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The Heritage of Lancaster County #2
The Confession
When Katie Lapp finds the satin baby dress in the attic of her parents' Amish home, her identity is shattered. Shunned from her community, Katie - now Katherine Mayfield - sets out to find her birth mother. Her journey takes her to the peaceful home of Lydia Miller and on the elaborate Bennett estate where she is enveloped in a world of compassion and greed - and where the plain garb of the Amish is misused to disguise an evil conspiracy.
424 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
234 people are currently reading
2785 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Lewis
259 books3,024 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 412 reviews
April 23, 2008
I enjoyed the second book in this series, but I got pretty frustrated with the main character's willingness to forget her adoptive mother--her love, her sacrifices--ultimately the past 22 years of her life! She fell in love with the idea of her birthmother. Before she even met her, she convinced herself that she belonged in this new life and that so much had been taken from her.
Right now, I'm sort of at a point in my life, where I feel like telling certain people to get over their difficulties and just deal with the life they are living, rather than focus on what should have or would have been.
However, I really enjoy reading about the Amish lifestyle and imagine how different everything must be in their world.
Right now, I'm sort of at a point in my life, where I feel like telling certain people to get over their difficulties and just deal with the life they are living, rather than focus on what should have or would have been.
However, I really enjoy reading about the Amish lifestyle and imagine how different everything must be in their world.
April 12, 2008
Is this story never going to end? So convenient that her birth mom happens to be rich and is pretty nearly a perfect saint. Drove me crazy!! And the part about her long-lost boyfriend? This is like something I would have written in fourth grade.
November 9, 2020
What a fantastic sequel to The Shunning! Such a great series! Readers will be hooked after the first page. Can't wait to read book #3!
January 5, 2011
I enjoyed the first book so much that I immediately purchased the second book in the series
The Confession by Beverly Lewis
I had such a strong desire to find out what happened next that I stayed up quite late reading The Confession.
*WARNING* SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SHUNNING!!!
So, at the end of The Shunning we find out that after Katie has left to go find her birth mother and has assumed her new life as Katherine Mayfield, a fancy Englischer instead of Katie Lapp, who she was raised as, that Dan Fisher, her first love, is not, in fact, dead.
The first book ends shortly after reading a letter from Dan to his sister confessing that he did not die drowning that day, but instead was sorrowful that he had chosen to let his family think that he had died, and wished to come back and confess to his family to let them know that he was not, in fact, dead for the past five years.
The Confession primarily follows Katie as she goes to Canadadigua in New York to the Bennett Estate to meet her birth mother. However, when she arrives she finds that there is already an Amish girl, named Katie Lapp staying at the Bennett estate, claiming to be her mother's daughter.
Katherine is baffled, who is this girl? Did she go to the wrong home? What is going on? But, out of luck she gets hired on at the Bennett estate to work as a housekeeper, and she uses the time to try to investigate further. In doing so, Katherine discovers that "Katie Lapp" is an impostor who clearly was never Amish and has some ulterior motive for tricking Katherine's mother into thinking that she is her daughter.
With a little more time it becomes clear to Katherine that her mother's husband is behind hiring "Katie Lapp" in an effort to steal her estate from underneath her as her mother is quickly dying from M.S. Katherine needs to find a way to save her mother from being swindled by her own husband, Mr. Dylan Bennett. However, Mr. Bennett does NOT want this to happen and makes it extremely difficult for Katherine to have a chance to prove herself to her own mother.
We also learn a lot more about Dan Fisher and where he has been during the past five years, and ultimately why he chose to let his family think he was dead. However, the story leaves off before he and Katherine reunite (assuming that they, in fact do) and I am guessing in the third book we find out if they come together and what happens...
I though The Confession was a great follow-up to The Shunning. I was so pleased by my purchase, it was entirely worth it, no question. I think if you read and enjoyed The Shunning that you MUST read The Confession. It is heartwarming and keeps you reading and attentive the entire read. I look forward to when I can read the third book in the series!
Five out of five stars!
The Confession by Beverly Lewis
I had such a strong desire to find out what happened next that I stayed up quite late reading The Confession.
*WARNING* SPOILERS AHEAD IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE SHUNNING!!!
So, at the end of The Shunning we find out that after Katie has left to go find her birth mother and has assumed her new life as Katherine Mayfield, a fancy Englischer instead of Katie Lapp, who she was raised as, that Dan Fisher, her first love, is not, in fact, dead.
The first book ends shortly after reading a letter from Dan to his sister confessing that he did not die drowning that day, but instead was sorrowful that he had chosen to let his family think that he had died, and wished to come back and confess to his family to let them know that he was not, in fact, dead for the past five years.
The Confession primarily follows Katie as she goes to Canadadigua in New York to the Bennett Estate to meet her birth mother. However, when she arrives she finds that there is already an Amish girl, named Katie Lapp staying at the Bennett estate, claiming to be her mother's daughter.
Katherine is baffled, who is this girl? Did she go to the wrong home? What is going on? But, out of luck she gets hired on at the Bennett estate to work as a housekeeper, and she uses the time to try to investigate further. In doing so, Katherine discovers that "Katie Lapp" is an impostor who clearly was never Amish and has some ulterior motive for tricking Katherine's mother into thinking that she is her daughter.
With a little more time it becomes clear to Katherine that her mother's husband is behind hiring "Katie Lapp" in an effort to steal her estate from underneath her as her mother is quickly dying from M.S. Katherine needs to find a way to save her mother from being swindled by her own husband, Mr. Dylan Bennett. However, Mr. Bennett does NOT want this to happen and makes it extremely difficult for Katherine to have a chance to prove herself to her own mother.
We also learn a lot more about Dan Fisher and where he has been during the past five years, and ultimately why he chose to let his family think he was dead. However, the story leaves off before he and Katherine reunite (assuming that they, in fact do) and I am guessing in the third book we find out if they come together and what happens...
I though The Confession was a great follow-up to The Shunning. I was so pleased by my purchase, it was entirely worth it, no question. I think if you read and enjoyed The Shunning that you MUST read The Confession. It is heartwarming and keeps you reading and attentive the entire read. I look forward to when I can read the third book in the series!
Five out of five stars!
March 4, 2012
‘The Confession’ is book two in the The Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy by Beverly Lewis. In The Shunning we met Katie Lapp, 22 year old Amish girl who feels as if she doesn't fit in. Upon learning that she was adopted she is less content to continue living her plain life. She ends up leaving the Amish Bishop at the altar, an act that ultimately leads to her shunning.
In ‘The Confession’ we see Katie, who now calls herself Katherine as she tries to find her birth mother and embraces the English way of life. I'm going to admit, I was fairly frustrated with "Katherine" in this book. She was all too willing to completely forget a mother and father who loved and raised her in her desperate attempt to find the woman who gave her up at birth. It's nice that her mother turned out to be a decent lady but I was very frustrated, nonetheless that Rebecca Lapp, the adoptive mother, has been cast aside with certain ingratitude.
Overall I did enjoy the book. I am enjoying seeing a side to Amish culture that many other fiction writers of the genre will steer clear of. By learning more about their belief system and culture, I feel as if I have a better insight into their personal lives and their faith. She's very accurate in her descriptions which I find fascinating. For example, I found it interesting to learn that the Amish Ladies of Lancaster County do not use buttons. Why I find this fascinating is beyond me, but for the reader who enjoys learning authentic facts about the Amish and Mennonite, Beverly Lewis does an exceptionally accurate account of their culture, lifestyles and beliefs. I'm giving this book 4 of 5 stars simply because of the frustration I felt with "Katherine" and her obvious disregard for her adoptive mother. I sincerely hope that this issue resolves itself satisfactorily in the third book, ‘The Reckoning’.
In ‘The Confession’ we see Katie, who now calls herself Katherine as she tries to find her birth mother and embraces the English way of life. I'm going to admit, I was fairly frustrated with "Katherine" in this book. She was all too willing to completely forget a mother and father who loved and raised her in her desperate attempt to find the woman who gave her up at birth. It's nice that her mother turned out to be a decent lady but I was very frustrated, nonetheless that Rebecca Lapp, the adoptive mother, has been cast aside with certain ingratitude.
Overall I did enjoy the book. I am enjoying seeing a side to Amish culture that many other fiction writers of the genre will steer clear of. By learning more about their belief system and culture, I feel as if I have a better insight into their personal lives and their faith. She's very accurate in her descriptions which I find fascinating. For example, I found it interesting to learn that the Amish Ladies of Lancaster County do not use buttons. Why I find this fascinating is beyond me, but for the reader who enjoys learning authentic facts about the Amish and Mennonite, Beverly Lewis does an exceptionally accurate account of their culture, lifestyles and beliefs. I'm giving this book 4 of 5 stars simply because of the frustration I felt with "Katherine" and her obvious disregard for her adoptive mother. I sincerely hope that this issue resolves itself satisfactorily in the third book, ‘The Reckoning’.
July 25, 2018
Update 7/23/2018: This book.....I'm 100 pages in and I have many many opinions.
Katie is a very good protagonist but at the same time:
TELL HER ALREADY! Just don't pretend to be a housemaid.
Speaking of which, Laura is killing me. of course she is a living saint. Her husband though:
Katie's parents haven't changed but yet at the end of the prior book they were like "here is cash". Ok
Her Mennonite cousin annoyed me too. But the kicker has to be Daniel. My general reaction to him still is this though:
He is just annoying me the most. I get he faked his death and wants to go see his family and his Katie again (he is in for a shock) but he is just as annoying as I expected him to be at this point. I hope he isn't one of these when he finds out:
Update 7/24/2018: I love how obviously fake the fake Katie is and nobody is calling her out on it yet. Kinda hysterical actually. Katie's mother (Rebecca) is the most realistic thus far. But Mary needs to take a cold shower. She is pining away for the man who shunned her best friend, was her best friend's future husband, oh and just so happens to be the BISHOP and has kids already but wants her best friend back in the worst way. Mary sure is something. This is pretty accurately portraying her thus far:
And Daniel....oh dumb dumb Daniel. Can't wait for the band aid to be ripped off.
Update 7/25/2018: This book made me laugh towards the end. She gets fired by Laura's husband after she basically reveals who she is then remembers the dress as proof? Could have waltzed in there with it from the get go and then they could have done a DNA test Katie! Then the fake one cracks and out goes Dylan as well without much of a resolution. Jail? Private account in the Switzerland or something? But Katie and her mom are back together so yay. Speaking of Katie, let's just address her Amish family. Her parents redeemed themselves. They easily could have said "No". Mary kinda redeemed herself but still is the gif previously posted in my opinion. Daniel.....she spotted him and didn't recognize him. He still annoys me though. Also, Katie and the artist must be a thing in the third one I assume.
Overall, I liked this one better than it's predecessor. But it was equally as all over the place as the first one.
Katie is a very good protagonist but at the same time:
TELL HER ALREADY! Just don't pretend to be a housemaid.
Speaking of which, Laura is killing me. of course she is a living saint. Her husband though:
Katie's parents haven't changed but yet at the end of the prior book they were like "here is cash". Ok
Her Mennonite cousin annoyed me too. But the kicker has to be Daniel. My general reaction to him still is this though:
He is just annoying me the most. I get he faked his death and wants to go see his family and his Katie again (he is in for a shock) but he is just as annoying as I expected him to be at this point. I hope he isn't one of these when he finds out:
Update 7/24/2018: I love how obviously fake the fake Katie is and nobody is calling her out on it yet. Kinda hysterical actually. Katie's mother (Rebecca) is the most realistic thus far. But Mary needs to take a cold shower. She is pining away for the man who shunned her best friend, was her best friend's future husband, oh and just so happens to be the BISHOP and has kids already but wants her best friend back in the worst way. Mary sure is something. This is pretty accurately portraying her thus far:
And Daniel....oh dumb dumb Daniel. Can't wait for the band aid to be ripped off.
Update 7/25/2018: This book made me laugh towards the end. She gets fired by Laura's husband after she basically reveals who she is then remembers the dress as proof? Could have waltzed in there with it from the get go and then they could have done a DNA test Katie! Then the fake one cracks and out goes Dylan as well without much of a resolution. Jail? Private account in the Switzerland or something? But Katie and her mom are back together so yay. Speaking of Katie, let's just address her Amish family. Her parents redeemed themselves. They easily could have said "No". Mary kinda redeemed herself but still is the gif previously posted in my opinion. Daniel.....she spotted him and didn't recognize him. He still annoys me though. Also, Katie and the artist must be a thing in the third one I assume.
Overall, I liked this one better than it's predecessor. But it was equally as all over the place as the first one.
February 3, 2013
An awesome book. If you enjoyed The Shunning, you will love this book. As usual, Beverly Lewis has added some twists and turns along the way.
November 8, 2011
**Warning this is book 2 out of 3. If you have not read the first one in the series, The Shunning; you may not want to continue reading**
The end of The Shunning brought about a few surprises. Katie Lapp leaves her Amish life, the only life she has ever known to find her English mother. Annie, Katie's sister in law, receives a letter from Dan Fisher; her brother that is suppose to be dead and Katie's one true love.
In The Confession, Katie Lapp leaves home in search of her dying mother in the hopes of finding her before it's too late. Katie's search ends up in Canadadigua, New York; her mother's estate. Finding herself on the Bennett's door step ready to confront her mother, she realizes that there is a woman trying to impersonate the real "Katie Lapp". Hoping she has time to figure out this web of lies and deceit before it's too late and become reunited with her mother once and for all, Katie vows to find out what is going on and who this other woman is.
We also get a better look at Dan Fisher and what he has been doing for the past few years. Why did he let his family think he was dead? What has he been doing all these years? What will he do when he finds out his one true love has been shunned by the people she loves? Will Katie reunite with her mother before it's too late? Why would someone be impersonating Katie? Will Katie find out that her one true love isn't really dead? To find out the answers to these questions and more, read The Confession.
I stayed up late many nights reading this page turning book! After reading The Shunning, I knew the next book in the series would be just as good; if not better. I am very curious to find out if Dan and Katie reunite. This book has some heart wrenching parts that brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to start the final book in this series!
I rate this book 5/5!!
The end of The Shunning brought about a few surprises. Katie Lapp leaves her Amish life, the only life she has ever known to find her English mother. Annie, Katie's sister in law, receives a letter from Dan Fisher; her brother that is suppose to be dead and Katie's one true love.
In The Confession, Katie Lapp leaves home in search of her dying mother in the hopes of finding her before it's too late. Katie's search ends up in Canadadigua, New York; her mother's estate. Finding herself on the Bennett's door step ready to confront her mother, she realizes that there is a woman trying to impersonate the real "Katie Lapp". Hoping she has time to figure out this web of lies and deceit before it's too late and become reunited with her mother once and for all, Katie vows to find out what is going on and who this other woman is.
We also get a better look at Dan Fisher and what he has been doing for the past few years. Why did he let his family think he was dead? What has he been doing all these years? What will he do when he finds out his one true love has been shunned by the people she loves? Will Katie reunite with her mother before it's too late? Why would someone be impersonating Katie? Will Katie find out that her one true love isn't really dead? To find out the answers to these questions and more, read The Confession.
I stayed up late many nights reading this page turning book! After reading The Shunning, I knew the next book in the series would be just as good; if not better. I am very curious to find out if Dan and Katie reunite. This book has some heart wrenching parts that brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to start the final book in this series!
I rate this book 5/5!!
August 23, 2014
A lovely book. A wonderful early writing by Beverly Lewis. The second book in the Heritage of Lancaster County series. This book had mystery and lies, intrigue and illness, and things and people lost and found again. It was wonderful. A great second book. I can't wait to read the third and last in the series. I want to find out what happens to Katherine.
I loved the protectiveness of the house servants over Laura, in her illness. I hated her scum of a husband. I loved Katherine (Katie) and her search for her true self as well as her search for her birth mother. Her fierce protectiveness when she found her mother may be being lied to and swindled. It was very sad, however, to see how her Amish 'family' was dealing with things back home; especially the mother. And, since I have been having troubles at home with my own adult children it hit me much the harder.
I can't imagine having a child turn from the way you raised them and never being allowed to talk to them again. So sad, so very, very sad. I will never have to go through something like that because my children know they could NEVER do anything that would stop me from loving and accepting them... just as they are, no matter what they may do. If they chose to leave our home and go their own way they have only to show up back at my door and they would be accepted back into the family, loved, cherished. But then, I don't have the strict Amish bishop telling me how to live... and I am thankful for that. I pray that never happens though. I pray my children never away wander from the Lord, or from their family. Yes, this book really touched my mother's heart.
I loved the protectiveness of the house servants over Laura, in her illness. I hated her scum of a husband. I loved Katherine (Katie) and her search for her true self as well as her search for her birth mother. Her fierce protectiveness when she found her mother may be being lied to and swindled. It was very sad, however, to see how her Amish 'family' was dealing with things back home; especially the mother. And, since I have been having troubles at home with my own adult children it hit me much the harder.
I can't imagine having a child turn from the way you raised them and never being allowed to talk to them again. So sad, so very, very sad. I will never have to go through something like that because my children know they could NEVER do anything that would stop me from loving and accepting them... just as they are, no matter what they may do. If they chose to leave our home and go their own way they have only to show up back at my door and they would be accepted back into the family, loved, cherished. But then, I don't have the strict Amish bishop telling me how to live... and I am thankful for that. I pray that never happens though. I pray my children never away wander from the Lord, or from their family. Yes, this book really touched my mother's heart.
September 5, 2013
This review it for all three of the books in the The Heritage of Lancaster County series. You really can't read one without wanting to read the other, and the books flowed so nicely after the other that it really felt like it was one whole book.
I normally don't read books about the Amish, but I saw the movie for "The Shunning" and "The Confession". I really loved the movies, and the ending of "The Confession" was left hanging for the next movie. I was so upset at having to wait till the next movie to find out, so I read the series.
I'd say the books were definitely better than the movie. Books always take you deeper into the characters feelings. Both the first two books are left cliffhanging for the next book, so it's kinda hard not to read the whole series. I loved how the author was writing from other character's view point, not just Katie's/Katherine's. It was neat to see how each character had a story of there own, not just Katie.
I'm so glad to finally be done with this series. I really enjoyed reading them and I can't wait till the movie for the Reckoning finally come's out!
I normally don't read books about the Amish, but I saw the movie for "The Shunning" and "The Confession". I really loved the movies, and the ending of "The Confession" was left hanging for the next movie. I was so upset at having to wait till the next movie to find out, so I read the series.
I'd say the books were definitely better than the movie. Books always take you deeper into the characters feelings. Both the first two books are left cliffhanging for the next book, so it's kinda hard not to read the whole series. I loved how the author was writing from other character's view point, not just Katie's/Katherine's. It was neat to see how each character had a story of there own, not just Katie.
I'm so glad to finally be done with this series. I really enjoyed reading them and I can't wait till the movie for the Reckoning finally come's out!
March 20, 2008
The sequel to The Shunning has more action, but is also more disjointed. We are inside a dozen different people's heads, and the result is a literary mess, in my opinion. The action is interesting, if somewhat predictable. The forshadowing is too obvious (same in the first book). And the lead character seems to be a bit stupid. I know she grew up Amish, but there's a difference between naivete and stupidity. The author clearly doesn't know it. But maybe I'm assuming too much, not being familiar with Amish culture. I don't know how her upbringing would have affected her actions. Anyway. I may finish the series. I haven't decided yet.
August 17, 2012
The three books in the series should have been condensed into one book.
January 7, 2015
I really enjoyed reading th confession it was a very good book and held my interest I enjoy reading books by Beverly Lewis
February 9, 2016
I liked this story but it was predictable and Just a wee bit disappointed that her Amish mother was not given more credit for raising her. On the next book in series...
January 23, 2019
I finished this story and the first one in the series off in one night! Now I just have to get the third!
February 5, 2016
I have seen the movie but I wanted to read the book to fill in gaps that the movies never include. I was definitely not disappointed. The story is exceptionally well written. Beverly Lewis has well-developed characters who are real and not artificial. I particularly enjoyed the staff at the Bennett estate. They worked hard but they enjoyed their work. Katherine was such a special young lady who worked her way into the hearts of everyone she met without making a conscious effort to do so. She fit in so beautifully with the staff at the estate as she was seeking to find and meet her birth mother. She was thrown a real twister upon her arrival there with the presence of the other young woman who was introduced as the daughter of the mistress of the estate. This was another of those books that I simply had to finish regardless of the early morning hour as I neared the end. I recommend this to all lovers of great Amish fiction.
March 1, 2018
Flew through the second book in this series and was sad to see it come to an end before all my questions were answered and everything was neat and tidy. The story picked up right where the first stopped and I still enjoyed the characters as much as the first book. I got a little teared up when Rebecca began to slip and continued to go downhill. I am going to start the 3rd book tonight and I am anxious to see how it turns out.
August 19, 2015
love this book
June 19, 2022
2.5 stars
Ohhh man. I wish I hadn't read this is audiobook format because the whole time I was just dying to skim. I think this whole series could have been condensed into one book. There's a lot of unnecessary scenes where someone is agonizing over something and it just isn't that interesting.
Katie turned Katherine acts like a spoiled brat. I really had no sympathy for her. Yes, her Amish family treated her badly during the period of the Shunning. But they raised her and cared for her and she doesn't seem to care that her Amish mom really loves her. Then, she completely throws off we whole heritage by dressing super modern and "English." It seems like it would have been more difficult to abandon everything you ever knew. She is supposed to be this fiery and bold character, and that's the whole premise for her not fitting into the Amish community. But then when it comes time for her to actually be bold in a situation where it really really counts, she doesn't even TRY to tell anyone who she ACTUALLY is. It's infuriating. She missed out on so much time with her birth mom because she was nervous? So confusing.
Then- how in the heck did the whole imposter Katie Lapp thing hold water? Rosie and her husband were supposedly very suspicious, but they don't even try to look into her background. They just stand by even after they know their beloved mistress is being duped. Like what if Katie Lapp was a murderer, not just an impostor? Then, when it came to the whole Katie gets the inheritance thing so she can transfer it to Dylan, how would she receive that inheritance if she didn't even have the correct ID?
And it was so dumb that supposedly Justin Worth "just knew" that Katie wasn't the real Katherine. He spent the least amount of time around all of them, he should have been the last one to see it. And even if he had noticed, I kept expecting a valid explanation for why he knew. Like maybe, he knew that Amish people don't pose for portraits??!!! No one ever brought that up and it bugged me.
So many holes in the plot and so many underdeveloped characters. I'm going to read the last book just to find out what happens. I remember loving this series in middle school. My standards have definitely changed.
Ohhh man. I wish I hadn't read this is audiobook format because the whole time I was just dying to skim. I think this whole series could have been condensed into one book. There's a lot of unnecessary scenes where someone is agonizing over something and it just isn't that interesting.
Katie turned Katherine acts like a spoiled brat. I really had no sympathy for her. Yes, her Amish family treated her badly during the period of the Shunning. But they raised her and cared for her and she doesn't seem to care that her Amish mom really loves her. Then, she completely throws off we whole heritage by dressing super modern and "English." It seems like it would have been more difficult to abandon everything you ever knew. She is supposed to be this fiery and bold character, and that's the whole premise for her not fitting into the Amish community. But then when it comes time for her to actually be bold in a situation where it really really counts, she doesn't even TRY to tell anyone who she ACTUALLY is. It's infuriating. She missed out on so much time with her birth mom because she was nervous? So confusing.
Then- how in the heck did the whole imposter Katie Lapp thing hold water? Rosie and her husband were supposedly very suspicious, but they don't even try to look into her background. They just stand by even after they know their beloved mistress is being duped. Like what if Katie Lapp was a murderer, not just an impostor? Then, when it came to the whole Katie gets the inheritance thing so she can transfer it to Dylan, how would she receive that inheritance if she didn't even have the correct ID?
And it was so dumb that supposedly Justin Worth "just knew" that Katie wasn't the real Katherine. He spent the least amount of time around all of them, he should have been the last one to see it. And even if he had noticed, I kept expecting a valid explanation for why he knew. Like maybe, he knew that Amish people don't pose for portraits??!!! No one ever brought that up and it bugged me.
So many holes in the plot and so many underdeveloped characters. I'm going to read the last book just to find out what happens. I remember loving this series in middle school. My standards have definitely changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
Whew, and I thought the first book was confusing.
The story continues where it left off in "The Shunning" (so don't read any further if you haven't read that one yet).
Katherine is off to find her mother, and the whole world she's left behind falls apart in her wake. SOOOOOO many point of view characters that it's near impossible to keep track of everyone, and a strange little storyline about her first love make this an odd book that reads like a something written by a beginning writer.
I'm not trying to be mean here. This feels like an early novel (and from the date I'm guessing it is?). My first novels had way too many characters, a whole lot of head-hopping, and storylines lifted from soap operas.
Somewhere along the way Beverly Lewis does learn to write. I can say this because I've seen it. I'm going to carry through and hope that we see a better plotline and weeding out of the unnecessary on book three. Also, I'd kind of like to know how the whole thing comes out despite myself.
I really do wish I could give this book a better review, but I really can't. There was a lot of potential here...it just never quite panned out.
The story continues where it left off in "The Shunning" (so don't read any further if you haven't read that one yet).
Katherine is off to find her mother, and the whole world she's left behind falls apart in her wake. SOOOOOO many point of view characters that it's near impossible to keep track of everyone, and a strange little storyline about her first love make this an odd book that reads like a something written by a beginning writer.
I'm not trying to be mean here. This feels like an early novel (and from the date I'm guessing it is?). My first novels had way too many characters, a whole lot of head-hopping, and storylines lifted from soap operas.
Somewhere along the way Beverly Lewis does learn to write. I can say this because I've seen it. I'm going to carry through and hope that we see a better plotline and weeding out of the unnecessary on book three. Also, I'd kind of like to know how the whole thing comes out despite myself.
I really do wish I could give this book a better review, but I really can't. There was a lot of potential here...it just never quite panned out.
May 30, 2018
Young Katie Lapp is now on a journey of fulfillment, seeking out family and finding herself at the Bennett household. But little does she realize she will face her greatest challenge yet, one where knowing oneself and trying to find a purpose will be overtaken by deception and claims by an evil party. What can Katie Lapp do now with even her own identity at stake?
I felt this book was a huge improvement over the first one. Yes like the first it has many parts where the characters probably would have had their conflicts and problems resolved just by saying out loud to the people what they were toiling on about (seriously, there is a lot of that. It's almost frustrating!) but the plot to this one definitely is an improvement.
I was drawn to this one as there was people conspiring with a plan that was yes cliché or like something a Hollywood movie would do but it was still great.
Definitely read this one if you liked some stuff about the first book. I think you will like this one more.
I felt this book was a huge improvement over the first one. Yes like the first it has many parts where the characters probably would have had their conflicts and problems resolved just by saying out loud to the people what they were toiling on about (seriously, there is a lot of that. It's almost frustrating!) but the plot to this one definitely is an improvement.
I was drawn to this one as there was people conspiring with a plan that was yes cliché or like something a Hollywood movie would do but it was still great.
Definitely read this one if you liked some stuff about the first book. I think you will like this one more.
February 13, 2024
Just watched the movie and it seemed contrived.
It was touching in spots.
My wife and I were in Lancaster last year, we really like things Amish-Mennonite.
There were Amish in NE Indiana when I grew up there in the 60's and 70's.
My wife is from Western KY and there are alot in Elkton and Crofton areas. I think some made a good profit selling expensive PA land and buying in KY.
She was raised Pentecostal and sort of identifies with Amish. There were some Pentecostal on my Moms side but we were very English. I did find some German ancestors that were in York PA back in the late 1700's. Most were Quakers before they registered on my radar.
New Harmony IN is a really cool visit. Two kinds of 19th Century utopian societies were there. The first was led by a German Christian from PA named George Rapp. The second was world famous under Robert Owen and was secular-socialist.
It was touching in spots.
My wife and I were in Lancaster last year, we really like things Amish-Mennonite.
There were Amish in NE Indiana when I grew up there in the 60's and 70's.
My wife is from Western KY and there are alot in Elkton and Crofton areas. I think some made a good profit selling expensive PA land and buying in KY.
She was raised Pentecostal and sort of identifies with Amish. There were some Pentecostal on my Moms side but we were very English. I did find some German ancestors that were in York PA back in the late 1700's. Most were Quakers before they registered on my radar.
New Harmony IN is a really cool visit. Two kinds of 19th Century utopian societies were there. The first was led by a German Christian from PA named George Rapp. The second was world famous under Robert Owen and was secular-socialist.
December 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this sequel to The Shunning. I'd read it when it was first published 25+ years ago. I had remembered a bit if what takes place, but very few details. I loved the intrigue which kept me turning the pages, eager to be reminded of what exactly was going to happen. I also enjoyed that the author didn't abandon the characters in Hickory Hollow, and that we got to see how Katie's shunning affected those she loved. I did find it strange the way the author ended The Shunning with the revelation of Daniel being alive, but then in this story, the author backtracked to lead up to that revelation. I definitely can't remember most of what happens in book 3, so, I can't wait to read and find put it how the author concluded this trilogy.
March 21, 2020
Like the first book, this is not the typical Amish-romance book, though romance is part of the story. It is about looking at who the characters are and how it can inform the decisions in the future.
My one complaint is that it has traditional 90s writing about atheists/Christian stereotypes, but this is a refreshing story to read as it is more Amish history focused than using it as a background setting for a romance.
Recommended 13+ for death, romance, and stereotypes of atheists/Christians.
My one complaint is that it has traditional 90s writing about atheists/Christian stereotypes, but this is a refreshing story to read as it is more Amish history focused than using it as a background setting for a romance.
Recommended 13+ for death, romance, and stereotypes of atheists/Christians.
April 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much! The reason it got four stars instead of five is simply because I was driven nuts many times throughout the book asking myself, “Why doesn’t she just…” “Why don’t they just…?” “Why doesn’t he…?” Many decisions were just crazy, and oftentimes there was NO activity when time was of the essence. The lollygagging, feet dragging, inability to act just tried my nerves one too many times! 😵💫 However, with that said, I’m off to start on the next one! 🤪
June 20, 2017
Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman who questioned the strict rules of her upbringing and even her own identity, has been shunned from her Amish community. Katie--now known as Katherine Mayfield--sets out to find her birth mother, and a life, she has never known.
July 8, 2022
This book wasn’t quite as good as the first book. It dragged a bit but was still a good read. I have to really work to understand how an Amish person would think because I would definitely do things differently. Haha!
September 14, 2021
I was glad to continue the story, and find out what happened next, but the pace of this was soooooo slow and drawn out. Debating whether to finish the story and head to book 3 or not.
July 19, 2010
I recently finished up the second book in the Beverly Lewis triology, “The Heritage of Lancaster County”. The book is called “The Confession” and once again, it fascinated me. The integrity, truth and honor that the Amish people carry throughout their lives is amazing and this book, along with her
others, reveal the thoughts and happenings of Amish folk.
This book continues to follow the life of Katie Lapp. Katie, who has left her Amish community after being shunned for disobeying the Bishop, travels in search of her birth mother. When Katie travels to the home of her birth mother, Laura and her husband, Katie’s dreams begin to crumble.
As Laura struggles for her life, Katie struggles to reveal her true identity and derail the plan that Laura’s husband has laid.
Overall, I loved this book. Beverly Lewis’ writing captivates me. I never thought I’d enjoy reading a book that is plotted around a young Amish woman. So far, Lewis’ books are far from boring.
Originally posted on our blog at
others, reveal the thoughts and happenings of Amish folk.
This book continues to follow the life of Katie Lapp. Katie, who has left her Amish community after being shunned for disobeying the Bishop, travels in search of her birth mother. When Katie travels to the home of her birth mother, Laura and her husband, Katie’s dreams begin to crumble.
As Laura struggles for her life, Katie struggles to reveal her true identity and derail the plan that Laura’s husband has laid.
Overall, I loved this book. Beverly Lewis’ writing captivates me. I never thought I’d enjoy reading a book that is plotted around a young Amish woman. So far, Lewis’ books are far from boring.
Originally posted on our blog at
February 16, 2020
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
10/15/2015-
(My notes are very messy on this book, but basically: I didn't like Justin at all and the movie is nothing like this book.)
2/7/2020-
Mentioned in a recent video that I would be unhauling this trilogy because I decided that I didn't necessarily want to reread them.
*Main Content-
Pain, dizziness & taking morphine (semi-detailed); Mentions of drinking & smoking; Minor cussing (dumb, idiot, & also mentions of people cussing in German (not written)).
Cheek/forehead kisses and two semi-detailed kisses; Mentions of a man wanting to show a girl his passion when they were dating (but she wants a pure relationship); Mentions of flirting, kisses, & kissing; A mention of a wedding night; A mention of a seductive whisper; A mention of a vasectomy.
10/15/2015-
(My notes are very messy on this book, but basically: I didn't like Justin at all and the movie is nothing like this book.)
2/7/2020-
Mentioned in a recent video that I would be unhauling this trilogy because I decided that I didn't necessarily want to reread them.
*Main Content-
Pain, dizziness & taking morphine (semi-detailed); Mentions of drinking & smoking; Minor cussing (dumb, idiot, & also mentions of people cussing in German (not written)).
Cheek/forehead kisses and two semi-detailed kisses; Mentions of a man wanting to show a girl his passion when they were dating (but she wants a pure relationship); Mentions of flirting, kisses, & kissing; A mention of a wedding night; A mention of a seductive whisper; A mention of a vasectomy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews