“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. . . .”
~ Colossians 3:23
I still remember hearing my mother recite this verse as my sister, Barbara, and I were growing up—although from the King James Bible—encouraging us to do everything for the glory of God.
I have carried that verse in my heart all these years, dedicating my writing, researching, and polishing of manuscripts to Him, desiring God's blessing on everything I do. That includes, of course, nurturing my children, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, entertaining guests, and studying Scripture.
When the start of school comes around each year, many moms talk about how hectic things get, gathering the required list of classroom-related items, school clothes shopping, etc. While it can indeed be a very busy time, in the midst of all that, it’s important to give ourselves a little grace and remember that preparation for anything worthwhile can be taxing.
If you’re like me, you crave order. With school schedules and work routines often comes a comforting sense of predictability that can also help to ease stress.
My Amish friends certainly understand this. Their lives run on the track of predictability connected to the changing seasons. Their daily work is dictated by the crops they raise. They know that September brings harvesting field corn and filling silos for livestock feed, and picking pumpkins and apples, among other crops. A lot of canning takes place, too, the best way to preserve the abundance of tomatoes and peppers and various kinds of delicious produce they grow. Everywhere in Amish country, there is the joy of families coming together to work.
On a completely different note, this September 2 marks the official release of The Christmas House, my new book, with the setting being Hickory Hollow in December—my first ever Christmas novella! I’m thrilled to tell you that Ella Mae Zook is a part of this story, and in spite of her advanced years, her wisdom has not waned one iota. The book features Liz Lantz, a delightful young Amish woman 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 a new-to-the-area Englisher family have decorated to the hilt, to the dismay of some of their Amish neighbors. Naturally, Liz’s buggy tours have to end up at Ella Mae’s for Christmas cookies. And 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.
Well, that’s enough of a sneak peek! I’ll let you read all the rest. :) I think you’re going to love this sweet romance and experiencing the Old Order Amish Christmas traditions, too. If you’d like to order a copy for your own festive reading or to give as a gift, see the UPDATES below for retailer links.
My heartfelt thanks to so many of you for requesting a Hickory Hollow Amish Christmas story. The Christmas House is for you!
Autumn blessings,
—Beverly Lewis
1) The launch of a new book is always an exciting time! Here are the retailer links for The Christmas House.
Baker Book House (40% off and free US shipping through September 1)
There are also other retailer outlets, if you wish. Here are a few of them:
2) On another cheerful aside, my "Just A Note" card is brand new and available at:
3) I'm enjoying a steady pace of writing this summer--yes, a new story is in the works, but top secret. Enjoy the rest of September's warm days, soaking up the sunshine, and spending time with family and friends. Thanks, too, for your ever-kind and delightful comments about my books. You are the best reader-friends, for certain!
