Customer Reviews

October Song

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The book seems to tie loose ends as well as continue the stories begun in the books The Shunning, The Postcard, and The Redeption of Sarah Cain. In Hickory Hollow, the first of these warmhearted tales, Katie Lapp is ready to celebrate her first wedding anniversary with her husband Dan. In the midst of this happiness though, lingers the sorrow and shame of her shunning from the Old Order Amish of Hickory Hollow where she and Dan grew up. They have found salvation in Jesus Christ and are active and content in their new Mennonite church. However, the couple is forbidden to visit with family and friends due to the "Bann"- excommunication-imposed on them for going "fancy". Katie's biggest regret is the loss of her relationship with her "Dat"-her father. Can she ever repair the damage done to her family?

In part two entitled Bird-In-Hand, ex-journalist, Philip Bradley, must learn the ways of his new faith, with the help of his wife Rachel and the community. Being originally from New York, this is no easy task. He finds that simply dressing the part and believing in the Church is not enough. He must obey the unwritten code of conduct-the "Ordnung", to prove himself truly one of "the People". After a thoughtless blunder he is determined to prove to the skeptical Moses Raber that he is not just another soul-searching "Englischer"-outsider-but has truly accepted "Plain" living.

Grasshopper Level is the last story in this collection. Sarah Cain must, with the help of her newfound faith, learn to cope with her career and the care of her late sister's five children. Raising the children Amish in an English household has not been easy. The oldest, Lyddie, is preparing for her wedding to Levi King but her fears about the welfare of her younger siblings after her marriage and the shadow of her mother's death loom over the happy couple.

The book is a delight. Each story holds you to the end and all end happily yet realistically. They give the reader an insight into a fascinating and often misunderstood way of life, It is fast paced and filled with optimism and good Christian wisdom. The characters are well developed and there is a sense of being right there with them in peaceful Lancaster County, riding horse and buggy amidst the changing autumn colors. Although you can read these stories without having read the others in the series (I did), if you plan to read the other novels, save this book for last so as not to spoil the story.

--- reviewed by Rachel for Christian Bookshelf

This book was great but you need to read her other adult fiction books first. If you read this book first you ruin the plots to the others. I love her style and I now love the Amish. I actually went to Lancaster last summer after reading her books. It was great. I hope she continues writing. I own almost all her books.

I read the book in 1 night! It was nice revisiting with Katie, Sara and Lydia. I just wished there was more to Katie's story: like what happened to Benjamin and did Katie's parents welcome her back. There HAS to be a sequel to this. I hope Beverly Lewis is already working on one!!!

IT WAS SO NICE TO READ WHAT ALL THE PEOPLE FROM THE SHUNNING ON UP THRU THE SERIES, HAVE BEEN UP TO. THIS IS A GOOD READ IF YOU HAVE BEEN READING THE BOOKS IN ORDER. I FELL IN LOVE WITH ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE BOOKS AND AM VERY GLAD THAT BEVERLY HAS PUT THEM ALL IN ONE BOOK SO WE CAN KEEP UP WITH THEM. I ESPECIALLY
LIKE KATIE & DAN.

I've never read a bad story yet. Beverly Lewis is a terrific writer leaving you with a feeling of peace and warmth.

I would definitely rethink my rating if Beverly Lewis had made each part another whole book, especially about Katie and Dan. They certainly deserve another sequel to continue the Shunning series. As for Philip and Rachel from Postcard/Crossing fame, another book surely is coming. The last part of this book brings back Sarah Cain. While her story is mostly about her new family of children, the author does manage a nice little twist by showing us the heart of Sarah now and combining characters from more than one past series/book. I think there is more in the offing. At least I can hope.

Beverly Lewis stories are not heavy reading; however, they're enjoyable and a 'fast read'. Her characters are very likeable.

This book continues 3 of my favorite series of hers. Yes, even this atheist enjoys her stories, especially because the area is so close to my own home.

Another Great Book by Beverly Lewis. Loved it. She brings back loved character from past books and continues their stories.

THIS WAS MY 1st ""LANCASTER COUNTY"" BOOK. NEEDLESS TO

SAY THERE IS A LOT OF RELIGION HERE. IT WAS ENJOYABLE

TO READ A BOOK WITHOUT MURDER, KILLING, DRUGS AND

ASSORTED MAYHEM. AT TIMES I DID GET LOST BECAUSE

I DID NOT READ THE PRECEDING FIVE BOOKS---A LOT-LOT-

LOT OF DIFFERENT CHARACTERS. IF YOU CAN HANDLE IT,

THE RELIGION, THIS WOULD BE A GOOD SERIES TO READ.

This book was returned along with two others. The books were sent to Shana Cottle, and I was told they were returned. I see no indication of a credit on my credit card.