SOMERSET — Author Steve Manchester didn’t plan on releasing his book, “The Menu” until November, but the timing was right for a story with a positive message to help alleviate all the negativity of late, he said.
“Commercially, I don’t think this was the best time to release a new novel. But with all the chaos and divisiveness in our world, we decided to get it out now — as the message is so timely,” said Manchester. “I’m thrilled to say that those who have read it have reported that they’ve been very emotionally and positively impacted.”
Manchester has penned dozens of books, but “The Menu,” which he describes as a “soul-awakening novel” holds a special place for the Somerset author. He started the book 10 years ago and over the years kept going back to the spiritual story.
As described in the synopsis of the book, the central character Phinn Reed “enters the world with the promise of finding his soul mate. With heaven’s memories erased, his romantic quest teaches him that the heart often sees clearer than the eyes — and that not everyone has ordered the same items from The Menu. Evidence that love stories come in many different forms, The Menu is a spiritual journey involving more than just a man and a woman; it is a modern-day tale that reaches far beyond the boundaries of reason.”
Manchester, whose most recent book is the comedic, heartwarming family tale “Bread Bags and Bullies,” said “The Menu” is a story about hope, healing and finding real peace. “I’ve always believed that the things that unite us — the really important things — are much more powerful than the things that divide us,” he added.
So far, reviewers have praised the novel. Bestselling author Jon Land wrote, “Steven Manchester writes like Nicholas Sparks on steroids” and Shannon Gonzalez, book blogger, Literarily Illumined said, “The Norman Rockwell of Literature, Steven Manchester has bared his soul in the intense story, The Menu.”
Though the book was only released a few weeks ago, Manchester said reader feedback has also been very positive. “I’ve been told that the book is inspiring, but more importantly, it’s bringing comfort and a sense of peace during all this turmoil. None of us is ever alone—not ever—and we’re all connected,” he said.
“The Menu” is available in print and ebook on Amazon and locally, print copies are available at Annie’s Unique Boutique and Riverside Art in Somerset, and Partners Village Store in Westport. Manchester said he will also be donating copies of "The Menu" to local libraries to ensure that the powerful message is available to everyone who wants to read it.
For more information about Manchester, visit his author’s website: www.stevenmanchester.com.
Email Linda Murphy at lmurphy@heraldnews.com.