The New York Times bestselling author of 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 her old friend Harley Lambright to remodel her rundown old house into a charming bed and breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they’ve always had a rocky relationship, thanks to her being partly responsible for his most recent breakup. But while they may not always get along, she needs someone to trust with her secrets, and Harley is nothing if not trustworthy and loyal.
Katie has always reminded Harley of a bright hummingbird—she is small and flighty, 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 her because it’s clear she needs someone on her side.
Both soon discover that clearing the debris in one old house also means they have to do some clean-up in their lives, forcing them to reevaluate their past and their future. This somewhat painful process reveals that Katie isn’t the only one with secrets. As the house gets a second chance, so, too, does their relationship. Now all they have to do is open their hearts—and hope and pray that their new bond will also stand the test of time.
Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.
Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.
Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations. Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.
Katie Steury has more than a few concerns and fears, as she hires friend Harley Lambright to remodel the house she has inherited. Her plan is to make it into a Bed and Breakfast but it needs a lot of work to get it o that point. Katie’s mother's issues and the dreadful state of the house reveal the secret Katie has carried for years. Although Katie allows Harley’s younger brother Kyle to help in the clearing and renovation, she definitely does not want the rest of their group of friends known as The Eight, to see the state of the place. The eight are a group of long time friends, some Amish like Harley, Kyle and Katie, others are English and one is a Mennonite. But they have a firm, lasting friendship, even though Katie and Harley seem a lot of the time to rub each other the wrong way, especially after Katie’s outspoken comments years ago about Harley’s girlfriend at the time, Melody. One of the Eight was Andy who committed suicide. The remaining seven of the group are still coming to terms with his death. As Katie and Harley work together on the house, secrets from the past are brought to life. They begin to talk more freely. Despite not being a great reader of this kind of Christian fiction, I have read a couple of books set in the Amish community lately. While this book was enjoyable, it didn’t grab me as much as some others in the genre did. It is book 2 in a series set in Walnut Creek and once again I had not read the first book. Would that have made a difference? Not sure. Though I enjoyed it, it didn’t particularly make me want to read any further in the series. However, those who like sweet Amish stories of friendship, family and romance, may well appreciate it more than I did. Probably more so if they have red book one. For me it was a quick, pleasant read without being overly memorable.
Sweet clean romance. Can be read as a stand-alone ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In this second part of the series, the Eight friends are still as tight as ever but the story mainly focuses on Harley and Katie.
They had many issues in the past and not a lot of fond feelings for each other. Squabbles and disagreements plague their history .
But when Katie hires Harley to help remodel her house to turn it into a bread and breakfast, we get to see a new side of her and the truth slowly comes out.
What I like the most about the authors style of writing and the stories that she tells is just how simplistic life really can be. We often find ourselves in turmoil. Stressful situations at work, stressed about relationships, and even overwhelmed about possessions.
The author shows us it doesn’t have to be that way. The most important part of life is relationships. We can overcome any issue if we put our mind to it.
This book speaks to the beauty of a slow build in a solid relationship. One that is built on hard work, trust, loyalty, and that slow to grow love and respect. I think that’s what’s missing in a lot of relationships today – loyalty and respect.
Sweet, simple, and a beautiful story of life and family ever changing but in a good way. This book is perfect for any age. Just an enjoyable, relaxing read that will leave a smile on your face and hope for a new day.
3 Stars for The Loyal One (audiobook) by Shelley Shepherd Gray read by Tavia Gilbert.
This was a cute romance set in the Amish world. I’m sure this was recommended to me because of the home renovation aspect of the story. Unfortunately there was very little talk of remodeling. I remodel homes and I’m usually listening to an audiobook while I’m working. It’s extra fun if the characters in the story are working on their own project.
THE LOYAL ONE is the second book in the series by Shelley Shepard Gray called Walnut Creek.
THE LOYAL ONE starts off increasing the reader's heart rate right away. Katie Steury has decided to turn her family home into a bed and breakfast inn. She enlists the help of Harley Lambright, one of the Eight. They were eight friends who are Amish, Mennonite, and Englisch. Everyone is shocked to learn that Andy, one of The Eight, has committed suicide. The Eight have been friends since they were kids and have always looked to Andy as their leader of their group. The seven remaining members are still coming to terms with Andy's death, grieving for their friend, and struggling to heal.
Katie is extremely embarrassed by the condition her mom left the house. Harley wonders how Katie can live in such chaos. My heart immediately goes out to Katie and I just want to hug her. Will she ever be able to make peace with what has happened? While she is struggling with all of this, Harley, who has always bickered back and forth with Katie, finds himself wanting to protect her. The rest of The Eight want to help her as well, but Katie is mortified that they will find out what her house is really like.
Shelley Shepard Gray sure knows how to make the reader feel as if they are right there at the kitchen table with this gang of friends, with all their troubles and THE LOYAL ONE is exactly that! She made me sad, then the next moment I was smiling and giggling out loud! You can never go wrong with a Shelley Shepard Gray book if you are a fan of the Christian fiction genre. All of her characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a group of friends can stand before it completely breaks down and splits.
THE LOYAL ONE is a heart tugging story filled with patience, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Harley would be able to convince Katie that he was ready to move forward with his feelings for her and that she deserved to be loved and cherished. Shelley Shepard Gray isn't afraid to write about subjects out of the norm as far as the Christian Fiction genre goes. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don't mind crying in front of strangers! I'm so excited to continue catching up on all of Shelley Shepard Gray's previous books. Now I have to patiently wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
Everyone of the main characters is trying to move on from the tragedy concerning Andy, but they are trying to do it alone and it just isn't working. Someone needs to pull them all together and remind them of their faith. THE LOYAL ONE teaches us that all religions need to rely on others, no matter how we are raised. The remaining Eight are a group of tight knit loyal friends who always have each other's backs. My emotions were all over the place as they always are reading a Shelley Shepard Gray story. I loved how she made me feel all of the anxiety and tension that the characters were dealing with. Besides all of that, there is also romance, forgiveness, and healing. A perfect way to spend the day on the couch with your favorite beverage, lost in the pages of a heart tugging but beautiful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it all in one sitting! It was so nice to catch up with the Eight and see how life was going for them. I really like this group of friends and almost feel like one of them each time I read this series. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
The Loyal One is the second installment in The Walnut Creek Series. It can be read alone if you have not read Friends to the End (prequel to series) and The Patient One. However, I recommend reading this heartwarming Amish series in order. Shelley Shepard Gray has a lovely writing style. With her words, she captures my attention and holds it. The book has an ease to it that allows for an enjoyable reading experience. The story has such wonderful, realistic characters. I like how this group of close knit friends are there for each other during the good times and the bad. They provide encouragement and emotional support. The Loyal One features Katie Steury and Harley Lambright as they mend their friendship and then explore taking their relationship to the next level. We also get to get know Kyle Lambright, Harley’s brother, as he explores a relationship with Englisher, Gabby Ferrara. Kyle was a hoot. He provided levity and humor. It was sweet watching him mature as the story progressed. Since Kyle’s story was not completed, I hope it continues in the next book. I want to know what happens with Kyle and Gabby. I enjoy how Katie and Harley’s relationship progressed a leisurely pace as they got to know each other. Relationships take time and require hard work. They are built on trust, love, loyalty and respect as we see in The Loyal One. Every relationship is different, but they are all worthwhile. Loyalty is the recurring theme in The Loyal One along with prayer, trust, forgiveness and relying on God. We also get to catch up with John B., Marie, Tricia, Logan, Elizabeth Anne (E.A.), Kendra, and Will. The group has grown closer since Andy’s death. We also see how hoarding affects everyone in a family. It colors their past, their memories and family relationships. The story that began in the prologue continues before each chapter and I found it to be amusing. I thought The Loyal One was an inspiring story. The Loyal One is an endearing novel with cluttered rooms, a missing sister, budding romances, transformations, nosy siblings, and loyal friends.
Gray creates a strong story dealing with the complications of a longtime friendship having the waters tested for a possible romantic relationship. A longtime group of friends, as they mature learn they need to support each other as they stick together through life's bumpy paths. Fans of Amish fiction will enjoy reading how these characters grow in God's wisdom. I enjoyed reading about and reflecting on the theme Loyalty as I read this!
Published August 13th 2019 by Gallery Books I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Absolutely loved this book. A gentle and warm hearted story about a group of friends, some Amish and some English. A group referred to as The Eight. These friendships started in school and remained after graduation into adulthood hood. With the exception of Andy who died a year before this story took place. This book focused on Katie Steury and Harley Lambright mostly. Katie wanted to fix her house up so she could turn it into a Amish bed and breakfast. She hired Harley, one of the eight , to do the work on her house. Bad part was that though they were friends, they couldn't get along. Could they mend their rocky relationship and perhaps become more than friends? I loved this book because I'm familiar with the Walnut Creek area and other places mentioned in the story such as Sugar Creek and Mt Hope. I was able to follow along as I knew the restaurants and places of business that was mentioned in the book. Secondly I love Shelley Shepard Grays' writing style . Her books are a pleasure to read. If you love Amish Fiction or are a fan of Shelley Shepard Gray you will want to read this book. It's part of her Walnut Creek Series. I haven't read Book one yet but was able to follow along . I look forward to reading the first book of this series. I won a review copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway. I was not asked to give a favorable review. All opinions shared here are my own.
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story. It's the second in the series (Walnut Creek). Story centers around a group of 8 friends (a mix of Amish, Mennonite, and Englishers). Specifically around two specific characters (male and female). The main character (girl) has a secret that she's hesitant (actually she's paralyzed) to share with the remaining 6. But, even though she and the male in the story have always been at odds with each other, they begin to grow closer through a project she has initiated with him. At a specific time, all the friends are brought into the "project circle" and there is tremendous growth in all of them, and the possibility of a romantic relationship with the two main characters.
My greatest interest, however, was that I got a different picture of the Amish, complete with close friendships outside the Amish community, negligible interference from the leadership, and a picture of the Amish having lives, problems, and relationships that more resemble the "outside" world.
If you have not had the pleasure of introducing yourself to the writing of Shelley Shepard Gray you really must treat yourself. I have read Ms. Gray's Amish Fiction and her Contemporary work and I really enjoy her writing style, her development of characters and ability to tell a story. This book is just another example of her work that will pull you in and keep you interested until the next book. Katie and Harley are a truly adorable couple finding their way from friends to more than friends. If you are a fan of Amish Fiction this is a must read book.
"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.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads and was so glad I did. This is book 2 in The Walnut Creek Series and focuses on Katie and Harley two of the Eight friends since childhood. I enjoy that they have various backgrounds Amish, English, and Mennonite and yet found a common ground to bond on. Andy’s suicide in book 1 has rocked them and they are each finding ways to deal with what is wrong in their own lives. Katie is hiding a secret about her family until she confides in Harley when he agrees to help her remodel her house. Learning to trust him is a difficult journey. This book deals with family dynamics and placing our trust in The Loyal One who never leaves us and sees us as His child and worthy of love and forgiveness. I loved the lesser characters of Kyle and Gabby and hope they have a story of their own in the future. I look forward to reading more in this series. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Katie has decided to renovate her family home into a bed-and-breakfast. She hires an old friend, Harley, despite their own rocky past for the remodel. But Katie’s home is an embarrassment to her, and her family secret is about to be disclosed. Harley tries to tell her that her friends are there to help, not judge her, but she is hard to convince. Some things just take time, to understand, to deal with, to make decisions, to let go. This book continues the story of the eight friends that began in the first book, “The Patient One,” but focuses mostly on the relationship between Katie and Harley. The careful plot and engaging characters make this a must-read for those who enjoy Amish fiction.
Katie hires HArley to remodel her run down house into a bread and breakfast, she is embarrassed about how her hoarder mother left the house and doesn’t want him to tell their group The Eight about it. As time goes on Katie and Harley become closer and find out more about each other. Some of Harley’s siblings have left to become English but nothing in the story says anything about their decision or any hardship it caused.
Katie Steury hires Harley Lambright to remodel her home into a bed and breakfast. Her mother had given her the family home, a bit rundown and filled up with the hoarding of her mother. Katie and Harley have rocky relationship, but Katie hopes he will take on this job and help her accomplish a dream of hers. Katie has always trusted Harley and no matter what knows that he is always fair minded.
Harley is a bit hesitant to take on the job; but, after she gives him a tour of the house and he discovers what Katie has been hiding: her mother's hoarding. He then decides he will do the job and maybe they can get over whatever is eating at the two of them.
Cleaning up the old house could also lead to them cleaning up their own lives. Maybe a relationship will bond them.
Received this book from the Good Reads Giveaway and Gallery Books. Thank you Shelley Shepard Gray for a great story.
I won an Advance Reader's Edition of The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray from Goodreads.
The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a sweet romance that also explores friendship and difficult family dynamics. The characters in this story come from a variety of backgrounds, religious faiths, and economic situations, and yet their relationships with each other are based purely on their personalities and understanding. More than a simple romance, The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is an inspiration.
Did not finish. The female protagonist was unlikable, the male wasn't much better and I can't imagine them ever having a relationship when they irritate each other so much. The book just didn't click with me. Liked the premise just not the characters.
This was so sweet. The conversations are well done and believable. It has been a while since I so enjoyed a simple fiction book. I also appreciated the themes chosen by the author as the protagonist’s challenge. Great sabbath day read.
Received this from a give away. I have read books from this author before and always enjoyed them. This book was a clean love story that showed grace and a lot of forgiveness. A very easy read that I enjoyed. Excited about reading more of your new books.
Can be read as a stand-alone, but probably would help to understand the past of the "eight" and what all they have been through. Two sweet romances, with one working out at the end of the book, the other one not yet completed. Hopefully, there will be more about the other couple (Kyle and Gabby) in another book because I would really like to know what happens to their relationship! All in all , a good read.
I won this book on a goodreads giveaway. What a delightful, easy read book. I read this book in one day. It was a gentle message, great summer beach read. I look forward to any additional books by this author.
My mother loves these Amish books and though it was the second in a series, I picked it up and read it in a single day. I. Am. Obsessed.
Seriously! I've always been a bit sceptical about Christian Fiction, but this book single-handedly changed all that. And I'm gonna tell you why.
Ok. I would have rated this as a five star read, but the style of writing was very simple. This is not a bad thing! I think of books like a framed photo - the plot and story itself is the art, and the words used to tell said story are the frame. I love books with flowery language and intricate words. I just love words. So, this book was very simple which, I will admit was a bit disappointing, but it made for a fast and seamless read.
Yeah, that's my only problem.
While Katie and Harley are the main focus of the book, we also get some chapters told through the eyes of Harley's younger brother, Kyle and his English friend, Gabby. This means that there was not a single dull chapter in this book. Kyle and Gabby did not feel like pointless filler or a distraction to pass time and ultimately serve the main couple. I loved these two so much and demand more of them immediately!
I loved the diversity of stories behind each of these characters, even though there weren't nearly enough pages to fully elaborate on each. There was only one moment, I felt, where Kendra has any sort of defining scene and it was enough to make me sympathize and cry for her. June, who also had a single revealing moment, had a very similar effect on my heart.
The actual romance between Katie and Harley was wunderful-gut. I went into this book thinking it would be an enemies-to-lovers where their enemy phase is cut short and founded on a ridiculous and ultimately unimportant misunderstanding. I was also worried that the misunderstanding regarding Melody and Harley was going to drag on and on and create unnecessary drama. Shelley, you did neither of those things and I am eternally grateful! I cannot handle another book with so poorly thought out conflicts!
Anyway. They were never enemies, but more like tense (sometimes quarrelsome) friends who had seen better days. I really liked that. Their whole conflict causing this rift in their relationship was when Katie spoke not so kindly about one of Harley's then-current girlfriends and caused them to break up. This, unlike so many other books, is not treated bigger than it really was. It was not kind, but Katie was able to admit that she was wrong. I would classify this as the perfect slow-burn; they don't get together too soon or too late and all their reasons for not getting together sooner are perfectly legitimate. They aren't insufferable human beings! And they compliment each other! I mean, they're perfect!
And they're just so darn cute. Like, he stands up for her but not in that annoying up-in-your-face way that grates on your nerves. And when he drives her home in the courting buggy? And had to help her down?!?!?!!! I was in shambles. I wanted to scream I was so excited. And the scene in the garden (was it the garden? it's late, i'm so sorry) when they resolve that whole misunderstanding about Melody! The healthy communication is just such a genuine surprise. Restored my faith in my humanity. And when he kissed her hand???? Oh my gosh I need a Harley in my life asap.
Wait, I lied, I have one more problem with this book. In the last chapter, we are told that Harley and Katie are married...what? I wanted them to get married so badly, don't get me wrong, but we skipped over their courting and the proposal and the actual wedding itself and that was sad. I would pay some serious money to read the proposal scene (I am so serious). Again, minor problem. Not a deal breaker.
Long story short, I will be running away to the nearest Amish community immediately so that I can find a Harley. Or a Kyle. I'm not picky.
The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the 2nd book in her Walnut Creek series. The Loyal One returns to Walnut Creek and the group of 8 friends that we got to know in the first book, who all have decided to stay in town and be there for each other. This is a mixed group of men and women, who are Amish, Mennonite and English.
This story revolves around Harley Lambright and Katie Steury, who have always been friends, but neither of them thought of any thing beyond. Katie is in the midst of trying to fix up her run-down house, and hires Harley to remodel the house into a bed and breakfast. Katie has always been outspoken, and at times this used to rattle Harley, but now he is sympathetic to her concern for anyone to see the condition of the house where her mother hoarded things. Katie does not want her friends to see how she lives now, and is trusting Harley to keep her secrets. But this is a group of friends that stay together no matter what, and when they accidently see the house, they will bond together to help Katie, especially to allow them to help her and not be embarrassed.
Slowly the relationship between Katie and Harley grow beyond friendship, as both change their ways and begin to understand each other, not to mention their new feelings. The Loyal One is a sweet story about romance, friendship, family and bringing everyone together. It was really nice to see everyone again, but most importantly it was wonderful to see despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they will always be friends and help each other. There was also a side story showing the friendship building between Harley’s brother Kyle and Gabby, who is English. This was a nice feature to see Kyle bring out Gabby and her brother to spend time with his family. Very nicely done.
The Loyal One was a simple story of friendship, family, love and a sweet slow built romance, with a great group of secondary characters. I look forward to the next book in this series, which is well written by Shelley Shepard Gray.
The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is a heartfelt and uplifting Amish romance. This second installment in the Walnut Creek series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the other books in the series.
With her dream of turning her family home into a bed and breakfast within reach, Katie Steury turns to friend and home remodeler Harley Lambright for help. Their longstanding friendship is a bit troubled but she hopes she can smooth over the problems she caused for him a few years earlier. Katie is not a malicious person but she often speaks without thinking through the consequences of sharing her thoughts. She is truly regretful for any pain her comments might have caused, but will Harley be receptive to her attempt to move on from her past mistakes?
Katie is a caring young woman whose penchant for speaking her mind is well known by her friends and family. But oddly enough, she has been hiding a secret about her family that she would rather not become public knowledge. With their uneasy truce barely in place, Katie is hurt and dismayed when she believes Harley has betrayed her. Will Katie give Harley the benefit of the doubt and allow him to explain his side?
Harley is the oldest of his siblings and he feels immense pressure to live up to his stern father's expectations. He is self-contained and tries to keep his emotions in check at all times. Harley often finds himself at a loss for words when dealing with Katie since he would rather not make things worse between them. As he spends more time in her company, Harley is surprised when he realizes his feelings for her have deepened beyond friendship. Is there any chance he and Katie will find a way to make a romance between them work in light of their sometimes fraught history?
Harley's younger brother Kyle is also facing a difficult decision about what to about his feelings for Gabby who is not Amish. He is very concerned about how his parents will react when he tells them about her. Is there any chance a relationship between them will work out considering the differences between them?
With a lovely undercurrent of faith, The Loyal One is a beautiful novel of friendship, family and love. Katie and Harley are appealing characters who both undergo considerable growth as their friendship evolves into a touching romance. They both also learn that communication is vital as misunderstandings threaten to derail their burgeoning relationship. Katie and Harley continue to rely on their close-knit circle of friends to provide them with thoughtful insight to the issues they are dealing with. Old and new fans of Shelley Shepard Gray's Walnut Creek series are sure to love this engaging and thought-provoking novel of healing and love.
Almost 4 stars, but a few editing errors and the over usage of Amish terminology, without definition of said terminology, brought this rating down a notch.
There are too many characters that are a integral to the story to list them all here. The main protagonists are Harley (Amish) and Katie (Amish). They have had their differences in the past, but Katie needs someone to remodel her childhood home into a B & B, her dream. Both are a part of the "Eight," a group of Amish, Mennonite and English friends since childhood. They all come together to help Katie realize her dream, despite her reluctance concerning the state of the house. Ashamed, she rebuffs their help at first, but with gentle prodding from Harley, later accepts their assistance.
Katie's "Mamm" left her the house when she moved in with her son, Caleb, to help with his young children. But she left a shameful secret behind, the repercussions falling upon Katie to manage.
As the remodeling proceeds, Harley and Katie become closer and begin to discuss their past history. Harley discovers himself changing, becoming more caring and less rigid, particularly when it concerns Katie. And Katie is changing, too, learning to hold her often outspoken tongue and opening her heart to Harley and the "Eight." This produces a growing closeness between the two, which only produces new areas of unpredictability and problems.
This book is about second, and sometimes third, chances to correct past wrongs and misunderstandings so the people involved can move forward and claim a new future. Hope reigns supreme despite hardships and a hurtful past, something Katie almost realizes too late.
Heartwarming, honest and self-reflecting, this story may make you think about your own past misgivings and faults and work towards bettering yourself. That is the main thought this reader pulled from the book. Hopefully, you may, too.
The Loyal One is an enjoyable read and quite unique. This Amish novel reveals many secrets held by some and how they affect others, the many qualities of friendship that involve trust, and how lives can change either suddenly or over a long period of time. Katie Steury is given the home where she was raised which sounds like a wonderful gift. However in this case it is a laborious job that involves a great deal of cleaning in addition to clearing out the entire house. Katie's mother turned into a hoarder that stemmed from suffering a personal loss that changed her personality. Now it is up to Katie to transform the house and remodel it into a Bread & Breakfast Inn. It was overwhelming to imagine! Katie hired her longtime friend, Harley who does remodeling but felt hesitant since she was embarrassed at the dirt and debris and rows of hoarding throughout the house. Harley brought in his younger brother, Kyle to help with the project and his attraction to an English girl is a nice story. A secret about Katie's sister June who mysteriously ran away many years ago is revealed. Katie felt hurt and rejected over this loss. Katie & Harley grew up together and were both part of a long time friendship group called "The Eight". I was impressed at the loyal friends that helped on Katie's project, each in their own areas of expertise. This book is very good as all of Shelley Shepard Gray's writings are. I recommend it! I won an Advance Reader's Edition of The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray from the publisher.
The Loyal One is the second amazing book written by Shelley Shepard Gray in her Walnut Creek series. The author has done an excellent job reconnecting her readers with the first book in this series and the characters. The clique of Amish and Englishers have been dubbed the 8. Friends since childhood have made them a family.
Katie Steury has been given the family home and all it entails. Believe me with the authors way with descriptive words I felt like I needed a shower after Katie gave Harley a tour of her home. Harley agrees to remodel the home for Katie to open a B&B but doesn't expect all that he learns. The author brings all of the 8 into the story one by one even their former friend Andy who has passed on. I love the little story within the story that the author places at the beginning of each chapter. With new characters added into this story it makes for an exceptional read.
I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached by anyone to post a favorable review. I have rated this book with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others.
Congratulations to Shelley Shepard Gray on releasing another powerful story for her readers pleasure and enjoyment. I look forward to the next story The Protective One which will release in 2020.
While different from her other books and while I enjoyed it fair enough this series is certainly different from her other Amish books. Andy's friends are still learning in how to deal with his death. They're still in shock. I couldn't imagine that I would have dealt with this either very well. Then we have Katie. She's the most kind and caring soul that a person can have for a best friend. From Katie's experience with her mom it makes me look at things differently. I couldn't imagine being a hoarder. But I have seen people who are. I know 2 of them. I don't blame Katie for being embarrassed. I was for her because I've experienced with those ppl. I wouldn't know where to begin with clean up. Harley wants to help. He's Kyle's older brother. I like him well enough. I found myself wanting to reach through the book and wanting to give each person a hug and tell them that God is with them and that He will help them through this. God is the Loyal One. He's with us until the end of time even if we're not always on board. I'm so glad aren't you? I recommend this book if you are a fan of SSG. You won't want to put this book down. My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own!