What do you hope readers take away after reading The Patient One?
My hope for readers is always the same—that they enjoyed the book.
What is it about fiction that makes it such a great way to write about truth?
I’ve always loved writing fiction because I love writing stories about people that I’d like to know. I enjoy writing inspirational novels because I feel that adding a faith element makes each story richer and the characters more believable. It makes me happy when readers tell me that they were able to relate to my characters.
How does your faith impact the way you approach writing stories?
I feel like I’m on my own faith journey. Because of that, I feel that my faith evolves and gets stronger as my characters grow and change. My own journey has given me permission to write about struggling, flawed characters—people just like me.
What do you consider the best ways for readers to support their favorite authors?
I think the best support for an author is to either buy his or her books or encourage their local libraries to order them. Nothing makes me happier than to hear that someone got one of my books from their local library!
Of course, talking about the books with friends and family and reviewing books and posting the reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, or Christianbook helps, too. I’ve been so grateful for readers’ support and reviews!
Visit Shelley Shepard Gray’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/shelley-shepard-gray/
The Patient One
Walnut Creek #1
Shelley Shepard Gray
Gallery Books
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.