The Orchard
The Orchard by Beverly Lewis, published by Baker Publishing Group on September 6, 2022, is a large print edition comprising 464 pages. This novel explores the life of Ellie Hostetler, whose family has cultivated their Lancaster County orchard for generations. When her twin brother Evan is drafted into the Vietnam War, the family’s adherence to Old Order Amish beliefs is put to the test, leading to unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of family, faith, and personal conflict as Ellie navigates her feelings for two young men, Sol Bontrager and Menno, amidst the backdrop of a changing world. The story captures the tension between tradition and the realities of war, highlighting Ellie’s journey as she seeks peace and courage in uncertain times. The book presents a thoughtful reflection on the impact of external events on close-knit communities, particularly within the Amish and Mennonite contexts.
Official synopsis Publisher
“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
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