Blog Tour Book Review: The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

Title: The Patient One

Author: Shelley Shepard Gray

Series: Book One in the Walnut Creek Series

Genre: Contemporary

Published By: Gallery Books (April 9, 2019)

Source: ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Book Description:

Seven former best friends reunite and struggle to heal after the tragic death of one of their own in this evocative and heartrending novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Gift and Her Secret. 

When word had gotten out that Andy Warner had committed suicide, everyone in Walnut Creek, Ohio, had been shocked. For seven men and women in their twenties, some Amish, some Mennonite, and some English, each of whom had once counted his or herself as one of Andy’s best friends, it had been extremely painful.

And, maybe, a source of guilt.

Years have passed since they’d all been together last. Some of them got into trouble. A couple got into arguments. Eventually they all drifted apart. But even though none of them really saw each other anymore, there was a steadfast certainty that they’d always have each other’s backs—even when no one else did. Their bond was that strong…until Andy did the unthinkable.

Now the seven remaining friends, still reeling from Andy’s death, have vowed to look after each other again. As far as they’re concerned, it doesn’t matter that they’re now in their twenties and have drifted far apart. They need to connect again…for Andy.

*Amazon*B&N*

About the Author:

Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. 

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. 

Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter.

Website

FB

Twitter

The Patient One was a beautifully told story about eight life long friends growing up together, learning from one another and coming back together after a tragic event that changes them all and makes them all become who they were always meant to be. 

Told in alternate point of views, The Patient One handled so many differences in both attitude, status and religion, as well as the tough topic of suicide,  wonderfully. With each voice bringing something different to the story and each culture done so well, this truly was a touching coming of age story about finding where we belong and who we want to be.