Picture a Southern belle spinning tales of love and faith in the heart of Amish country—meet Amy Lillard! Born in Mississippi and now calling Oklahoma home, this award-winning author has charmed readers with her heartfelt Amish and contemporary romances since her debut in 2012. With a knack for weaving family values and honest characters into her stories, Lillard’s books are like a warm slice of homemade pie—sweet, comforting, and impossible to resist.
From her Carol Award-winning first novel to her sprawling series set in fictional Amish towns, Lillard’s work bridges cultural divides, inviting readers into close-knit communities where love and faith triumph. Her unique perspective, shaped by her Southern roots and fascination with Amish simplicity, has made her a standout in the romance genre.
The Making of Amy Lillard
Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy Lillard grew up with a twang in her voice and a love for storytelling. After moving to Oklahoma at 17, she met her soulmate, married, and raised a son she proudly calls a prodigy. Her writing journey began in 1992, but it wasn’t until 2011, with encouragement from her agent, that she tried her hand at Amish romance. The result? Her debut novel, Saving Gideon, which won a Carol Award in 2012 and launched her career. Lillard’s Southern charm and curiosity about Amish culture fueled her desire to blend traditional romance with the gentle, slower-paced Amish lifestyle.
Amy Lillard’s Unforgettable Stories
Lillard’s bibliography boasts over 40 novels and novellas, ranging from Amish romances to cozy mysteries and historical tales. Her Wells Landing series, set in a fictional Oklahoma Amish community, is a fan favorite. Caroline’s Secret (2014) kicks off the series with a single mother’s quest for a fresh start, blending faith and romance with emotional depth. A Home for Hannah (2018), part of her Amish of Pontotoc series, explores rekindled love in Mississippi’s real-life Amish community, showcasing Lillard’s meticulous research into the conservative Swartzentruber sect.
Her style is sweet yet grounded, filled with honest characters and a hometown feel. Whether it’s the matchmaking antics in The Amish Matchmaker (2022) or the festive forgiveness in A Wells Landing Christmas (2018), Lillard’s stories center on universal themes—love, trust, and community. Her ability to depict Amish life authentically, from their reserved nature to their lack of modern amenities, sets her apart. Readers praise her for crafting narratives that inform as well as entertain, with critics noting her “beautifully written” prose and “inspirational” storytelling.
Beyond Amish romance, Lillard dabbles in mysteries like the Sunflower Cafe series and contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen. Her versatility keeps her stories fresh, but her heart remains with the Amish, where she finds endless inspiration in their faith-driven lives.
Why Amy Lillard Matters
Amy Lillard’s impact lies in her ability to make Amish culture accessible and relatable to a broad audience. Her stories don’t just entertain—they foster understanding of a community often misunderstood. By setting her novels in lesser-known Amish settlements like Oklahoma and Mississippi, she shines a light on their diversity and resilience. Her work has earned praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, with readers calling her books “heartwarming” and “authentic.”
Lillard’s legacy is also personal. As a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers, she’s built a community of fans who connect with her Southern wit and genuine warmth. Her stories remind us that love and faith can bridge any divide, making her a beloved voice in inspirational fiction.
About Amy Lillard
- Born: Mississippi, USA
- Key Works: Saving Gideon, Caroline’s Secret, A Home for Hannah, The Amish Matchmaker
- Awards: Carol Award (2012) for Saving Gideon
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-proclaimed “Squirrel Princess” and Harry Potter enthusiast!
Snag A Home for Hannah or dive into the Wells Landing series to experience Amy Lillard’s heartwarming Amish romances for yourself!