I recently watched a copy of the movie, The Shunning, which I was given in order to provide a review for my blog readers.

Before she succumbs to cancer, the dying wish of Laura Mayfield-Bennett is to be reunited with the daughter she never knew. Unfortunately, that daughter, Katie Lapp, is a member of the Amish order. Katie is about to be married, but uneasy about the path ahead. Now she discovers the secret her parents have kept from her: she’s adopted.

The film is based on the celebrated first novel of the best-selling “The Heritage of Lancaster County” book series from author Beverly Lewis. Stars Danielle Panabaker & Sherry Stringfield.

BEVERLY LEWIS – Author of “The Shunning”

Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is The New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Lewis to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with “The Shunning,” which has sold more than one million copies. In 2007, Lewis’ “The Brethren” was honored with a Christy Award.

Lewis has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Lewis lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

Having never read any of the books by Beverly Lewis, I cannot compare my viewing of the movie to the actual book series but I can give you an idea of my thoughts on the movie itself.   Unlike most movies these days, this one was very family oriented and as such acceptable viewing for Christians which puts it leagues ahead of most movies produced in recent times.  The movie portrayed Amish life and also had many themes such as forgiveness, self-discovery as well as others.  I found many positive thought-provoking messages in this movie and as a mother, a Christian, and a homeschooler, I found this movie to be a must-see.    I have to admit I had previously stayed away from  reading Beverly Lewis novels because I assumed the themes within them would be merely based on Amish living  and I would not have anything else to take away from reading them.  After watching the movie I think I may try reading the novel from which this movie was based so that I can see for myself whether or not this movie closely followed the book.  Of course the one thing I have to say about the movie that I did notice was that the main character  did look to have too much makeup and you could still notice the actress’s ear piercing hole if you looked for it.  his did not take away from the movie but was an observation that myself and my girls did notice.  Other than that I felt it was a well-made movie worthy of viewing for yourself.  As a homeschooler I can see using this movie to teach about the Amish, about our choices in life, about learning about who we really are and what values and decisions we hold and make.  There are so many other things that can be taken from and learned from this movie.  Oh and I do not normally like movies that leave things open-ended but for this one movie I will make an exception.  I do not know if there is a sequel in the making but I do hope so.

The Shunning DVD is being released for purchase on 9/13/11.  You can go to the following links to learn more:

Now that you have read what I thought about this movie, I am sure you will want to own a copy for yourself!  All I ask is that you leave a comment about why you would like to win a copy of this movie.  For a second chance at winning,  follow my blog through Google Friend Connect (GFC) on the left-side of my blog and leave a comment that you did so.  I will be selecting a winner on 9/28/11 after 11:00 pm EST.

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services 
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I 
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: 

Filed under: Misc. Reviews, Reviews by Barbara
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