My Rating: ★★★★★
Series: Walnut Creek Series - Book 1
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: Clean Romance
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.
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.
My Review ♥️
It starts with a death. One of the Eight, a small group of friends that grew up together and are closer than family, commits suicide and sends shockwaves throughout the Walnut Creek community, especially with his friends and family. Everyone is dismayed and saddened, all wondering what would provoke this young man to take his own life.
When something like this happens it makes you reflect on your own life and normally propels you to make necessary changes for the better. John B. and Marie have flirted with each other over the years, but with John being Amish and Marie being English they both hoped for more, but deep down knew it would take some major life changes on one of their parts to make their relationship a reality.
Not long after saying goodbye to her friend, Marie moves back home to Walnut Creek to be closer to her family and friends, and secretly hopes that her closeness to John will increase, and that they can become more than friends. John is also going through his own inner struggle that no one knows about. Being in his mid-20's, John has yet to be baptized into the Amish faith, and when questioned by his family he realizes it's time to make a huge decision that could change his entire life. Should he stay with his family and be Amish, or should he leave the only community he's known and become English?
There is a lot more to the story, but my favorite part of the novel actually had nothing to do with the love stories that were intertwined in this narrative, but a moment of raw emotion when the Eight randomly gets together and pours their hearts out about the events that have recently occurred in their lives. It is such a real moment and shows that to have a friendship like that is truly a treasure.
Though this novel has some real, heartbreaking subject matter, there are also some excellent reminders, like the fact that life is short, that you should be true to your heart, and to love the ones you're with.
Other Books in the Walnut Creek Series
★ Be sure to also check out MY REVIEW of Friends to the End
Connect With & Get to Know Author
Shelley Shepard Gray lives in southern Ohio and writes full time. A busy wife and mother of two, she spends her days writing and keeping track of her two teenagers. Her two dogs keep her company when she writes in her basement.
Shelley enjoys writing about the Amish and visits Amish communities in Adams and Holmes counties several times a year. When not spending time with her family or writing, she serves on several committees in her church.
She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.
Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news...or become her friend on FaceBook.
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
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