Review: The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray

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☆☆➹⁀☆ 5 stars ☆➹⁀☆☆

About the Book:

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.

Guest Reviewer Frannie’s Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book, The Patient One. It was so descriptive in terms of landscape, culture and the author’s ability to really make the characters come alive. She described their looks and their emotions is such detail, it was impossible not to love all the characters. The story revolves around the challenges of youth, love, disappointment and tragedy. Vibrant and very believable it was difficult to put the book down. There was romance, drama, hurt, deception, car accidents, handicapped challenges and the struggle between eight friends who were from very diverse backgrounds. It opens with the unexpected suicide of Andy Warner, the leader of the friends when they were young. Andy was always so charismatic, that the remaining seven were flabbergasted to learn that he was depressed and so unhappy.

The book goes back and forth with the group as children and now as young adults in their twenties. Many of them had moved away from the small town of Walnut Creek, Ohio. Some of them went to college, others followed their religious beliefs; but their friendship remained intact and was rekindled at Andy’s funeral. The struggles and affairs of the seven of them were once again brought to light with their diverse religious backgrounds of Amish, Mennonite and English were exposed to tragedy and disappointment with one another. One thing remained. It was their trust and love they had for each other. It is important and engaging throughout the story.

The descriptions and emotions of the characters were gripping therefore the author was able to really pull at the readers inner thoughts. The author poised questions that will make the readers question their own core beliefs. She was able to explain how these friends were able to interact amongst one another even with the differences they had around their religious beliefs.

Touching, insightful and wonderfully written, I would recommend this book to any reader no matter what their age or religion.

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.

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. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.