When You Lose Who You Are… What’s Left?

Johanna Moss is looking forward to the next stage of her life: after a successful career as an attorney, she decides to move back to her childhood home in Montana, where she will blend the memories of her past with the reality of the woman she’s become. But Johanna doesn’t know that she is being stalked by a thief that will steal from her the one gift she values most. This gripping, gorgeous novel tells the story of her descent into Alzheimer’s Dementia, as experienced by those who love her, and also from Johanna’s own uniquely illuminating point of view. Losing Johanna is exuberant, funny, tragic, and ultimately redemptive. Readers will be inspired by Johanna’s bravery, her humor, and above all, the profound humanity of her journey through time and memory.

Zella (Jacobson) Smoak was born and raised in Montana. She is a registered nurse and a California licensed attorney. She has been director and manager of several Alzheimer’s care units and has worked extensively with families of Alzheimer’s patients. She also has broad experience as an attorney which was her second profession. She has published numerous professional articles and has taught nursing and law at a college level, as well as being a keynote speaker at national conventions and workshops. Zella currently lives in Penn Valley, California.