Popular author of Amish themed books visits Hillsboro Library
By Leone Bihl
For The Highland County Press
Standing room only it was last Thursday night when popular author Beverly Lewis came to Highland County District Library for a book signing of her latest published work "The Photograph."
With more than 100 people in attendance according to head librarian Jennifer West, petite, perky Lewis gave a powerful presentation telling stories – some she had never before shared publicly.
Lewis, shy by nature, enjoys meeting the people who read “her heart.” She hears many heart-warming stories of readers who have been “picked up” by Lewis’ words when they are facing a difficult time.
One such reader, when receiving dialysis while preparing for a kidney implant, gave credit to Lewis’ books for helping her through her difficult struggle.
Lewis gives her husband, Dave, much credit for brainstorming with her during her creative process.
After her family’s move to Colorado, Lewis wanted anonymity. Visiting the local library gave her a story idea. Opening a book she had checked out, she found a special memento – a picture of a lovely young woman dressed as though the photograph was captured in the 1940s. After commenting on the picture to her husband, Dave inquired, “What are you going to do?”
The author replied, “I don’t know.”
Dave prodded further, “Do you have a story idea?”
As she left the room to write, she responded, “I think I do.” Hence, the book was born with the minor change of an Amish girl in the photograph.
Frequently asked if she has a story formula or format, this former Pennsylvania lady related, “I always have the beginning, middle, and end. There are 35 ways to get from the beginning to the middle and many more to reach the end.”
Growing up near the Amish as a child and being related to Mennonites, Lewis believes children know no prejudice until adults teach them as they grow older. Children’s friendship know no cultural barriers.
Promoting her newest work, "The Atonement," to be available March 29, Lewis said it was written for her increasing male following, who used to ask for her to sign a book for their wife, mother, sister, or daughter but now say in response to her question, “Is this for your wife?” “No, it is for me.”
The book is set in 2012 explaining how to survive without modern conveniences in emergency situations.
On October 11 of this year, look for the third movie "The Reckoning" on the Hallmark Movie and Mystery Channel following "The Shunning and The Confession" in Lewis’ Lancaster County trilogy.