Tuesday, April 9, 2019

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.





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.

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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. 

28 comments:

  1. That does sound like a beautiful story.

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  2. It looks like a beautiful story there, it's been so long since I haven't read a book like that

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    1. It really was a nice coming of age story with so much more to it as well.

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  3. That sounds like it would be an emotional read but sounds good.

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    1. It was a bit emotional for sure, especially when they were all remembering their friend.

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  4. This sounds lovely. I was surprised it was contemporary, but that just piqued my interest more.

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    1. It is definitely, a bit of a different type of contem but definitely in that category.

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  5. This sounds like a beautiful and touching story about life. I love that you get different voices/perspectives, cultural backgrounds, religions, etc. I enjoy a good coming of age story! Excellent Review!

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. Thank you so much and thanks for stopping by!

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  6. This sounds like it takes on some hot topics, and I usually like the use of different view points of friends seeing things through different eyes.

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  7. That's a lot of characters to handle in one book. Impressive to keep that together.

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    1. It was a lot of characters but she did it well. It flowed nicely.

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  8. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I like that it handled some tougher subjects so well.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  9. this sounds a bit emotional ):

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  10. I have seen this book around and want to read this after your great review!

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  11. The sounds and your review makes tis book sounds really cute. Thanks for share with us

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  12. I like Amish novels, but I've never read anything by this author. I've heard good things and this book certainly sounds intriguing -- I'll have to give her a go!

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    1. There really isn't a huge Amish presence in this but definitely one to check out. :D

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