Reviewing: The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

...from the publishers...

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?

...my thoughts... 

  This book touched my my heart in a unique way. I was a young teenager during the time this book was set and I had two brothers who served in this war, as did neighbors and friends. I remember when the lottery was implemented.  I felt for Ellie's brother Evan who had probably the worst shock of his life when he landed in the barber's chair at boot camp! I have read other works of Amish fiction where Amish men who served, but as orderlies assisting medics in field hospitals, not in combat. It was a terrible time for all of us but for an Amish family who wouldn't have a phone or a daily paper, they were very out of touch with what was going on.

I enjoyed reading Ellie's story and her love for the family orchard.  Her love for the orchard was personal.  She would have loved taking over the orchard when her father retired, yet as a woman, that would have been unrealistic in her culture.  Throughout the story she grows into a wonderful young woman who changed from a young woman with dreams.  She dreams of the orchard and dreams of her beau, Menno.  Her feelings are as natural today as they would have been for any young woman in the 1960s.  As a reader, it is satisfying when the story wraps up neatly just as we think it should go.  Beverly Lewis, has, time and again written beloved characters whose situation we can identify with, even though we are not Amish.  I recommend this book to all who enjoy immersing themselves into a good story.