The Loyal One

Shelley Shepard Gray

Aug 2019 · Walnut Creek Series, The Book 2 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

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.

Ratings and reviews

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.

About the author

A practicing Lutheran, Shelley Shepard Gray is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than one hundred novels, translated into multiple languages. In her years of researching the Amish community, she depends on her Amish friends for gossip, advice, and cinnamon rolls. She lives in Colorado with her family and writes full time.