Step into the serene yet stirring world of the Home to Hickory Hollow series, where the simplicity of Amish life meets the complexity of human dreams! Penned by Beverly Lewis, a trailblazer in Amish fiction, this beloved series invites readers to the fictional Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania, a place where faith, love, and self-discovery intertwine. With heartfelt narratives and vivid characters, Lewis crafts a world that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Whether you’re drawn to stories of spiritual journeys or curious about the Amish way of life, Home to Hickory Hollow offers a cozy escape with profound insights. Let’s explore how this series came to be, its captivating stories, and why it continues to touch hearts.
How Home to Hickory Hollow Began
Beverly Lewis, born in Pennsylvania Dutch country, drew inspiration from her own heritage to create the Home to Hickory Hollow series. Her grandmother’s experience of being shunned by an Old Order Mennonite community sparked Lewis’s fascination with Plain traditions, leading to her groundbreaking 1997 novel, The Shunning. Building on this legacy, Home to Hickory Hollow launched in 2012 with The Fiddler, introducing new characters in the same Lancaster County setting. Lewis’s goal was to explore the tension between Amish traditions and modern aspirations, blending romance and faith with her signature warmth.
The Heart of Home to Hickory Hollow
The series spans five books, each weaving a standalone story while deepening the Hickory Hollow tapestry. In The Fiddler (2012), Amelia Devries, a disillusioned violinist, stumbles upon Michael Hostetler’s Amish cabin after a car breakdown. Their unlikely friendship highlights themes of purpose and cultural crossroads, as both question their paths. The Bridesmaid (2013) follows Joanna Kurtz, a secret writer longing for love, navigating a long-distance courtship with Eben Troyer amidst Amish expectations. The Guardian (2013) centers on Marianna, a widow grappling with grief and her missing daughter, finding solace through an unexpected friendship. The Secret Keeper (2013) traces Jennifer Burns’s bold choice to leave modern life for the Amish, facing challenges of acceptance and hidden truths.
Lewis’s storytelling shines through her exploration of faith, identity, and community. The Amish setting, with its horse-drawn buggies and strict Ordnung, contrasts with characters’ inner struggles, creating a rich backdrop for romance and self-discovery. Her prose is gentle yet gripping, making Hickory Hollow a place readers long to visit. Themes of forgiveness, duty, and the courage to follow one’s heart resonate across the series, appealing to fans of inspirational fiction.
Why Home to Hickory Hollow Resonates
Home to Hickory Hollow has carved a special place in Amish fiction, thanks to Lewis’s authentic portrayal of Plain life and her ability to bridge cultural divides. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and emotional depth, with reviews calling it a “heartwarming escape” and “a return to Lewis’s roots.” The series’ focus on universal themes—finding one’s place, balancing tradition with personal dreams—makes it timeless. Its influence extends beyond fiction, inspiring readers to reflect on simplicity and faith in a fast-paced world.
- First Book: The Fiddler, published in 2012
- Total Books: 5
- Setting: Hickory Hollow, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
- Awards: The Bridesmaid and The Guardian won Christian Retailing’s Best Fiction-Amish awards
Grab The Fiddler and dive into Home to Hickory Hollow’s world of faith, love, and Amish charm! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Lewis’s work, this series promises a journey that warms the heart and soul.