Pressed Pennies
May 22nd, 2014. Filed under: This & That.Pressed Pennies
By Steven Manchester
Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige’s father nearly destroyed Abby’s spirit.
Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they’re hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She’s very protective of the life she’s made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn’t know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you’ve dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?
Pressed Pennies is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.
ISLAND BREEZES
Abby’s husband is a verbally abusive drunk who makes life miserable for her and her daughter Paige. Eventually Abby quits trying to fight it. After the divorce she and Paige move a couple towns away.
In the mean time, Rick is seeing his “perfect” life as a meaningless burden, and moves on from the marriage that leaves him empty.
by chance, these two childhood friends run into each other. Their renewed friendship blossoms into something more romantic. Well, as romantic as it can be with an eight year old child who is obsessive in her dislike of Rick. Will this romance ever get off the ground when Rick is continually put in last place? There are many ups and downs in this romance, with what appears to be more downs than ups.
I really like Mr. Manchester’s books. He knows how to turn a phrase and touch a heart. I’m looking forward to reading many more of his books.
BTW You’ll need that box of tissues.
***A special thank you to Mr. Manchester for providing a review copy.***
Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin’ Chair. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Pressed Pennies (due out May 2014) and Gooseberry Island (due out January 2015). His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
May 23rd, 2014 at 07:41
Many thanks for the amazing review and for sharing PRESSED PENNIES with your readers!