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The Heritage of Lancaster County #1-3
The Shunning/The Confession/The Reckoning
HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY Journey into the fascinating world of the Amish with the three-part story of a young woman who must face her past in order to discover her future. The Shunning Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman, lives a quiet life in Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, but after one visit to the attic, her world begins to crumble. The Confession With her identity shattered, Katie sets out on a journey of discovery that will take her into a world she’s never known. The Reckoning Katie is living the life she used to dream about, but her heart yearns for her Amish friends and the love she left behind.
704 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
23 people are currently reading
632 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,014 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 24, 2012
I listened to these three books and am combining my review. I thought this was an interesting series. Not very original as far as Amish story lines go, but maybe this was the original. I don't know. Mostly I thought the whole situation was sad, and that a couple of well-placed truths could have gone so far in avoiding much of the heartbreak.
I thought the most interesting part of the books was the short statement (and I'm paraphrasing!) that the Amish are so focused on the Ordnung that they have no room for Christ in their lives. Of course, any of us can do that by making anything other than God an idol by focusing on that. In that way, I'm glad I listened to these so I could examine my own life and make sure that the light of Christ is showing through everything I do.
I thought the most interesting part of the books was the short statement (and I'm paraphrasing!) that the Amish are so focused on the Ordnung that they have no room for Christ in their lives. Of course, any of us can do that by making anything other than God an idol by focusing on that. In that way, I'm glad I listened to these so I could examine my own life and make sure that the light of Christ is showing through everything I do.
November 10, 2011
This was a great trio of books- especially after growing up so near to Lancaster. The author's use of Pennsylvania Dutch wording fit in well and she really captured the essence of the area and the people.
February 21, 2016
In a way I do not have the right to write a review of this book. I read the first book of the three in this trilogy and really thought it was a good book. It gave an insight in to Amish culture, society, customs and religion. Originally I had bought the first book in the series on it's own but because I thought it was so good, I went ahead and bought a copy with all three books in it, so I could read the continuation.
But I am unable to to finish the second book in the series. No longer does the story take place in the Amish community but resembles more and more a bad soap opera and since I felt I was reading an episode of "Dynasty", I quit the book and will not waste more time on it. There are too many good books out there to read, to waste time on the bad ones.
But I am unable to to finish the second book in the series. No longer does the story take place in the Amish community but resembles more and more a bad soap opera and since I felt I was reading an episode of "Dynasty", I quit the book and will not waste more time on it. There are too many good books out there to read, to waste time on the bad ones.
October 12, 2013
Loved this book my favorite Quote " my search is over I was looking for Fancy things and found a personal Relationship with our Lord JESUS.pg 280 the reckoning .
March 23, 2024
I liked learning about Amish people, although I was a little confused at how the religion was presented in the book compared to what I learned online. I also liked learning a bit about the Menonite people.
In the first book, Katie struggles with the confines of Amish rules and wonders why she doesn't seem to "fit in". The book explores a couple of reasons why she feels that way. I was shocked by why she was shunned, so severely, that even her family and best friend could not even mention her name or talk to her. I was glad how she is supported by an elderly Amish relative. Interspersed with this storyline is flashbacks to her love for an Amish man, Daniel, who was supposedly drowned at sea.
In the second book, Katie learns that her birth mother (non-Amish) is dying, so she sets out to find her. But before she can introduce herself, a "fake Katie" (hired actress) is there with plans to inherit the home and wealth of her birth mother. Katie ends up being mistaken as a new servant to her mother. I really liked the chauffeur, nurse, and other staff who serve her birth mother and how they help Katie. One thing I didn't care for was a storyline of Katie's best friend who hopes the Amish bishop, who shunned Katie, will want to marry her.
The third book finds Katie living a luxurious "English" life (which didn't really fit her in my opinion) and headed for marriage to an artist. This life is interrupted with the knowledge that Daniel was not drowned at sea, and has been shunned because of his deception. I was confused at Katie's negative response to meeting Daniel, considering how much back story of their love was interspersed throughout Book 1 and 2, but very satisfied with how the book ends.
In the first book, Katie struggles with the confines of Amish rules and wonders why she doesn't seem to "fit in". The book explores a couple of reasons why she feels that way. I was shocked by why she was shunned, so severely, that even her family and best friend could not even mention her name or talk to her. I was glad how she is supported by an elderly Amish relative. Interspersed with this storyline is flashbacks to her love for an Amish man, Daniel, who was supposedly drowned at sea.
In the second book, Katie learns that her birth mother (non-Amish) is dying, so she sets out to find her. But before she can introduce herself, a "fake Katie" (hired actress) is there with plans to inherit the home and wealth of her birth mother. Katie ends up being mistaken as a new servant to her mother. I really liked the chauffeur, nurse, and other staff who serve her birth mother and how they help Katie. One thing I didn't care for was a storyline of Katie's best friend who hopes the Amish bishop, who shunned Katie, will want to marry her.
The third book finds Katie living a luxurious "English" life (which didn't really fit her in my opinion) and headed for marriage to an artist. This life is interrupted with the knowledge that Daniel was not drowned at sea, and has been shunned because of his deception. I was confused at Katie's negative response to meeting Daniel, considering how much back story of their love was interspersed throughout Book 1 and 2, but very satisfied with how the book ends.
September 11, 2018
My sweet cousin recommended this Amish trilogy. She knows me well enough and shares my reading passion, so I took it home and started reading about the Amish - of which I know very little about. I admit I was consumed with the story from the very beginning.
The Shunning: great intro to the characters, religion, atmosphere, and traditions. I felt only compassion for sweet Katie and the heartache she felt as her life drastically changed by her desire to know more of her birthmother. The shunning she had to endure was heartbreaking on so many levels.
The Confession: So much happening. So much courage! Katie, now Katherine, is struggling with finding herself in a world that is foreign to her. Her success at finding her mother brings its own challenges but she endures them with the same. My only complaint about this part of the story is that there should have been some sort of confrontation with Laura’s husband, Dylan, and his hired actress, since all the servants figured out his diabolical plan. Nothing! He just disappears.
The Reckoning: Katherine is now head of the house and is again, finding herself and how to be of worth. Her deeply engrained Amish roots are still in conflict with all she has learned and experienced. A new love is in her life and he is good. So…here’s where my other complaint is: this guy just disappears from the story, no explanation! Katherine ends up with whom I want her to, but that loose end bugs me! (I read this one all in one day as I just couldn't put it down!)
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and highly recommend it. Now I’m gonna watch the movie…. Thanks Cousin!
The Shunning: great intro to the characters, religion, atmosphere, and traditions. I felt only compassion for sweet Katie and the heartache she felt as her life drastically changed by her desire to know more of her birthmother. The shunning she had to endure was heartbreaking on so many levels.
The Confession: So much happening. So much courage! Katie, now Katherine, is struggling with finding herself in a world that is foreign to her. Her success at finding her mother brings its own challenges but she endures them with the same. My only complaint about this part of the story is that there should have been some sort of confrontation with Laura’s husband, Dylan, and his hired actress, since all the servants figured out his diabolical plan. Nothing! He just disappears.
The Reckoning: Katherine is now head of the house and is again, finding herself and how to be of worth. Her deeply engrained Amish roots are still in conflict with all she has learned and experienced. A new love is in her life and he is good. So…here’s where my other complaint is: this guy just disappears from the story, no explanation! Katherine ends up with whom I want her to, but that loose end bugs me! (I read this one all in one day as I just couldn't put it down!)
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy and highly recommend it. Now I’m gonna watch the movie…. Thanks Cousin!
October 10, 2019
I enjoy stories about the Amish, I grew up in Amish country in Western New York and always admired the Amish for being stalwart about their religious beliefs. I have only read the Shunning book so far of this 3 part series. This book is about a 22 year old Amish girl who is just about ready to get married when she has to come clean to her family and the church leaders that she just can't marry because she is not truly a plain girl but wants to live the fancy life. She is shunned by her community and even her family, so she decides to leave the area.
The ending of the book is a total surprise!!
I finished the 2nd in the series The Confession and would give it 3 1/2 stars. What's with the cover of the book - it makes it look like a cheap romance novel.
Again it's taking too long to make the point. The whole series could have been fast paced book instead of a series. Oh well, I guess I'm just impatient. I'm glad I could set the speed up on my phone as I was listening so it would be over and know what happened, even though I knew from the start but the little twist at the end was the only thing that gave it 3 1/2 stars not just 3
Yup, I was right, this could have been 1 novel and not 3. Too many words and not enough action. And making Katharyn into a OK with owning a mansion is barzar - she would never have acted like that. And if it took her that long to do what she did with the mansion is silly, she would have thought about the solution right away.
The ending of the book is a total surprise!!
I finished the 2nd in the series The Confession and would give it 3 1/2 stars. What's with the cover of the book - it makes it look like a cheap romance novel.
Again it's taking too long to make the point. The whole series could have been fast paced book instead of a series. Oh well, I guess I'm just impatient. I'm glad I could set the speed up on my phone as I was listening so it would be over and know what happened, even though I knew from the start but the little twist at the end was the only thing that gave it 3 1/2 stars not just 3
Yup, I was right, this could have been 1 novel and not 3. Too many words and not enough action. And making Katharyn into a OK with owning a mansion is barzar - she would never have acted like that. And if it took her that long to do what she did with the mansion is silly, she would have thought about the solution right away.
April 4, 2025
Three books in one, sharing Katie Lapps, an Amish girl's story. The first, The Shunning, Katie is set to marry the bishop while still missing her first love who has died. During the story she finds out a truth about herself that had been kept hidden from most. This makes her questions herself, her origins and where she belongs. The story ends on somewhat of a cliff hanger, which is a pet peeve of mine, but since the next book was within, I was less annoyed than usual.
The second book, The Confession, I enjoyed the most, while Katie searches for herself and her place in the world, lots happens. There are several near meetings of characters in the story which make it a little suspenseful.
The third book, The Reckoning, was the most religious. Katie has found her place with Jesus which gives her the peace she has been searching for. She learns to appreciate and accept things due to her being saved. This book has the least amount of surprises out of the series.
The second book, The Confession, I enjoyed the most, while Katie searches for herself and her place in the world, lots happens. There are several near meetings of characters in the story which make it a little suspenseful.
The third book, The Reckoning, was the most religious. Katie has found her place with Jesus which gives her the peace she has been searching for. She learns to appreciate and accept things due to her being saved. This book has the least amount of surprises out of the series.
January 5, 2022
I enjoyed the Hallmark movies and wanted to read the stories. I enjoyed them but they always talk about the Bishop being stern and besides the shunning never gives good examples but I am guessing due to music and not allowed to question anything. I would have liked more closer to the ending like about her brothers, her dad, her pony that she would bring up saying issues with thru the last 2 books, did Mary come to her wedding? I guess I was looking for more details and I think it could have done this better. The timing in the second book was confusing how she switched between Katie and Dan.
August 5, 2018
Loved this story. Have read it a couple times over the last decade. Will read again for sure. Clean romance, about loving someone even outside your own culture and finding out secrets that change the course of your life, how you were raised and what your future will look like.
August 27, 2018
Great quick read with a sad plot twist at the end.
April 11, 2019
I really like how Beverly Lewis makes this book come to live it feels like you are there.
July 24, 2020
Wonderful trilogy stories! Interesting story line, likable characters, and a twist (for me) at the ending. Enjoyable, positive read.
April 25, 2025
As enjoyable as the first in the series.
March 3, 2015
The Heritage of Lancaster County is three of author Beverly Lewis’s books in one. Including The Shunning, The Confession, and The Reckoning. All three books tie together the life of Katie/Katherine a young twenty-two year old woman who is struggling with the responsibilities and rules that young Amish women are expected to live by. Each book follows her struggles, as she tries to live her life to the best of her ability and on the path she believes God wants her to follow. I won’t go into the details of the stories as they would contain too many spoilers.
The characters in all three books are easily relatable; they seem very friendly and are people I wouldn’t mind having as my own friends. I also am enjoying learning more about the Amish world and faith through these books. The scenery was one of my favorite things described in all three books you felt like you were there and most of the time I very much enjoyed Ms. Lewis’s style of writing. If you like Christian fiction at all I would highly recommend this book.
As of late I have been craving happy endings in the books I read. If you are someone who likes that in your books these three would be a good addition to you’re library.
The characters in all three books are easily relatable; they seem very friendly and are people I wouldn’t mind having as my own friends. I also am enjoying learning more about the Amish world and faith through these books. The scenery was one of my favorite things described in all three books you felt like you were there and most of the time I very much enjoyed Ms. Lewis’s style of writing. If you like Christian fiction at all I would highly recommend this book.
As of late I have been craving happy endings in the books I read. If you are someone who likes that in your books these three would be a good addition to you’re library.
March 1, 2011
This series was an interesting read. I learned a lot about the Old Order Amish and I was surprised at some of their beliefs and the ways in which they worship. The harshness of a shunning came as a particular surprise, especially considering their belief in quickly forgiving worldly folk (Englishers as they call us), but not being so forgiving of their own. It was intriguing to me to learn that they believe the world outside of them is living in sin due to their "fancy" ways, yet they don't believe they are necessarily going to be "saved" after all they do. It was clear after reading the series that the author does not believe in the Amish ways, but has more of a Mennonite view of life. If you don't mind reading wonderful "gut", "Jah" and other Pennsylvania Dutch at times, you may enjoy these books.
June 2, 2015
Katherine is torn between her new life as an English girl and her old life as an Amish girl and a guy named Daniel Fisher is searching for his sweetheart girl which would be Katherine and right now she is cherishing her handsome suitor.
This book was a great book to read because it told about a life that many of us do not live which is Amish and how the character had to change from an Amish life to an English life and it was cool to read about and see how the lifestyles are different. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction, romance, and a little bit of history and learning about another lifestyle.
This book was a great book to read because it told about a life that many of us do not live which is Amish and how the character had to change from an Amish life to an English life and it was cool to read about and see how the lifestyles are different. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction, romance, and a little bit of history and learning about another lifestyle.
April 11, 2013
Reading the first book drew me into the second & third. I am glad that I was able to read all three. This is the first series I read about the Amish culture. Living in Philadelphia for 4 years it was fun to revisit Lancaster County & view the Amish lifestyle from a first hand perspective. For some reason this book inspired to want to be more Amish- get rid of those distractions that keep me from being one with God. Not entirely be Amish but I do recognize how blinding technology & modern conveniences can separate us from God & from each other. We must work hard to find a happy-medium.
June 16, 2015
When Katie Lapp finds a baby bonnet and English children clothing in her families attic she is adamant about finding where those came from. But she is hardly ready for the truth of her birth.
At the same time her heart still yearns for diseased Daniel Fisher who left his guitar with her before he left. She buried it, trying to force herself from temptation.
When she finds out her birth, she throws all her Amish bringing up aside and faces the world.
I enjoy this book, although by the last book I was just ready for the whole series to wrap up. Ages 14+
At the same time her heart still yearns for diseased Daniel Fisher who left his guitar with her before he left. She buried it, trying to force herself from temptation.
When she finds out her birth, she throws all her Amish bringing up aside and faces the world.
I enjoy this book, although by the last book I was just ready for the whole series to wrap up. Ages 14+
October 16, 2008
Book One, The Shunning, was charming and heart-tugging if not a bit predictable. I felt a bit like I was watching a made for TV movie.
The second book was also good, shining light on the differences between the Amish and Mennonites.
Finishing the third book, I felt like a had finished watching a Hallmark movie without commercials. I cry with most emotions, and this book now has tear stains from both joy and sorrow.
The second book was also good, shining light on the differences between the Amish and Mennonites.
Finishing the third book, I felt like a had finished watching a Hallmark movie without commercials. I cry with most emotions, and this book now has tear stains from both joy and sorrow.
January 4, 2011
As usual for a series, I felt the first book was the best. Maybe it's because I really enjoy reading about Amish culture. I was surprised in the second and third books at how easily Katie becomes "English". I didn't feel that was very realistic and I had a hard time believing it was so easy for her. That said, I still really enjoyed this series. It went exactly where I thought it would, but it was a very enjoyable journey.
April 19, 2011
I don't normally read Amish fiction but I happened to catch the movie of the first book on the Hallmark channel over the weekend and I had to know what happened next. Plus read the book the movie was based on b/c you know the book is always better than the movie and since I liked the movie the book had to be great.
I liked this book series. I wish Hallmark would make the other two into movies.
I liked this book series. I wish Hallmark would make the other two into movies.
January 4, 2012
I woould rate the first bookin this seris a four, the second a two and that last a three. The first book was very well written. The descriptions were quite good. Lewis does a good job of showing the reader why the shunning was intolerable for the woman shunned. The second book bounces around from scene to scene and was not interesting. Lewis brings the story to a meaningful ending with the last book.
May 26, 2008
This is actually three books in one. The novels flow together seamlessly and the writing is just fantastic. Beverly Lewis has created characters that really tugged at my heart--the feelings and emotions they experience, coping with rights and wrongs, and of course, the main theme of grappling with morality, religion, family history and family values. An amazing read!
April 4, 2008
I have always enjoyed reading about the amish culture. I have a great respect for their way of life. I enjoyed the stories Lewis writes. She drew me in and helped me understand why consequences are so serious for those who do wrong.
November 1, 2008
I loved this book, I started reading the first one on July 3rd and I finished on July 7th.
The 2nd book was confusing at times.
The third book ended just as I hoped it would!!! It was an awesome book!!!
The 2nd book was confusing at times.
The third book ended just as I hoped it would!!! It was an awesome book!!!
May 25, 2010
I strive to read everything by my favorite author, Beverly Lewis. However, I would never recommend introducing anyone to my favorite author through this series. It's not as good as her others. It's still a nice story, but it's not as heart-warming and uplifting as the others.
November 13, 2010
A must read for any fan of Beverly Lewis... an inspiring tale of a woman forced to reexamine her quiet life among the Amish and to reconsider everything she's believed about herself and her surroundings...
April 7, 2011
I really liked learning about the Amish. I liked the books. They are a little predictable, but very likable. Also, the 2nd and 3rd are a little slow moving. The series ends well, with Katie finding out who she really is. I would recommend.
September 9, 2012
Amish culture has always been inspiring for me. To see all the culture wrapped up in a spiritual romance combined also with amazing twists and turns has been an amazing experience for me. I didn't want the stories to end but I am glad I was able to figure out how it ends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews