Review of Always Before Me

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Adenyke
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Review of Always Before Me

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Always Before Me" by John Servant.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Always before me is narrated by Father Richard, a friend of Father Anthony who was friends with Father Paul. The book tells the story of Father Paul, a priest of the church, St. Anne who became a prisoner because he would not bow to the laws of men that would make him break his vow. Also, of Father Anthony, another priest who was falsely accused because he held true to his morals, and how they navigate through doing the works of their Father even while in prison.

It all began when Blood, a hot-blooded young Hispanic man, after committing a crime with his friends visited Father Paul during his confessional. After that event, Father Paul went from being a revered Priest to a man forgotten and stripped of his dignity. A situation that could have been avoided, but who would Father Paul be if he bowed down to worldly laws rather than the laws of his Father. He was a good man but that didn’t deter the prosecutor, Jack Coogan from prosecuting him and throwing him in prison, a place where Father Paul thought he could at the very least further the gospel but would things go as he planned or would he find more challenges along the way? Always before me by John Servant is a book that touches the heart of the reader by igniting a passion in them to become better and devoted believers.

One positive aspect about this book was how the author gave very detailed information and back story about the major characters without making the book a boring read. With characters like Jack, Roy, Blood and, Maria, it was easy to understand their disposition and the reason why they take certain actions because of the back story that John Servant gave in the story.

Father Paul is an interesting character to me because of his tenacity and steadfastness in remaining unmoved, even with all life threw at him. I learned some really unique reality and truth, and some few bible verses as well from the preaching of Father Paul and how he inspired the likes of Matt Ryan and Father Anthony.

As good as the story gets, I don’t understand how Matt Ryan was made to seem like a major character when he barely was even talked about in the story, and how Blood was made to go scot-free after testifying against Father Paul in an investigation concerning his own crime.

The whole story could do well with better punctuations. The narrative was laced with misused punctuations, incorrect spellings, and tautology. One example of incorrect word usage is using “though” in place of “through.” Although these errors were a bit distracting, they didn’t take away from my reading enjoyment.

Overlooking the errors, I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars as the book needs to be edited by a professional editor.

I recommend this book to Christians, Catholics who are at the end of their faith, who feel they have been forsaken, and have been spurned out of God’s will and favour. Also, to people who love inspiring Christian books.

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Always Before Me
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