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The Ledger by Steven Manchester

Author Guest Post + Book and Author Information + a Giveaway!

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  Set in a medium-security penitentiary in the mid-1990s, The Ledger is a faith-based story that pulls back the curtain on prison life, allowing the reader a safe peek behind the wall. Although told from three alternating perspectives—officer, inmate, and sergeant—many of the same questions are asked: Can light be found in the deepest darkness? What about forgiveness, redemption, and grace? And if the code is clear, “loyalty above all things except honor,” when should an officer cross the blue line to police one of his own? The Ledger is the long-awaited companion novel to The Menu.

Praise for The Ledger:

“The Ledger illuminates the dark world of Corrections, making it safe for all of us to steal a peek.” ~ Barry McKee, Professor Emeritus, Criminal Justice “I found myself holding my breath. It felt like I was right back inside the wall.” ~ Nelson Julius, Deputy Superintendent, DOC (ret.) “Intensely powerful and deeply moving, pick up a copy to balance your own ledger.” ~ Debby Guyette, Book Blogger, Single Titles “The Ledger is a spiritual read, drawing the reader inward.” ~ Reverend Andy Stinson, First Congregational Church of Fall River

Book Details:

Genre: Christian, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction Published by: Luna Bella Press Publication Date: May 26, 2026 Number of Pages: 280 ISBN: 979-8999472021 Series: Companion novel to The Menu.

Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Goodreads | BookBub

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The Ledger Author Guest Post by Steven Manchester

The Ledger has been another labor of love for me, the second installment in my Menu Series.

In 2020, I released The Menu, a story about hope, healing, and finding true peace. It’s a positive message intended to unite us all.

My greatest hope has been that The Menu serve as a beacon of light for those who are feeling isolated and disheartened. The book’s message is simple: “We are all connected, and none of us is ever alone—not ever.” Evidence that love stories come in many different forms, The Menu is a spiritual journey, a modern-day tale that reaches far beyond the boundaries of reason.

Upon its release, I began volunteering with caregivers at Hospice. During one of the many healing sessions, one of my readers claimed that she loved the novel but questioned why all the characters were good and kind. “Having a conscience was a menu choice,” she said. “What if one of the characters decided not to order a conscience from his life’s menu?” Talk about a goosebumps moment! I immediately understood that I needed to write a novel to complement—or maybe even counter—The Menu. Ying and yang; light and darkness.

I figured that if I’m going to write about mercy, forgiveness, and redemption, what better setting than a prison? I spent the better part of a decade working within a medium-security penitentiary—as a Correction Officer and then prison investigator—so it only made sense that 30 years later I’d take my writing skills and return to that setting. Although The Ledger is a departure from my usual fare, it’s a story I needed to write. And this novel is the most reality-based fiction I have ever penned.

The Ledger’s synopsis: Set in a medium-security penitentiary in the mid-1990s, The Ledger is a faith-based story that shines a light into the darkness, allowing the reader to discover a brutally foreign world. Although told from three alternating perspectives—officer, inmate, and sergeant—many of the same questions arise: Can goodness be found in the shadows? What about forgiveness, redemption, and grace? And if the code is “loyalty above all things except honor,” when should an officer cross the blue line to police one of his or her own?

Like my grandfather before me, I am a storyteller—period. With The Ledger, I’m simply telling a story. “None of us is ever alone.” I believe this truth in every fiber of my being. For me, few things are more tragic than a fellow human being feeling alone.

To my cherished readers… hang on and enjoy the ride!  

The Ledger Author Steven Manchester

New England’s Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the ’80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade; Yearbooks & Yo-Yos.

His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club (NYIFA & LAFA winner). He is the co-author of You Will Be Peter, as well as Officer Erik & the Very Special Dad (written with TV icon, Erik Estrada). His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show and CBS’s The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines.

Three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright and winner of several book festivals, Including Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Amsterdam, and New England (from 2017-2025). When not spending time with his family, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.

Catch Up With Steven Manchester:

www.StevenManchester.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @stevenhmanchester Instagram – @authorstevemanchester YouTube – @authorstevenmanchester3970 X – @authorSteveM Facebook

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