Pressed Pennies

Pressed Pennies is an evocative, touching story. It takes you back to the good old days, when there was no Internet or cell phones. It is a story of youthful innocence, enduring love and family values. Manchester has written a beautiful story sure to last for several generations. Although mainstream fiction isn't a genre I indulge in, I did enjoy Pressed Pennies very much. It certainly made me take an about-face with my own life! The characters stayed with me after I finished reading it, and I think that is, above all else, one goal every novel should have.

"Pressed Pennies is a beautiful read. It is nostalgic and reminiscent of my own life and left me hungering for those simpler times again. Steve Manchester knows how to capture the very essence of a place in time and the characters he brings to life. He definitely leaves the reader longing for more."

I set aside the entire afternoon and devoted it to Pressed Pennies. Am I ever glad I did. I wouldn't have missed this read for the world! I loved the book and couldn't put it down. What a beautiful story. Was it well written? It was more than well written. It was a true story. It has to be because the characters were people just like me and hopefully you, and anyone else that has ever tasted real, true love. The scenery was described in a way that placed me right there, in the porch swing, or maybe getting an ice cream, oh, and believe me when I say I was there when Bill died. I cried several times during the read, and I grieved for their loss whether it was early in the life game, or towards the end when Bill's fight with lung cancer was lost. Eunice was so wise, so kind. I loved her from the start. Who wouldn't/couldn't? I never saw the money thing coming. Had no idea Bill would turn out--WELL...I must not tell you this part but I will say, the author got me there. Jim was the kind of man my father was -- always giving. And wise enough to let his son grow into the man he needed to be, and to wait patiently for that to happen. This book is movie quality. It's wholesome, inviting, and was written to gently force the reader to look inside their own heart and examine the love in their life, right now. Or to continue dreaming and praying for the one that is and always will be, the only one. It also helped me to believe again in miracles. They CAN happen. I had just forgotten. I can't thank the author enough for writing this story in a way that makes me feel again. Simply put, Pressed Pennies is a winner. Would I recommend this book? Darn tootin' and will profusely.

"In his newest novel, Pressed Pennies, author Steven Manchester has woven several different threads of love together into a rich, remarkable tapestry. His outstanding ability as a storyteller allows him to present the joys and tragedies of relationships with depth and understanding, thus creating a work that will stay in your heart and mind for a long, long time. I highly recommend Pressed Pennies."

"Pressed Pennies is a beautifully written story of enduring relationships which follows a group of childhood friends as they lurch unsteadily into adolescence and adulthood. But this is not just a tale of coming of age....it is also a well told love story that grabs your heart and holds it captive until the very last page. Manchester, a gifted poet, has quite artfully included a number of his masterfully written poems throughout the book as appropriate accompaniments to poignant moments. The result is a wonderful combination of elements which provides the reader with a uniquely personal perspective with the feel of reading a private journal or perusing the pages of a family photo album."