Bending the Blues in Cincinnati

by Andrea Kilmer Mann

Stan Miller, an oncology nurse by profession and a talented blues musician on the weekends, has spent two decades nursing her own wounds after being abandoned by the love of her life. She has managed to keep her grief private until her daughter, Claire, lands an internship at the local TV station where Stan’s ex now works. Stan’s carefully compartmentalized world threatens to unravel when Claire finds a curious keepsake boxed away. Meanwhile, Gloria, a terminally ill patient, forms an unlikely friendship with Stan. Together, they push the ethical boundaries of medically assisted end of life.

As Stan grapples with revealing the truth of her past to Claire, she finds solace in Jake, a former patient turned volunteer with his own painful past. Their growing connection, nurtured by a love of blues music, offers Stan a chance at healing she had never thought possible.

At the heart of the story lies a mysterious park where visitors experience inexplicable moments of clarity and peace—a place that becomes pivotal in the characters’ journeys toward forgiveness and self–discovery.

Told with an element of magical realism, Bending the Blues in Cincinnati weaves together multiple storylines, including end–of–life compassion, family secrets, forgiveness, second chances, and our search for peace within ourselves.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

Reviews

[Mary Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses the blues not only as a musical tradition but as a metaphor for resilience-how people adapt pain into expression and hardship into meaning. You’re immediately wrapped up in the characters and invested in the outcome. I couldn’t put it down.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable first novel!
Loved the weaving of the characters and their stories. I felt like I was there living the love, pain, and relief with each of the characters. Andrea, you nailed the ending. Write on!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book whose ending makes sense and leaves you feeling satisfied with the outcome! Each character’s journey through this book ended in a place of hope but the beauty of this book is that you couldn’t really predict how it was going to end until it did. It kept me guessing! Kuddos to a talented writer who clearly infused her personal optimism and strength into the heart of this book.

[Cathy Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end. I wanted to get to know the characters better and accompany them through new experiences and ongoing journeys.