The Orchard

By: Beverly Lewis

Narrated by: Libby McKnight

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

For generations, Ellie Hostetler's family has tended their Lancaster County orchard, a tradition her twin brother, Evan, will someday continue. Yet when Evan's draft number is called up in the lottery for the Vietnam War, the family is shocked to learn he has not sought conscientious objector status, despite their Old Order Amish belief in nonresistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens to touch much too close to home.

As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie finds herself confiding her disappointment in Sol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector, and despite Ellie's attraction to Menno, she finds herself drawn to Sol's steady presence as they work together in the orchard. Suddenly, it feels as if everything in Ellie's world is shifting, and the plans she has held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?

©2022 Beverly Lewis (P)2022 Recorded Books

Thoroughly enjoyed it

I am originally from Beaver Falls Pennsylvania and we have Amish in the next county over. i now live in Anderson Indiana and we have Amish and Mennonite here. She portrayed them and the Vietnam Era well.
She is one of the few fiction book authors that i read.

My favorite fruit

Loved this story. The family dynamic is a wundebar example for all to read and enjoy.

The orchard

Beautiful story. Loved the narrator Great job. Loved the characters. Another side of the Vietnam war i hadn’t heard.

Best B. Lewis Story

This was a wonderful book yet again by Beverly Lewis! It was such a sweet and touching story of God's faithfulness set in Bird-in-Hand. The story is also set during the Vietnam War and tells of some of the struggles of Amish people in the English world! A definite must read for all of Mrs. Lewis' books!

Excellent read!

U never go wrong with a book from Beverly Lewis!! My FAVORITE author by far ♥️

Beverly has done it again!

Another great novel! Looks into Amish daily life, and the highs and pitfalls of decision making, family style

Authentic and Relatable

I enjoyed this book because I could relate to the couple whose son went away from the Teachings of home. There are many hard knocks in this world, but I believe that it is every parents desire that their children remember that there is always a way back to a Christian home, even though they may return weakened by their wanderings away.

The Orchard

I have truly enjoyed this story for many reasons. First it was an Amish family story; was surprised to hear her reading about all the birds that were around and their birdhouses. Even some of their calls. I know that may not please some, but yes I am a birding lover all my life. I am sure I am one of the Audible Senior members. It just seems to make it more "homey" for me. Am not of the Amish faith, but do enjoy listening to how they live their lives. This was also about war times and the draft regarding the Amish beliefs . This subject has never come up in all the books I have heard before although I did know about it.

I have loved the thought of owning an Orchard, but this never happened. Just a dream. Wondering how they ever would keep up when the fruit would become ripe ready for the market as their orchards were several acres to care for.
At the end of this story, the Author, Beverly Lewis, came on telling how this book was based on the Orchard. In the town where she grew up knowing about it made it the subject of this book.

Looking for my next listen and always check out the Narrator. This is so very important. This was read by Libby McKnight and she was so good . At the very beginning something did not seem just right with the speed I thought, so I changed the speed up and down a bit and easily I was able to get it to the comfortable listening for me. I am sure you know there is this option using the Audible books to do this. If this is new to you I recommend that you inquire about it as is not an extra cost, built in to the this system on your phone. Able to change it any time during the listening to your book.
Hope this has been helpful for those reading this.
Marilyn

One of Beverly Lewis' best!

Loved this book. Heartwarming. I love the way the family supported each other with prayer.

The Forgiveness

Like this story showed the love not only of a family but a community