Wow.  I just finished watching “The Shunning”, another great movie based on the books of New York Times Bestselling author, Beverly Lewis. I don’t know if it’s because adoption is such a personal issue for me, or if I’m just generally a fan of Hallmark Channel movies, but whew, this one hit me in the heart! Directed by Michael Landon, Jr. and starring Danielle Panabaker, “The Shunning” tells the story of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman who begins to question her faith just as she begins to learn the secrets of her birth.
As an adoptive mom, I’m always personally tied to stories of children who are contacted by their birth parents, and their feelings surrounding their adoption. In this story, Katie, didn’t know she was adopted until just before her marriage to a leader of their Amish community. It turns her world upside down and when she breaks the rules of her faith, she is shunned by the people she has loved her whole life.
Danielle Panabaker and Sandra Van Natta, starring in "The Shunning"
Danielle Panabaker plays the role of Katie with tenderness and feeling. Watching the movie, you feel her pain of not knowing who you are, where you belong, and who to trust. Katie’s adoptive mom is played by Sandra Van Natta and she also strongly portrays the mother’s struggle of wanting the best for her daughter but also wanting to respect her husband and her church. Sherry Stringfield (ER) plays Katie’s birth mother who desperately wants to meet the daughter she gave up 20 years before.
My favorite scenes were those between Katie and Ella Mae (Nancy Saunders), the “Baby Catcher” of the community. Ella Mae was present for the birth of every baby in their Amish town, except for that of Katie Lapp. When an “Englisher” comes searching for a mother and child, Ella Mae has a good idea of what is going on. She helps Katie sort out the pieces of her life and tells her, “No matter where God puts us, it’s up to us how we choose to live.” That was my favorite line in the movie.
For more information about the movie:
About Author, Beverly Lewis
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.
I’m so happy to say that I can also giveaway a copy of the DVD, “The Shunning” to one lucky KLY reader! Please enter below in the Rafflecopter form and enjoy this wonderful film.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of the DVD “The Shunning” 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.â€
I read that the authors maternal grandmother had been excommunicated & shunned
Lori Thomas recently posted..Premiere: The Help – Swagbucks TV
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
I read a lot of things 1 is that Bill Oberst Jr plays Samuel. He is known as “the best actor you have ever heard.”
farrah_jo@yahoo.com
Bill Oberst Jr. (as Samuel) portrayal of John F. Kennedy in the stage play JFK toured 20 states and had the honor of playing at the Kennedy Library.
Sherry Springfield is a main character and I have been re-watching ER where she played a main character. Know I would like this. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway
the entire manuscript was finished in six weeks
I was amazed at how much the hallmark website has their about their movies and so much more. I would love to see this movie the review is great. Thanks for the chance to win it. Rita
I learned in a note from Lewis her overhearing a conversation of her grandmother being shunned
I learned Beverley Lewis’s grandmother was shunned
I learned the author wrote the Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook which contains recipes from her grandmother’s recipe box.