The Shunning

The Heritage of Lancaster County, Book 1

By: Beverly Lewis

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

In the quiet Amish community of Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, time has stood still while cherished traditions and heartfelt beliefs have flourished. But a secret lies buried that could shatter the tranquility its inhabitants have grown to love.

When Katie Lapp stumbles upon a satin infant gown in the dusty leather trunk of her parents' attic, she knows it holds a story she must discover. Why else would her Amish mother, a plain and simple woman who embraces the Old Order laws, hide the beautiful baby dress in the attic?

On the eve of Katie's wedding to widower Bishop John, startling news staggers out of her anguished parents, and nothing prepares Katie for the devastation their confession brings. Feeling betrayed, Katie watches as the only life she has ever known begins to unravel, leaving in its wake a furrow of pain and a future of hope.

The Shunning is the first book in a trilogy that recreates the simple life of the Amish. Its themes of hope and reconciliation show us that even when we think we are far away, God's love is always present.

©1997 Beverly Lewis (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

The Shunning by Beverly Lewis- A MUST READ

This book is wonderful! Very well written and Marguerite Gavin is amazing with her presentation! I could not stop listening...I downloaded it to my ipod and I listened to it in my truck, when I exercised, when I cooked...all the time...I can't wait to hear book 2!

The Shunning

This is the first of three books--The Heritage of Lancaster County 1. I loved this book by Beverly Lewis. Katie is a young woman, whose former Amish love had drowned. Katie doesn't quite fit into the Amish lifestyle as she gets older. She loves music and hides an old guitar that she plays sometimes. It's considered a sin to sing with her guitar. She confesses to her parents, but she can't quit singing even in the buggy as an old horse takes her to her friend's house. When she refuses to marry an important man and finds out a secret that shatters her world, Katie is shunned by the Amish bishop from her family and community. She leaves her home and friends to make her way in an English world.

Some of the readers expressed well.

I didn't like the foul language in one of my books. It'd be nice if you added to the description somewhere that it contains would language or sexual content.

Wonderful book!

If you could sum up The Shunning in three words, what would they be?

Excellent, interesting, captivating

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Shunning?

When she finally found her biological mother.

What about Marguerite Gavin’s performance did you like?

Her ease of expression and how the story flowed.

If you could take any character from The Shunning out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Katie, she is strong and strong willed and knows herself.

Any additional comments?

I very much enjoy the way Beverly Lewis brings her characters to life. The twists and turns in her stories keeps me interested and wanting more.

The Shunning

I loved this book. i cried buckets of tears. Excellently written, excellently performed. Exceptional

Horrible ending

Seriously?!?? Stop rushing the endings and this one was horrible. You can’t drop that bomb and then end it. Ugh

A must read

This book is a must read. The story line flow very well and kept me wanting to read more.

Authentic and moving

I love listening to books by Beverly Lewis. Her rendition of the plain life, complete with authentic details, is very enjoyable. I grew up in Amish and Mennonite country, and I love the little tidbits of theology intermingled so expertly within the storyline. Very few "English" folks realize the complexity of the plain life, but the rigid expectations to conform precisely to the old ways are explained in an authentic yet easily understood manner.

Is there a sequel to this story? I hope so.

LOVED IT, BUT WISH IT HAD A HAPPIER ENDING.
IS THERE ANOTHER SEQUEL.
THANK YOU

great story

absolutely loved it. I especially loved the plot twists. narrator was very easy to listen to and follow.