The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is truly a thought-provoking read about the “Eight”, a group of friends, a mix of Mennonite, Amish and English, who come back together following the untimely death of Andy, a member of the group.

Marie Hartman, smart and successful young woman, returns home to reconnect with family and childhood friends, particularly John Byler aka John B. Marie finds her feelings for John B. have not changed but what about his feelings for her? There was always a spark between them, it was time to find out if there was a possibility of something more.

John B. has yet to commit to be baptized into the Amish church despite the prayers of his family. He’s just not sure if being baptized is what God would have him do. When Marie returns and John B. realizes he still cares for her, he begins to search in earnest for where he is to be.

John’s little sister, Molly, is tired of being over-protected by her family; she feels perfectly capable of conducting her own life despite an accident that left her partially paralyzed and wheelchair bound. As a young man, Danny, begins to take an interest in her, Molly contemplates if she truly is independent as she thinks.

The Eight, as a whole, and individually struggle to come to terms with one of their own untimely death. In their early to mid-twenties, each struggles with death and living; as a group, they struggle with the missing part of their group, will they be able to continue as a group, growing and flourishing?

Beautifully written, with compassion and understanding, The Patient One is one of the author’s best yet. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.

Excellent. Shelley Shepard gray is my favorite Amish fiction author. Her stories never disappoint. They aren’t predictable. They are full of depth and great plot development. This one is just as expected — great! Love the story. Love the characters. I laughed and cried and wanted to stay up late in the night to continue reading. That! Is the sign of a good book! I haven’t read an Amish fiction book in a while. Glad to get back into the genre with this book.
I received a copy as part of the street team. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The patient one is book 1 in the Walnut Creek series. These are the stories of the Magnicent 8. 8 friends that are a mix of Amish and non-Amish. The author always writes incredible, real feeling characters. She always creates such unique storylines. I am a huge fan of this author. I love how she can tackle tough subjects (in this case, suicide) She always does a great job in turning it around to glorify God. In this book, Andy who is considered leader of the group has commited suicide. This story shows how the friends get together and stick together through thick and thin. This was a wonderful read

I received a copy of this book through the author, allthoughts are my own

Set in the Amish country of Ohio, this book checks in on seven remaining friends who have survived the suicide of their teen years friend, Andy. The group is unique because they are a mix of “English”, Amish and Mennonite friends. Somehow the mix worked for them in their teen years. As many groups, they drift apart with life after high school. The funeral, though, has them returning and renewing their relationship. This time, John (the patient one) is determined to let Marie know of his long-buried feelings for her. John is Amish and Marie in English. Oh, the difficulties that ensue.

I have been a fan of this authors work for many years and yet I am always impressed by her writing. In the first book in the Walnut Creek series she tells the story of seven best friends who are reunited by a tragic event in their lives.

The bond they shared is a wonderful one and they have never allowed the differences in their backgrounds and beliefs stand in the way of friendship. Some are Amish, some Mennonite, some are English and as I was reading this book, it occurred to me how wonderful the world would be if we could all live our lives and be more accepting of people of all faiths and backgrounds. There are obviously heavy moments but there are lighthearted ones, too.

We get to know Andy through his friends sharing stories about him which brought a smile to my face. I have to say that I didn't have a favorite character because I found them all likable, so I'm curious to see what the author has in store for them. This is an emotional and heartfelt story and one I recommend.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

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!

THE PATIENT ONE is a sweet, clean, somewhat sad romance based on seven friends - sort of. Two of the main characters were NOT his friends, but a sibling and boyfriend of one of the seven. It was also a story of John and Marie discovering that they have feelings for each other, of Molly and Danny struggling against John's over-protective nature, and all seven coming to terms with Andy's death.



Sometimes the storyline jumped, confusing me - and there was an underlying theme of forgiveness and also that no matter if someone is feeling depressed and think about ending it -- reach out to someone. More than one someone. Because you are loved and will be missed.



If you are a fan of romance, Amish, and or Shelley Shepard Gray, check out THE PATIENT ONE





I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the first full length novel in the Walnut Creek Series. Everyone is shocked in Walnut Creek, Ohio when they learn that Andy Warner had committed suicide. It is especially hard on the Eight which is a group of men and women who are Amish, Mennonite and Englisch. They had been close friends since they were kids and considered Andy the leader of their group. None of them had any idea that Andy was troubled and wished he had confided in one of them. The group had drifted apart when they entered their 20s which had bothered Andy. Now they are reunited for their friend’s funeral and agree they need to become the close group they had been before life sent them off in different directions. Marie Hartman had been living in Cleveland, but now she has returned to Walnut Creek. She looks forward to spending more time with her friends especially John Byler. The two of them have always been close, but there have been romantic feelings simmering between them since their late teens. John, though, was raised Amish while Marie is firmly in the English world. Is it possible for them to overcome their cultural differences? Come along to Walnut Creek to see how this group of close friends moves forward after the death of their close friend.

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.

'The Patient One' by Shelley Shepard Gray opens up with 7 best friends from childhood attending the funeral of one of their own. Despite their differences, 3 are Amish, 3 are English, and 2 are Mennonite, they remained close throughout their childhood until adulthood sent them in different directions. Their recently lost friend, Andy, committed suicide and the book follows the story of them coping with death and reconnecting with each other. Gray has a talent for pulling the reader into the characters lives and it really shines in this one. Be prepared to both laugh and cry. I can't wait for the next book!

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 that starts to pull them back together. Healing, forgiveness, and love are found here too. 

The story was filled with emotions. It went from hope to sadness and back again. Seven of the friends have to learn to forgive themselves and hope for the better. I was deeply engaged in this character driven book. The variety of protagonists made this a good read. It was heartfelt and inspiring too. Loss, grief, and new beginnings are woven together and told in an entertaining way. I enjoyed following each of them as they learned and found happiness once more. Overall, I would recommend this Christian tale to all.

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 to readers who are interested in a unique women's fiction read. I think you have to be a little open minded for this novel, and it just wasn't my cup of tea. Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery for sending this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Review 2.5/5

Enjoyed starting this new series. The eight is a group of young adults who have been friends most of their lives. When there is a suicide it brings the group back together and feelings are explored. Will be looking forward to the next book In the series!

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.

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 rears its head again in another senseless act.
I did enjoy the seeing of people as they are and not looking at a disability, and the surprise when one helps a customer at the library!
This is a real look at the emotions most of us have, but we put names and faces on those involved, you really don’t want to miss this!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

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!

Looking at each of her friends, she knew they were all suffering from guilt and regret. But she was enough of a realist to admit that it wasn't as much of a surprise that they weren't still friends. The surprise was that they'd ever become so close in the first place. Three of them were Amish, three were English and two were Mennonite. On paper, they should have had their own circle of friends with their own kind. Instead, they'd found deep friendships based on things outside of their religions. Each of them had believed in loyalty and friendship. They each possessed a small amount of rebelliousness too. That rebelliousness had cemented a bond among them and had allowed friendships to grow - as they said goodbye to one of their own.


When a group of friends are gathered at the funeral of their friend Andy, they must deal with the loss of a friend to suicide. The narration begins with the funeral and each chapter thereafter, begins with a memory of their friend Andy to the re connection of friendships as adults.

Marie an Englisher who is successful as banker has moved back to the community of friends. Maybe to be close to a time where she felt the most connected but also to young Amish man that has captured her heart. As friends, John and Marie along with their group of friends had a special friendship, a friendship that turned to love. But coming from different backgrounds, they both know that they cannot have a future unless one of them jumps the fence. Who would be willing to sacrifice all that they know and love to a world that is unfamiliar.

As this group of friends reconnect after the death of their friend Andy, they reexamine their own lives and the purpose of life. When an accident occurs, it brings their differences to a sharp contrast. Will these friends move on thru another trial and tribulation? Will they find hope in their differences.

With these group of friends, different characters and personalities shine. It was easy to connect to each one reminding us that we are all not so different.

A Special Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This is the first in a new series from Shelley Shepard Gray. In the beginning of this book we start of with the death of Andy who was the leader of the "8" which are friends: some Amish, some English, and some Mennonite. After drifting apart for a few years and Andy's death they decided to try and get together more. A few are starting to
think of each other as more than friends. Then comes another twist in the book when an accident occurs. Pick up your copy of this book to see who was in the accident and what happens to them.

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

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.

I truly loved this book! I’m still trying to process my feelings for it. Shelley Shepard Gray did such a great job taking a very difficult topic and writing about it. There’s a beautiful lesson in this book. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of this series. I have a feeling that this might be my new favorite by her. It was so good!



I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

This story is about the "Eight", a group of Amish, Mennonite, and English friends. In the beginning, we learn about the death of one of the Eight who committed suicide. The rest of the group tries to come to terms as to why and realize that they need to spend more time together and can lean upon each other during hard times. John and Marie, two from the group of friends, begin to realize that there may be more to their friendship but can they truly be a couple since John is Amish and Marie is English? In the meantime, John's sister, Molly, is getting chummy with Danny, a fellow Amish boy. Molly thinks she feels secure about being disabled and in a wheelchair but is she really? Can she let go of some of her thoughts and let Danny court her?

This book blew me away and was a great story with lots of emotion, such as sorrow, guilt, love and compassion. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.