The Patient One

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
THE PATIENT ONE

When news spreads that Andy Warner committed suicide, everyone in Walnut Creek, Ohio, is shocked. For the seven men and women who had been Andy's best friends, it is extremely painful -- and, maybe, a source of guilt. Although years had passed since they'd last been together, there was a strong bond and a steadfast certainty that they'd always have each other's backs. 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.

My Review:

Wow -- what an amazing start to a new series! It's a little different in that it follows multiple points of view and there are a lot of characters to meet right from the very first chapter. Seven  friends -- a mix of Amish, Mennonite and Englisch -- who reconnect at another friend's funeral. They were known as 'the Eight' and did everything together from childhood into their teenage years but when they reached their late teens they started to drift apart as jobs and college and diverse lifestyles claimed their attention.

Until Andy commits suicide and suddenly they are all examining their lives, their choices and wondering how they drifted apart. There's a lot of soul searching as they wrestle with feelings of guilt and remorse and sorrow.  But there's healing in this story too -- renewed resolves and fresh perspectives as the seven surviving friends try to make sense of a senseless death.

Don't panic -- you don't get all seven points of view in this novel! The Patient One features Marie (Englisch) and John (Amish) as well as John's sister and her friend, Danny. I love the diversity in this novel and the way friendships develop despite differences. A blending of hearts and minds that celebrate the truth and joy that comes from being accepted for ourselves. And I absolutely love John's chaotic family!

This book is kind of indescribable and I feel like I've made a jumbled mess of this review. Hard to comment on specifics without posting spoilers. It's the kind of story you just need to experience for yourself.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Patient One, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 18 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!