The Shunning (Heritage of Lancaster County Series #1)

Simple & Sweet

The Shunning is the story of a young Amish girl and her struggle between her faith in the established rules of her people versus the desires of her heart. I chose this book because I was interested in learning about Amish customs and the strain they put on developing Amish children. The story, written in third person, tells the story of Katie Lapp, a girl who is not satisfied with her Amish life. She feels like there is something missing. At first Katie believes that she is not satisfied because being Amish does not allow her to experience the technology and the beauty of a normal life. She longs for pretty dresses and a life where she is free to sing all kinds of music. As the story progresses, questions arise when Katie finds a satin, infant gown in her attic with the name Katherine Mayfield sown on it. As Katie begins her quest to find out who she really is she discovers that what is missing in her heart is not an easier or a prettier way of life, it is Jesus Christ. On the day of Katie¿s wedding to Bishop John, Katie has mixed emotions. Unable to go through with it, she runs away leaving the Bishop at the altar. Furious, the Bishop rules that Katie must confess her sins in front of the community or be shunned from it. Unable to bring herself to apologize for something she does not feel sorry for, Katie is shunned. The first 6 weeks of the shunning entail a period where she is to have no communication with anyone in the village. The period is supposed to initiate a confession from her or she would face being banned and sent away from Hickory Hollow forever. The six weeks prove to be a trying time for Katie Lapp. Without her friends and family she feels completely alone. She often finds herself thinking about the boy she loved who drowned in a storm, while on his boat. Daniel Fisher had shown her a different way, a better way. She remembers the days they used to spend their afternoons together making music on his guitar. Though she had never truly understood what Dan was talking about, his words become clearer and clearer to her each day. She comes to realize that being Christian is not about following man made rules it is about accepting Jesus as your savior. The climax of the story comes when Katie must decide between the outside world and the world she¿s always called home. The plot of this story takes place in a small community called Hickory Hollow in Pennsylvania. The writer uses a rural dialect, which is very simplistic in order to mirror the Amish lifestyle. The book is a simple, but sweet targeting primarily a female audience. Though the story turned out to be quite predictable, I enjoyed it because it not only showed me a life different from my own, it showed me that sometimes you have to question your belief system in order to change it.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Shunning

I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. We live in a community with many Amish families, and it no doubt sheds light on their plain style of living---which I admire very much! This book no doubt tells some details about what happens when one of the Amish community breaks the vows they have taken. It's nice to read a book with no violence, profanity, or sex! I highly recommend this book!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Very interesting read

The author again did her homework on the historical aspects of the book. The charcters are all solid. The families are interesting to get to know. I enjoyed learning about the culural aspects as much as I did about the characters themselves.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Very entertaining book

I enjoyed the book from the moment I picked it up. I generally read Christian Mystery books, but had never read a book by Beverly Lewis before. I was pleasantly surprised to find The Shunning kept my attention through the entire book, I could hardly wait to get back to it and even took it to work to read on my lunch breaks. I enjoyed the characters and the Amish history that I learned. I read the book in just a few days, and am glad that there are two more in the series and I am almost finished with the second book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Wonderful depiction of being true to oneself.

What an amazing turn of events. I love the way she struggles with what is in her heart and soul and what is expected of her. It truely shows that your path is predetermined and no matter how you are raised you will if you choose be guided down the path in which you are suppose to go in life.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

best ever!!!!!!!

great books.that explains it all.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Great and inspiring book!

I loved it! It was an awesome book! I couldnt wait to buy the next ones! :D

Absolutely loved this book, could not put it down!

Absolutely loved this book, could not put it down!

Very enjoyable read!

This was a very enjoyable read. It was a great insight into the author's view of the Amish lifestyle. The characters were very real and I wanted to keep reading to find out how the story developed. Very uplifting content.

Better than the movie

: )

Great for christians!!!

This book is reverent in its strong faith in God, yet manages to add a twist of fantasy and adventure.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Who knew?

Who knew Amish people had so much drama? I really enjoyed this. It's the story of Katie, a young Amish woman. She's preparing to marry the Bishop, though she's still in love with the memory of a man she lost. She learns a deep, dark family secret that changes her entire life and explains why she's always felt and been different.

I really enjoyed this book, and ran out and picked up the other two in the series.

Loved this !!

Looking forward to the rest of the series

wow

sawthe movie and loved it i crave more so i willread this book

this book is amazing.

i am an amish person and totally thought this book was terribly good.

Wow, what a Fabulous Read

I have read many books, but, The Shunning is probably the best story I have ever read. I could NOT put it down. It captures the essence of the Amish and their fascinating lifestyle as well as the 'True to Life Experiences' we all go through. No matter what our Faith is. What a beautiful story. I just ordered 'The Confession and The Reckoning' I can hardly wait to start reading. Outstanding Ms. Lewis. Bravo!!!!

wonderful book

the reading was great...they always had somthing that wanted you to keep reading the book and stay in it!! the charchers were all geat

wonderful reading

I loved this book!! I loved the main charater Katie. I cant wait to get the rest of the series and find out what is in store for Katie and her 'new Life'.

The Shunning is a wonderful book!

The Shunning was a wonderful book! I really enjoyed it, and I recommend it to everyone! It had me feel a part of the story, as if I was, Kate. I enjoyed reading about the Amish Community, and I find it very interesting; yet very sad.

Great Book!!!!!!!!!!!

The Shunning was a "GUT" book!!!! I could not put it down!! I learned all kinds of things about the Amish. But , if you get this book be sure to get The Confession and The Reckoning (It's Sequels). It ends were you HAVE to read the next books to find out what happens.