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Marianne Sciucco

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Blue Hydrangeas: an Alzheimer's love story Kindle Edition

by Marianne Sciucco (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.4 439 ratings

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What if the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name?

Memory care is everyone’s solution for what to do about Sara, but her husband, Jack, can’t bear to live without her. He’s committed to saving his marriage, his wife, and their life together from the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. They retired years ago to the house of their dreams and operated it as a Cape Cod bed and breakfast named Blue Hydrangeas. Jack has made an impossible promise: They will stay together in their beautiful home no matter what the disease brings.

However, after nine years of selfless caregiving, complicated by her progressing Alzheimer’s and his own failing heart, Jack finally admits he can no longer care for his wife at home. With reluctance, he arranges to admit her to an assisted living facility. But on the morning of admission, Sara is having one of her few good days, and he’s unable to follow through. Instead, he takes them on an impulsive journey to confront their past and reclaim their future.

Readers say:

“So beautifully written, so tender, so real.”

“It hardly seems possible that beautiful and Alzheimer’s could be used in the same sentence, but the author paints a picture of this insidious disease and the beauty of a love too deep to succumb.”

“For a quick read that will give a clear picture of Alzheimer’s, I highly recommend this book!”

“Thank you for an excellent read on an important topic.”

Editorial Reviews

Review

"When thinking of a good romance novel to curl up with on a rainy day, most people are probably not thinking about Alzheimer's disease. Registered Nurse Marianne Sciucco just might change some minds with her beautiful book, Blue Hydrangeas: An Alzheimer's Love Story. Blue Hydrangeas is a heartfelt story about a loving couple who come to that too-often inevitable place in their lives where Alzheimer's throws a roadblock right in the middle of their journey together. Like so many, Jack and Sara worked hard all their lives to retire and get their dream home. They open it up as a bed and breakfast and then comes the diagnosis for Sara. Jack dutifully, lovingly and stubbornly, takes on the role of primary Caregiver like a champ. As the years progress and Sara regresses, she often becomes down-right mean and, what many would consider, impossible to cope with. But, despite his own failing health, Jack loves Sara and is defiant about keeping her home, where she belongs, with him. When just about everyone in Jack's life finally convinces him that he has no choice but to place Sara in an assisted living facility, he relinquishes - almost. It's the journey that occurs following Jack's ultimate decision that draws the reader even more into the truly heart-wrenching and beautiful love affair between these lifelong partners. Sciucco's use of dialogue is extraordinary and her understanding of how Alzheimer's effects every member of the afflicted person's family and social network is compelling. Blue hydrangeas are both a place and a metaphor in this work about love and devotion. And it has a happy ending!" - Sissy Bowen, Caregiver's Companion

"The author covered some of the most difficult situations families are dealing with, and I can see our caregivers connecting to the husband and son." - Meg E. Boyce,LMSW, Vice President Programs and Services Alzheimer's Association, Poughkeepsie,NY

"Marianne Sciucco not only did a wonderful job writing a beautiful novel about a couple experiencing dementia, but did it in a thoughtful, authentic, humane way." Donna Davies, LCSW, Alzheimer's Association, Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter

"BLUE HYDRANGEAS traces a couple's struggle with Alzheimer's in an effective story that doesn't pull its punches, but remains compassionate and absorbing." - Liz Lynch for IndieReader

"What a touching account of a couple's journey into Alzheimer's and of the love that never succumbed to the disease! Marianne Sciucco captured all the levels of feelings and fears that accompany this journey--the doubting, the rationalization that everything is ok, the hoping....and finally the acceptance. Most of all, she captured the love that so often brings out strengths that will help caregivers and their loved ones as they face this together. A truly remarkable story!" - Marilynn Garzione, author ofReleased to the Angels: Discovering the Hidden Gifts of Alzheimer's

"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." - Lee Ambrose for Story Circle Book Reviews

From the Author

I hope you enjoy "Blue Hydrangeas." It is my first novel and a story I wrote from the heart after witnessing the pain and heartbreak of many couples and families struggling with Alzheimer's disease. The characters of Jack and Sara are loosely based on one couple I met in my work as a registered nurse. Their experiences are a composite of the many families I assisted with decision making and navigating the health care system to ensure their loved ones were taken care of in ways that preserved their dignity and well-being. This is a tough, demanding disease, and many people seek comfort in knowing they are not alone in their struggle. "Blue Hydrangeas" is my attempt to bring consolation and understanding to all who encounter Alzheimer's.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CHU571S
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bunky Press (April 22, 2013)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 22, 2013
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 5.0 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0989559203

Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,671 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #522 in Disability Fiction
- #609 in Alzheimer's Disease
- #5,892 in Small Town & Rural Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.4 439 ratings

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Marianne Sciucco

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I'm a writer of Young Adult, Women's, and Contemporary fiction, an eclectic reader, and a book promoter. I love to share good books and book deals with others who love to read.

When I'm not living my writer life I'm a nurse at an upstate New York community college. In the evenings you'll find me reading a good book on my Kindle or searching for something compelling to watch on Amazon Firestick.

I'm also a founder and manager for AlzAuthors, the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia.

Happy reading!

Customer reviews

439 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story moving and heartfelt. They describe the book as a great read that is well-written and compelling. Readers appreciate the realistic depiction of Alzheimer's and its progression. The book provides insights and understanding for those caring for someone with Alzheimer's. It is a valuable resource for anyone who has to deal with caregiving or is interested in Alzheimer's.

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Story quality Readability Writing quality Reality Insight Character development Caregiving Thought provoking

103 customers mention "Story quality"100 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the moving story of love and commitment. They find the book heartfelt and touching, with accurate details about the disease woven into the narrative. The author does an excellent job showing the range of emotions that come up in a situation like this. The memories are bittersweet, and the love between the characters is heartwarming.

"...It's bittersweet because after having spent so many happy and wonderful years together, this dear, sweet, elderly couple's (particularly the wife's)..." Read more

"...As shown in this wonderfully sad book - Alzheimer's can be worse on the caretaker than the afflicted person...." Read more

"...compassion, self-care, advance planning and how we as a society view our aging generations. It’s a lovely story on its own, but offers so much more...." Read more

"...You could hear the emotion in her tone as well. I know how heartfelt this book was and she really pulled that together...." Read more

69 customers mention "Readability"69 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's well-written and informative, with a compelling storyline. The author is described as wonderful and the book is described as a great find.

"...It is an insightful read that will shed light on some of the struggles that families face when dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's or..." Read more

"This book is an almost tender way of showing how such an amazing person that you have loved, confided in, and grown old with now behaves like a..." Read more

"...She's a wonderful author. This is a must listen for everyone in my opinion. Elinor Bell did an awesome job narrating this book...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed reading this book." Read more

41 customers mention "Writing quality"41 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and engaging, with powerful emotions depicted effectively. The author does a fabulous job of describing the surroundings. Readers are involved in the journey of a couple dealing with the gradual progression of the disease. The author writes with knowledge of the disease and caring for anyone who might be dealing with it.

"This book is an almost tender way of showing how such an amazing person that you have loved, confided in, and grown old with now behaves like a..." Read more

"...Elinor Bell did an awesome job narrating this book. Her voice was amazing with perfect inflections. You could hear the emotion in her tone as well...." Read more

"Blue Hydrangeas is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of a man’s all-consuming love for his wife who is suffering from Alzheimer’s...." Read more

"...The author's writing kept me reading -- it was clear -- and she was obviously writing about REAL people, not just a "plot" she had organized...." Read more

26 customers mention "Reality"26 positive0 negative

Customers find the book realistic and well-written. They describe it as a heartbreaking story about Alzheimer's that is accurate in portraying the disease.

"...the experience impacts different family members and friends, are all very real...." Read more

"...Great idea, really, to put one of the protagonists in this position. True to life." Read more

"...This story captured that fact not only realistically but with all of the nuances of how the disease effect the entire collective of family and..." Read more

"...Marianne has really done an exemplary job of describing those realistic situations that occur with this disease...." Read more

13 customers mention "Insight"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insight into someone dealing with mental health issues. They find it helpful for caregivers and provide a meaningful message about love, life, and understanding. The story points out real situations that can occur and makes readers feel like someone understands them.

"...with a family member or friend, the story is compelling and instructive...." Read more

"This book gives you excellent insight on living with someone with the horrible disease of Alzheimer’s Disease...." Read more

"...Marianne Sciucco has written a heart warming story of love, life, and what one man does to continue to care for his wife while the ravages of..." Read more

"...It is well-written and informative with a compelling, compassionate story line...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters believable and relatable. They feel the characters' emotions.

"...The characters are very relatable and keep your interest. I really enjoyed reading this book." Read more

"...The book was a joy to read and all of its characters well thought out. Great story. My sister in law's husband developed Alzheimers...." Read more

"...The characters are believable and lovable. It was a pleasure to enter their world every time I read the book...." Read more

"least the main characters. To me it was a well written book for for the baby-boomers who are often taking care of their parents...." Read more

11 customers mention "Caregiving"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for caregivers. They appreciate the sensitive topics of caregiving and Alzheimer's progression accurately described. The book is a great resource for anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer's or interested in Alzheimer's. It opens the door to conversations about compassion, self-care, and advance planning. Readers describe the family interactions as believable and engaging.

"...It opens the door to conversations about compassion, self-care, advance planning and how we as a society view our aging generations...." Read more

"...a man's love for his wife and determination to care for her, even to his detriment is inspiring to say the least...." Read more

"...The story has a happy ending. This is a great resource for anyone challenged with care-giving, interested in Alzheimer's or wants to read a..." Read more

"...The sensitive subjects of caregiving, progression of the disease were accurately and expertly woven into the story...." Read more

8 customers mention "Thought provoking"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They appreciate the interesting story and topics covered in it.

"Blue Hydrangeas felt so familiar on so many levels. It was captivating from the start...." Read more

"...like for the caregiver might have been in order... I thought it was interesting and a really unusual change from the "typical" novel of today..." Read more

"...I would highly recommend this thoughtful and engaging book whether you have encountered Alzheimers or not...." Read more

"This book is a MUST to read. As a gerontologist, I truly appreciated all of the topics that were covered in the book...." Read more

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Maxine Billings
IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2016
Verified Purchase

In this heartwarming love story about an elderly couple, Jack Harmon is caregiver for his wife Sara who has Alzheimer's. At the onset of this terrible disease, having promised her that they would stay together in Cape Cod at their bed and breakfast, "Blue Hydrangeas," even with his own health failing, he refuses to put her in a nursing facility. However, as the disease progresses, he finally, yet reluctantly, agrees with Sara's doctor to admit her to an assisted living facility, but only with the understanding that it will be a one-week trial period.

On the day Sara is released from the hospital, Jack drives her to the facility but cannot bring himself to leave her there. So he takes a detour, and they end up in Provincetown where one of his worst nightmares comes true. The police are notified, and the elderly couple's son and daughter-in-law are frantic with worry trying to locate them. In the end, Jack and his son David are finally able to reach a mutual agreement that will allow the two seniors to stay together.

I enjoyed this story so much! It's bittersweet because after having spent so many happy and wonderful years together, this dear, sweet, elderly couple's (particularly the wife's) health is not what it used to be, but Jack is determined not to give up despite his own health problems. Also, since I read it in the aftermath of my mother's prolonged illness and subsequent death (four months ago), it especially touched my heart.

I recommend this book for young and older ones because we never know what life will throw at us. It is an insightful read that will shed light on some of the struggles that families face when dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimer's or really any other type of long-term illness.

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7 people found this helpful

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Carol T
It can happen to anyone
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book is an almost tender way of showing how such an amazing person that you have loved, confided in, and grown old with now behaves like a frightened toddler. I lost both grandfathers to this wretched condition. One remained so very sweet, while the other had temper tantrums on a daily basis. As shown in this wonderfully sad book - Alzheimer's can be worse on the caretaker than the afflicted person. Sometimes it takes a stranger to help relieve the stress allowing the loved one to be able to manage the situation. It is easier to remember the wonderful times when your not wrapped up in caring for them 24/7. Life is precious and short, live and love to fullest before it slips away!

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3 people found this helpful

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C. B. Yates
Bittersweet & True to Life
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Blue Hydrangeas felt so familiar on so many levels. It was captivating from the start. For those who have walked a dementia journey, the devastating aspects of the disease will feel familiar. The grief, frustration, and the way the experience impacts different family members and friends, are all very real. For those who have not experienced dementia with a family member or friend, the story is compelling and instructive. It opens the door to conversations about compassion, self-care, advance planning and how we as a society view our aging generations. It’s a lovely story on its own, but offers so much more. I highly recommend this book.

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One person found this helpful

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Teresa
"A Bittersweet Story and a Husband's Undying Love"
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2015
Verified Purchase
"Blue Hydrangeas" was a beautiful story about a horrible disease and undying love. Sara had been having early signs of Alzheimer's and thought it was old age-itis. She knew she'd been forgetting things even before Jack knew what was happening to her. They were together their whole lives and he became her care-giver.

Although Jack's health was wavering, he still took care of Sara. She was the love of his life. The stress began to take a toll on him but he didn't want her in a care facility. Through the turmoil, they found a way to work things out so they could remain together forever but this audiobook brings up an important topic. Alzheimer's disease. This is an ugly thing that comes and steals your life away. I'm so glad this book was written. I love that Sara painted and the tie-in with the title of the blue hydrangeas. Just lovely.

I think there can never be enough discussion and research done on this. I thank Marianne Sciucco for writing this and I love her writing period. She's a wonderful author. This is a must listen for everyone in my opinion.

Elinor Bell did an awesome job narrating this book. Her voice was amazing with perfect inflections. You could hear the emotion in her tone as well. I know how heartfelt this book was and she really pulled that together. Wonderful book from author and narrator.

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

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3 people found this helpful

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Teeker
Love Never Forgets
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
Imagine the feeling of walking into the home that you know so well and having the love of your life not recognize you even though you have been married 50+ years. Paul faces this issue as he has to decide if it is time for him to take Sara to live at an assisted living home where his wife can obtain around the clock care.

How do you decide to give up waking next to your spouse each day? When they have good days amongst the bad, how do you know when it is time? What do you do with yourself when the other person who helped to bring life into your home is no longer in residence?

Written by a nurse who worked with many patients, this book gives you a glimpse into a life torn asunder by this disease and the complexities of making these decisions. It also shows how the entire family is affected and needs to play a part in the decisions that need to be made.

A very real tale about love and the loss that this disease brings with it long before the life finally reaches its end.

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6 people found this helpful

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Melmarsum
Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2025
Verified Purchase
This book gives you excellent insight on living with someone with the horrible disease of Alzheimer’s Disease. The characters are very relatable and keep your interest. I really enjoyed reading this book.

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One person found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Deb Adamson
Touching and pragmatic - in one book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2024
Verified Purchase

Marianne does not hold back with her descriptions of Alzheimer's and yet there is a warm thread throughout the book. It is a book about the power of love, despite the onset of Alzheimer's and she combines facts with fiction, merging the two skilfully.
I was, in turn, saddened by some of the events in the book and yet pleased with others so that has to be the sign of a good book!
Recommend!

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Deb Adamson

Touching and pragmatic - in one book!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2024
Marianne does not hold back with her descriptions of Alzheimer's and yet there is a warm thread throughout the book. It is a book about the power of love, despite the onset of Alzheimer's and she combines facts with fiction, merging the two skilfully.
I was, in turn, saddened by some of the events in the book and yet pleased with others so that has to be the sign of a good book!
Recommend!

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Highlander
Heartwarming
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
What a heartwarming story, full of tears and smiles.

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Blue Hydrangeas: an Alzheimer's love story Kindle Edition

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5.0 out of 5 stars IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

4.0 out of 5 stars It can happen to anyone

5.0 out of 5 stars Bittersweet & True to Life

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Bittersweet Story and a Husband's Undying Love"

3.0 out of 5 stars Love Never Forgets

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching and pragmatic - in one book!

Touching and pragmatic - in one book!

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5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming

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IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH

It can happen to anyone

Bittersweet & True to Life

"A Bittersweet Story and a Husband's Undying Love"

Love Never Forgets

Great read!

Touching and pragmatic - in one book!

Heartwarming