Pressed Pennies

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?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Steven Manchester pens a novel of new beginnings and life long love with his book, Pressed Pennies. Abby and her daughter, Paige, move to a new town after Abby and her husband separate. Nights of Patrick drinking and ugly fights have finally worn Abby thin. She wants to make a better life with her daughter and moving might just give them the fresh start they need. But with a fresh start comes an old flame.

Richard Giles was living in a loveless marriage. He believed that money was the key to happiness and bet his life on it. When he realizes that life requires more ingredients to be fully lived, he and his wife divorce. Richard and Abby were best friends as children and fate brings them back together promising a happily ever after if they're willing to do the work. 

Abby, Richard, and Paige are the three main characters of the book and they are all struggling to find happiness. Abby is a down to earth mom who focuses on making Paige her top priority. She's a dreamer with an innate urge to help others and readers will love her. Richard is a stand-up guy who learns that love is the answer to true happiness. He is friendly, loyal, dependable, and honest. Paige is a young girl who has just lost her innocence. Her rose colored glasses have been destroyed by her alcoholic father and his broken promises. Children of divorce will definitely relate to this little lady and readers will thoroughly understand her actions as she attempts to steer clear of any father figure who might do the same.

The entire novel spans a couple of years, beginning with Abby's separation. When Abby meets Richard again at an annual barbecue, the two begin dating and Paige hates it. Manchester shares the struggles of life after divorce,  accurately depicting fears and worries. Though the dialogue is cliche and sappy at times, as well as over the top sentimental, the core of the story is relatable and believable. Pressed Pennies is an emotional novel that touches readers, showing them that happily ever after is something to strive for.  

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

The Unwanted Wife

All Alessandro de Lucci wants from his wife is a son but after a year and a half of unhappiness and disillusionment, all Theresa de Lucci wants from her ice cold husband is a divorce. Unfortunate timing, since Theresa is about to discover that she’s finally pregnant and Alessandro is about to discover that he isn’t willing to lose Theresa.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Natasha Anders sets up a scheme-filled marriage in her novel, The Unwanted Wife. When Sandro married Theresa, he thought she was in cahoots with her father, holding the livelihood of Sandro's family as if it were the blade to a guillotine. In order to remove the threat, Sandro must give the De Lucci family a male heir.

The novel focuses around Theresa, who met Sandro and fell completely in love with him. She has a gentle nature but reaches her breaking point after nearly two years of unrequited feelings, standing up to Sandro and asking for a divorce. Readers will connect with Theresa, firstly, through empathy. Feeling unloved is an easily relatable emotion and Theresa can't remember a time when she felt love. (Certainly not from her calculated and focused father.) The strength that Theresa discovers within her heart will pull readers to her side of understanding, strengthening the initial bond Anders creates. 

The plot of the novel is solely based on the relationship between Sandro and Theresa. Becoming pregnant scares Theresa, she sees the child as an innocent victim to her father's schemes and a tie to Sandro that she doesn't want any longer. But, things become increasingly difficult when Sandro learns that Theresa never knew of her father's plan and actually loved him. The stakes raise again when Theresa learns that she hasn't been the only woman in Sandro's life.  The evolution of both characters throughout the story will bring readers to tears, evoking every emotion emitted in a relationship. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Unwanted Wife