Pressed Pennies - Steven Manchester

4 Stars

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?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers, Twelve Months and The Rockin' Chair. He is also the author of the award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian, as well as the critically-acclaimed novel, Pressed Pennies, A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Wilbur Avenue (novella, released August 2014), Just in Time (novella, released September 2014) and Gooseberry Island (novel, released 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

 

MY REVIEW -

Steven Manchester is not a stranger to me. This is the forth book of his I have read. I always know I am going to get a good book from Steve. He is one of those very consistent and reliable authors.

I would describe this book as a "nice read". There is nothing very outlandish or exciting going on, there is no real adventure - it is just one of those nice, good, comfortable reads. Like an old favorite pair of jeans. I happen to really like books like these. I don't need a lot of excitement - just everyday life is interesting enough for me.

The character development is very good. I god a feeling for their personalities right away and really liked them all. I especially liked Abby, she felt like "the girl next door" to me. It took me a while to like Rick, the other main character but he did end up warming my heart. Sometimes children's character's can be harder to portray but Steve does a great job with this! Paige really starts to annoy the heck out of me, as children sometimes do! I didn't like the way she had far too much control over her Mother's life and decisions. So when the mother finally said - enough! I said - Yay finally. I would have had enough a long time ago.

Another thing that Steve did very well was the conversations.They had a real easy flow and felt very natural to me. It felt like I was hearing real conversations, not just reading a script.

If you would like a nice easy quick romance for the summer - this is a good one.

Thank you Steve Manchester for sending me this e-book to read for my honest review! Keep 'em coming!

Get your copy from Amazon - HERE