New Release Spotlight: Brenda Kennedy's New Romance "Forgetting the Past"

When Ava Emerson wakes up from a coma, she has no memory of the past 25 years. The only things she knows are the confusing stories told to her by her split family and her two best friends, Chase and Skylar. Learning that her husband, Connor, died in the car accident that caused her amnesia, Ava is sad and heartbroken. 

With the encouragement of Chase, Ava and Skylar open a bed and breakfast together in the heart of Savannah, Georgia.

When a tall, dark, and handsome Xander Jamison walks into her life, will Ava feel safe enough to let him into her broken and empty life? Will Ava be able to move on and live her life free of a haunting past? Is Xander the man that Ava thinks he is? Or does he hold his own secrets?

GENRE : Soft Romance   RELEASE DATE : August 9, 2016
∗∗∗∗∗ This is book 1 in an all new series, The Forgotten Trilogy by Brenda Kennedy, and is not meant to be read as a stand - alone. Book one does end in a cliff - hanger. Books 2 and 3 are scheduled for later release this year.

Purchase Forgetting the Past

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About the Author

First and foremost I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I am also a nurse and a new author. I moved to sunny Florida in 2006 and never looked back. I love fresh squeezed lemonade, crushed ice, teacups, wineglasses, non-franchise restaurants, ice cream cones, boating, picnics, cookouts, throwing parties, lace, white wine, mojitos, strawberry margaritas, white linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and Pinterest. I also love to read and write and to spend time with my family. My books thus far, have been inspired by the things I love and the people who influence me, every single day to be a better person.

Connect with Brenda Kennedy

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More books by Brenda Kennedy

The Starting Over Trilogy

          

The Freedom Trilogy

          

The Fighting To Survive Trilogy

          

The Rose Farm Trilogy

          

The Forgotten Trilogy

          

Coming Soon!

 

Tour proudly hosted by Christina at #CBB Productions

Guest Post: Alzheimer's Caregiver Recommends Routine Memory Screening Checks

Who are you? Where am I?

by Vicki Tapia, author of Somebody Stole My Iron, a Family Memoir of Dementia

It was the weekend of our family reunion and almost everyone was gathered together at my parent’s condo to celebrate a milestone. Our patriarch, my dad, was turning 90. When the front doorbell rang, Mom opened the door, took one look at her oldest granddaughter and asked in a perplexed tone of voice, “Who are you?” After a moment of silence, we all laughed a little uncomfortably, but brushed it off, rationalizing the comment as a manifestation of Mom’s stress in caring for Dad, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It was not mentioned again.  

Our family continued to somehow normalize or overlook the ever-increasing signs that something was not quite  right with Mom’s behavior. Another two years passed before she finally agreed to be evaluated by her health care provider, around the same time Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s-related dementia. Although by this time our family wasn’t completely surprised by Mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, we were alarmed to hear she was already considered to be in the “moderate” stage of the disease. Sadly, this scenario is not untypical.

Studies tell us that the delay in diagnosis can sometimes be attributed to the family’s own denial in not wanting to face the fact that something is wrong. In retrospect, this probably applied to our family. Sometimes a fear of diagnosis can result in reluctance on the part of the affected person to agree to an evaluation, particularly if it’s an adult child prodding an intractable parent. Healthcare costs may also be a factor in avoiding an assessment by a qualified health care provider (HCP). The oft-perceived stigma associated with a potential diagnosis of dementia/Alzheimer’s can be a barrier to evaluation for the entire family.

National Memory Screening Week

In an effort to promote the importance of early detection of memory problems, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has launched the first annual National Memory Screening week, scheduled for November 1-7. The AFA is working in conjunction with community organizations to provide free, confidential memory screenings for people that have concerns about their memories, and when necessary, encourage follow-up exams by a qualified HCP. These people will also be directed to the appropriate social services and community resources in their area. The AFA is working toward eliminating the stigma and fears associated with dementia, and providing education for the public about memory problems, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, and how to age successfully. The AFA also hopes to alleviate fears for the people who do participate in the memory screening, but do not show a concerning memory problem.

Who should consider having a memory screening?

• Anyone who is concerned about memory loss or experiencing any of the warning signs of dementia. 

• Anyone who feels they’re at risk because of a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.  

• Anyone who wants a baseline evaluation of their memory for future comparisons, even though they don’t have a current concern.

If you or a loved one answer “yes” to any of the following questions provided by the AFA, it may be prudent to participate in the free memory screening. 

• Are you becoming more forgetful?

• Do you have any trouble concentrating?

• Do you have difficulty when performing familiar tasks?

• Do you have trouble recalling names or words during conversation?

• Do you sometimes forget where you’re going or where you are? 

• Have friends or family tell you that you’re saying the same thing over and over or repeating questions?

• Do you often misplace things?

• Have you become lost when driving to a familiar place or walking in your neighborhood?

•Have your family or friends told you they’ve noticed changes in your behavior, moods, personality, or desire to engage socially?

Participating sites and information about the screening (date, time) are listed on www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.

For more info:

http://nationalmemoryscreening.org/screening-sites-info.php

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The scene described in the opening paragraph of this blog post is based on an excerpt from my memoir, Somebody Stole My Iron, which details the daily challenges, turbulent emotions, and the many painful decisions involved in caring for my parents. Laced with humor and pathos, reviewers describe my book as “brave,” “honest,” “raw,” “unvarnished,” as well as a “must-read for every Alzheimer's/dementia patient's family.” I wrote this story to offer hope to others whose lives have been intimately affected by this dreadful disease, to reassure them that they’re not alone.    To read an excerpt please visit my Amazon page.

My Latest Adventure: My First Book Club Meeting as the "Read" Author

Today I visited Belle Reve Senior Living Center in Milford, Pennsylvania to drop off a box of books for their book club. A few weeks ago they invited me to speak to the club and ordered books. They took out this advertisement and it was published in two local magazines.

It all came about when I saw an ad in the paper for an Alz event they were presenting. On a lark I called and told them about my book. I offered a copy and the marketing director accepted. She loved it and now this is happening. 

I am so excited to meet personally with a group that has read my book. These are not residents of Belle Reve or their family members; these readers are from the local community who come to the center to participate in the book club. 

So, as they say in the New York Lottery, "Hey, ya never know!"

I always advise my students and fellow authors to leave the shyness behind and ask for what you want, not easy, I know. The worst that can happen is you'll hear a "No." So what? Sometimes you get a "Yes!" and it's worth all the "No's" and then some.

This program will take place on November 6, at the end of National Memory Screening Week and the start of National Caregiver Appreciation Month. I am working with four other authors of Alzheimer's books to bring awareness to these two events. Stay tuned for valuable information, interviews, and special offers and follow #AlzAuthors.