1. Your first Amish novel, The Shunning, was published more than two decades ago and launched what quickly became a wildly popular genre of fiction. What stands out to you most as you consider the years since?
Every book I write is for God’s glory alone, and it’s humbling to see my every hope for my writing exceeded in this way. Throughout the years, my constant prayer has been to lift the spirit and stir the heart through the stories of my Plain characters, and I hope I’ve done that. In these often complex times, readers feel drawn to stories that center around friendship and community, family and faith, and hope.
2. Your newest novel, The Timepiece, concludes the dramatic story set out in The Tinderbox. Can you tell us a little about the plot?
Sylvia Miller has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she unexpectedly shows up in Hickory Hollow. Adeline doesn’t mean to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household, making this a challenging time to welcome an Englisher—especially this Englisher—into the family’s midst. Does Adeline’s arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community? Or can God bring something good out of the mistakes of the past?
3. Readers frequently write to say how your books resonate with them at the heart level—they relate to so many of the characters and themes. Can you tell us about some of the themes found in The Timepiece?
Many of the characters are still recovering from the broken trust of the last book, so the critical importance of trust and honesty in relationships continues to play a foundational role, as do forgiveness and reconciliation. All of us need God’s grace, but it can be a real struggle to offer it to another. Characters also delve deeper into faith and its role in their lives. And in Sylvia’s case, there’s a growing fear that she will never escape the shadow of her father’s past mistakes—it’s frustrating to be judged for something she has no control over. Like all of us, she longs to be loved and accepted for who she is.
4. Your books have been published in a remarkable twelve languages, and your name is a frequent sight on bestseller lists like the New York Times. What do you think of the widespread appeal of your fiction?
Honestly, I still pinch myself! Only God could have orchestrated all I’ve experienced as a writer, and I’m ever grateful for how He has blessed me. There are no words to express how touched I am by the opportunity to hear from so many wonderful reader-friends from around the world. I’m a storyteller to the core, and it’s a blessing to be able to share God’s love through my books!
5. What are you working on now?
My next novel will be a stand-alone story. In The Stone Wall, Anna Wengerd is excited to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the picturesque area where her Plain grandmother once resided. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about that time, but the woman now suffers from Alzheimer’s, and much about that long-ago summer is a mystery. Thankfully, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite, takes the young Beachy Amish woman under his wing for her training, familiarizing her with the many local highlights, including the Amish-run Peaceful Meadows Horse Retreat, which serves those with special needs. Anna is so inspired by its mission that she returns to volunteer. While observing a riding class, Anna meets Gabe Allgyer, a young Amish widower, and it isn’t long before the two strike up a friendship.
As Anna grows closer to both Martin and Gabe, she finds herself faced with a difficult choice—and in potential conflict with the expectations of her parents. Will Anna find true love in Lancaster County? Or will she, like her grandmother before her, only discover heartbreak?
Look for The Stone Wall in the fall of 2020!
6. Is there an easy way for readers to stay up to date on your current news?
They can visit www.beverlylewis.com or my Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis. Both enable readers to sign up for my free newsletter, and my website also features book excerpts, photo galleries, my monthly blog, mouthwatering Amish recipes, and news about any upcoming appearances.
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