New York Times Bestselling author Beverly Lewis, whose stories of faith and Amish culture have captivated millions, pictured sharing the inspiration behind her work.
Behind The Stories That Touch MillionsSource: Mosaic Digest
Beverly Lewis, bestselling author of Amish fiction, has sold over 19 million books globally. Her heartfelt novels explore themes of faith, love, and community, inspired by her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.
B everly Lewis, the celebrated author and pioneer of Amish fiction, has captivated millions with her deeply moving stories of love, faith, and community. With over 19 million copies in print and translations into multiple languages, her novels offer a glimpse into the Amish way of life while addressing universal themes. An interview published in Mosaic Digest explores Lewis’s incredible career, her inspiration, and the powerful connection her stories create with readers worldwide.
Lewis’s passion for Amish-related storytelling is rooted in her childhood in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. She often draws on personal family experiences, particularly those of her grandmother, Ada Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite community and was subsequently shunned—a powerful story that inspired Lewis’s debut novel, The Shunning. “That connection to my heritage has a deep influence on my writing,” she shared.
Beverly Lewis masterfully combines heartfelt storytelling with cultural authenticity, inspiring millions with her deeply moving, faith-imbued Amish fiction.
Thorough research underpins Lewis’s writing process, ensuring an authentic representation of the Amish. Over the years, she has connected with Amish vendors and craftspeople, and even stayed with Amish families to better understand their daily lives. “Amish women have become my best research consultants,” she revealed, adding that trust and shared heritage have helped her forge lasting relationships.
Set in the fictional town of Hickory Hollow, Lewis’s novels resonate deeply with readers. Hickory Hollow, inspired by the real landscape of Lancaster County, evokes a timeless charm with its rolling cornfields and barns. Lewis remarked that the setting has become so beloved by fans that it draws tourists eager to connect with the locations portrayed in her stories.
“That connection to my heritage has a deep influence on my writing.”
– Beverly Lewis
Her latest novel, The Christmas House, explores community and understanding. Its protagonist, Liz Lantz, seeks to build bridges between her Amish neighbours and an English family whose dazzling Christmas displays disrupt the quiet Amish town. By focusing on listening and empathy, Lewis’s story reflects the importance of seeking common ground, even across cultural divides.
“Amish women have become my best research consultants.”
– Beverly Lewis
While Lewis’s novels are steeped in Amish traditions, their themes are universally relevant. “People are people no matter the culture,” she explained. Her characters strive for love, purpose, and triumph over adversity—emotions that transcend cultural boundaries. Her portrayal of romance often highlights the sacrifices and adjustments required of cross-cultural relationships, further delivering a relatable and heartwarming narrative.
“People are people no matter the culture.”
– Beverly Lewis
Faith serves as the cornerstone of Lewis’s storytelling, mirroring its integral role in Amish life. She likens her process to the artistry of an Amish quilt, with threads of forgiveness, grace, and mercy running through each tale. Prayer, too, guides her creative decisions, ensuring that her stories reflect both authenticity and inspiration.
A particularly memorable moment from writing The Christmas House was crafting the emotional finale. “It felt so powerful—I could hardly type fast enough,” Lewis recalled. Known for meticulously reworking her drafts, she described this rare instance of words flowing naturally as especially moving.
Lewis also shared advice for aspiring authors interested in exploring culturally specific or faith-based storytelling. She recommends immersing oneself in a culture’s practices and beliefs, whether through research or direct experience. “Take time to connect with communities and live their experiences,” she advised. Authenticity, she noted, is key.
Ultimately, Beverly Lewis encourages writers to write with heart. “Write what’s burning in your heart, with empathy and understanding,” she said. By blending cultural insights with universal truths, Lewis’s work continues to inspire readers worldwide, offering stories that celebrate faith, love, and the richness of human connection.
