Beverly Lewis
https://www.beverlylewis.com/
The Christmas House
T4JYM: You have such an impressive assortment of books published. Which books are your favorites and why?
BL: The Shunning is a novel close to my heart. Why? Because Katie Lapp’s story is loosely based on my own grandmother’s heart-wrenching shunning back when she was a teenager and married the man she loved, and not the farmer her father had chosen for her. My grandma Ada became the wife of a pastor, and all eight of their children grew up to become pastors, missionaries, deacon’s wives or evangelists. My mother (next to youngest) married a minister, and much later in life they also became missionaries to mainland China. So, my grandma’s decision to follow Jesus altered the entire half of her vast family tree. And I have her to thank for my passion to write God-honoring stories straight from my heart… to readers.
T4JYM: Today your latest book, The Christmas House, releases. Can you tell our readers what they can expect from it?
BL: I’m thrilled to talk about The Christmas House with its wintry setting—my first ever Christmas novella! The story features Liz Lantz, a courting-age Amish girl who shares her unique perspective on the holidays and on day-to-day life while giving people tours in her Amish buggy—including a drive past the house that a new-to-the-area family have decorated to the hilt, to the dismay of some of their Old Order Amish neighbors. Accompanying Liz on these tours is the handsome young man who, on the recommendation of her father, is filling in as her assistant for several weeks. You’re going to love this sweet romance and experiencing the Amish Christmas traditions, too.
T4JYM: I love that you answer the people who write to you after reading your books. What kinds of things do they tend to write to you about? Do any of those letters still stand out in your mind?
BL: Receiving feedback from someone who’s read my heart on the pages of my books is a wonderful thing. So, I honor these delightful readers by responding to them, one of my daily joys.
As for their letters, I’ve received many from Amish teenagers who say they aren’t sure if they should join their strict church—make that vow for life. Or, they ask how I know so much about their Amish weddings and funerals. And how do I gather such accurate research?
Many letters that stand out in my memory are from other countries. One teenage girl in Ghana, West Africa said she wanted to know more about Jesus after reading one of my teen series and even sent a 5X7 photo of her with several classmates all wearing brown and white uniforms…and wide smiles!
T4JYM: What did you do before you sought publication of your works? How did you get started?
BL: As a nine-year-old girl, I began writing stories, essays, secret journals and anonymous (encouraging) letters to people who attended my dad’s church. I was an obsessed, and very shy young writer! And, I hid my writings in the bottom drawer of my dresser.
In college, my major was Music Education with an emphasis on piano performance, but I loved writing so much I had nearly a minor in English (I took so many credit hours). After graduation, I taught music to K-6 students in the morning and Creative Writing to 5th graders in the afternoon. When I married and later when our three children were born, I taught piano, violin, voice and composition in our home music studio (a stay-at-home mom).
Our 3Js were in middle school when I began writing on assignment for several kids’ and teen magazines, and later wrote my first book for teen girls titled, Best Friend, Worst Enemy, which became a 14-book series (“Holly’s Heart” and is still in print).
T4JYM: Do you have any characters from previous books who hold a special place in your heart?
BL: Yes, Jenny Burns from my novel, The Secret Keeper. I’m so fond of her, she has shown up in the book I’m currently writing.
Another character I love is Ella Mae Zook, the wise woman of Hickory Hollow, who appears in numerous titles, including the “Home to Hickory Hollow” series and several stand-alone novels, including The Heirloom and my brand-new novella just out: The Christmas House.
T4JYM: Let’s explore a few more favorites… What is your favorite:
BL: Food? Spaghetti
Drink? Lemonade or sweet tea
Musicians? Violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Andre Watts
Hobby? Hiking, playing piano and making family memory albums
Movie? “Soul Surfer”
Books of the Bible? Ephesians and John
Bible Verse? Matthew 5:16
Worship Song? “Goodness of God”
T4JYM: Besides writing books, tell our readers a little about you and the things that keep you busy.
BL: I absolutely love answering fan mail via social media and DMs, and even snail mail! My husband, Dave, and I enjoy hiking in the foothills here in Colorado, spending time with our grown children and granddaughter, and church friends, reading for pleasure, cooking and baking healthy meals, and playing piano duets together (four hands at the keyboard).
T4JYM: Please tell us how you came to be a Christian and how this has influenced your writing.
BL: I was just a little girl when I answered the altar call at an evangelistic service. I knew I wanted to give all the days of my life to Jesus, but was very shy about going forward. So, I told (lied to) my mother that I was just tired and leaned against her, not knowing how strong the conviction power of the Holy Spirit was. Well, my mother sensed what was happening and said, “You want to go to the altar and give your heart to Jesus, don’t you, honey?” I started to cry, and she and my dad walked with me down the aisle. It was the best day ever—the burdens of my young life rolled away and not long after that, I began writing stories to glorify God. I am forever grateful for parents who prayed for me even before I was born, and who instilled a hunger for God’s Word from my earliest years. This is the reason I write stories that tug at the heart and point readers to the Lord who gave everything so we might live victorious lives guided by the Holy Spirit… and make a difference in this world. And enjoy eternity with Him someday.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?
BL: You are here, living and breathing, to make a difference. Shine… in word and deed, and share the truth of God’s love — in the arts, in living an exemplary life, in showing kindness and gentleness, and in daily prayer. God has a plan with your name on; one that only you can fulfill. Pursue that plan by soaking up the Bible and getting together with other believers in small groups, and in turn sharing with the lost all around you.
T4JYM: How can readers get in touch with you?
BL: I post on Facebook nearly every day and interact there: https://www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis/ and also answer DMs. I answer emails via my website: www.beverlylewis.com as well.
Thanks very much, Teens4Jesus Ministries and Trisha Smith, for this wonderful opportunity to connect with your followers! May God abundantly bless your ministry!
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