Andrea Kilmer Mann

Bending the Blues in Cincinnati

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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.

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Reviews

Mann has written a compelling story that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride from the trauma of life-threatening illness to the joy of music that soothes the wounded soul.
—New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston

WONDERFUL READ! The nested narratives in this author's book enhance the storyline and allow us readers to become more intimately engaged and submerged into the lives of her genuine and relatable characters. Charmingly and knowledgeably written, with a whole lot of realism and an engaging touch of mysticism, as well as a refreshing command of the English language, short chapters, and a storyline that bends, flows and engages, it's a BOOK that is a MUST! Thank you to the author, and I ask her, "What is next?"
—Amazon reviewer

What a fantastic book! I would definitely recommend this book for bookclubs and I've already told my walking group that they must pick it up! It was a beautiful testament to the power of forgiveness. I also loved how it perfectly captured the sense of peace you can receive through music. Can't wait to see what Andrea comes out with next!
—Amazon reviewer

Andrea's Favorite Reads

I've enjoyed The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan. Its storyline is quietly magical and Sunshine is a lovable character.

Go as a River by Shelly Read. Beautifully written story about a forgotten but once real place on the Western Slope of Colorado.

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About Andrea

Andrea Kilmer Mann's stories have been published in various magazines and anthologies. This is her first novel. She enjoys long hikes and sailing her beloved boat, Kairos. She recently walked the Camino de Santiago and the Portuguese Camino and never stops looking for the improbable. Because she’s always looking, she’s seen the green flash three times and counting. Andrea lives in Colorado with her husband and their dog, Wilson.

Contact Information

Email: andreamannwriting@gmail.com

Andrea and Wilson

From Andrea: Many people have asked me about Wilson, the dog in the story. Yes, I have a dog named Wilson, and here he is. Thanks to everyone for your support in helping me launch Bending the Blues in Cincinnati. Wilson is lapping up the attention. (Pun most definitely intended!)

Andrea at a CIPA (Collective of Independent Publishers and Authors)
event at a Barnes and Noble on June 28, 2026.
(Note: The dog is not Wilson.)