KENNESAW, Ga., Sept. 29, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Christmas is a time to embrace family and relish the joys of life. Sometimes, however, people need to be reminded of the happiness in the world, no matter what age they may be. In the new novel, A Letter at Christmas (now available through AuthorHouse), by Kevin M. Prochaska, a grandmother is reintroduced to the wonders of the world by her 12-year-old grandson.
Prochaska pens a moving story for people to share this holiday season and many to come. The novel examines the bond that forms between Jimmy Paige and his grandmother, Viola Martin. After five years, Jimmy and his family move back to Minneapolis. His school is across the street from his grandmother's retirement home where Viola keeps herself cut off from those around her. Instead, she chooses to surround herself with pieces of the past, including a picture of her beloved, departed husband and memorabilia from her 50 year career as a postal carrier. Draped in her faithful postal sweater, she passes the days in this tiny cluttered room, her weakening heart shuttered from those with whom she has contact.
Then, Jimmy enters her world and turns things upside down. His quick wit is matched by Viola's cynical tongue, and although he has invaded her pessimistic universe, she is drawn to his charm. Over the next few months, Jimmy helps Viola take another look at the world that exists outside her little window. In exchange, the boy learns fascinating slices of history not found in any book. However, it is a letter in the local paper that changes them both and helps each realize the true meaning of Christmas and family.
A timeless story of victory over despair, A Letter at Christmas examines the bonds that enrich life and the importance of "the most wonderful time of the year."
The product of a small Midwestern town, Prochaska graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor's degree in geology before earning his master's at Western Michigan University. His career as a petroleum geologist began in the oil fields of South Texas. He later worked in the environmental industry. The author and editor of a plethora of technical papers, he has lectured on pollution issues at a number of national conferences. He has published one other book, A Shot Heard 'Round (also available through AuthorHouse). For more information, please visit his Web site at www.kprobooks.com.
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