The Priest and the Peaches

The Priest and the Peaches
By Larry Peterson

(Based on a true story)
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Having already lost their mom to leukemia, the Peach kids are officially orphaned when their dad suddenly dies during Christmas season 1965. As the realities of "grown up" world quickly embrace them they have one important thing to do first...have a funeral for 'Pops'. His “viewing” is scheduled to begin New Year’s Eve but first Teddy and his best friend, Scratch, have to find Pop’s wooden leg which was somehow lost at the hospital.
You will be amazed and inspired as these kids confront a life they were not ready for. Teddy, 18, is the oldest and the new “head” of the family. He is determined to do his best to lead his siblings onward. Joanie, 17, is the only girl. Dancer, 14, Beeker, 10 and Joey, 6, are the boys. Teddy’s resolve is quickly shaken when their power is turned off and he also discovers that the rent is three months past due. A severe cold front has gripped the Northeast and Teddy has about $14.00 until payday. Compounding his problems is the overly intrusive and scary neighbor, Beatrice Amon, who quickly lets him know that “those children must be placed into proper homes”.
They find a welcome ally in their parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan. Father Tim, a former Golden-Glove boxer from the “Hell's Kitchen” area of Manhattan, will try his best to guide his parentless, young parishioners into the strange, uncharted and turbulent waters of “grown-up” world. The priest’s first challenge of the New Year has definitely arrived.
Take an extraordinary and unpredictable journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral. Based on a true story, this novel can make you smile, laugh and even cry. Journey with the Peach kids as they come to realize that the power of love and faith in God, rooted in them through their dad's constant example of L-Y-N, yields a strength of family that can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.