Beverly Lewis Shares Her Journey Writing Amish Fiction and Stories of Faith
Beverly Lewis, the bestselling pioneer of Amish fiction, reflects on her writing journey, unique inspiratio
Exploring Amish Culture through Fiction
With over 19 million copies sold and translations in 12 languages, Beverly Lewis’ work profoundly connects with readers worldwide, blending cultural exploration with heartfelt, universally relatable human stories.
B everly Lewis, a beloved and masterful storyteller, has captured the hearts of readers around the globe with her captivating books that celebrate faith, love, and heritage. With over 19 million copies in print and translations in a dozen languages, her work resonates with individuals from all walks of life, seamlessly blending cultural exploration and deeply human stories. A fixture on bestseller lists including The New York Times and USA Today, Beverly is widely regarded as a pioneer of Amish fiction, crafting heartfelt narratives that transport readers to the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County’s Amish communities.
Here at Mosaic Digest, we are honored to feature our interview with Beverly Lewis, whose novels have become cherished treasures, inspiring readers to embrace themes of forgiveness, belonging, and grace. Through her richly-drawn characters, immersive settings like the idyllic Hickory Hollow, and her thoughtful portrayal of faith woven into every story, Beverly has built a legacy of storytelling that serves as both uplifting entertainment and a window into a way of life often misunderstood.
In our conversation, Beverly reflects on how her childhood in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, her family history, and her relationships with Old Order Mennonite and Amish communities shaped her passion for this unique genre. From discussing the heartfelt moments in her latest novel, The Christmas House, to sharing her advice on writing potent, culturally specific narratives, Beverly provides an inspiring look into her creative process and her hope that her stories encourage readers to embrace empathy, understanding, and love.
It is with great pride and respect that Mosaic Digest presents this enlightening interview with Beverly Lewis—a cornerstone in faith-filled fiction and a true advocate for stories that touch the mind and the soul. Enjoy the heartfelt insights from a gifted author who has made an indelible mark on the literary world.
A literary treasure, Beverly Lewis inspires millions with her heartfelt fiction, celebrating faith, love, and the beauty of simple living.
What inspired you to write stories centered around Amish culture?
As a young girl growing up near the Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I was captivated by their “Plain” culture. Some of that fascination originated from the family stories I’d heard about my courageous maternal grandmother, Ada Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite community to marry and was eventually excommunicated and shunned. (My first novel, The Shunning, is loosely based on Grandma Ada’s heartbreaking experience.)
“Lewis shines in this tender, homespun Amish romance, the prequel to The Shunning. Fans of clean Amish romance will have their heartstrings tugged by this inspiring tale, which speaks to the power of new beginnings and love’s ability to bridge seemingly uncrossable divides. It’s a delight.”
—Publishers Weekly on The Heirloom
How do you go about researching the Amish lifestyle for your novels?
From my youth, I have engaged with Amish vendors at farmers markets, quilts and crafts shops, and roadside vegetable stands. After my first Amish-related book was published in 1995, I personally answered letters from Amish readers and even stayed with two different Amish families, two different summers to acquire additional in-person research. They appreciated my desire to accurately depict their culture, consequently Amish women have become my best research consultants, some familiar with my grandmother’s shunning! The common bond of our Plain heritage has played a large part in my having forged friendships with Amish people.
Naturally, the trust factor has also been essential, and I have honored their request not to reveal their identities in my author acknowledgements.
“There’s Amish fiction, and then there’s Beverly Lewis. In The Heirloom, Lewis again proves that she sets the standard high in this genre as she brilliantly combines young and old, past and present, into one unforgettable story.”
—Interviews & Reviews on The Heirloom
What message do you hope readers take away from The Christmas House?
The Christmas House encapsulates the universal theme of community and belonging. Liz Lantz, my Amish protagonist, wants to bridge the gap between the Englisher family, the Hyatts, who moved into her small farming town, and her devout Amish neighbors. The Hyatts have demonstrated their Christmas spirit for a second year in a row with an extravagantly decorated house, causing unwanted traffic and attention in Hickory Hollow. Liz makes an initial attempt to connect with the family by listening—not judging—eager to understand their very different world view, something I believe would go a long way toward accepting those with opposing viewpoints in the real world.
How do you approach creating characters who feel authentic to both Amish and English communities?
People are people no matter the culture. I focus on universal themes in my novels that are not exclusive to either the Amish society or to our modern world. And I create characters who are relatable and long for the things all humans yearn for—to love and be loved, to make a difference and to have a purpose, and to triumph over life’s challenges.
“Best-selling Lewis presents a chaste and gentle romance that is focused as much on family relationships and the community as it is on the hopes of a young couple.”
—Booklist on The Orchard
What draws you to write stories set in Hickory Hollow specifically?
What’s not to love about an idyllic small-town setting, surrounded by a sea of cornfields, two-story barns and silos? One tour guide told a Lancaster newspaper editor that “Beverly Lewis’s novels have increased the tourist population here.”
My devoted readership has fallen in love with fictional Hickory Hollow, beginning with my first adult series, “The Heritage of Lancaster County.” I chose one of my favorite locations in Lancaster County farmland and named it Hickory Hollow. When asked for the precise location, I have directed many, many readers to this actual place, (travel west on Route 340 from Lancaster, turn south on Cattail Road, etc.), but there is no signage to welcome you to Hickory Hollow in real life.
How do you balance romance and cultural exploration in your novels?
Despite the vast differences between two cultures, there are most always commonalities between two people who are attracted to each other romantically. In my books, the young man or young woman who is considered an outsider by the Amish community often finds that attraction all the more appealing because of the unique societal traditions and language (Pennsylvania Dutch), as well as the tenacious adherence to centuries-old practices.
Generally speaking, the non-Amish person in my novels featuring English/Amish romance is the one making the larger concession for the relationship.
What role does faith play in your writing method and storytelling?
As with Amish life and the community’s dedication to the Lord and His teachings, faith is integral to my writing method and to the stories themselves. Like a handcrafted Amish quilt, forgiveness, grace and mercy are woven into my daily writing journey. In prayer, I depend on divine guidance for the writing of each new story idea, trusting readers will become educated about a cloistered and rather misunderstood people group, and be given a wholesome reading option, and one that inspires and makes a difference in their lives.
Could you share a favourite moment or memory from writing The Christmas House?
The finale in The Christmas House felt so powerful within me as I wrote it, I could hardly type fast enough. The words simply poured out, which is unusual for me, since I view myself as a rewriter. And, yes, there were tears.
What advice would you give to authors interested in exploring culturally specific or faith-based storytelling?
Read the bestselling book in those categories, and if you’re writing about a culture or a religion unfamiliar to you, take time to delve deep into its practices. Arrange to stay with the people in that community to experience their life and beliefs.
Also, join a writers’ critique group—or start one—and get feedback from sources other than your spouse or best friend, parent or sibling. I also recommend having an impartial person read your work aloud to you.
What would you suggest to other authors looking to write heartfelt and meaningful narratives?
Above all, write what’s burning in your heart, with empathy and understanding, as though the reader is your dearest friend. Become your protagonist in every way possible and fashion a setting that lives and breathes, as if it were a character; in other words, write with authenticity. And make an effort to go above and beyond what is considered adequate research.
Editor’s Note
Beverly Lewis enchants with a heartfelt holiday tale, blending love, community, and faith in the picturesque Amish countryside.
Beverly Lewis beautifully captures the charm of Amish life in The Christmas House. This heartwarming novella blends love, faith, and community against a festive backdrop. Liz and Matt’s evolving connection offers a sweet romance, while the cultural tensions between Amish and English neighbors provide meaningful depth. A delightful holiday read, perfect for fans of inspiring, feel-good stories brimming with warmth.
