Author: Marianne Sciucco
Author's Web site link: http://mariannesciucco.blogspot.com
Date of release: April 22, 2013
Publisher: Bunky Press
Genre: Contemporary, romance
ISBN: 0989559203
Available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, and Audible
Purchase links:
Paperback. Kindle. iBooks. Kobo. Barnes & Noble.
Reviewed by Lee Ambrose originally for Story Circle Book Reviews
Blue Hydrangeas is, by far, the most tender love story
I've read in a very long time. While not a "happily ever after" love story,
Blue Hydrangeas is sure to be one you will ponder for some time after you
have finished reading it.
The subtitle is "an Alzheimer's love story." But while the
book tackles the reality of life with Alzheimer's (for the person diagnosed with
it as well as the friends and family members coping with it) Blue
Hydrangeas is not just another book about Alzheimer's. It is a tale of a
woman whose whole life has been up-ended by her disease. It is a tale of the man
who loves her deeply and wants nothing more than to stay with her at their home
for the rest of their days. It is a tale of close family members and friends who
want to help but are often at a loss to know what to do or how to help. And,
perhaps most importantly, it is a gentle reminder to confront the past, face the
future and live each and every moment to its fullest.
After 50 years of marriage, Jack and Sara Harmon have shared
many celebrations and crises but none as encompassing as the disease which is
slowly taking away Sara's memory and personality. They have had children and
lost one to an unfortunate drowning accident on the Cape. They have welcomed
countless people into their successful bed and breakfast establishment and
enjoyed serving their guests with comfort and hospitality. Jack has had a
successful career as a pharmaceutical rep. Sara has enjoyed success as a local
artist whose paintings are seen all over the Cape Cod area. Now, she doesn't
remember the daughter who drowned, even when seeing pictures in her treasured
photo albums. There are times when she doesn't recognize her grandson. Before
her keys were taken away, there were incidents where she'd leave to drive ten
minutes to the market for one item and return more than two hours later with
nothing in hand. Many are the mornings when Jack awakens in the wee hours to the
sounds of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen and discover Sara in the process
of "making breakfast for our guests"—even though the bed and breakfast has been
closed for years and there are no guests. Life is anything but what they'd hoped
it would be when they planned for their later years together.
Sciucco has written a poignant tale that embraces the good
times, celebrates the importance of family and reminiscing, and brings to light
the deeply painful struggles a caregiver goes through, trying to be realistic
yet honoring promises made to a then-healthier spouse. The author very deftly
uses the techniques of reminiscing as key elements in her story: Time spent
going through photo albums so that Sara can relate her memories of the persons
and events. Drives down familiar roads. Daily routines that bring order into an
otherwise chaotic life. And all of it done with tenderness, compassion, honesty
and integrity. She has captured some of the real-life hardships for those with
the disease, as well as for their caregivers.
Jack promised Sara that they would stay together forever at
their lovely Cape Cod home, Blue Hydrangeas. But Jack's health issues can no
longer be ignored, and after nine years of caring for Sara, he must admit that
it is sometimes an overwhelming task. When the time comes for him to place Sara
in a care facility, a spur-of-the-moment road trip brings the story full circle,
unites the family in a plan that will honor the health and emotional needs of
both Sara and Jack, and leaves the reader feeling the power of a love story
well-told.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Adventures in Publishing Website and Get a free PDF of her short story "Ino's Love." Find her on Twitter where she enjoys tweeting about my writing life. Check out her Amazon page.
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