Popular inspirational novelist Beverly Lewis transports you to the quiet Amish community in Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania where time has stood still. In The Shunning, beautiful 22-year-old Katie Lapp longs to experience the forbidden things of the outside world, even while she is making plans to forever embrace the traditions of her people. In a few days, Katie will marry Bishop John, a widower with five young children. She should be excited, but instead she feels trapped. Her thoughts in turmoil, she heads to the attic to be alone. As she explores a dusty trunk, she discovers a satin infant gown, much too fancy for an Amish baby. From that moment, Katie is determined to learn the truth behind the garment, even if it destroys the only life she has known. Beverly Lewis creates a refreshingly clean tale of poignant secrets, shattered dreams-and new hope for the future. All the joys and troubles of the busy Amish society burst from the pages with Barbara Caruso's superb performance.
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"A glimpse into the world of the Amish community of how they live and what and why they believe what they do. The story is based on one girl and a secret that changes the lives of so many. I cried my eyes out at the despair she was feeling and went through. I really hope there is a sequel."
— Kimmie (5 out of 5 stars)
“Caruso’s voice soon becomes an extension of the book.”
— AudioFile" It wasn't the worst book I've ever read and I appreciated the glimpse into the life of the Old Order Amish provided by the author. "
— LisaMarie, 2/11/2014" Really good and now I wish I had the next one to read so I knew what was gonna happen next!! "
— Jessica, 2/4/2014" I got the big trilogy book and read through it all Thanksgiving weekend. it was really good. "
— Magma, 2/2/2014" This series goes with The Reckoning and The Confession. Beverly Lewis gives you a look into the Amish world, and the plot takes you along for the ride. I think I read this book in 2 days after I picked it up at a bookstore. "
— Rachael, 1/31/2014" This author is the best. She makes this culture more understandable and gives great insight into their lives. Once you read one book, you will want to read them all!! "
— Carolyn, 1/30/2014" Some interesting insight into Amish life, and it was clean, but it just didn't grab me. I predicted the "surprise ending" in the first few chapters. "
— Christa, 1/24/2014" Very low-level writing... Amish soap opera. "
— Jeanette, 1/16/2014" it has mystery and frustration "
— Savannah, 1/12/2014" # 1 in series. These really are best to read in order if you can. Amish culture "
— Jill, 1/9/2014" This series is ok. Almost like "work and the glory" only with the Amish. It is interesting to learn about their lifestyle with a little soap opera twist. "
— Marcee, 12/28/2013" The book was a little slow. It's about an Amish girl and the trouble she has with following the Amish rules. It got more interesting near the end and threw in a twist at the end with was great! "
— Amanda, 12/3/2013" I really like the story but the writing seem somewhat shallow. "
— Janice, 11/25/2013" An enjoyable read but not compelling enough that I minded putting it down. Also, I was jarred by several sudden POV switches. "
— Lillie, 11/15/2013" One of the first books about the Amish culture I read. I really enjoyed this series of books. "
— Inspired, 11/3/2013" Does describe what actually happens in the Amish community when someone leaves. I had hoped to learn more about the Amish life "
— Jan, 10/27/2013" I liked the story line but to get the story across was hard to get into. "
— Tina, 10/7/2013" I hated the ending! I wanted to know more. Now I have to find the movie. "
— Mandy, 9/29/2013" It's been a long time since I read this one, but I do remember liking it alot. Pretty much like all of Beverly Lewis's books :) I'd have to go back and reread the book to know if there was much changed for the tv movie, but it was pretty good, too. "
— Anne, 8/11/2013" I really did not enjoy it. "
— Kelly, 7/7/2013" VERY predictable...I will not be reading any more of her books... "
— Anne, 6/30/2013" This is a great series that gives some insight on the Amish lifestyle, which I find interesting. "
— Vita, 4/28/2013" The story is extremely slow with predictable turns and 'shocking' moments. It was okay, but not as well written as Cindy Woodsmall's books. "
— Hilary, 4/19/2013" I am fasinated with the Amish community and this book shed light on so many aspects of their lifestyle, traditions and beliefs. The story line is very good and her writing is awesome. I couldn't wait to read the next one! She helped to peak my curiosity even further. "
— Melissa, 10/19/2012" I found this book very interesting - complete twist at the end. I'm definitely going to read the last two and see the made for TV movie. I'm also curious to see the musical and wish we'd gotten to see it when we where in Bird-in-Hand - I definitely plan to read more Beverly Lewis novels. "
— Lauren, 6/21/2012" It was nothing like the movie. Much rather the book. Beverly Lewis is my favorite author as far. "
— Judy, 5/21/2012" I really like these stories. I find it fascinating to read about other cultures/religions, and it's fun to add in a fictional family. I like the combo. "
— Andrea, 5/10/2012" This was an interesting book. I have read previous Beverly Lewis books, however, and they all seem to be a bit predictable. Insert a new name and a new forbidden talent, add in an adoption or a kidnapping, and you have a book. "
— Andrea, 2/20/2012" I have always been intrigued by the Amish lifestyle. This book is very predictable, but still a decent read. I for some reason became obsessed with the different kinds of foods, in this book. I even googled some Amish recipes. "
— Ohjetaime, 1/9/2012" While I enjoyed reading about the customs of the Amish community and church interesting, the storyline was almost non-existant - plodding and uninteresting. "
— Kristyh, 9/10/2011" In 5th grade I read a book called "Plain Girl" about an Amish girl. Ever since then I have loved reading about Amish women. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have read several other Beverly Lewis books about the Amish. "
— Jolie, 7/24/2011" I'm fascinated by Amish culture, but this book is anything but a scholarly analysis. After reading this I had no need to further explore the series. "
— Erin, 6/30/2011" Fascinating depictions of the Amish culture--near where we used to live. I hope to also read: The Confession and the Reckoning. "
— Virginia, 6/26/2011" I thought it was heart warming and sweet. I enjoyed it and so did my Grandma. (I read it to her;) Overall I enjoyed it. "
— Caty-Scarlett, 5/31/2011" This is the second time I have read this book. I really like Amish stories and while I feel that Beverly Lewis stories have gotten better over the years this book is no exception. "
— Jeanine, 5/31/2011" I must read the next book. "
— Ariel, 5/30/2011" THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE NOVEL.<br/><br/>All you need to know. "
— Yolanda, 5/15/2011" This book was an easy read. It was a good story, and I enjoyed learning about the Amish Shunning process, reasons, etc. "
— Jc, 4/26/2011" Enjoyed reading this - I spent my childhood thru 2nd grade in Millersville, outside of Lancaster. I lived next door to 3 Mennonite sisters who took me under their wing and taught me to quilt. "
— Marianne, 4/8/2011" I didn't really relate to the main character or her choices. It was readable but I won't be picking up the other books in the series. "
— Rachel, 3/7/2011Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is an author with more than seventeen million books in print. Her stories have been published in eleven languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today.
Barbara Caruso, winner of numerous Earphones Awards for narration, is an accomplished actress. A graduate of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was a featured player in the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has played starring roles on Broadway and in theaters across the country. She won the Alexander Scourby Reader of the Year Award for her performances of young adult fiction and has more than one hundred audiobook narrations to her credit.