How do you write about the Amish in a way that’s accurate to their way of life?
I do a lot of research. I believe readers of the Amish genre deserve accurate information.
But I am not Amish. I do not pretend to know how Amish people will react in the situations that I’ve developed in my stories. I do know that underneath their quaint garb they are as human as you and I.
Again, that goes back to my years as a nurse. The Plain folks have the same hopes and fears that we do but they put all their trust in God. Something a lot of us aren’t as good at. There is no one kind of Amish.
There is a great deal of variation between congregations in different areas. I take advantage of that by letting people know that it’s done one way in my Amish story, but it will undoubtedly be done differently somewhere else.
What spiritual themes or ideas play out in this book?
Because this story is being marketed by HQN and that readership may have fewer religious expectations I tried to keep the spiritual theme focused on each of the characters religious beliefs and needs because of their Amish faith.
Faith in God’s goodness and mercy even in the face of tragedy is a powerful element in Laura Beth’s life. It hasn’t been in Joshua King’s. In order for him to embrace the Amish lifestyle he had to find that belief deep inside of himself.
The main idea I want to share is the way the Amish care for each other in times of disasters and in their everyday lives.
What do you hope readers take away after reading The Wish?
I want my readers to escape their lives for a few hours and live in the Amish world where simpler things bring happiness and satisfaction. I want them to feel a gentle love grow between two people without resorting to explicit descriptions. It just feels right to me to see a deeply loving relationship grow emotionally first.
What can readers expect from future books in this series?
Readers can expect two more books in the series. Book number two, The Hope, comes out in the fall and introduces new characters to Cedar Grove. The third book doesn’t have a release date, but it will showcase the story of Sarah, the younger sister of the heroine in book one.
On the next page, Patricia explains how her faith–and her nursing experience–informs her stories. Click through to continue!