"Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother. "—Proverbs 18: 24



Friendships are to treasure, for we never know when those close ties will change forever. The Patient One begins with friends gathered for the unthinkable: Andy's funeral. They can't work out how it can possibly be that one of their own has died. Each has their own precious memories of a friend who was the best sort of friend. Loyal, dependable, always with a willing ear. Each wonders how they could have drifted on to their own busy, separate lives.



Shelley Shepard Gray has hit the pulse of how it feels when death comes takes someone young from our midst. As those left behind struggle to reason with their loss, nobody has a good answer. As Andy's friends struggle to understand his death, each grieves in their own way. I liked this book, as I have others by this author. She tackles hard topics and this was no exception as I thought of each young person in my life who died too young. It is inexplicable and painful. It is not easy, yet we can emerge with lessons learned, as all of Andy's friends do as they grapple with grief and what their lives hold for them in the future. And there is a future. A rich future, that may look differently than what they imagined, yet our faith in God reminds us of this promise.



I appreciate this book for the thoughtful way it was written. I recommend it with 4 stars as it is a book that will make you think and remain in your heart for a while. It will make you think of absent friends and memories of times spent together making those memories. Stay tuned for more books in The Walnut Creek Series.

The story is a sad one, full of reflection and searching. I wish the author had written more about Andy in the beginning so that readers could better understand him. The small blurbs at the beginning of each chapter didn't work for me. I appreciate the friendship of the group of eight. But after reading so many Amish books and living near the Amish, I find the closer relationships between the Amish and English not to ring true. This as a sweet story about dealing with death that some may be able to relate with.

Life happens and the “Eight” didn’t get together as often as they used to. They’re together now though. Well, seven of them are. They’re at a funeral. Andy’s funeral. Not only one of their own but their leader. The worse part, he killed himself.

This story starts out on a sad note and is filled with so many emotions. Anger, blame, hurt, love. Promises were made. Promises to stay better connected with each other. Questions, so many questions. How could Andy have done that? Why didn’t he reach out to any of them? They were a close-knit group of life-long friends. How did they not see he was troubled?

This story captures your attention from the first paragraph and keeps you wanting more. You can’t put the book down. You have to see how these friends, from three different cultures, help each other deal with their loss.

Follow the lives of the remaining “Eight” and watch friendships get stronger. Some even turn to more. See who makes sacrifices to be with the one they love.

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 characters are tenderly chiseled and woven into an unforgettable plot line. 

The messages that Gray adds to the story for Andy's friends, the forgiveness, the hope, the redemption is all powerfully included in this page turning novel. I saw, rather than read this story. It moved off the pages and played out before me like a movie on the big screen. The tissues definitely came in handy, that's for sure! 

Through the words of Shelley Shepard Gray, I understood death a little better. Through her words, I understood the power of friendship just a little bit more. These friends endured confusion and pain, yet with God, and Andy's friendship, they came together and healed. 

This is a 4 star book that everyone should read. It's emotionally moving and soul gripping. I highly recommend this first book in her new series, and I am already looking forward to book 2.

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.

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.

Shelley Shepard Gray books are always enjoyable and this one is no exception. Easy reading, enjoyable and quick to hook you in. Read 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 demonstrates people are more alike than different. The topic is one not commonly addressed, but it’s one that is likely to be relatable to many readers. This is one to add to your 2019 TBR pile, as it releases in April, 2019.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

This is a brand new series from Shelley Shepard Gray that focuses on friendships. A group of 8 kids (Amish, English, and Mennonite) form a frienship growing up. They do everything together throughout high school. But life happens and soon everyone is going their separate ways and they don't see each other very much. They join together once again at the funeral of their group leader, Andy. The story goes on to visit each member of the group, some more than others, as they take a deeper look into their lives reflecting on life, friendship, and love.
This is a truly powerful book. Not only is it well researched and written, but it is a subject not necessarily covered in Amish fiction but definitely faced in our lives today. It will cause you to be very self reflective. The book isn't set for release until spring of 2019 but put it on your "to read" list because it is one you won't want to miss.