Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester

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?

My Thoughts on This Book:

I've read three other books by this author and loved each of them. I found this story very romantic with a twist of childhood sweethearts finding themselves available years later. I do have to express since my blog is Christian based and I read Christian books, that this book is not Christian based that I could find. It speaks of God but as a god and used in a negative way twice that I found in the storyline. There is mention of a lesbian couple that one of the women were friends of Rick and Abby when they were younger. They both expressed in the story how they thought that was a great thing. There is always mentioned making out a lot like teenagers and a moment where Rick expresses wanting to take his relationship to the 'next level' but Abby wanted to stay pure in their relationship. I then got to Chapter 14 to get a rather detailed description of them consummating their relationship and not waiting for marriage. If you are not Christian or find these things above as small and menial then please read on..

With that said, I did enjoy the overall storyline, but stopped reading at mid chapter 14 due to the content against my moral judgement. It's definitely a story that will tug at a girl's heart strings. I wish that the author kept to his writing style from the previous books I've read by him. This story line made me a bit uncomfortable as I read things that are wholesome and follow my Christian beliefs.

 It does show you that good can come from a bad past and that you can look to the future for something better. When coming from a divorce myself when my daughter was young, I felt for Abby on how she dealt with her daughter when someone new came in their lives. It's a realistic perspective of two broken people trying to make their future together and working on becoming a family of three. I'm sorry I couldn't read more to find out how it ended..

 

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

I received a digital copy of this book for an honest review of this book. No other compensation was given.