Jill Bish has a wonderful life with her husband, Jim, and when he was diagnosed with dementia, their life together changed. When he forgot her, as his wife, she had to move out. But he had to have a caregiver in order to stay in his house. So she went back home, and asked if she could be his care partner. He agreed and she moved in as his nurse. This is their journey, navigating through the life they have now. Jim didn't remember Jill as his wife, but as they learned together, and discovered the Memory Cafe, joined a painting class, learned how music helps someone with dementia, planing a garden, Jim fell in love with Jill, his care partner. They went through this journey together, there were ups and downs, good days, and bad, but they had discovered that with the support group, they weren't alone. There were people to listen, people to share what they have done through, someone to come in while the care partner got to take a break, to take care of themselves. One thing that Jill discovered, sometimes when Jim couldn't remember something, she entered his reality, and he felt better, and they enjoyed the stories of what he was remembering.
There is so much love in this story, and there is so many that has a loved one going through dementia today, that it was comforting to read this book. It takes the scariness away, and gave me an understanding of what it is like, that there are things that can help to make better days for them, and there is help so that you don't feel like you are drowning. Thank you, Joyce Kostakis for writing this book.
I received an ARC from BookGoSocial through NetGalley.

A tough, but all too realistic topic, this book is very well done and definitely true to living with dementia for many.
As a nurse, these characters are in our lives and hearts as we can see their journey with this disease.
I believe that anyone will want to read this story of "The Nurse" and take away many life lessons.

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @BooksGoSocial fro this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

A sad but also beautiful novel about caring for a loved one living with dementia. It’s told from the POV of the affected person, Jim and his caregiver/wife, Jill.
As a nurse, I found this well researched, well written and highly informative. It delves into the experiences, challenges and emotional toll that comes with caring for dementia patients as well as the rewards, dedication and compassion of their families and community.
This story will touch the hearts of many.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I just started listening to this book and I love it!
Pub date is on November 21, 2024 and I love the story so far! Can’t recommend this book enough!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this arc.

Full review to follow!