Book Review: The Priest & The Peaches

Author: Larry Peterson
Title: The Priest & The Peaches
Publisher: Tribute Books
Publish Date: Jan 1, 2012
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: The publisher

Book Blurb:Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Review: This was a really moving and enlightening read. It falls into the YA Christian catagory. I was surprised that the characters were Catholic and they were portrayed as good Catholics. That doesn't happen often in fiction.

The story involves the Peach family who have just lost their father. Father Sullivan is the parish priest at St Anne's who is trying to help them through their grief. I wish there were priests like Father Sullivan for everyone.

Larry Peterson writes the Catholic priest the way we all imagine that they should be, flawed and human and yet full of God's word and answers to the tough questions. He's a priest you want in your corner.

The 5 orphan Peaches are so wonderful. The two oldest, Joannie and Teddy are trying their best to be parents in the face of a lot of adversity. They live in the Bronx and there's not a lot of money going around, and Pops didn't leave them with much to go on.

This book is about family, faith and sticking together, something you don't see much of today. I love how religion plays a huge part in their lives, especially in their deceased father's life. It will have you saying L.Y.N to everyone (Love Your Neighbor). The Catholic faith is a huge part of the story, but it isn't shoved down the readers throat as the best religion. It is simply the religion of the Peach family.

The family goes through a lot in the week that we read about; the loss of a parent, money difficulties, coping difficulties and illnesses. For most it would be a lot to handle but when they put their trust in God and friends and family help, they survive.

This is a sad, but beautiful story. One I recommend highly to anyone looking for a good read.

Rating: 5 flowers

Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com

Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Larry Peterson's Bio:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks

PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819