The Shunning DVD - Review & Giveaway

Recently I was given the opportunity to review the movie, The Shunning, which is a Hallmark movie based on Beverly Lewis' book.

Beverly Lewis' The Shunning - About the Movie

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. 

My opinions ...

When I found out I could review this movie, I immediately went to the library to borrow the book.  I wanted to have an idea what to expect from the movie.  I LOVED the book.  Read it in 3 days.  And now I'm reading the second book in the series.

I was a bit disappointed that the movie was so different than the book.  I probably should have watched the movie and then read the book.  :)  Several things were noticeably different to me, but I won't go into them because I don't want to spoil it for someone else who wants to watch it.  

However, I watched with an open mind, because it isn't too often that movies are exactly like the book.  I enjoyed the movie although I was distracted by the fact that Katie Lapp and her Amish mother, Rebecca, were wearing makeup.  I won't even begin to pretend that I know much, if anything, about the Amish community.  Except what I've read in Beverly Lewis' books.  However, from reading the book, I'm pretty certain that they do not wear makeup.  Not a big deal, just sayin'.

The other thing I noticed is that the movie seemed rushed ... the reasons leading up to Katie's shunning, the shunning itself, and the results.  Although I understand that you can only put so much into an 88-minute movie.

Having said all that, I did enjoy the movie.  And will watch it again ... hopefully with a less-critical eye next time.  :)  It is a movie that the whole family can watch.  In fact, my almost-13-year-old daughter loved it.

If you'd like to win your own copy of the Shunning DVD, just leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win.  Easy peasy!  One comment per person please.  Deadline to enter is Sunday, September 25 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen randomly on Monday, September 26 and announced on my blog.  Thanks for reading!

If you'd like more information on The Shunning movie, here are a few links ...

Website

Facebook

Trailer

Fine print:  "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: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

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