved or hated them. My feelings towards them were strong.
I really enjoyed this book! It is such a moving and beautiful story. Once I got into the story I couldn't put the book down. I found myself so emotionally attached to the characters, whether I loved or hated them. My feelings towards them were strong.
September 11, 2019
Pretty Good 👍
The story of a young woman that made a bad choice and loved to regret it. The beginning was excellent but my interest began to fade with the philandering husband.
The story of a young woman that made a bad choice and loved to regret it. The beginning was excellent but my interest began to fade with the philandering husband.
January 25, 2020
A decent read though it wrapped up quickly, perhaps too quickly!
May 22, 2020
Wonderful love story
November 23, 2020
Beautifully written. Takes you right inside the homes they occupy and visit , on the streets they roam, and the depths of despair they survive.
September 23, 2024
plot was very predictable. there were very questionable acts from literally every character, there’s not one character that stood out to me. the romance in this book is also uhhh… not the vibe.
October 6, 2024
While I enjoyed the book , it seemed to drag on and for a romance novel, they didn't focus on the romance until the last two chapters.
November 12, 2019
Good book! I haven't read it in a very long time, so it was like reading it for the first time. It's 1945 & Kathy Ross goes to Germany to help those who had been in concentration camps. While there, she meets Dr. David Kohn. She & David become friends & fall in love. Enter David's cousin, Philip. Phil is dashing and handsome & they are married after they return to NYC. Phil's father is a furrier & soon Phil's starts working with his father. Kathy soon finds out that Phil is spending more time at work. After Kathy & Phil's son, Jesse, is born, Phil stays away from home, leaving Kathy home with Jesse.
This story is Kathy's story. She takes classes in fashion design. These lessons will save her life when Jesse is six. It is the story of what happens when David re-enters her life.
This story is Kathy's story. She takes classes in fashion design. These lessons will save her life when Jesse is six. It is the story of what happens when David re-enters her life.
Read
November 26, 2008LP Fre
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews