Father Peyton, came from a harsh background of almost unremitting poverty in Ireland, to found the famous Family Rosary and Family Theater Productions, and mix with movie stars, such as Loretta Young and Bing Crosby. A clever boy, he despaired about his future in Ireland, because his father died young and his mother found running the farm together with a large family impossibly difficult. He was lucky enough to have his talents spotted, and travel to the US with his brother. There, he received a good education and decided to become a priest, but his troubles were not over. He had a terrible time with TB and it was a miracle that he recovered.

This first half of the book was interesting, although harrowing, and a bit like a rags-to-riches story. The second part about his campaigns and TV shows got rather technical, even though he met movie stars. This was disappointing. I have to admit to thinking that it would be the other way around! However, he was a very wise man, who overcame great difficulties due to his devotion to the Virgin Mary, and started a crusade to bring prayers and the Rosary back to families.

I received this free ebook from Net Galley in return for an honest review.

I had only heard of Fr. Peyton in passing before, usually when someone quoted the slogan "the family that prays together, stays together," so I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. Fr. Peyton does a masterful job of sharing about his home life as a child in Ireland, his family's incredible devout Catholic faith, and the selflessness that seemed to be a hallmark of the Peyton siblings. As a 21st century millennial raising five kids, I was moved by the type of self-sacrifice that his family demonstrated - it was nothing short of inspiring. Fr. Peyton's miraculous cure from tuberculosis was jaw dropping, too. I love reading about how, as new technologies in radio, film, and tv arose in the second half of the 1900s, Fr. Peyton took advantage of these new types of media to reach the masses and share the Rosary. To be honest, the last third of the book was a little too detailed in some of the strategy details for the Rosary Crusade campaign, and that's the only reason I didn't give this book five stars. All in all, a fascinating little book on Fr. Peyton's life and work to spread devotion to Our lady through the Rosary. I found myself on YouTube afterwards looking up old videos of him speaking just to hear what he sounded like. Good read!

***I wrote this review in exchange for a review copy from NetGalley and was not influenced in any way. This opinion is solely my own.***