Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 12 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family.
In this interview, Beverly talks with us about her latest book, The Orchard.
FF: Can you please provide readers with a brief description of The Orchard?
Set in the early 1970s, the novel focuses on the aftermath of stunned disbelief and heartache that protagonist Ellie Hostetler and her Old Order Amish community experience when her twin brother, Evan, turns his back on their Plain upbringing, refuses conscientious objector status, and is drafted into the US Army.
FF: The Orchard is set during the Vietnam War. What type of research was required to portray this time period and the impact that the Vietnam War had on the Amish community?
I am privileged to have a number of Amish friends who willingly shared with me regarding their own sons’ concerns during this challenging era. Also, my brother-in-law, an Air Force veteran, assisted with research on the non-Amish side of this war and its effects on our soldiers overseas.
FF: What were the Amish beliefs pertaining to war?
Amish embrace nonresistance in all aspects of life, which includes any involvement in military service.
FF: Can you please explain what it means to be a conscientious objector?
A conscientious objector claims the right to reject or perform military service—including the bearing of arms—on the grounds of freedom of religion, morality, or a belief in pacifism.
FF: How did Englishers perceive and react to Amish claiming the conscientious objector status?
During the Vietnam War, many non-Amish (Englishers) despised COs and targeted them in violent ways, as well as made them feel guilty for not serving their country in a military capacity.
FF: Your female protagonist, Ellie Hostetler, and her family are facing the effects of the Vietnam War. What can readers learn from the way the Amish handled both the war and their ever-changing world?
Readers will experience what Ellie and her neighbor-friend Sol must endure when the “outside world” clashes with the peaceful world of the orchard. Despite the Hostetlers’ embrace of pacifism, their customer base is at risk due to Evan’s radical decision to fight in the war.
FF: What lessons can be found throughout the pages of The Orchard?
Themes of mercy and forgiveness, love for God and family, and divine providence are evident in the pages of The Orchard. After reading the manuscript, one of my research consultants commented, “What a great book to express the peaceful stance of the Amish people…and the devastation of war.”
FF: Can you please explain how your background influences your writing?
My mother’s mother was Old Order Mennonite, so the Anabaptist heritage is embedded in my DNA. Also, having grown up around the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I am familiar with the Plain culture and traditions and have a great affinity for the Amish and Mennonite people, many of whom are close friends, or even relatives.
FF: What do you love most about writing Amish fiction?
It’s difficult to narrow down, but the close-knit family life; delicious, homemade foods (which I enjoy describing in my novels); and the Amish’s exemplary traits of kindness, forgiveness and generosity.
The Orchard
Beverly Lewis
Bethany House
Genres: Amish, Amish Romance
Release Date: September 6, 2022
ISBN-10: 0764237535
ISBN-13: 978-0764237539
Book Summary:
For generations, Ellie Hostetler’s family has tended their Lancaster County orchard, a tradition her twin brother, Evan, will someday continue. Yet when Evan’s draft number is called up in the lottery for the Vietnam War, the family is shocked to learn he has not sought conscientious objector status, despite their Old Order Amish belief in non-resistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens too close to home.
As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie confides her disappointment to Sol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector. Despite Ellie’s attraction to Menno, she finds herself drawn to Sol’s steady presence as they work together in the orchard. Suddenly, it feels as if everything in Ellie’s world is shifting, and the plans she held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?
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