The book centered around The Eight, a group of 8 friends who have run together since childhood. Some of their siblings are included in the storyline as well. While the book touches on important topics such as suicide, underage drinking, and drunk driving. Those issues were not emphasized as much as the romance. Both of the relationships that started in the story were awkward and uncomfortable; I never felt like they fully developed. I generally enjoy this author's writing, but this was not one of her better books.
The Patient One is a touching story about friendship, love, patience, family, and faith. Will, Elizabeth Anne, Harley, Logan, Katie, Marie, John and Andy plus Andy's little sister, Tricia have been friends since childhood. The fact that they were from different religions does not bother them (Old Order Amish, Mennonite, English and New Order Amish) or affect their friendship. The group is devastated when Andy kills himself. They do not understand why he did not talk to one of them. The group had drifted a little as they took on adult responsibilities and jobs, but they would drop everything for one of the group (as we saw in Friends to the End). Marie has moved back to Walnut Creek, and she wants to finally explore her feelings for John Byler. Their relationship will be complicated since John was raised Amish, but he has not been baptized. Molly Byler, John's younger sister, became paralyzed after a buggy accident when she was nine. She is now sixteen and wants to be treated as any other girl her age. Molly is thrilled when Danny Eberly wishes to spend time with her. I like that the characters are from different backgrounds. As John and Marie explore their romantic relationship, their differing views come into play. It provides interest and depth to the book. Logan and Tricia (their story began in Friends to the End) are included peripherally in the story. There are updates on their progressing relationship. We get to see how this group of friends deal with the loss of a close friend. The friends must deal with grief, guilt, anger, and confusion. None of them understand why Andy did not confide to one of them. I hope we get answers about Andy in future books. The Patient One has Shelley Shepard Gray's signature writing style which drew me in right away. The story is well-written with pacing that suits the book. The characters are complex along with their situations. I look forward to learning more about each character as the series progresses. Patience is a recurring theme in The Patient One. Patience with people, situations and life. All things happen in His timing, not ours. My favorite line in the book was âeven in the darkness of times there was always a glimmer of lightâ. I recommend reading Friends to the End before embarking on The Patient One. The Patient One is an insightful and emotional story that will touch your heart.
