The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray: Review

Women’s fiction is a great genre to be able to write in for an author, I would suspect. It gives such a huge range of storytelling opportunity. Love, family life, trials and tribulation. It’s also a great genre to review in as well.

Earlier this year I was able to review the different type of story that was written in a very calming and peaceful style. Today I want to share with you my thoughts on the next in the series due to be published in August.

The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Walnut Creek Series, The (Book 2)
Publisher: Gallery Books (August 13, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-1982122119

Synopsis:
When Katie Steury hires her old friend Harley Lambright to remodel her rundown old house into a charming bed and breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they’ve always had a rocky relationship, thanks to her being partly responsible for his most recent breakup. But while they may not always get along, she needs someone to trust with her secrets, and Harley is nothing if not trustworthy and loyal.

Katie has always reminded Harley of a bright hummingbird—she is small and flighty, moves a mile a minute, and she possesses a very sharp beak. He’s hesitant to accept the job because of his history with Katie. But when he realizes that Katie’s been hiding her mother’s hoarding, he agrees to help her because it’s clear she needs someone on her side.

Both soon discover that clearing the debris in one old house also means they have to do some clean-up in their lives, forcing them to reevaluate their past and their future. This somewhat painful process reveals that Katie isn’t the only one with secrets. As the house gets a second chance, so, too, does their relationship. Now all they have to do is open their hearts—and hope and pray that their new bond will also stand the test of time.

The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray Review

In this second part of the series, the Eight friends are still as tight as ever but the story mainly focuses on Harley and Katie.

They had many issues in the past and not a lot of fond feelings for each other. Squabbles and disagreements plague their history .

But when Katie hires Harley to help remodel her house to turn it into a bread and breakfast, we get to see a new side of her and the truth slowly comes out.

What I like the most about the authors style of writing and the stories that she tells is just how simplistic life really can be. We often find ourselves in turmoil. Stressful situations at work, stressed about relationships, and even overwhelmed about possessions.

The author shows us it doesn’t have to be that way. The most important part of life is relationships. We can overcome any issue if we put our mind to it.

This book speaks to the beauty of a slow build in a solid relationship. One that is built on hard work, trust, loyalty, and that slow to grow love and respect. I think that’s what’s missing in a lot of relationships today – loyalty and respect.

Sweet, simple, and a beautiful story of life and family ever changing but in a good way. This book is perfect for any age. Just an enjoyable, relaxing read that will leave a smile on your face and hope for a new day.

4 Stars * Can be read as a standalone with little issue

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.