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 house into a charming bed and breakfast, she does so with trepidation. Though they are longtime friends, they’ve always … friends, they’ve always had a rocky relationship. They may not always get along, but 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 she’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.
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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.
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.
I loved this book on being a loyal friend by Shelly Shepherd Gray. The characters were real, childhood friends and now are adult friends. Loyalty is stressed throughout the book. This is the second in her Walnut Creek series. The eight are a mixture of Amish, English and Mennonite. They are reunited as adults during the death of one of their friends. Highly recommend this book!
The Loyal One continues the lives of the 7 friends along with a couple other friends. This story was captivating with the easy flow of words, events and characters that were overcoming struggles and moving forward in their lives. Katie and Harley had a lot to deal with not only in renovating Katie’s home but their personal lives, too. Having been friends since childhood it’s not always easy to know when that relationship turns into a romantic one. Harley younger brother Will was insightful during tense moments between the hero and heroine. Will’s relationship with an Englischer and how his family was accepting was refreshing when more of Gabby’s life story came forth. Shelley Shepard Gray created a winsome story in this book with the loyalty of friends and loved ones.
I had requested this book from our library shortly after it was released. I was just now able to borrow it as it has been a very popular book with readers. Way to go, Shelley Shepard Gray! I was not required to write a review but have expressed my own thoughts.
This was the second book in the Walnut Creek series that features a diverse group of eight friends: Amish, Mennonite, and English. Katie Steury and Harley Lambright are the central characters in this story. Katie wishes to turn her family home into a bed and breakfast, and she hires Harley to help her. The problem? She’s been hiding the fact that her mother was a hoarder, and now she has to actually reveal that secret in order to get the help she needs.
Harley hasn’t always been on the best of terms with Katie, partly because of her role in his recent breakup. Harley’s family also seems to be very strict, and she wonders how they will react to her secret. Harley soon realizes that Katie desperately needs his help, and as they work together their friendship begins to deepen. They both have to work through some things in their pasts before they can move forward. As his relationship with Katie begins to grow, his old girlfriend turns up to get him back. With her causing trouble will Katie and Harley ever realize what is growing between them? Will they both realize that God is the ultimate loyal one?
I understand about hiding things and wanting to put on a face that says everything is fine, even if it isn’t. If we’re honest, it’s probably something that we’ve all done. Yet Katie is still trying to be loyal to both her family and friends. Harley also realizes that he has things that are hidden in his life. We often tend to see what others have “wrong” before we see what we need to work on in our own lives.
There is a second story in this book that doesn’t get resolved. It involves Kyle, Harley’s younger brother, and Gabby, a local English girl. With Kyle’s strict Amish background we’re left wondering if things will ever end well for the young couple. I’m hoping to find out more of their story in future books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and if you like Shelley’s other Amish works, you’re sure to enjoy this one as well. I received a copy from the author, but I was not required to leave a positive review and the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The Loyal One by Shelley Shepard Gray is the second in The Walnut Street series, and as much a delight to read as the first. Continuing to follow the lives of a small group of friends, The Loyal Ones takes a look at the changes in individual lives as they struggle to adjust to the loss of one of their members.
Katie Steury always kept to herself, even though a valued member of the group, not many knew much of her home life or her family. Shame kept her silent. When her mother moves to live with a son and his family, the family home is left with Katie. Determined to achieve her lifelong dream, Katie sets out to convert the home-place to a bed & breakfast. It doesn’t take long for Katie to realize she’s going to some help for the project, but who in the group will she choose to trust with her secret.
Harley Lambright, strong and silent, cautious especially when it has anything to do with Katie Steury. Harley and Katie used to be pretty good friends, until Katie made a horrid comment about his former girlfriend. As it turned out, Katie was right but Harley has kept his distance ever since. When Katie approaches him about helping with her project and begging secrecy before she will explain, Harley is quite flummoxed, but there is something about Katie’s earnest plea, something that makes him agree to help.
There is something special about a group of childhood friends that has managed to continue the love and support into adulthood. Something not many experience, yet long for. The Walnut Creek series is such a heart-endearing series; I’ve truly enjoyed immersing myself into Walnut Creek, even for just a little while.
The Loyal Ones has been a rewarding visit to Walnut Creek, I’ve very much enjoyed catching up with friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive comment. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
The Loyal One is my favorite of The Walnut Creem series. Katie’s story is filled with love and caring for others.
You cannot help but be moved by Katie’s story. I could not imagine having to live the way she did since her father died. Knowing you could not invite friends over afraid of what they would think and say to others. Even as an adult she had a hard time sharing with her closet friends what had been going on with her mother’s hoarding. The Eight showed us what it means to love someone unconditionally and when together there is nothing you cannot overcome.
The Loyal One had made me look at the “things” in my life and say, “Can I live without that?” There are many things that I can.
Each book in The Walnut Creek series can be read as a standalone but I would hope you would read from the beginning to get the feel of the characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and the publisher, Gallery Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Gray has created an endearing cast of characters… that both delights and surprises — and kept me thinking about the story long after I turned the last page. Bravo!
Another great story by Shelley in the Walnut Creek series. A story mainly about two characters who are in the Eight. They help each other as friends and find love. A story of friendship, secrets and second chances. You will want to keep reading!
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.
I enjoyed traveling back to Walnut Creek and catching up with the remaining seven from The Patient One. Since Andy’s death, they make it a point to stay connected better than they had in the past.
This is mostly Katie and Harley’s story and a great one it is! This is a story of friendship, learning to trust, accepting help and love.
You really get drawn into these characters lives and can’t put the book down until the end. You’ve got to read Katie’s story…. you’ll be so glad you did!!
Thank you, Shelley, for another wonderful read!!!
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.
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.