The Orchard
About
"She realized there was peace right here in the midst of this heavenly sort of place, despite the unpredictable storm churning around her family."
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 non-resistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens too close to home.
As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie confides her disappointment to Sol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector. 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 held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?
"This [book] serves as a reminder of why Lewis continues to top bestseller lists."--Publishers Weekly
"The Orchard is a peaceful, heartwarming romance novel set amid the quiet solitude of an Amish family's orchard during the Vietnam War."--Foreword Reviews starred review
The Author
-
Photo courtesy of Aimee Christenson Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis (beverlylewis.com), born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 19 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York...
Continue reading about Beverly Lewis
Reviews
"The Orchard is a peaceful, heartwarming romance novel set amid the quiet solitude of an Amish family's orchard during the Vietnam War."
Foreword Reviews starred review
"This novel demonstrates how the Amish also face problems and obstacles like others, yet their strong belief in family and the Lord sees them through and has them realize God is in control."
New York Journal of Books
"The twists in Ellie's relationships will keep readers turning pages, and the Vietnam War-era backdrop allows Lewis to explore fresh ground in the Amish romance genre as she probes the tensions and turmoil that the Amish community faced for their pacifism during that period. This serves as a reminder of why Lewis continues to top bestseller lists."
Publishers Weekly
"Best-selling Lewis presents a chaste and gentle romance that is focused as much on family relationships and the community as it is on the hopes of a young couple."
Booklist
"Lewis' many fans, as well as fans of Amish fiction in general, will find much to love here in the stories of Ellie and Evan. The conclusion is as satisfying as a piece of rhubarb pie eaten on the porch swing on a soft summer night."
The Banner
"This novel is a lovely glimpse into Amish culture, and it's even more interesting to see it paired with the tumultuous Vietnam era. . . .a recommended pick for any reader looking for another of Lewis's best."
Historical Novels Review
"Beverly Lewis writes authentic, unique Amish stories that draw you in and touch the heart. This book is one of her best."
Interviews and Reviews
"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."
Evangelical Church Library Association
"Beverly Lewis had my interest in The Orchard. If you gift this book to someone who enjoys historical romance, you're onto a winner."
Fresh Fiction