Heritage of Lancaster County

In the quiet Amish community of Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, time has stood still while cherished traditions and heartfelt beliefs have flourished. But a secret lies buried that could shatter the tranquility its inhabitants have grown to love. On the eve of her wedding, Katie Lapp hears startling news from her anguished parents. Nothing could have prepared her for the devastation their confession brings. Feeling betrayed, Katie watches as the only life she has ever known begins to unravel, leaving in its wake a furrow of pain but also a future of hope. The Shunning is the first book in a trilogy that re-creates the simple life of the Amish. Its themes of hope and reconciliation show us that even when we think we are far away, God's love is always present.

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.

From the moment she found the satin baby dress in the attic of her parents' Amish home, Katie Lapp's identity was shattered. Painfully torn from her close-knit community in a frightening ordeal called the "shunning," Katie, now Katherine Mayfield, sets out to find the ailing birth mother she has never known. Her journey takes her to the peaceful home of Lydia Miller, where electric lights and telephones set Katherine's mind whirling, and on to the elaborate Bennett estate, where the plain garb of the Amish is misused to disguise an evil conspiracy. Unknown to Katherine, her first love, Daniel, is taking steps to return to his Amish family and to her. But their worlds may have drifted too far apart to bridge the gap.

In this dramatic sequel to the best-selling inspirational romance, The Shunning, Beverly Lewis spins a tale of love, reconciliation, and faith. Author of over 40 books, Beverly Lewis captures the power of Old Order Amish beliefs and the excitement of a family quest in The Confession. Because she has disobeyed church rules, Katie Lapp is now Katherine Mayfield. Expelled from her strict Amish home, she sets out to find Laura Mayfield, the birth mother she has never known. But even as Katherine draws near to Laura, evil plans are working to tear away their happiness and their inheritance. Can Katherine reach her mother in time? As Katherine struggles to keep her faith and communicate with her mother, narrator Barbara Caruso's performance captures the young woman's doubts, fears, and growing courage. By the conclusion of this inspiring story, Katherine is beginning a promising new chapter of her life.

Continuing the story of a young woman's spiritual quest, it joins The Shunning and The Confession. At 22, Katherine Mayfield has taken her rightful place as mistress of Mayfield Manor. Her plain Amish childhood is over, and her new world is filled with endless possibilities. Why, then, does Katherine find her thoughts going back to old friendships and the family that raised her? Soon, the beautiful young woman will face choices that may change her faith forever. As Katherine examines her heart and her soul, her questions will encourage you to spend some quiet time with your own meditations. Barbara Caruso's warm narration adds special meaning to the young woman's search for peace.

Shunned from the Amish life she once knew, Katherine Mayfield finds solace in her volunteer work and the delights of the modern world. Unknown to Katherine, her long-lost love, Daniel Fisher, is desperate to locate his "sweetheart girl," only to be frustrated at nearly every turn. Once again, Katherine is compelled to face the heritage of her past and recognize God's love in unexpected places. The Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy re-creates the simple life of the Amish. Its themes of hope and reconciliation show us that even when we think we are far away, God's love is always present.