I received this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, Tami A Reeves.

The author, Tami Reeves, states in the Author Notes that she “hoped to begin a movement in society that recognizes everyone’s needs are different.” That statement sets the tone for the book. It is written as a memoir from the perspective of the “other” woman. The author explains the difficulties she faced were the judgment and ridicule from others. .

Initially the book focuses on Gaye (diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s) and her husband, Eric. The couple was happily married living in Europe. The early Alzheimer symptoms and the impact to their lives are shared. Since I have seen Alzheimer’s in my family, I can relate to the anguish. Reeves states it well: “the once-vibrant woman, full of life and love, now trapped in the shell of her body”.

The topic of Alzheimer’s in the book is really secondary to Reeves’ experience of a failing marriage, getting a divorce, online dating (where she meets Eric), and her relationship with Eric. Reeves is a nurse who is busy investing her time and effort in those who need her. She and Eric get together while Gaye is “technically still alive”. They live together and purchase a new home together. This (relationship with Eric while Gaye is “technically alive”) is where the judgment and ridicule comes into play. Based on the book, Reeves visits Gaye in the nursing home more often than Gaye’s family.

Reeves does a good job identifying the challenges with the couples’ children. For the most part, their families embrace the relationship with a few challenging episodes. The book seems to be more about family relationships than about the person with Alzheimer’s. That is, the book is mostly about Tami and less about Gaye. Gaye’s stories are not shared. I found the book had a great deal of repetition, for example, how much Eric loved Gaye, Tami’s needs to remove herself from Eric’s family decisions around Alzheimer’s, and the special place in her heart that Gaye holds. The repetition detracted from the story.

This was an ok read.. I expected to read more about the disease but alas, not. In some areas the book was a little far-fetched. It did hold my interest but it did not have that "wow" factor I was hoping for. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

Bleeding Hearts by Tami Reeves is a book about a woman who meets a man who is mourning his wife being in a nursing home with Alzheimers disease. They fall in love very fast and soon living together. Eric's family told by Tami accepts her right away. She instantly starts visiting Eric's wife at the nursing home, As time goes by Eric's wife starts to pass away and Tami takes it upon herself to visit more. It was a well written novel, I just have my concerns over why Tami would do this.