Picture a storyteller weaving tales from the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country, where horse-drawn buggies roll past rolling meadows—meet Beverly Lewis! This New York Times bestselling author has penned over 80 books, enchanting readers with her heartfelt Christian fiction. Known as the mother of Amish romance, Lewis spins stories of faith, family, and the timeless traditions of the Plain communities, drawing millions into her world.
Born Beverly Marie Jones, Lewis grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by the simplicity and strength of Amish and Mennonite cultures. Her novels, infused with these roots, offer more than romance—they’re a bridge to understanding a way of life that cherishes community over chaos. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary gem!
The Making of Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis was born in the heart of Lancaster County, where her father served as an Assembly of God pastor and her maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, carried the legacy of an Old Order Mennonite upbringing. This 'plain heritage' sparked Lewis’s fascination with Amish life. A prodigy at heart, she tickled the piano keys at four and crafted poetry and stories by nine, her mother preserving every scribble. After studying at Evangel University, where she later earned a Distinguished Alumnus Award, Lewis taught school and played music before her writing took center stage.
Her publishing journey began when her children reached middle school, with early works appearing in children’s magazines like Highlights for Children. But it was her grandmother’s story—shunned for marrying outside her faith—that ignited Lewis’s adult fiction career, leading to her breakthrough in the Amish romance genre.
Beverly Lewis’s Unforgettable Stories
Lewis’s novels are a love letter to Amish culture, blending gentle romance with profound themes of faith, forgiveness, and belonging. Her debut adult series, The Heritage of Lancaster County, starting with The Shunning (1997), follows Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman grappling with secrets and the pull of the modern world. Inspired by her grandmother’s life, the trilogy sold over a million copies and was adapted into a Hallmark Channel movie.
Other standout works include Abram’s Daughters, a five-book saga exploring family secrets in a tight-knit Amish community, and The Rose Trilogy, which delves into the tensions between tradition and personal choice. Lewis’s style is richly detailed, with dialect-filled prose that immerses readers in the slow, intentional pace of Amish life. Her stories don’t shy away from tough issues—shunning, cultural clashes, and spiritual awakenings—yet they always carry a hopeful, homespun tone.
With over 30 Amish-themed series and standalones like The Redemption of Sarah Cain, adapted into the film Saving Sarah Cain, Lewis has mastered the art of character-driven narratives. Her books, translated into 12 languages, resonate globally, offering a window into a world where faith anchors every decision.
Why Beverly Lewis Matters
Beverly Lewis didn’t just write books; she pioneered a genre. Before her, Amish fiction was a niche curiosity—now, it’s a thriving corner of Christian literature, with Lewis as its cornerstone. Her authentic portrayal of Amish life, informed by her Lancaster roots and time living with an Amish family, has earned praise from readers and even some Amish communities, though others debate her depictions of their faith. Her novels touch a universal chord, tapping into a longing for simplicity in a high-tech world.
Lewis’s impact extends beyond sales. Her stories inspire readers to reflect on community, forgiveness, and the courage to follow one’s heart, earning her a Christy Award for The Brethren and a devoted global fanbase. At 76, she continues to write from her Colorado home, where she lives with her husband, David, proving her legacy is as enduring as the Amish traditions she celebrates.
- Born: April 17, 1949, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Shunning, Abram’s Daughters, The Rose Trilogy
- Awards: Christy Award for The Brethren (2007), Distinguished Alumnus Award from Evangel University (2003)
- Fun Fact: She’s an accomplished pianist and shares her love of music with her husband!
About Beverly Lewis
Ready to escape into a world of faith and heartfelt romance? Snag The Shunning and let Beverly Lewis whisk you away to Amish Country!