When a close friend commits suicide, it is very hard to find the right thing to say to the family or to other friends. There is no real right way and many wrong ways. Hugs and tears help, but it is in the sharing of stories where the true strength and resiliency of friendship and hope become real.

The handsome Andy Weir had been the informal leader of this special group of eight friends since their childhood in Walnut Creek in Holmes County, Ohio. They thought they knew each other well; yet; with Andy's suicide and some living at a distance, the remaining friends (Marie, Logan, Harley, Elizabeth Anne, Will, Katie, and John B. for Byler) are now not so sure. The Eight, now in their twenties, come from different backgrounds (some Mennonite, some Amish, and some English) and with their strong friendship, they had been used to overcoming any obstacles in their way. Will it be strong enough to hold them together? Now, the seven remaining friends vow to take care of each other. Will the seven still be able to have the bond of "The Eight"?

THE PATIENT ONE is written by New York Times best-selling author Shelley Shepard Gray as the first book in what is sure to be a most intriguing Walnut Creek series. I have read many Amish books, and this novel is certainly one of the few to address the difficult subject of suicide and how it affects the Amish, their younger members and their wider circle of non-Amish friends. As you follow the re-connection of "The Eight" in THE PATIENT ONE, you can realistically feel the lingering impact suicide has on individuals, family, and friends as conversations and actions or inactions are mulled over to see what could have been different.

Like sunshine breaking through clouds, THE PATIENT ONE also brings joy, comfort, and the wonder of the budding romance between two young couples as they slowly open up to each other as they discuss the implications of their decisions. I have read quite a number of Gray's previous novels and what I particularly enjoyed this time was the unfolding of Molly's romance and the quiet support of her parents as she gets more comfortable in asserting herself while dealing effectively with her disability.

I don't want to give away more of the story; however, I can definitely say that readers who love Amish stories and/or Christian fiction are sure to take pleasure in following the saga of this wonderful group of friends learn to support each other and follow their hearts as they attempt to discern God's will in their lives.

While a great start to a new series, THE PATIENT ONE is also a very compelling read as a standalone novel of friendship and healing. Given that, once you read THE PATIENT ONE, you will be impatiently awaiting the next in the series!