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The Ledger
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 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.
Early Praise...
“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
Although told from three alternating perspectives—officer, inmate, and sergeant—many of the same questions are 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.
Early Praise...
“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
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Steven Manchester
42 books304 followersNew 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. 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. 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, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSteven...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 28, 2026
What a wonderful book about faith. It takes place in a prison and is written from both the inmates and correctional guards’ standpoints. In a place where despair runs rampant, the story shows that God is there, you just need to look for Him. The story also shows that there is both good and evil in the inmates and guards, it's all about the choices we make in our lives. This is a great novel about faith that you don't want to miss.
May 26, 2026
‘I’m serving life for something I didn’t even do’ – Eloquent messages from a prison!
This reviewer became acquainted with the very special novels of Steven Manchester with his novel `The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. That followed with his TWELVE MONTHS, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN, ROCKIN' CHAIR, GOODNIGHT, ASHES, GOOSEBERRY ISLAND, PRESSED PENNIES, THE CHANGING SEASON, BREAD BAGS & BULLIES: SURVIVING THE 80S, HIGHER AND OTHER POEMS OF FAITH, THE MENU - each of which allowed entry into his ability to address end of life situations, family relationships as challenged by cancer, by having a child with a critical disease, with death, and with more. The aspect of Manchester's books that is dependable is his ability to introduce delicate subjects without fear and still make the stories flow with a sense of familial love, humanistic views and spiritualism. And yet always there is the gift of his ability to be a fine storyteller in the true sense of the term.
In a note to readers Steven states, ‘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.’ Providing a brief synopsis Steven offers, ‘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?’
After opening with a ‘menu’ that that offers entrees (such as love, joy, peace) in one column and Price (apathy, sorrow, chaos) in the corresponding column, Steven sets out preparation for his faith-based story: ‘It was eternal dawn. Two silhouettes stood in the soft light of a cloud. Through the veil of fog, the taller shadow handed the other a thin book and patted him on the shoulder. The gold embossed, burgundy cover was the approximate size of a menu. Amid the faint sound of chirping birds and a whistling wind the silhouettes remained faceless. “This is your life, my child. Order whatever you wish, but keep in mind…whatever you choose to taste, you have to finish,” God said. With a nod, the spirit started flipping through the menu….’ Then the novel’s story begins in 1995: ‘Inmate Roy Dagnault peered out his barred window at the rising sun. Entranced, he watched as fingers of light crept over the edges of the gray concrete wall. The morning sun slowly rose above the hulking guard tower; it was a sign of hope for a life that existed beyond the impenetrable fortress. It was a cruel sign. ‘Today’s my 35th birthday, Roy thought…’
Steven is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows and with that Steven’s survey of the complete cycle of life. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share
This reviewer became acquainted with the very special novels of Steven Manchester with his novel `The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. That followed with his TWELVE MONTHS, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN, ROCKIN' CHAIR, GOODNIGHT, ASHES, GOOSEBERRY ISLAND, PRESSED PENNIES, THE CHANGING SEASON, BREAD BAGS & BULLIES: SURVIVING THE 80S, HIGHER AND OTHER POEMS OF FAITH, THE MENU - each of which allowed entry into his ability to address end of life situations, family relationships as challenged by cancer, by having a child with a critical disease, with death, and with more. The aspect of Manchester's books that is dependable is his ability to introduce delicate subjects without fear and still make the stories flow with a sense of familial love, humanistic views and spiritualism. And yet always there is the gift of his ability to be a fine storyteller in the true sense of the term.
In a note to readers Steven states, ‘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.’ Providing a brief synopsis Steven offers, ‘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?’
After opening with a ‘menu’ that that offers entrees (such as love, joy, peace) in one column and Price (apathy, sorrow, chaos) in the corresponding column, Steven sets out preparation for his faith-based story: ‘It was eternal dawn. Two silhouettes stood in the soft light of a cloud. Through the veil of fog, the taller shadow handed the other a thin book and patted him on the shoulder. The gold embossed, burgundy cover was the approximate size of a menu. Amid the faint sound of chirping birds and a whistling wind the silhouettes remained faceless. “This is your life, my child. Order whatever you wish, but keep in mind…whatever you choose to taste, you have to finish,” God said. With a nod, the spirit started flipping through the menu….’ Then the novel’s story begins in 1995: ‘Inmate Roy Dagnault peered out his barred window at the rising sun. Entranced, he watched as fingers of light crept over the edges of the gray concrete wall. The morning sun slowly rose above the hulking guard tower; it was a sign of hope for a life that existed beyond the impenetrable fortress. It was a cruel sign. ‘Today’s my 35th birthday, Roy thought…’
Steven is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows and with that Steven’s survey of the complete cycle of life. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share
May 29, 2026
The Ledger by Steven Manchester is a gritty contemporary Christian novel that is powerfully written with a clear message at its’ heart – God is with us, always – even if we don’t feel His presence. Even if we don’t acknowledge Him. God will never leave us alone.
“It’s difficult to watch our children make horrible mistakes and not intervene” are words spoken by God in the novel. He is our heavenly Father. The same words can be true of earthly parents. We have to give our children space to grow. “I’m going to worry about my little girl for the rest of my days… It’s the price I have to pay for being a parent.”
The setting is within a state penitentiary in Mississippi. We follow three characters – a long-serving inmate; a long-serving officer; and an inspector of conditions – only one of them feels far from God and has a very black heart. The other two come to know God, realising “true pain is feeling distance from God.” Bodies may be imprisoned but souls can be free.
We all have free will. We all make choices and must live with the consequences. We see the pain caused to God when His children choose the wrong path but “I can’t give you free will and then force myself on you,” says God.
God longs for each of us to come to Him. Sometimes it is a dazzling Damascus-road experience, at other times it is a gentle Emmaus-road experience. “God don’t use a microwave when He’s cooking. He uses a crock-pot.” God never gives up on us.
Life within a prison imprisons all – officers and inmates alike. But the officers get to go home at night. Lines may become blurred but “the trick with this job is not to lose your humanity.” And most importantly “it’s an unwritten law in the joint…officers don’t beat on inmates. Inmates beat on inmates.”
We see a rich man die. “Moe died a wealthy man, and it had nothing to do with anything he accumulated… Always try to be a good man.” Riches are measured by our character, and by how much we love and are loved.
We must remember with our last breath it is never too late to come to God. “Is it too late for me and God?” While there is breath in our body, we can always say a ‘yes’ to Jesus. As evangelist George Miller said: “You can live without Jesus, but for goodness’ sake, do not die without Jesus.”
The Ledger is not a read for the faint hearted. It is set inside a prison. There are details of crimes and daily life that are not pleasant as it is a realistic read. The language is that of the criminal and not the King’s English – but there is love. The love of humanity. And the love of God.
The Ledger is a powerful book. Its content is not pleasant but the love of God is all-encompassing – and it is this love that remains long after the last page is read.
I will leave you with my favourite quote which is included in the book, and it is part of a speech by Mother Teresa:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway… The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have… For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of warning: There are scenes and language that some readers may not like.
“It’s difficult to watch our children make horrible mistakes and not intervene” are words spoken by God in the novel. He is our heavenly Father. The same words can be true of earthly parents. We have to give our children space to grow. “I’m going to worry about my little girl for the rest of my days… It’s the price I have to pay for being a parent.”
The setting is within a state penitentiary in Mississippi. We follow three characters – a long-serving inmate; a long-serving officer; and an inspector of conditions – only one of them feels far from God and has a very black heart. The other two come to know God, realising “true pain is feeling distance from God.” Bodies may be imprisoned but souls can be free.
We all have free will. We all make choices and must live with the consequences. We see the pain caused to God when His children choose the wrong path but “I can’t give you free will and then force myself on you,” says God.
God longs for each of us to come to Him. Sometimes it is a dazzling Damascus-road experience, at other times it is a gentle Emmaus-road experience. “God don’t use a microwave when He’s cooking. He uses a crock-pot.” God never gives up on us.
Life within a prison imprisons all – officers and inmates alike. But the officers get to go home at night. Lines may become blurred but “the trick with this job is not to lose your humanity.” And most importantly “it’s an unwritten law in the joint…officers don’t beat on inmates. Inmates beat on inmates.”
We see a rich man die. “Moe died a wealthy man, and it had nothing to do with anything he accumulated… Always try to be a good man.” Riches are measured by our character, and by how much we love and are loved.
We must remember with our last breath it is never too late to come to God. “Is it too late for me and God?” While there is breath in our body, we can always say a ‘yes’ to Jesus. As evangelist George Miller said: “You can live without Jesus, but for goodness’ sake, do not die without Jesus.”
The Ledger is not a read for the faint hearted. It is set inside a prison. There are details of crimes and daily life that are not pleasant as it is a realistic read. The language is that of the criminal and not the King’s English – but there is love. The love of humanity. And the love of God.
The Ledger is a powerful book. Its content is not pleasant but the love of God is all-encompassing – and it is this love that remains long after the last page is read.
I will leave you with my favourite quote which is included in the book, and it is part of a speech by Mother Teresa:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway… The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have… For you see, in the end, it is between you and God.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of warning: There are scenes and language that some readers may not like.
June 5, 2026
Every once in a while, an author comes along who writes novels that are so powerfully compelling and thought provoking that they stir the soul. For me, that author is Steven Manchester and his latest novel, The Ledger.
The Ledger is a realistic and faith-based story that provides the reader with a behind the walls look at a prison system environment. Told in an alternating third person narrative by an inmate (Roy Dagnault), a corrections officer (Derek Yanchuk), and a Sergeant (Jim Medeiros) two years from retirement, their story is set in the 1990s at a medium security penitentiary in Massachusetts, that follows their story of daily prison life and the corrections profession.
The Ledger is an intensely powerful, deeply disturbing, sober and thought-provoking story of choices, ramifications, consequences, free will, one's life path, and divine intervention. This story stirred my soul from the beginning as I delved into the lives of the inmate, corrections officer, and Sergeant. I found myself feeling empathy for the inmate and the Sergeant as they lived and worked within the prison's walls, but I despised the narcissistic corrections officer who thought he had all the power and control to wield as he desired against the inmates. I was shocked by the description of life within the prison, all the good, bad and ugly that occurs, I couldn't help but shake my head and wonder how in the world could free will and choices have so many ramifications and consequences. Like the quote on the cover of the book states: "Life is the greatest gift, don't squander it." Everything that occurs in a person's life is documented within their life's ledger, only to be accounted for when they go before God at the end of their life, with the hope of forgiveness and redemption.
The reader will be easily drawn into this thought-provoking story. You can't help but experience the full gamut of emotions as the three men's story of life within the prison unfolds. When I got to the ending, I couldn't help but say a prayer for the inmates and correction officers who connect with each other every day, and hope that somehow humanity will find its way into their daily life behind the prison walls.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really admired that author Steven Manchester provided the reader with a departure from his usual works of fiction. From his prior work experience as a Prison Investigator, he takes his work experience and wrote a very important story that delved into the world of prisons that the general public never see.
The Ledger is a powerful and compelling story written with faith and thoughtfulness. It is a must read that will make you ponder the prison system and its difficult environment, stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I also purchased the Kindle copy of the book.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
The Ledger is a realistic and faith-based story that provides the reader with a behind the walls look at a prison system environment. Told in an alternating third person narrative by an inmate (Roy Dagnault), a corrections officer (Derek Yanchuk), and a Sergeant (Jim Medeiros) two years from retirement, their story is set in the 1990s at a medium security penitentiary in Massachusetts, that follows their story of daily prison life and the corrections profession.
The Ledger is an intensely powerful, deeply disturbing, sober and thought-provoking story of choices, ramifications, consequences, free will, one's life path, and divine intervention. This story stirred my soul from the beginning as I delved into the lives of the inmate, corrections officer, and Sergeant. I found myself feeling empathy for the inmate and the Sergeant as they lived and worked within the prison's walls, but I despised the narcissistic corrections officer who thought he had all the power and control to wield as he desired against the inmates. I was shocked by the description of life within the prison, all the good, bad and ugly that occurs, I couldn't help but shake my head and wonder how in the world could free will and choices have so many ramifications and consequences. Like the quote on the cover of the book states: "Life is the greatest gift, don't squander it." Everything that occurs in a person's life is documented within their life's ledger, only to be accounted for when they go before God at the end of their life, with the hope of forgiveness and redemption.
The reader will be easily drawn into this thought-provoking story. You can't help but experience the full gamut of emotions as the three men's story of life within the prison unfolds. When I got to the ending, I couldn't help but say a prayer for the inmates and correction officers who connect with each other every day, and hope that somehow humanity will find its way into their daily life behind the prison walls.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I really admired that author Steven Manchester provided the reader with a departure from his usual works of fiction. From his prior work experience as a Prison Investigator, he takes his work experience and wrote a very important story that delved into the world of prisons that the general public never see.
The Ledger is a powerful and compelling story written with faith and thoughtfulness. It is a must read that will make you ponder the prison system and its difficult environment, stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
Disclaimer: I received a PDF copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I also purchased the Kindle copy of the book.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
May 28, 2026
The Ledger by Steven Manchester is an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. I think it should be a must read for most of us. Some people will struggle with it. I had a hard time with this book but still think it is a book that needs reading. It made me think, it made me cry, it made me mad and most of all it made me happy. It made me happy to know we have God the Father that loves us so much he is always with us and if we are sorry for what we have done will forgive us the worst of our transgressions.
This book was approximately 210 pages and it was one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. I’ve read books I didn’t like because I said I would and books like this that had some hard messages and lessons to learn. This book will stay with me for a long time if not forever. I’m going to share a few thoughts with you.
The first one that comes to mind is that I wonder why we have a prison system. I am positive it does not work. Crime still occurs within its walls. There are good people that run the system but there are many that are not. There are criminals in there that are sorry for what they have done but still need to survive in that atmosphere. There are those that find a way to continue their life of crime and will never change. There are also those that learn to be worse inside those walls.
The beginning and end of the book is awesome. I liked hearing the words and thoughts of the Lord our God. Just like in our everyday lives, the middle is hard. It is hard to survive and to thrive. Oh the wonders of going to our heavenly home! Some good men went home in this book. I cried for their family’s loss and I cried tears of happiness for the men that were welcomed to their heavenly home. Even the ones that weren’t so good here on earth.
Most lessons worth learning are hard lessons to learn. That is what makes this book so hard to read. On the other hand, this book restores your hope and faith. It made me feel closer to my savior. If you are looking for something in your life to give you back faith, hope and the love of God, this book comes with a very high recommendation from me. I'm in awe of The Ledger by Steven Manchester and it just might change your life for the better!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Steven Manchester. Thank you! The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This book was approximately 210 pages and it was one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. I’ve read books I didn’t like because I said I would and books like this that had some hard messages and lessons to learn. This book will stay with me for a long time if not forever. I’m going to share a few thoughts with you.
The first one that comes to mind is that I wonder why we have a prison system. I am positive it does not work. Crime still occurs within its walls. There are good people that run the system but there are many that are not. There are criminals in there that are sorry for what they have done but still need to survive in that atmosphere. There are those that find a way to continue their life of crime and will never change. There are also those that learn to be worse inside those walls.
The beginning and end of the book is awesome. I liked hearing the words and thoughts of the Lord our God. Just like in our everyday lives, the middle is hard. It is hard to survive and to thrive. Oh the wonders of going to our heavenly home! Some good men went home in this book. I cried for their family’s loss and I cried tears of happiness for the men that were welcomed to their heavenly home. Even the ones that weren’t so good here on earth.
Most lessons worth learning are hard lessons to learn. That is what makes this book so hard to read. On the other hand, this book restores your hope and faith. It made me feel closer to my savior. If you are looking for something in your life to give you back faith, hope and the love of God, this book comes with a very high recommendation from me. I'm in awe of The Ledger by Steven Manchester and it just might change your life for the better!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Steven Manchester. Thank you! The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
May 27, 2026
In this sequel to “The Menu”, Steven Manchester takes us behind the scenes of a male penitentiary. He draws on his own experiences as a correction officer. The prisoners have committed heinous crimes. Many are lifers with nothing to lose. This is the story of how they deal with the consequences of their actions and the officers who are placed in difficult and dangerous situations because of them.
It’s not a sugarcoated story. This is an intense, raw look into the workings of a prison. We’re even given a taste of a correctional officer juggling his job, his conscience, and his home life. I don’t want to give too much away as this book should be read in its entirety to truly appreciate it.
Although it’s fiction, it feels very much like reality. It will make you cringe, shudder, and even shed a few tears. Mr. Manchester has the talent to touch his readers’ hearts and not let go. He always knows the correct words to tell an emotional story. I’m always excited when I hear he has a new book coming out. He never fails to disappoint me.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s not a sugarcoated story. This is an intense, raw look into the workings of a prison. We’re even given a taste of a correctional officer juggling his job, his conscience, and his home life. I don’t want to give too much away as this book should be read in its entirety to truly appreciate it.
Although it’s fiction, it feels very much like reality. It will make you cringe, shudder, and even shed a few tears. Mr. Manchester has the talent to touch his readers’ hearts and not let go. He always knows the correct words to tell an emotional story. I’m always excited when I hear he has a new book coming out. He never fails to disappoint me.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 12, 2026
Steven Manchester is a must read author for me. The book is not an exception. From the first chapter. I was hooked. After I read the first chapter I had to take a few hours from reading to think about what I had read. What did I pick off the menu? Was it to be creative? What else did I choose to be? Then I realized that with every choice that I have made, I did choose from this menu. Every day. Every choice. That is how profound this book is. Then we get into the plot of what this book is about. Choices in prison. There are definitely people in this world that make bad choices. The way the author tells his story through three different perspectives kept me thinking. Every story has two sides. However this author has a way of giving his stories three sides. There is so much detail that I could tell the author worked in this field. The ending made me think about karma. I really like the way that religion and every day circumstances are woven together to create a beautiful story. This story is not without drama though. It is a true look at prison life. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions. I am giving this book, story and author a 5/5.
June 15, 2026
The Ledger by Steven Manchester is a Christian and Crime Fiction book all rolled into one. This book follows three different characters, one is our Inmate named Roy, a guard named Yanchuck, and a Sargent named Jim. Each of these characters give the story a very different perspective as we follow their day to day activities inside a prison in the 1990's. The author shows the reader that even in prison God is there watching over everyone and everything. There is also good and evil from both sides in this book with the characters but that is human nature and I liked that the author put that into the story also. You can tell the author had real life experience with prison in some way or that he did a lot of research on this topic before writing the book. I really enjoyed this book as the author wrote a very realistic story featuring fictional characters who are in prison with nothing left in their lives, as they are in prison for the rest of their lives. They have nothing left to lose, which makes them extremely dangerous and melancholy. I recommend this book to fans of Christian ideals and also readers who enjoy really great writing and reading about human nature.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Ledger by Steven Manchester
This story is a bit different from the author's regular works. Enjoyed the read and just learning more about prison life and how those behind bars survive to do it all again another day.
We learn about the lives of: the prisoner, an officer and the sergeant from all different angles.
Some stories are gruesome, some tragic. It's the real life in the prison.
There is one given another chance from God but before he could get on the good side he had to experience the bad side first.
Author is so very descriptive with his words I can picture myself watching it LIVE with them as it's happening. This would be a great movie!
So very realistic, I remember my father who was a local cop but had state police training talk about some of his work. God keeps the ledger and you have to prove your life to him to get to heaven.
Can't wait for more from Steven.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This story is a bit different from the author's regular works. Enjoyed the read and just learning more about prison life and how those behind bars survive to do it all again another day.
We learn about the lives of: the prisoner, an officer and the sergeant from all different angles.
Some stories are gruesome, some tragic. It's the real life in the prison.
There is one given another chance from God but before he could get on the good side he had to experience the bad side first.
Author is so very descriptive with his words I can picture myself watching it LIVE with them as it's happening. This would be a great movie!
So very realistic, I remember my father who was a local cop but had state police training talk about some of his work. God keeps the ledger and you have to prove your life to him to get to heaven.
Can't wait for more from Steven.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again Steven Manchester brings his beautiful storytelling to yet another glimpse into the complexity of the human experience; however this one is admittedly much darker. Focusing on the impact of many who choose a less noble path, The Ledger offers a glimpse into prison life and the psyches and perspectives of both the condemned and those with the responsibility of their containment. Where Manchester's companion novel, The Menu, leads with hope and the promise of a love beyond imagination, The Ledger can often feel like despair. But the beauty of this story, as well as any tale of redemption, is that even in the darkest places and most lonely moments, there IS still hope. The Ledger is not always an easy read, but it is a necessary one. It's a reminder that in loss - there's light, and in fear one can still find faith.
- Charissa Costa, Founder, Charm City Readers
- Charissa Costa, Founder, Charm City Readers
June 24, 2026
The Ledger is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. It was written in such a compelling and authentic way that it felt less like reading fiction and more like witnessing real events unfold in real time.
Told through multiple points of view including correctional officers, an inmate, a sergeant, and small glimpses from God, the story offers a look at life inside the prison system. Each perspective added another layer to the narrative, allowing me to see the complexities, challenges, and reality from several different angles.
I found myself feeling an unexpected amount of empathy for some of the inmates as they endured unsafe and often inhumane conditions within the prison. It left me conflicted, knowing that many of them had committed serious crimes, yet they were still human beings deserving of basic dignity and humane treatment.
Told through multiple points of view including correctional officers, an inmate, a sergeant, and small glimpses from God, the story offers a look at life inside the prison system. Each perspective added another layer to the narrative, allowing me to see the complexities, challenges, and reality from several different angles.
I found myself feeling an unexpected amount of empathy for some of the inmates as they endured unsafe and often inhumane conditions within the prison. It left me conflicted, knowing that many of them had committed serious crimes, yet they were still human beings deserving of basic dignity and humane treatment.
May 27, 2026
There is so much to take away from The Ledger. Intensely powerful and deeply moving, the story offers us answers to questions around free will and why bad things sometimes happen. Set in a prison, we learn about good versus evil, that nothing is black and white, and that squandering your gift of life is the greatest tragedy. Most of all, we learn that we are never alone—if we only allow God into our life. The Ledger will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Pick up a copy to learn how to balance your own ledger.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2026
I didn’t finish this book, I toyed and toyed with it . My problem with it is it begins with a baby in heaven discussing earth life with God, and what he wanted. Then were thrown into the prison scene with cursing language. It starts out minor and then gets worse.
I received a copy from the author and not once was I warned about the subject and language. Then to stage it as Christian fiction when it clearly wasn’t is something that I can’t do.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I received a copy from the author and not once was I warned about the subject and language. Then to stage it as Christian fiction when it clearly wasn’t is something that I can’t do.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
June 18, 2026
The Ledger by Steven Manchester is a powerful story about faith. He writes a strong story of prison life, from those in prison and those who care for them. It is told in a triple perspective and Manchester has wonderful story telling qualities that keep the pages turning. He brings out a lot of different feelings when you are reading this one, he actually had me in tears. He sends a powerful message that no matter how dark the situation, there is always hope!! Highly recommend you read this one.
Thank you Partners in Crime Book Tours and Steven Manchester for allowing me to be part of this wonderful book tour.
Thank you Partners in Crime Book Tours and Steven Manchester for allowing me to be part of this wonderful book tour.
June 12, 2026
so good
This book is eye opening. I could not put it down. This is quite the insight into prison life. I had no idea what inmates and prison guards go thru on a daily basis. This sure did open my eyes. And it also shows you that God is there if you look for him as one of the inmates did.
This book is eye opening. I could not put it down. This is quite the insight into prison life. I had no idea what inmates and prison guards go thru on a daily basis. This sure did open my eyes. And it also shows you that God is there if you look for him as one of the inmates did.
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