The Orchard

Author: Beverly Lewis
Genre: Amish Romance
Release Date: September 6, 2022

"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?

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Reviewer: Nancy J. Brown

This was a good story about humility, rebellion, meekness, forgiveness, and strong family relationships that can only be found in a family who loves Jesus and thinks habitually about God's words in the bible. I liked all the characters, but the most meaningful ones were Sol Bontrager, Ellie, and Dawdi Hezekiah. They were the glue that held the family together, in my opinion.

The dad, Lyle Hostetler, was a Godly man who was a great example of perseverance. He truly adheres to the verses: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" Proverbs 3:5-6. At one point in the story, he was stretched beyond any parent's limits, yet he still didn't let his trust and faith in Jesus waver. He was a memorable example of what Godly men should be like.

I appreciate the professional and expert writing style of Beverly Lewis. I've read many of her books, and she did a good job describing the attitudes and social evils of the Vietnam War era in America. From an eye-witness type viewpoint. War protestors and war supporters were both represented accurately. I was in high school during the war, and I recall the same events and the tv news showing the horrors of the war and violence against pacifists and against soldiers. 

I highly recommend this book. It is several storylines in one, and all will keep the reader interested.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Joy Hannabass

Evan was determined to sign up for the draft, and no amount of talking and pressuring him would change his mind. He owed it to Jack, his English friend who was killed in the war, to do his part in fighting for his country, even though he was Amish. No matter how upset Dat is.

Ellie Hostetler and her twin brother Evan are usually very close, but lately, he has been different. But when he started opening up about his English friends, Ellie realized why they were falling apart. Dat would not be happy, and when Evan signs up for the draft, and his lottery number is low, Dat does everything shy of putting his foot down heavily and demanding Evan stay at home and forget his dreams. 

I like all the characters and think Lewis does a great job with their growth throughout the book. The Dat (dad) was a tough character for me to like. His attitude and the way he treated Evan are enough to turn me off. Amish dads can be so heartless, especially about their children leaving their faith.

I haven't read a Beverly Lewis book for a while, and I think this is one of her best reads yet. I enjoyed a trip back to the Amish country, and her writing is phenomenal. I can't wait for more from this author. 

This is a great read for those who love Amish stories. And if you just want a good clean story, this one is for you. And as for what happens to Evan, you will need to read the book to find out. You won't be disappointed!

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Anna Bottoms

Beverly Lewis writes authentic, unique Amish stories that draw you in and touch the heart. This book is one of her best. 

Ellie and Evan are twins finding their way in life during the Vietnam era. Evan is being tugged back and forth between the Plain life and life outside. He loves life in the orchard and his family, but after losing his English friend in the war and a budding relationship with an English girl, he is drawn further away from his values.

Ellie is faithful to her beliefs, church, and community, but nothing will change her love for her brother. Even when he’s chosen to be listed for the draft. When his name is called and her best friend leaves, she begins to talk with his friend Sol who is stepping out with her cousin. With God’s guidance through difficult circumstances, each of them must make choices that place them in His perfect will. 

This book is written in a way that draws you into the Plain life, feeling its struggles, contentment, and closeness of family and community. I recommend this book for lovers of Amish fiction.

I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House and Interviews and Reviews through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.

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Reviewer: Marta Aldrighetti

The Amish family Hostetler owns an orchard full of fruits in Bird-in-Hand that sells at the market and restaurants. The main characters are Ellie and Evan. They are twins and young. Both love work and walking around the orchard. But their lives will go through a different way.

The different personalities of Ellie and Evan are well described by the author. The Vietnam war starts, and Amish men sign as CO status (conscientious objector). Except Evan doesn't sign. He'll soon realize war is a dangerous, awful thing that causes a lot of pain.

The author describes Evan as a courageous, brave, energetic young man. The war has changed him and his beliefs. I think the book is nice, but sometimes a bit slow. I appreciate reading about the Amish, their traditions, and their beliefs about war.

I received a review copy courtesy of Bethany House Publisher through Netgalley for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

The Orchard by Beverly Lewis is a heartwarming look at what happens when our children go astray.

Set in the world of the Amish, the author introduces us to the Hostetler family. Ellie and Evan Hostetler are twins that couldn't be more different. While Ellie is looking forward to her baptism and officially joining the church, her brother Evan is fully involved in  Rumschpringe. He is refusing to get baptized and is dating an English girl. When Evan decides to enlist and fight in Vietnam, his entire family and Amish neighbours are devastated as it goes against the church's pacifist teachings.

Mostly, I found this book to be rather dull. The love life of Ellie, her letters to Leah, and the work in the orchard all seemed like filler to me until the situation with Evan was resolved. The lack of action until halfway through the book made it hard for me to keep reading. 

However, once things did start happening, the author had my attention. The characters' faith and resolve to trust in God during difficult times also added to my enjoyment of this book.

If you love reading about the Amish, you will undoubtedly enjoy this book.

I received a review copy from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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