I’m so glad you found me. You’ll find stories here about my writing life and what I’m working on, reviews of Books I Love, New Release Spotlights from authors I enjoy, and my latest project, The Grief Diary, where I explore the aftermath of love and loss.
I’m not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, I dreamed of becoming an author when I grew up but became a nurse to avoid poverty. I later brought my two passions together and write about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. My stories are considered “clean,” meaning free of overt sexuality, graphic violence, and offensive language.
My Newest Release: A Wedding at Blue Hydrangeas
Description:
Five days until the Fourth of July wedding of her dreams! Sara Harmon, the heart and soul behind the charming Blue Hydrangeas bed and breakfast on Cape Cod, is determined to orchestrate the perfect celebration for her son, David, and his bride, Anne. This is the dream wedding she’s always envisioned! But, as the big day draws closer, a flurry of mishaps threatens to unravel her meticulously planned reception.
Adding to the delightful chaos is the unexpected stay of the undeniably affable but ever-so-demanding Walter Willoughby. And if that weren’t enough, she must contend with the well-meaning but persnickety ladies of the garden club, whose opinions bloom as profusely as her hydrangeas.
While she scrambles to create the perfect wedding celebration, Sara carries a quiet ache in her heart. Can she put aside her own sorrow to fully celebrate David and Anne’s happiness? And just how long will the unfortunate but delightful Mr. Willoughby be gracing Blue Hydrangeas with his presence?
You’re invited to the wedding of the season, where love, laughter, and a touch of mayhem are all part of the special day at Blue Hydrangeas.
Available:
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Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story
What if the person who knew you best and loved you most forgot your face, and couldn’t remember your name?
A care home is everyone’s solution for what to do about Sara, but her husband, Jack, can’t bear to live without her. He is committed to saving his marriage, his wife, and their life together from the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. He and Sara 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: He and Sara 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, he finally admits he can no longer care for her at home.
With reluctance, he arranges to admit her to an assisted living facility. But, on the day of admission, Sara is having one of her few good days, and he is unable to follow through. Instead, he takes them on an impulsive journey to confront their past and reclaim their future. In the end, he realizes that staying together at any cost is what truly matters.
Readers say:
“Read it twice just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
“Blue Hydrangeas is, by far, the most tender love story I’ve read in a very long time.”
“Blue Hydrangeas is a different kind of Alzheimer’s tale. A story of love and loss, of impossible promises, and dreams passed on to the next generation.”
Available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook on Amazon
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Christmas at Blue Hydrangeas
It’s Christmas Eve, and Sara is waiting for her husband and son to arrive home to Blue Hydrangeas, their Cape Cod bed and breakfast. The day starts out with a snowfall, which quickly escalates to a blizzard, threatening to close the bridges, leaving all travelers to and from the Cape stranded. As she prepares for the holiday, unexpected visitors arrive, all sharing the common bond of grief. Sara is determined the storm and sadness will not spoil Christmas, and ensures Santa will find his way to two fatherless children far from home. A sweet slice-of-life story about loved ones and strangers coming together to share the spirit of Christmas. This is a prequel to Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story.
Readers say:
“I loved Blue Hydrangeas, and now I love reading about Sara and Jack before Sarah became ill. Wonderful book to read as the holiday season approaches, filled with the warmth of family and goodwill to all from the good in Jack and Sara’s hearts.”
“I enjoyed this lovely story of the love within a family that shared their Christmas with others. Very tender and heart-warming. Lots of feel-good moments to celebrate here during the holidays.”
“Reading Christmas at Blue Hydrangeas is like stepping into another time. Marianne Sciucco creates a world that delights the senses and warms the heart.”
Swim Season
Sometimes winning is everything.
Champion swimmer Aerin Keane is ready to give up her dreams of college swimming and a shot at the Olympics. As she starts senior year in her third high school, Aerin’s determined to leave her family troubles behind and be like all the other girls at Two Rivers. She’s got a new image and a new attitude. She doesn’t want to win anymore. She’s swimming for fun, no longer the freak who wins every race, every title, only to find herself alone.
But when her desire to be just one of the girls collides with her desire to be the best Two Rivers has ever seen, will Aerin sacrifice her new friendships to break a longstanding school record that comes with a $50,000 scholarship?
Readers say:
“Lovers of contemporary YA will find plenty of clean drama as Aerin undergoes a journey of self-discovery. Overall, an athletic story with a relatable lead.”
“As a former swimmer and a swim mom myself, I believe this rich, well written story with authentic characters participating in a demanding sport, accurately supports real life issues for teens.”
“This book beautifully captures the life of a swimmer and high schooler.”
Available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook
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My Short Stories
Collection: Daisy Hunter Story No. 1 (The Daisy Hunter Stories)
Daisy and her family accompany their hardworking father on a trip to collect his wages from a slow-paying customer, and encounter surprising consequences. A poignant coming of age story that captures the fallout in a collision of classes. Winner of Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest 2007, Honorable Mention.
Readers say:
“In this story about the differences between those who have more than enough and those struggling to get by, Sciucco weaves a classic tale of snobbery and humility.”
“They say those with the least will give the most and it’s so true.”
“A short story that draws you right in with fleshed out characters, well-described setting, and a fantastic plot. Narration was superb!”
Available on Amazon in Kindle and Audiobook
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Birthday Party: Daisy Hunter Story No. 2 (The Daisy Hunter Stories)
It’s Suzanne’s 13th birthday, and Daisy is shocked and saddened to learn that she’s never had a birthday party. So she sets out to give her one, complete with a cake, ice cream, soda, and balloons. But when Suzanne’s mother shows up, the party’s over. A poignant coming of age story where good will and alcoholism collide.
Readers say:
“A bittersweet short story. A lot packed into 12 pages.”
“Delightful book especially for preteens or teens looking for a clean story with substance. Well-written and true-to-life.”
“A very sweet story about children and friendship. And a great mom.”
Available in Kindle and audiobook on Amazon
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Dinner at the Tamarack Inn
When Daisy’s dad, Tom Hunter, receives an unexpected $100 bonus for his work, he’s determined to treat his family to a fancy Sunday dinner in a fancy restaurant, The Tamarack Inn. But with five children ranging in age from twelve to one the dinner doesn’t go as he plans, leading to embarrassment, commotion, and tension when the bill comes due. Based on the author’s own childhood experience.
Ino’s Love
Sometimes, the people who love us best are not family.
Ino is 80 and lives alone in a third floor walk-up in New York’s Little Italy. She’s sometimes forgetful, diabetic, and suffers from chronic heart failure. On Christmas Eve eve, hersuccessful CEO son calls to tell her he’s in the city and plans to stop by later on. She’s overjoyed (she hasn’t seen him in months) and prepares a feast of all his favorite foods. Exhausted, she patiently awaits his arrival with her reliable home health aide Ruby by her side. When things don’t go to plan, Ino and Ruby discover the true meaning of Christmas.
Readers say:
“The author packs so much into so little space. This is what a short story should be.”
“I felt myself sink into the story, somehow a welcome guest in Ino’s life. And then the story was over – much too soon. And it left me terribly hungry for some Italian cooking. I do wonder what Ino’s recipe tastes like!”
“There was nothing I didn’t like about this story. A highly recommended read for all ages.”
Available on Amazon in Kindle and audiobook
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Marianne Sciucco, Author 