The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray: Review

It has been quite a while since I have read a Christian romance but as you know I do feature many books on Christianity here on my site. When I first started reviewing books, I actually read quite a few of them.

The other day this spring release arrived at my door for review consideration and it sounded like a perfect change of pace. This is my first time reading this author so I was looking forward to checking it out. Here are my thoughts.

The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray
Series: Walnut Creek Series, The (Book 1)
Publisher: Gallery Books (April 9, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-1982100872

ABOUT:
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.

With her signature “taut writing” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray delivers a lyrical and heartfelt tale of friendship and forgiveness.

The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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.

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