The Loyal One

GIVEAWAY

GRAY, SHELLEY SHEPARD
THE LOYAL ONE

The New York Times bestselling author the Walnut Creek series crafts a moving and evocative novel of secrets, friendship, and second chances -- perfect for fans of Kathleen Fuller and Beth Wiseman.

When Katie Steury hires Harley Lambright to remodel her run-down house into a bed-and-breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they've recently had a rocky relationship, thanks to her being partly responsible for his latest breakup. But while they may not always get along, she needs someone to trust with her secrets, and Harley is nothing if not trustworthy.

Katie has always reminded Harley of a bright hummingbird -- she moves a mile a minute, and she possesses a very sharp beak. He's hesitant to accept the job because of his history with Katie. But when he realizes that Katie's been hiding her mother's hoarding, he agrees to help because it's clear she needs someone on her side.

Both soon discover that clearing the debris in an old house can lead to some cleanup in their lives, too. As the house gets a second chance so does their relationship.. Now all they have to do is open their hearts -- and pray that their new bond will stand the test of time.

My Review:

"The older I get, the more I realize that relationships and friendships are hard. There isn't only one right way to do things." (p 138)

This is the second book in The Walnut Creek series. You don't have have read The Patient One in order to enjoy this novel though I think it would help to understand the overall series theme so here's the scoop:

Seven friends -- a mix of Amish, Mennonite and Englisch -- reconnect at another friend's funeral.  They were known as 'the Eight' and did everything together from childhood into their adolescence but when they reached their late teens, they drifted apart as jobs and college and diverse lifestyles claimed their attention...

Until Andy committed suicide and they are drawn together in their grief, suddenly examining their lives and choices, reviving their friendship...and finding love along the way. It's a large cast of characters but we don't get all their points of view. The Loyal One is mainly Harley and Katie's story but there's a tenuous start to a secondary romance as well.

I love the way Shelley Shepard Gray challenges her characters and, as a result, her readers. She addresses family dysfunction with compassion and heart. And the way she digs deep into her characters' psyche makes for a fascinating read. I felt all raw and exposed and ultimately healed right along with Katie by the end.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Loyal 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 March 20 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!