The Beginning

By: Beverly Lewis

Narrated by: Leah Horowitz

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Susie Mast's Old Order life in Lancaster County's Hickory Hollow has been shaped by events beyond her control, with the tragic deaths of her Dat and close-in-age brother casting a particularly long shadow. Now 22, Susie remains unmarried despite her longtime affection for friend Obie Yoder. Believing Obie might never show romantic interest in her, Susie accepts Del Petersheim's invitations - it is only after Obie leaves to take an apprenticeship that Susie realizes her mistake.

Unfortunately, Susie's cares are soon multiplied due to her mother's worsening health and her younger sister's desire for answers about her adoption. Once again, Susie faces the possibility of loss. Will family secrets and missed opportunities dim Susie's hopes for the future? Or is what seems like the end only the beginning?

©2021 Beverly Lewis (P)2021 Recorded Books

So far, the narrator ruins the book

I may have to purchase this book in order to soak in Beverly Lewis’s usual wonderful writing. I haven’t made it very far into this audio version because the narrator’s voice is hard to listen to. She is a bit too high pitched and reads like a robot except for when she is changing voices. When she reads the narrator’s portion, it sounds like she is over enunciating. I was so distracted by the tone of her voice and how she reads that I can’t even tell you much about what has happened so far. I hate to leave such a negative review, but I did want to warn others to definitely listen to the sample portion before purchasing.

Love Beverly Lewis but pretty much a repeat of past stories

The story itself is a familiar Beverly Lewis story , just the next generation. The narrator had a pleasant voice but seemed to drift into a Irish accent at times . Her male voices were fine but during the earlier part of the book she read them in clipped robotic way. All in all still very much worth listening to. Brings you back to Hickory Hollow and the wonderful characters I’ve come to love.

Love this as always

I love Beverly Lewis she always makes me feel like I'm right there with them in the story. The only thing I don't like is waiting another year for one of her books. This book inparticular I would have rather had more to the ending but that's probably due to always wanting more of the book.

Slow moving.

There was never a real excitement to not want to put the book down. After reading much of Beverly Lewis’s books, this one was disappointing. Of course the last 15 minutes we’re good. It was predictable.
I had a hard time getting used to the narrators voice. Overall, it was just okay.

Wonderful story

This story is so beautiful with its intertwined story of forgiveness and love. It tells of Jesus love for each and every person.It also tells of His plans that He always has waiting until we trust Him. The performance is very easy to listen to enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good book.

Nothing like Lewis’ other stories!

Plot was boring most of the way through. I got to the end hoping for a pay off and didn’t get it. Bummer! I have loved all her other books.

Great story

well written easy to listening made you get involved. When they prayed, I was ready to pray with them and for them. Clean and a very good surprise ending!

A Lovely Story

Great characters and a compelling storyline. Highly recommend any books by this author. They make you feel happy and warm inside.

Great book!

I enjoyed this book. I felt like I really got to know the characters well. It kept my attention.

Terribly boring reader…

Uncommon for Beverly Lewis, I have read and listened to many of her books and enjoyed them. I will be returning, haven’t made it past the third chapter!!