Amish Romance with Hidden Secrets and Family Drama

The tranquil setting of a placid lake surrounded by large willows in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania inspired the actual book cover for The Beginning. Just picture a young Amish couple peacefully rowing a boat in that serene scene. In the story, Susie Mast, a courting-age Amish protagonist, crafts and sells delicious jams and jellies for her mother's shop near their farmhouse. The light gray, enclosed carriages used by the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County for family transportation are a unique sight. Throughout the book, there are several scenes where Susie "drives" her sister and others to Hickory Hollow work frolics like quilting bees or canning bees.

My inspiration for The Beginning came two years ago during a visit to Lancaster County. As I admired the tranquil lake and willow trees and noticed a bundle of flowers by the roadside, as well as an attractive wall hanging in my Amish friends' home in the fictitious Hickory Hollow, the original images that inspired the novel came to life in my heart. These moments of reflection happened while I was researching another book, but the early sparks of inspiration stayed with me. I felt compelled to weave them together into a heartwarming story that would uplift readers' hearts and provide a genuine glimpse into a young Amish woman's journey through immense loss. I hope that The Beginning will resonate with readers and offer a touching look into the challenges and joys of Amish life.

product information: