The orchard

Reviewed by:

Ceil Carey, retired public librarian and long time book discussion leader

REVIEW INTRODUCTION

Title:

The orchard

Author:

Beverly Lewis

Publisher:

Bethany House

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/bethanyhouse

Publication date:

September 2022

Format:

Paperback

Length:

336 pages

Overview:

Another sweet Amish story from Beverly Lewis although this one has a serious underlying plot, the Vietnam War and conscientious objectors. Ellie loves her family orchard more than everything. She loves working in it along with her twin brother Evan. The Vietnam War is waging and most of the local young Amish men have registered as COs (conscientious objectors) but Evan is strongly affected by the death of an Englischer friend as he served in Vietnam. Being in his running around stage before committing to baptism, Evan’s lottery number is low and he is drafted.

Meanwhile, although missing Evan desperately, the life of Ellie and her family goes on with singings and babies and weddings and the seasons of the orchard. Lewis ties up all the loose threads of this story and beautifully concludes Evan’s dilemma of duty and struggling with hard choices.

Rating:

5 out of 5

Suggested audience:

Fans of Lewis; fans of Amish fiction

Christian impact:

Christianity and love of the Lord as well as Scripture are woven throughout The orchard as well as the deep questions the author poses about choices and their consequences.

https://www.christianbook.com/

https://www.amazon.com/