Pressed Pennies Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Steven Manchester is the published author of Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN s American Morning and BET s Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven's short stories were selected 101 Best for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his children, writing, or promoting his works, this Massachusetts author speaks to troubled children through the Straight Ahead Christian Program, as well as Street Speakers; a talented group of high school poets from the Whaling City Alternative School.

My Thoughts:

I have to say how much I loved this book! Childhood friendships are a treasure and maintaining those relationships into adulthood is even more so!

I could relate to so much about this book and in particular, I could relate to Paige. Paige is a young girl who is caught between her parents as they are divorcing. Paige's faith in her father never waivers despite being put off, forgotten, or just plain ol' left standing at the door waiting and waiting and waiting for her daddy to pick her up. 

Abby is a phenomenal mom who tries her best to be all things to Paige...a Mom, a Dad, a friend, and so much more and does a really great job at it! When she runs into her old flame, Richard, it was as if no time had ever kept them apart. But Abby is determined to keep Paige her first priority. Will Richard be able to handle being 2nd in Abby's life? Will he be able to earn the love of her daughter, Paige?

Pressed Pennies is a wonderful story of two childhood sweethearts who are reunited and wonder if their love is still as strong as it was all those years ago! 

Pressed Pennies is a definite 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s !!