The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray – a Review

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Description:
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.

Review:

The Patient One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the 1^st book in her new Walnut Creek series. The Patient One was a nice story revolving around a group of friends who come together after the tragic suicide of one of their group.  However, the group went their own way for a number of years, hardly seeing each other, and now with the suicide, they each feel the guilt that they should have been around for their deceased friend.  Those who left Walnut Creek return and they are determined to unify their close friendship and help one another.  The mixed group of 7 men and women, are  Amish,  Mennonite, and English, but that never bothered them, as they all remain good friends.

The 7 friends each deal with their grief, but this story centers around John (Amish) and Marie (English) as they rekindle the attraction they had for each other.  John deals with his desire to become more English, and leave the Amish life.  He lets his family know, and they accept his desire, knowing that he will remain close to them, as they knew this was his desire  long ago.    Marie having moved back to Walnut Creek, learns later about John‘s decision and is very happy.  Together they will work on their future, as well as learn how to deal with the grief of losing their friend.   The other 5 members are close to John and Marie, and they all help support one another.

There was also a side story showing the friendship building between John’s 16 year old sister, Molly who due to an accident is confined to a wheel chair, and Danny, a local 17 year old boy.  Danny befriends Molly, who works part time at the library, and despite John’s negative reaction, their friendship grows.  This was a nice feature to see Danny bring out Molly to go out and enjoy her friends.  There was also another accident with some students which also bring about handling the loss of life.

The Patient One was a story of friendship, bonding, guilt, grief, love and struggling to deal with the emotions of tragedy.  I this was a nice simple story of life, and well written by Shelley Shepard Gray.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher