The Patient One (1) (Walnut Creek Series, The)

The Patient One (1) (Walnut Creek Series, The)

Seven former best friends reunite and struggle to heal after the tragic death of one of their own in this evocative and heartrending novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Gift and Her Secret . 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. “Gray tells a beautiful story of friendship love and truth born out of pain and grief. This story reminds us to hold those we love close.” -- --Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress "Gray has created an endearing cast of characters...that both delights and surprises—and kept me thinking about the story long after I turned the last page. Bravo!" -- --Leslie Gould, #1 bestselling and Christy Award winning author of over 30 novels "A pleasing story about recovering from grief and a solid beginning for a new series." ― --Publishers Weekly "Like sunshine breaking through clouds . . . readers who love Amish stories and/or Christian fiction are sure to take pleasure in following the saga of this wonderful group of friends [who] learn to support each other and follow their hearts as they attempt to discern God's will in their lives." ― Fresh Fiction "A very compelling . . . novel of friendship and healing. . . . Once you read THE PATIENT ONE, you will be impatiently awaiting the next in the series!" ― Fresh Fiction A practicing Lutheran, Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, translated into multiple languages. In her years of researching the Amish community, she depends on her Amish friends for gossip, advice, and cinnamon rolls. She lives in Colorado with her family and writes full time. The Patient One ONE “The first thing you all should remember about Andy was that he was afraid of snakes,” Katie said with a grin, her voice cracking slightly. “He was also really embarrassed by that. Which, of course, is why one afternoon, back when we were fourteen, all eight of us decided to go for a walk in the woods.” THREE MONTHS LATER—OCTOBER “This little house isn’t much, and I can’t say I’m real thrilled about its location, but I suppose it has a certain amount of charm,” Marie’s mother said as she ran one manicured nail along the granite kitchen countertops. “These are sure pretty.” Marie smiled with pride. “Thanks, Mom. The kitchen is the reason I snapped the place up. That, and the amazing amount of closet space.” “It really does look better on the inside than on the outside.” Mom looked out the window, frowning at the chain-link fence surrounding the yard. “Are you sure this area is perfectly safe?” “Mom, it’s Walnut Creek. Of course it’s safe. This place is going to be just fine. I’ll be fine.” “Well, you’re right, I suppose. Most of Walnut Creek is perfectly safe, almost like something out of Mayberry.” Still staring out the window, she added, “This street doesn’t have a real good look to it, though. Be sure you lock your doors at night.” “I’ll do that.” Like she didn’t already. After giving the weed-filled yard one last glance, her mother turned back to her. “I hate to bring it up again, but I still don’t understand why you transferred over to that branch out in New Philly and elected to drive there from Walnut Creek. You had a nice life in Cleveland.” “You’re right. I did.” Her mother wasn’t wrong. After going to college and majoring in English, she’d had a hard time finding work. She’d finally landed a job as a teller at Champion Banks and discovered she loved it. One thing led to another, and by the end of her first year, she’d been promoted and was actually making pretty good money. Good enough that she’d leased a lovely loft in picturesque Chagrin Falls, a well-to-do suburb east of Cleveland. She’d decorated it pretty and met a nice group of girlfriends. Just a couple of months ago, she’d started dating. Many of her customers were single, eligible men who