Official Review: Always Before Me by John Servant

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

Always Before Me is one of the three Catholic novels written by John Servant. The book is deeply rooted in Catholicism and all the beliefs associated with it. Both the major and minor characters in this book have a connection to the Catholic Church. The practices, prayers, and setting all project Catholicism in its fullest expression. You have to have a Catholic foundation or an idea of their beliefs and practices to follow most parts of the story in this book. The author shows his deep roots and vast knowledge of the Catholic Church.

I appreciate that you make this warning because Catholic dogma and terminology can be intricate, and all subdivisions of Christianity are different. I was raised a Catholic, so I won't have a problem with this, but you make a good point.

I applaud the author's writing skills. I have read a couple of religious novels in recent times and have been utterly disappointed. For most of these books, it was more about projecting the religion than building on a story. I usually have difficulty understanding the plot. But, John showed me in this book that a religious novel could also appeal to everyone. He did well to cater to the reading needs of religious and non-religious readers alike. He showed the utmost respect when talking about people of a different faith. Most importantly, there was a story to follow and lessons to learn from the book.

I've noticed this, too. A lot of Christian books focus only on the moralizing aspect of the story and overlook an interesting plot or deep character development. And, frankly, it bothers me. So I'm glad this is not the case.
I love a novel with a lot of twists and turns. Thank you for your fantastic review!

[Tars]

Seeing rosary on the cover is already enough to convince me that this book is not meant for me and reading description only further this conclusion. I am not religious and, after numerous truths and secrets revealed, have quite conflicting feelings about church as an institution. No offense, but I prefer to pass it.

[Chris Micheal]

An interesting book about Catholic values. Those who like christian books will enjoy this one. Thanks for the review.

[Timothy Rucinski]

I truly liked the cover and, based on the imagery, had hoped that this might be a mystery. But, after reading the Official Review and the Amazon sample, it's clear that this is a religious novel promoting the Catholic religion. An ex-Catholic myself, I'm not interested in the genre. However, I would like to extend my congratulations to Mr. Servant on his accomplishment and on achieving BOTD.

[Sanju Lali]

An interesting Catholic novel "Always Before Me" by John Servant, which follows Father Richard, who is thinking about the reasons for Father Paul and Father Anthony going to prison. This book looks worth reading.

[Phyll Kamau]

At first glance, this book did not seem like my cup of tea. However, after reading your review I am intrigued and curious. Thank you for an insightful review.

[Paula Sabol]

Although the book sounds good it's not my cup of tea. I do appreciate that the author took time to consider other religions and not put down the non religious as well. I do find it important if an author wants to get their point across they must write from an inclusive point of view.

[Amazonic]

Always before me is a book that encompasses religion specifically Christianity and legal matters due to presence of prison.Several priests among them father Paul, father Richard , Anthony are among the characters in the book. Unfortunately father Paul is stabbed to death by a prisoner, and father Anthony is also dead. Matthew Ryan who's a friend to father Richard after father Anthony's death informs John that he has inheritance from father Anthony. John knows less about his uncle father Anthony and briefly father Richard gives him a little clue about him. Bored by father Richard's stories John becomes uncomfortable and father Richard reads between the lines. He then tells him to show up to Matt who will tell him more about father Anthony.

[Chinedu Nwakaji]

It's a captivating story. Belief is always a powerful force in the life of any individual. I may not really fancy Catholic stories, but this review is excellent.

[Cristina Corui Mihailescu]

Great review! I'm not fond of books with religious themes and I am not a Catholic so I cannot relate to this book, though the sample proves a great writing style.

[DEEPA PUJARI]

This is a book about a Father and his nephew. The book has a lot of information about catholic and Christianity. Congratulations BOTD!

[Ruchi Raina]

Father Paul and Father Anthony's deaths seem very suspicious. Why were they both in jail? Were they really guilty of the crime they were accused of? What is it that John doesn't know about his uncle, Father Anthony? Congratulations on BOTD!

[Yulisa Sanchez]

This book has a foundation of religion but it does not negatively affect the story and narrative. The author uses many literary elements to keep suspense and drama that arises deep emotions while reading the tale. I enjoyed reading this review and I wonder what Father Anthony was hiding. Congrats on the BOTD!

[AntonelaMaria]

While all the questions this book raises I+m not sure I want to read it. Usually, I steer clear of books like this. Good to know that this was an emotional read as well. Great job with the review.

[Reema Aydieh]

It does sound like a book religious and non-religious readers would enjoy.