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The Patient One

(Walnut Creek #1)

Shelley Shepard Gray (Goodreads Author)

3.92 · Rating details · 517 ratings · 104 reviews

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 Am ...more

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Paperback, 304 pages

Published April 9th 2019 by Gallery Books

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Mar 04, 2019 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it liked it

Shelves: arc-book-read, kindle-books, blog-tour-2019

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 s ...more

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Dec 20, 2018 Chris C - A Midlife Wife rated it really liked it

Shelves: gallery-books, womens-fiction, clean-romance, romance, reviews, christian-fiction

A beautiful story of life long friendship, connections, and learning to be who you are meant to be. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the first things that actually hit me as I was reading is the calming pace of the story. There’s no frenzy. No high intensity. No Drama. Just a well told story about eight lifelong friends and the impact when one of them passes away.

The story focuses on two main people from the original eight but also has two additional characters that are developing as A beautiful story of life long friendship, connections, and learning to be who you are meant to be. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the first things that actually hit me as I was reading is the calming pace of the story. There’s no frenzy. No high intensity. No Drama. Just a well told story about eight lifelong friends and the impact when one of them passes away.

The story focuses on two main people from the original eight but also has two additional characters that are developing as well as the others in the group.

What I liked about this story is that the friends are not just from one religion. Some are Amish, some are Mennonite, and the others are what they refer to as English. They formed a strong bond growing up and became fast friends that crossed into adulthood.

This is a love story of sorts. John and Marie have always had a special relationship but were afraid to explore it. John’s family is Amish and Marie is English. It was interesting how the author developed their budding relationship and gave us a glimpse into their calm, simple life and their traditional ways. Can friends for life become even more?

They had many bridges to cross and issues to explore but one thing they already had and that was trust. But sometimes we think trust is a given which is why everyone was shocked when Andy committed suicide. He was the natural leader and everyone loved Andy.

A story that could literally be torn from the headlines, the author explores the changes that occurs when the remaining members of the group come together and deal with the tragedy. Guilt, sadness, uncertainty, and a rash other feelings come out in this heartfelt, touching read.

The Patient One is a beautiful novel with a story inside a story that is insightful and healing in many ways. It is a lovely story of life-long friendship, connections, and learning to be who you are meant to be. Plus, it will leaving you yearning for the next book to come.

* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-patient-... ...more

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Apr 05, 2019 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, review-for-atria-books

The Patient One

Shelley Shepard Gray

THE PATIENT ONE is the first book in the Walnut Creek Series by Shelley Shepard Gray. It is the story of The Eight. They are eight friends who are Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch. Everyone including the eight are shocked to learn that Andy, one of The Eight, has committed suicide. The Eight have been friends since they were kids and have always looked to Andy as their leader of their group. This story is about the seven remaining members coming to terms with And The Patient One

Shelley Shepard Gray

THE PATIENT ONE is the first book in the Walnut Creek Series by Shelley Shepard Gray. It is the story of The Eight. They are eight friends who are Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch. Everyone including the eight are shocked to learn that Andy, one of The Eight, has committed suicide. The Eight have been friends since they were kids and have always looked to Andy as their leader of their group. This story is about the seven remaining members coming to terms with Andy's death, grieving for their friend, and struggling to heal. I have been reading Shelley's books for years and THE PATIENT ONE is now one of my very favorites by her.

Shelley Shepard Gray sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with this gang of friends, with all their troubles and THE PATIENT ONE is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Shelley Shepard Gray book if you are a fan of the Christian fiction genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a group of friends can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.

THE PATIENT ONE is a heart tugging story filled with patience, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Marie would be able to convince John that she was ready to move forward with her feelings for him and that he deserved to be loved and cherished. Shelley Shepard Gray isn't afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Christian Fiction genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don't mind crying in front of strangers! I'm so excited to continue catching up on all of Shelley Shepard Gray's previous books. Now I have to patiently wait for the next book in this wonderful new series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Apr 12, 2019 Dorine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction-with-romance-elements, family-dynamics, grief-recovery, friends-to-lovers, coming-of-age-story, print, contemporary, faith-message, favorites, contemporary-amish

THE PATIENT ONE by Shelley Shepard Gray, book one in her new Walnut Creek series, is a beautiful story about friendship and faith without limitations. Eight friends of different faiths find themselves at one of their funerals. How did their lives as adults grow so far apart that they didn’t know one of their friends was in trouble?

Seven friends meet after Andy’s funeral and wonder what happened. They ask Katie to tell a story about Andy when they were the Eight. Katie begins her story in the fir THE PATIENT ONE by Shelley Shepard Gray, book one in her new Walnut Creek series, is a beautiful story about friendship and faith without limitations. Eight friends of different faiths find themselves at one of their funerals. How did their lives as adults grow so far apart that they didn’t know one of their friends was in trouble?

Seven friends meet after Andy’s funeral and wonder what happened. They ask Katie to tell a story about Andy when they were the Eight. Katie begins her story in the first chapter. It’s a story within a story, a unique technique that encourages the reader to rush ahead.

As the friends reconnect, Marie and John can’t hold back their affection for one another any longer. Their relationship should never happen as John was raised Amish and Marie is an Englischer, which is what the Amish call those who aren’t Amish.

John is at a crossroads. He delayed being baptized because he wasn’t sure he was ready to commit to being Amish forever. Baptism in the Amish faith occurs when someone raised Amish is ready to pledge fully to the lifestyle. Marie coming back into town makes John realize he has a lot to think about. Can they make a relationship work somehow?

There are several relationships blossoming in this story. I especially enjoyed John’s little sister, Molly, who is in a wheelchair. I loved witnessing her personal growth and her family’s acceptance of her choices. She’s strong, and I loved her positive attitude.

Shelley Shepard Gray is a new-to-me author. I chose her book to review because I love faith-based Amish stories but especially books that take place in the Amish country I know well and love in Ohio. Most of the food I eat is grown by the Amish, and when I need to regroup, a day in Amish country makes me feel closer to God.

THE PATIENT ONE is representative of how I wish every small town could be. Where people can live together in harmony and accept one another for our differences. I’m sure that every Amish order isn’t as accepting of change as in this story, but it’s sure how I’d love it to be. I have such great respect for the Amish way of life and dream of someday living among them.

Shelley Shepard Gray’s story within a story technique is brilliant. When the main story slows down, the smaller story at the beginning of each chapter pulls me forward. They’re woven together so beautifully that I can’t imagine the book without both. It’s rare that I appreciate those small quotes at the beginning of a chapter that are based on some other story that the author feels works with her novel. Bible quotations in faith-based stories are often overused. Yet this method is perfect and something I feel adds tremendously to the overall effect of this book.

I felt that the end of this novel was a bit melancholy, and it surprised me. I can’t remember ever reading anything like it. Even though it’s slightly melancholy, it’s filled with hope for the future. It’s hard to get the vision portrayed in those last few pages out of my head. That’s how visually powerful it is. So beautiful.

I can’t wait to continue this series with Katie’s story in THE LOYAL ONE, releasing in August 2019. THE PATIENT ONE is a lovely story about childhood friendships and how they affect the rest of our lives. If only we could all go back and be the support for each other as adults. Sensitive, kind, and filled with love, this novel is rich with great storytelling in a place of hope.

Recommended Read!

Review by Dorine, courtesy of RomanceJunkies.com. Print book provided by the publisher for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 27, 2019 Lori rated it really liked it

Be prepared to have your mouth drop open and cry and finally smile. Shelley has done a wonderful job with this deep deep subject.
I liked how she bonded the 7 friends after being apart for so many years and then they decided that they would stick together for one of their own.
As I was reading this book I could feel these characters emotions, grief, sadness and denial, blame shock at how it was done.
I love how this story because there is hope for the 7 that are left and especially for John and M ...more

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Mar 28, 2019 Maureen Timerman rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

The author gives us a story none of us ever want to deal with, suicide, but this fellow was the glue that held an unlikely group of 8 childhood friends together.
Now this group is unusual in that it includes Amish, Mennonite and English, just because of their beliefs they are usually very separate with their lives, undue influence.
As they all get together to remember their dear friend, and what they, or could have done, if only, so much guilt and self-lack of forgiveness, and then the forgiveness ...more

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Sep 14, 2019 Shirley Chapel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: amish-fiction, favorites

I enjoyed this easy to read novel. I love Walnut Creek which is the community this story takes place in. I enjoyed the characters and how they handle the unexpected death of a friend. The Patient One is the first book of this series.
There used to be eight close friends that had bonded together from the time they were in elementary school. Now there was only seven. Shocked by the death of the most popular person in their friendship group, the seven that are left try to cope with the fact that it ...more

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Apr 10, 2019 The Blonde Bookworm rated it liked it · review of another edition

This was definitely a new genre for me. Contemporary women's fiction but with a strong Amish background. It was interesting and entertaining, but I don't know if it was for me. The love stories were really sweet and I think the main theme of the story was great, but I just couldn't find a connection with the characters. I felt like they weren't really relatable for me and that made the novel fall a little flat.

It was a quick and easy read and it kept me entertained. I would recommend this novel ...more

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Mar 19, 2019 Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs rated it it was amazing

Shelves: x2019-netgalley, x2019-amish-books

What made life memorable wasn’t when everything went so right that it was easy . . . it was when everything felt so wrong that the only thing to do was accept it for what it was—a memory in the making.” - The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

NetGalley:
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 herse What made life memorable wasn’t when everything went so right that it was easy . . . it was when everything felt so wrong that the only thing to do was accept it for what it was—a memory in the making.” - The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

NetGalley:
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.

My review:
I’m still reeling from the Andy we meet in Friends to the End is no longer with us. I never got the feeling in the prequel that he was struggling. Which I understand is how a lot of people suffering from depression are. A lot of times you don’t know until it is too late. I appreciated Gray taking the time to reflect how suicide and senseless death affects not only those close to the deceased but others around the deceased.

Tissues are a must when reading. This would be a great book to use as a way to talk to your teenager about depression and suicide and that there is help available. It is also a good lesson on drunk driving and how a night of fun can destroy lives in seconds.

The Patient One is a clean romance with no foul language.

I received a complimentary copy from Gallery books through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
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Feb 09, 2019 Connie Lynch rated it it was amazing

I have been a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray for several years and this book did not disappoint. As you read this book based on the loss of a dear friend you feel it is about love and faith. Marie and John, and Molly and Danny share the growth of their friendships. The reader gets a glimpse of love, loss, tragedy, faith,trust and many other human emotions. In the end the reader experiences a wonderful life lesson. Thank so much for so many beautiful emotions in one book.

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Jun 22, 2019 Susan rated it it was ok

The story was a bit simple for me.

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Apr 03, 2019 Kristina rated it really liked it

Shelves: amish-fiction, netgalley, 2019, 2019-netgalley-challenge, amish-romance

The Patient One is a touching story about friendship, love, patience, family, and faith. Will, Elizabeth Anne, Harley, Logan, Katie, Marie, John and Andy plus Andy’s little sister, Tricia have been friends since childhood. The fact that they were from different religions does not bother them (Old Order Amish, Mennonite, English and New Order Amish) or affect their friendship. The group is devastated when Andy kills himself. They do not understand why he did not talk to one of them. The group had The Patient One is a touching story about friendship, love, patience, family, and faith. Will, Elizabeth Anne, Harley, Logan, Katie, Marie, John and Andy plus Andy’s little sister, Tricia have been friends since childhood. The fact that they were from different religions does not bother them (Old Order Amish, Mennonite, English and New Order Amish) or affect their friendship. The group is devastated when Andy kills himself. They do not understand why he did not talk to one of them. The group had drifted a little as they took on adult responsibilities and jobs, but they would drop everything for one of the group (as we saw in Friends to the End). Marie has moved back to Walnut Creek, and she wants to finally explore her feelings for John Byler. Their relationship will be complicated since John was raised Amish, but he has not been baptized. Molly Byler, John’s younger sister, became paralyzed after a buggy accident when she was nine. She is now sixteen and wants to be treated as any other girl her age. Molly is thrilled when Danny Eberly wishes to spend time with her. I like that the characters are from different backgrounds. As John and Marie explore their romantic relationship, their differing views come into play. It provides interest and depth to the book. Logan and Tricia (their story began in Friends to the End) are included peripherally in the story. There are updates on their progressing relationship. We get to see how this group of friends deal with the loss of a close friend. The friends must deal with grief, guilt, anger, and confusion. None of them understand why Andy did not confide to one of them. I hope we get answers about Andy in future books. The Patient One has Shelley Shepard Gray’s signature writing style which drew me in right away. The story is well-written with pacing that suits the book. The characters are complex along with their situations. I look forward to learning more about each character as the series progresses. Patience is a recurring theme in The Patient One. Patience with people, situations and life. All things happen in His timing, not ours. My favorite line in the book was “even in the darkness of times there was always a glimmer of light”. I recommend reading Friends to the End before embarking on The Patient One. The Patient One is an insightful and emotional story that will touch your heart. ...more

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Feb 06, 2019 Molly Jaber (Cover To Cover Cafe) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019-reads

I've been leery of reading a Shelley Shepard Gray novel for awhile now. She was one of my favorites for a long time, but something in her writing style changed, and I just steered clear of her work for a while. But, when I read the synopsis for this one, something called me to it. I'm glad I gave it a chance.

This book is filled with emotions I am still working through. As someone who has dealt with different kinds of death, from suicide to unexpected, this really hit home with me. The character ...more

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Apr 11, 2019 Danielle Urban rated it really liked it

The Patient One by Shelly Shepard Gray is a unique novel. One being that the cast of characters is a mixture of Amish, English (non-Amish), and Mennonite people. Their differences in religion were big but the group of eight had a some common factors too. This story showed that despite their differences, people can be friends no matter what. Friendships are tested, faded, and brought back to life. One of the eight has fallen away, and now, they gather together on sad terms. But it is his death th ...more

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Jul 24, 2019 Lucy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is a laid back but beautifully told story of the loss of a friend to suicide and the emotional turmoil it leaves on his seven closest friends. After suffering this kind of loss from two family members this year it felt like a healing balm to my soul, as it helped me work through some of the same questions I was asking myself. It is an emotional and poignant read and also shows how life moves on for each individual and also as a group. The characters grow and make decisions that lead them cl ...more

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Aug 26, 2019 Mayda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: amish, christian, relationships

In this first book of the series, readers are introduced to “The Eight,” eight friends of differing backgrounds who bonded in their early teenage years. Now grown, life has interrupted their close relationships, but the suicide of Andy, one of the group, has drawn them in again. As they deal with their feelings and cope with their loss, they vow to be there for each other, as they would have been for Andy, had they only realized his despair. John, who is Amish, also must reconcile his feelings f ...more

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May 24, 2019 Marilyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019, amish-fiction

This was a beautiful story of eight long time friends from childhood even with their different upbringing—Amish, Mennonite and English. The unexpected suicidal death of Andy, who had been their leader, gave way for changes in living situations, employment, etc. as they vowed to be there for one another. There were some younger siblings within the group that easily came to life throughout the story.

The characters lives are not without flaw and trying to find their true self, instead of going alo ...more

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Apr 17, 2019 Pam Pavkov rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Patient One is an outstanding story written by Shelley Shepard Gray in her new Amish series, The Walnut Creek series. This is a very emotional story full of loss, love, and enduring friendships. The characters are very likeable and realistic. The story lines deals with a very powerful problem, suicide. I felt so many emotions as I read this incredible story. I enjoyed the story within the story and found myself wanting to see how they both played out.

I enjoyed getting acquainted with all the ...more

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May 02, 2019 Anne Rightler rated it really liked it

Shelves: library-book

I'm a fan of SSG and so looked forward to reading this. Was not disappointed. A story of friendship, forgiveness, and of acceptance and love. I loved the aspect of 8 lifelong friends. Friends who know your ups and downs, your good and bad and yet love you and support you through it all. Suicide and tragedy were covered with tact and finesse. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
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May 21, 2019 Anne rated it really liked it

Friendship is a sweet thing and sometimes it develops into love. John and Marie have some major obstacles to overcome and it was interesting to see them both wrestle with his decision to either stay in the OOA community or leave. I won this book in a drawing from the author and enjoyed reading it.

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Nov 04, 2020 Joanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

Very pleasant story and characters.

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Jan 09, 2019 Dawn rated it it was amazing

Shelley's book teaches us that we all should share our feeling about the death of family or friends. Each character struggles with guilt and had drifted apart as they got older. In the story they all remember their friend and relationships get closer. Always tell the ones around you that you care for them. Thank you Shelley for a wonderful book. ...more

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Jan 01, 2019 Sandra rated it really liked it

Note: I read this as a free e-ARC from Netgalley. The first book of a new series centers around a group of 8 friends who come together again after one of them commits suicide. The friends are a mix of Amish, English, & Mennonite. Regardless of their upbringing they have a bond that keeps them strong, and they realize unbreakable. This story was a breath of fresh air, perfect for a light new year read.

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Sep 29, 2018 Meghan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: library

I received this book as an advanced readers copy due to the love of Christian Fiction our patrons have. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting Christian Fiction novels and The Patient One definitely falls in the category of new and exciting.

The Patient One tells the story of the sudden death of Andy Weir and the community coming together figuring out how to deal and handle this sudden situation. After being away for 7 years Andy's friends come together some amish, mennonite, and Engli ...more

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Nov 01, 2018 Leslie M. rated it really liked it

This book is the start of a new series. This time around, the focus is on a group of eight friends (a blend of Amish, Mennonite, and Englich). It’s realistic in demonstrating how even close-knit groups in school can grow apart when life happens out in the “real world.” Sadly, they’re brought back together for a funeral of one of their group members. The reader is shown a bit of the story from each person’s POV as they deal with the death of their friend. I love the blend of characters, which dem ...more

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Oct 29, 2018 Ash Luna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Patient one is such a wonderful read based on Amish romance with a deep faith base like Shelley Shepard Grey always does! AMAZING read!

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Aug 11, 2019 Nicole House rated it it was amazing

The Patient One is the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s new Walnut Creek Series. It opens at the funeral of one of a group of friends. The shocking part was that Andy had committed suicide. The seven remaining friends (Amish, Mennonite, and English) are all left trying to come to terms with his death and the fact that they hadn’t realized that anything was that wrong in Andy’s life. Andy had been one of the English friends. Even though they had drifted apart, Andy’s death did serve to bring The Patient One is the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray’s new Walnut Creek Series. It opens at the funeral of one of a group of friends. The shocking part was that Andy had committed suicide. The seven remaining friends (Amish, Mennonite, and English) are all left trying to come to terms with his death and the fact that they hadn’t realized that anything was that wrong in Andy’s life. Andy had been one of the English friends. Even though they had drifted apart, Andy’s death did serve to bring them back together and they vowed to look after each other again. This time they wouldn’t let anything break that bond. This story mainly focuses on two of the friends, Marie and John. Marie is English and John is Amish.
I enjoyed this story, but I confess that I was unprepared for the way that the story opened since I hadn’t read the back of the book (which is very unusual for me, but I enjoy this author and always read her work). Shelley does a great job handling the issue of suicide. She doesn’t dwell on the event, but opens with the friends at the funeral, remembering their good friend Andy. Since it is something that has become all too common in some communities these days, it was good to see it addressed in a sensitive way, with the different characters trying to process their feelings in the aftermath. I also liked that the characters didn’t spend the whole story dwelling on Andy’s death.
Shelley has woven together a somewhat unlikely group of friends in Walnut Creek. Despite their many outward differences, they have formed a strong bond that bridges them. They’ve been friends since childhood, when their differences didn’t seem so great, and now they’re young adults. They aren’t free of misunderstandings, but that’s also what helps to make Shelley’s characters so real and easy to relate to. I feel that this could be a group of friends that I would actually run into as I went about town. Some of them have some very difficult decisions to make as they contemplate their futures. This was definitely the case for Marie and John.
I found myself having a hard time putting this book down because I had been drawn into the story and wanted to find out how it would end. I am definitely looking forward to reading more about this group of friends in the future, and finding out how their decisions impact their lives and the lives of their friends. I would definitely recommend The Patient One to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction.
I was given a copy of this book from the author, but was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own. ...more

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Apr 06, 2019 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The first full-length installment in the Walnut Creek series, The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming novel of love and friendship.

Opening with the funeral of their beloved friend Andy Warner, the remaining seven friends, Marie Harman, John Byler, Katie Steurny, Logan, Harley, Elizabeth Anne and Will Kurtz, struggle to understand why Andy committed suicide. The childhood friends have grown apart since they entered their twenties but after Andy's death, they mutually decide to The first full-length installment in the Walnut Creek series, The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartwarming novel of love and friendship.

Opening with the funeral of their beloved friend Andy Warner, the remaining seven friends, Marie Harman, John Byler, Katie Steurny, Logan, Harley, Elizabeth Anne and Will Kurtz, struggle to understand why Andy committed suicide. The childhood friends have grown apart since they entered their twenties but after Andy's death, they mutually decide to nurture their friendship. They also have a new understanding of how short life can be, so John decides it is time to do something about his longtime crush on Katie, who has recently moved back to Walnut Creek. But will their very differences prove too insurmountable to overcome?

Although John is Amish, he works for an Englischer and he has yet to baptized in the faith. He comes from a large and loving family who, it turns out, know him a little better than he knows himself. At first believing there is no reason why a romance between him and Katie will not work out, John is surprised when troubles arise between them.

While Katie has not Amish, she does have a strong faith. Her return to Walnut Creek is long overdue and she is happy to be close to her parents and friends. Surprised to discover that John returns her feelings, she also knows a future between them is not guaranteed. Katie is delighted when John asks her out, but their different backgrounds, insecurities and lack of communication threaten to derail their fledging romance.

John's sixteen year sister Molly is also unexpectedly in the midst of a budding romance with Danny. Paralyzed after a riding accident, Molly appreciates her family's help but she is frustrated that they do not realize she is capable of taking care of herself. Danny takes her disability in stride and Molly is matter of fact about what life in a wheelchair. Their relationship is refreshingly honest and watching Molly become more self-assured is quite gratifying.

The Patient One is a compelling novel of healing that also features a gentle undercurrent of faith. The storyline is realistic and deals with suicide and the consequences of drunk driving. John and Katie are a wonderful couple but their inability to express their concerns and expectations causes misunderstandings between them. Molly and Danny's romance is incredibly sweet and free of unnecessary conflict. Shelley Shepard Gray brings the novel to a poignant yet uplifting conclusion. An enjoyable beginning to the Walnut Creek series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the release of The Loyal One. ...more

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Apr 29, 2019 Christi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: clean-romance, 2019, reviewed

It starts with a death. One of the Eight, a small group of friends that grew up together and are closer than family, commits suicide and sends shockwaves throughout the Walnut Creek community, especially with his friends and family. Everyone is dismayed and saddened, all wondering what would provoke this young man to take his own life.

When something like this happens it makes you reflect on your own life and normally propels you to make necessary changes for the better. John B. and Marie have fl It starts with a death. One of the Eight, a small group of friends that grew up together and are closer than family, commits suicide and sends shockwaves throughout the Walnut Creek community, especially with his friends and family. Everyone is dismayed and saddened, all wondering what would provoke this young man to take his own life.

When something like this happens it makes you reflect on your own life and normally propels you to make necessary changes for the better. John B. and Marie have flirted with each other over the years, but with John being Amish and Marie being English they both hoped for more, but deep down knew it would take some major life changes on one of their parts to make their relationship a reality.

Not long after saying goodbye to her friend, Marie moves back home to Walnut Creek to be closer to her family and friends, and secretly hopes that her closeness to John will increase, and that they can become more than friends. John is also going through his own inner struggle that no one knows about. Being in his mid-20's, John has yet to be baptized into the Amish faith, and when questioned by his family he realizes it's time to make a huge decision that could change his entire life. Should he stay with his family and be Amish, or should he leave the only community he's known and become English?

There is a lot more to the story, but my favorite part of the novel actually had nothing to do with the love stories that were intertwined in this narrative, but a moment of raw emotion when the Eight randomly gets together and pours their hearts out about the events that have recently occurred in their lives. It is such a real moment and shows that to have a friendship like that is truly a treasure.

Though this novel has some real, heartbreaking subject matter, there are also some excellent reminders, like the fact that life is short, that you should be true to your heart, and to love the ones you're with.

A beautifully written story with exceptional characters and a story line that really gets the reader thinking, it was a great read, and gets me really excited about the next book in the Walnut Creek series, The Loyal One, that will be out this coming August. Shelley Shepard Gray is such a great writer and it seems like her novels keep getting better and better!

*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own. ...more

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Feb 20, 2019 Debi Lantzer Stout rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

I've been blogging for a few years now and I have gotten into a pretty good pattern of book blogging. If the genre is one that my mother, Gloria loves, I will usually let her read the book and prepare the review for me to post here. When Gloria learned that Shelley Shepard Gray had this new book coming out in April of 2019 -- The Patient One -- she asked me to request it for her to read, which I immediately did. Unfortunately, my mother is experiencing some medical difficulties with her eyes I've been blogging for a few years now and I have gotten into a pretty good pattern of book blogging. If the genre is one that my mother, Gloria loves, I will usually let her read the book and prepare the review for me to post here. When Gloria learned that Shelley Shepard Gray had this new book coming out in April of 2019 -- The Patient One -- she asked me to request it for her to read, which I immediately did. Unfortunately, my mother is experiencing some medical difficulties with her eyes right now and her Kindle is off limits. Therefore, I had to step up and read and review this book myself. Back in the day, I used to read a lot of Amish and Mennonite books, so it wasn't a big reach for me, so here's my review:

The Patient One shares the story of the sudden death by suicide of Andy Weir and how the community comes together while trying to deal with the situation. Andy was in a group of eight friends who were very tight-knit and consisted of a blend of Amish, Mennonite and English. They had promised to stay together in their group and stay connected, but the truth was that had each grown up and moved on in life, as we often do. They have so many unanswered questions as they struggle with Andy's reason for suicide, why he didn't reach out to his life-long friends, and why they did not see that he was struggling.
Then after being away for seven years, Andy's friends come together for the sad reason of celebrating Andy's legacy and attending his funeral. The story is told from each person's point of view and as they deal with the death of their friend. I love the blend of characters from different walks of life too, as it does show that people are more alike than the differences that they may have. Some friendships get stronger while some develop into even more.

There's so much to this book, there are real topics and feelings that are very well addressed, and I found the characters to be very well developed. I have learned that this will be the first book in a series too, so I'm sure the next one will be super interesting too!

The Patient One is definitely a book you should add to your 2019 TBR stack when it releases in April, 2019.

I received an advanced reader digital copy of this book without cost from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. ...more

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About Shelley Shepard Gray

Shelley Shepard Gray

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Librarian Note: AKA Shelley Gray (Western Romance).

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 ...more