Pressed Pennies
Brief Synopsis:
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.
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.
Abby Soares and her daughter, Paige are so cute together. Paige has a bubbly personality. I was sad for Paige that her father did not want to be a part of her life. However on the other hand, her father was not good enough for Paige and I was glad to see him out of the picture. Even with a divorce under her belt, Abby had a good personality as well.
Rick for being rich was a down to earth type of guy. Thus it made me warm up to him very quickly. He and Abby were good together. I wished however that their connection was shared a little more in detail. It would have helped draw me into the story better. I know that Mr. Manchester can bring such life to his characters as I have read several books by him and loved them. While this book was still a good read. Not one of my favorites. Still I do plan to check out this next book. I am a fan of Mr. Manchester's work.
Paperback & Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Pressed-Pennies-Steven-Manchester/dp/1611881358/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395332265&sr=1-7&keywords=steven+manchester
Nook & Paperback: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pressed-pennies-steven-manchester/1021305835?ean=9781611881356
Excerpt
A mix of playful conversation and alcohol set the
night’s happy mood. Rick was tipping his third
beer at the season’s final bash when he looked up
and saw her. He nearly choked on his drink. She
was his age, pretty with an athletic build. She had
gorgeous wavy chestnut hair with beautiful dark
eyes that matched. She had a mysterious confidence
about her and a smile that men would die
for. Rick swore she had an aura from her head to
her feet. At that moment, he thought, I have to meet
her. His mind filled with questions that needed
answers: Who does she know at the party? Who can
I get her background from? Who can introduce us? As
his mind raced, Carol walked over with the beauty.
he said.
“Rick, this is…” the friendly hostess began to
introduce with a smile.
“Abby!” Rick interrupted. “I can’t believe it.” It
was her. It was Abby Gerwitz, his childhood sweetheart.
He searched her eyes and a thousand memories—
happy childhood pictures—flooded his
mind. And then he recalled the pain he’d felt on
the day they were forced to say good-bye.
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. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
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