Pressed Pennies
Seven Manchester
Luna Bella Press 2006
ISBN 978-0-9641842-0-0
All Rights Reserved

Pressed Pennies follows the lives of Abby and Richard. It begins when they are children, although Abby's childhood was far from ideal. Richard was also dealing with issues related to his father, as well as the death of his mother. However, Abby and Richard were happy together and shared many wonderful moments.

The story also reveals the love affair between Richard's grandmother and a wealthy man, as well as the lives of some of Richard's and Abby's friends.

Richard was forced to move away from Abby and his friends and this left him resentful. Abby was left to live with her abusive father and mother who tolerated his abuse.

The story examines the young love that existed between Abby and Richard and the love that his grandmother found with a wealthy gentlemen named Bill. Esther and Bill learned that you are never too old to love and also to seek forgiveness from family members that Bill had wronged while making his fortune.

Even though Abby and Richard traversed failed marriages, they were ultimately able to reconnect. The path however was not easy because of Abby's daughter, Paige. She initially resents Richard, however his patience and continuing support is ultimately rewarded.

Pressed Pennies is a wonderful read that brought tears to my eyes numerous times. Although the families described are not traditional families, they prove that love, support and forgiveness can transcend anger, loneliness, resentment and even abuse.

Steven Manchester is a gifted writer. His story telling ability permits the reader to experience the emotions his characters are feeling. The story reminds us that we should aspire to forgive and love regardless of past harms. It also teaches that abusers are basically cowards that we should not cower from, but that we should stand up against and not permit them to intimidate us.

This book is a wonderful summer read. You will feel sad, warm and hopeful. Enjoy Abby's and Richard's journeys.