{Review} PRESSED PENNIES by Steven Manchester

ASIN #: B00J1K3TJO

File Size: 716 KB

Page Count: 357

Copyright: May 13, 2014

Publisher: The Story Plant

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

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.

Mandy's Review:

Once I write a rave review for an author, I feel obligated to keep it going with subsequent books. However, while I enjoyed this book I can't bring myself to rave about it as I did about Manchester's past works.

PRESSED PENNIES is a sweet story about two people who thought they lost love only to be brought back together again. The years changed both Rick and Abby, as is expected, and they're trying to figure out if what they felt as children was real. Do they base a relationship on who they used to be or can they be attracted to the adults they are now? Add into the mix a pre-teen who is in no way interested in having a new male role model and you have your conflict of the story.

I think this is where my interest waned a little. I can understand Paige not wanting her mom to become involved with another man. My mother stayed single for 10 to 11 years after her divorce from my father, so I totally understand Paige's feelings. What bothered me is how selfish she was about the whole situation. No, she didn't have to like it, but she could have been more polite. Abby was part of the problem as well. She basically allowed Paige to dictate her life. Yes, be there for your child. Yes, be concerned about her mental well-being, but don't let your child run your life. Abby was the parent. She should have put her foot down; gently, but firmly.

Overall, as I mentioned earlier, I did enjoy this book. I especially loved seeing the past being repeated in the present with the group of children in the neighborhood ... the whole "Circle of Life" aspect really drew me in ... but, despite that, I cannot rave about PRESSED PENNIES. Worth the read, but not a must.


*An ecopy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.