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. Meet the Author
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.
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Excerpt
The night was beautiful, unusually mild for the season. “How about a walk along the river?” he asked. “The water fire is tonight.”
“What a coincidence,” she teased, and didn’t think twice about grabbing his hand when he extended it.
Hand in hand, Rick and Abby strolled along the river. Hidden speakers offered the eclectic sounds of primitive chants and tribal drums. Alluring smells of vendor delicacies wafted on unseasonably warm breezes. Side streets were cordoned off and police officers rerouted traffic. Amongst thousands of pedestrians, the walk along the river moved like a stream of warm pudding.
They felt comfortably alone in each other’s company, occasionally stopping to point out something they had spotted and wanted to share.
Although Abby only had two glasses of wine, she felt lightheaded—almost drunk.
As if lovers were sworn to secrecy, other couples offered subtle nods in greeting—with Rick and Abby returning each gesture.
Steel fire pits sat several feet out of the water, lining the middle of the river every thousand yards. Old, wooden boats filled with thespians dressed in black threw fresh-split cordwood onto each. Like swarms of angry fireflies, a million sparks scurried into the air. Bright orange and red flames licked at the black sky, as strong smells of burnt oak and cedar reminded folks of cozy summer campfires and the love that could be shared beneath a starry sky.
At the end of the path, Rick summoned one of the many hawkers to buy Abby a single red rose.
She accepted the gift with a smile. “Good thing this isn’t a date,” she joked again.
“Good thing,” he repeated.
After hugging him, she kissed his cheek. “Thank you for this wonderful experience, Richard,” she said. “I mean it. This night has been absolutely amazing.”
“I only supplied half of it,” he replied, and hugged her again. “Thank you for the other half.”
Walking slowly, they started back toward their cars.
* * *
Once they reached the parking lot behind the Blue Grotto, Rick turned to Abby and cleared his throat. “Let me take you out again this weekend.” It was more of a statement than a request.
Abby shook her head and kissed his cheek. “I’d love to, Richard. Believe me, I would. But it’s not just about what I want. I still need to get Paige settled in. She’s not used to...”
He placed his finger to her lips. “Okay,” he said, “then when?”
She thought about it and shook her head. “I honestly don’t know.” She shrugged. “But what I do know is that our timing couldn’t be any worse right now.” She searched his eyes. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Richard. I wish...”
He looked surprised and devastated, all at the same time. “Not even as friends?” he asked.
She looked deeper into his eyes. “I’d love that, but do you really think that you and I could just be friends?”
He smirked, and then shrugged. “I don’t know.” He thought for a moment. “A different place, a different time, I think you and I...”
“Who knows what the future holds,” she said, stopping him from saying any more.
“Friends then,” he said, and kissed her cheek. “I understand.”
“Thank you,” she said, but she could tell by his tone that he didn’t understand at all. “I’ll be seein’ ya,” she said, and hurried off to her car while she still had the strength.
“Yeah,” he said. “See you around.”
* * *
With his head spinning, Rick got into his car and began replaying every second of their time together. As he drove away, he could still smell Abby on his clothes and hoped the scent would last. It had been an eternity since he’d felt this way about anyone.
* * *
When her mom returned home from her “dinner with an old friend,” Paige was sprawled out on the couch, pretending to be asleep. Abby took a seat beside her. Even with her heart pounding in her ears, Paige dared not stir. Abby pulled the blanket over her and kissed her forehead. “Night, babe,” she whispered, and quietly stepped out of the room.
Paige slowly opened her eyes and took a deep breath. “Just the two of us, huh?” she whispered, and fought back the tears.
Praise for Steven Manchester and Pressed Pennies
PRAISE FOR STEVEN MANCHESTER:
"Steven Manchester writes about life as it really is and really could be! Terrific!”
– Crystal Book Reviews on TWELVE MONTHS
“Steven Manchester has become one of my must-read authors.”
– Literary R&R on TWELVE MONTHS
“Twelve Months has got to be one of the most poignant and emotional novels I`ve ever read,”
– Minding Spot
“Twelve Months is an amazing book. The reading will bring out every emotion imaginable.”
– Single Titles
“Steven Manchester has a gift for expressing through his writing the complicated and transcendent beauty of the human experience with poignant clarity.”
– Yolanda King, eldest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King on GOODNIGHT, BRIAN
“Steven Manchester’s Goodnight, Brian is a poignant, inspiring story about resilience and faith and one family’s enduring love that should be a model for us all.”
– James S. Hirsch, bestselling author, Willie Mays: The Life, the Legend
“A poignant and riveting tale of the strength of familial love, Goodnight, Brian is a profound and very much recommended addition.”
– Midwest Book Review
“Look out Nicholas Sparks, you have a new contender!”
– Mommabears Book Blog on THE ROCKIN` CHAIR
“Not only do I highly recommend this book, but believe this story should be a mandatory read for all.”
– CMash Reads on THE ROCKIN` CHAIR
“The Rockin` Chair is a tightly knit tearjerker – a work better than anything Nicholas Sparks has ever written.”
– Jon Land, bestselling author of Pandora’s Temple
Praise for Steven Manchester’s Pressed Pennies
"Pressed Pennies is priceless! Steve Manchester has an obvious love of words and an amazing ability to use those words to create lasting images in the reader’s mind. His detail-oriented, richly drawn characters and descriptions make this story leap off the pages.”
- Joyce Handzo, In the Library Reviews
“Pressed Pennies is a warm, lovely story about generosity, unconditional love and acceptance, and a celebration of family.”
- Jane Bowers, Romance Reviews Today
“An exceptional story about family, life and love...Pressed Pennies examines family life at a much simpler time” - Books2Mention Magazine
“From Steven Manchester and the wonderful characters of Pressed Pennies, we learn about real life and true love…and that you can go back.”
- Phyllis Muhlhauser, Romance Book Cafe
“In his newest novel, Pressed Pennies, author Steven Manchester’s outstanding ability as a storyteller allows him to present the joys and tragedies of relationships with depth and understanding, thus creating a work that will stay in your heart and mind for a long, long time. I highly recommend Pressed Pennies."
- Nancy Mehl, Author and Book Reviewer, MyShelf.com
“Pressed Pennies is a story of true feeling, childhood wishes, and real life. Steven Manchester has the ability to portray the lives of characters in a way that captures the reader and makes us truly want to know what the outcome is. His text is full of raw emotion, realistic and likable characters, and intricately detailed scenes that will leave your mouth watering for raspberry ice cream. To quote Richard, “Good writers make people think, while great writers make their readers feel.” Steven Manchester is a great writer.”
- Heather Froeschl, Quilldipper.com
“It takes a talented storyteller to appeal to the opposite gender and Mr. Manchester surely has that gift. Pressed Pennies is a tale of love and second chances and affirms that love can come at any stage of life if we are just open.” - Roberta Austin, The Compulsive Reader
"Pressed Pennies is one of those feel-good reads that I recommend to everyone looking for renewal in their beliefs that love does make a difference. I enjoyed reading this book, turning page after page long into the early morning hours." - Jozette Aaron, DeSilva`s News
"An epic all-American novel celebrating the cruel beauty of love, Manchester`s luminous blend of prose and poetry makes for an unashamedly romantic rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of three couples` relationships - hang on to your heart!"
- Omma Velada, Author, The Mackerby Scandal
"In Pressed Pennies, the question is asked, `Have we traded the American Family for the American Dream?` In answering, Steven Manchester puts his finger on the pulse of American family life today.”
- Richard Allen Taylor, Poet, Something to Read on the Plane
"Pressed Pennies grabs your heart and holds it captive until the very last page.”
- Pam Kimmel, Author, The Mystery of David’s Bridge
"Steven Manchester`s characters as myriad and diverse as snowflakes on the wind. But it is love that is called to soothe all wounds and bless all new beginnings." - Maureen O`Donnell, Librarian, Brown University
"From the first paragraph, Steven Manchester hooks you. Every human emotion is given restrained rein in this story, and as the characters grow emotionally and spiritually, so does the complexity of the dilemmas they have to face. Pressed Pennies is an evocative work.”
- Sonali Sikchi, Scribe & Quill
“Pressed Pennies is a celebration of the importance of love over profit, family values over consumerism, and Nostalgia for the 80’s. Manchester writes eloquently.”
- Dr. Ruth Mark, Independent Book Reviewer
"A riveting tale about life, mistakes and second chances, Pressed Pennies is warm-hearted and nostalgic. A very enjoyable read!"
- Margaret Marr, Author, Wings of Thunder
"Well done, Steven Manchester! Your readers will surely be as deeply moved as this reviewer.” - Viviane Crystal, Crystal Reviews
“When a book can bring a reader to tears several times throughout its many chapters, it is an excellent book. Steven Manchester has done it again! If Pressed Pennies were a song it would be Number One on the charts!”
- Noonie Fortin, Author, Memories of Maggie
“Pressed Pennies is a story that will keep the readers’ interest intact to the last chapter, and it is therefore a real page turner and a good read that caters to all fiction readers.”
- Liana Metallinou, Independent Book Reviewer
"I loved Pressed Pennies and couldn`t put it down. It`s wholesome, inviting, and was written to gently force the reader to look inside their own heart and examine the love in their life. Simply put, Pressed Pennies is a winner.”
- Georgia Richardson, Author, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Throne
“Pressed Pennies is relaxing, rejuvenating and readers will turn each page with a smile with a guarantee that something interesting and enlightening will happen next. Not only is it an amazing testament of life, but it`s a mirror`s image of those people we see and don`t see day in and day out. Life is bigger than our own, and Pressed Pennies is such a wonderful, illustrative story of just that.”
- Latorial Faison, Author/Poet, Immaculate Perceptions
My Review:
I have read books by this author before and he always makes me happy to have my family and loved ones. He has a way of writing about family events and feelings that I can relate to. Even though I am not divorced I can still relate to young young and true love. These characters are caught in limbo and at the center is Abby's daughter, Paige. Abby does not want someone new in her life and wants her mom to stay single. Paige, realizes almost too late that her mother's happiness is at stake. I really enjoyed the part that The Red Socks played in the plot. I am a from New England and liked the author's take on it. The ending was sweet and romantic, and this would make a great movie. The letters between Rick and Abby were interesting to read and I would love to read Abby's diary in a sequel. The title has a special meaning to these characters and every time I see a pressed penny I will think of this book. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from The Story Plant, however all opinions are my own.
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