Picture an American storyteller who weaves tales of faith, family, and cultural connection with the charm of a cozy quilt—meet Leslie Gould! A bestselling and Christy Award-winning author, Gould has penned over 48 novels, blending contemporary and Amish fiction with heartwarming narratives that resonate deeply with readers. Her journey from a small-town dreamer to a literary star is as inspiring as her stories.
The Making of Leslie Gould
Born and raised in the farming community of Pomeroy, Washington, Leslie Gould knew she wanted to be a writer by sixth grade. Her childhood was filled with stories of hope and grace, shared in small-town churches and family read-alouds, like her dad’s bedtime readings of A Street of Flower Boxes. After earning a degree in history and communications from Judson Baptist College, Gould took a winding path through careers as a museum curator, public relations specialist, and magazine editor. It wasn’t until her 30s, balancing motherhood and part-time work, that she began writing her first novel, often scribbling during her kids’ soccer practices. Her persistence paid off when she published Garden of Dreams in 2003, a decade after starting her writing journey.
Leslie Gould’s Unforgettable Stories
Gould’s novels are a tapestry of faith, redemption, and human connection, often set in Amish or contemporary settings. Her breakout series, The Courtships of Lancaster County, kicks off with Courting Cate, a playful retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, where a headstrong Amish woman navigates love and family expectations. In The Amish Midwife, co-authored with Mindy Starns Clark, Gould explores the lives of Plain women grappling with identity and love, earning a Christy Award finalist nod. Her dual-time novel Beyond the Blue intertwines the stories of two women—one American, one Vietnamese—facing loss and adoption, drawing from Gould’s personal experience adopting her youngest daughter from Vietnam. Known for meticulous research and rich historical detail, Gould’s writing blends emotional depth with themes of cultural understanding, making her stories both relatable and thought-provoking.
Her recent work, like The Shop Down the Lane (set for release in May 2025), continues her signature style of gentle humor and Amish romance, reminiscent of classic tales like You’ve Got Mail. Whether she’s crafting a historical narrative or a modern love story, Gould’s ability to connect readers with universal themes of faith and resilience shines through.
Why Leslie Gould Matters
Leslie Gould’s impact lies in her ability to bridge cultural and spiritual divides through storytelling. Her novels, which have sold over 800,000 copies, offer readers a window into Amish life while tackling universal struggles like loss, love, and identity. Her authentic portrayal of faith-based narratives has earned her a loyal following and accolades like the ECPA Bronze Sales Award. By drawing on personal experiences, such as her family’s adoption journey and her husband’s military service, Gould crafts stories that feel deeply personal yet widely relatable, inspiring readers to find hope amid life’s challenges.
- Born: Pomeroy, Washington
- Key Works: Courting Cate, The Amish Midwife, Beyond the Blue, The Shop Down the Lane
- Awards: Christy Award winner, ECPA Bronze Sales Award, Carol Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Gould holds an MFA in creative writing and teaches at Warner Pacific University.
Ready to get lost in a heartwarming tale? Snag Courting Cate or The Shop Down the Lane and dive into Leslie Gould’s world of faith-filled Amish romance!