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.
Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestseller Twelve Months, Goodnight, Brian, The Rockin' Chair, and several other books. 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 Manchester's short stories were selected "101 Best" for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
"Steven Manchester is the Norman Rockwell of Literature!" -- Literarily Illumined "Allows the reader to enjoy the journey of the characters and experience the power that comes from real love." -- Examiner.com "Steven Manchester's latest book Pressed Pennies is another 'rhythm of life' masterpiece with his words drawing pictures in our minds... The characters jump off the pages and into our hearts as we cry with them and rejoice with them." -- Single Titles "Steven's written poetic words are guaranteed to hook the romantic at heart and keep hold of you until the beautiful finale." -- Reviews from the Heart "You continue to dazzle readers with your sensitive and graceful writing -- don't stop, Steven Manchester. Gutsy and beautiful novel." -- Crystal Book Reviews "If you want a book that will touch your heart -- go -- buy -- read!" -- My Life. One Story at a Time "Steven Manchester writes about people, life, love and second chances in a warm and realistic way that goes beyond fabulous writing and straight into sigh-worthy, romance that is both relatable and magical. He breathes life into his characters and fills them with real emotion, real fears, insecurities and love. This is the kind of story that makes the reader want to curl up and lose themself in a tale that feels warm and fuzzy, sweet and highly enchanting." -- Tome Tender "Not only does Steven Manchester have the gift to pen stories about matters of the heart and relationships, I believe what puts him above many others, is that he truly writes from the heart." -- CMash Reads "Another wonderful heartfelt story, written by an author who never disappoints, with good old-fashioned story telling." -- And the Story Unfolds "This is an amazingly written story." -- Cassandra M's Place "A precious story and leaves the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Read it!" -- The Spontaneous Reader "Manchester's ability to capture the raw emotions of love, loss and hope is remarkable. Beautiful and mesmerizing Pressed Pennies may have become our new favorite Steven Manchester novel." -- Closed the Cover "A delightful romantic story that will captivate the reader's attention with its memorable characters; engaging dialogue and dramatic interactions; and a realistic storyline that deals with complicated family dynamics, relationship issues, rekindled love, and second chances." -- Jersey Girl Book Reviews "Manchester delivers a beautifully written, emotionally full story of love and sacrifices. He digs into the decisions people make about their own happiness, and how they sometimes put their relationships ahead of that happiness, whether it's a marriage, friendship or parent-child relationship. The characters all seem very honest and easy to relate to, and their relationships and actions seem very real. If you enjoy contemporary novels that tug at the heartstrings, I highly recommend Pressed Pennies." -- My Book Retreat "I wiped away more than a few tears while reading. I can recommend this book without reservation." -- Closed the Cover
