About The Book (provided by Baker Publishing)
"You really think this is a gut idea, goin' clear out there, spendin' time with folk who've left the People?"
Leona wondered if she was getting the carriage before the horse. Even so, she was willing to do whatever she could to bring Gloria back home--where she belonged.
Leona Speicher got the "sister" she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona's prayers--until Gloria's father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona's dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Yet Leona's fiancé--the deacon's son--is alarmed. Will Leona's dearest wish lead to her own undoing?
Author Interview (provided by Baker Publishing)
1. Nearly two decades have passed since The Shunning, your first Amish novel, was published, establishing what became an extraordinarily popular new genre of fiction. What have the years since taught you? Creating stories set in Amish farmland has been such a source of delight! This writing journey has taught me the importance of meticulous research and demonstrated to me just how universal some themes really are—love and loss, the need for hope, friendship, faith, and family. At its core, every book I write is about lifting the spirit and stirring the heart . . . which allows readers from all ages and walks of life to relate to my characters, however cloistered and unalike they may initially seem. 2. Can you tell us about the plot for The Wish, your newest novel? Of course! Leona Speicher got the “sister” she always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be the answer to Leona’s prayers—until Gloria’s father is expelled from their Old Order Amish church for reasons no one will discuss. Much to Leona’s dismay, the Gingeriches suddenly pack up and disappear. Then, after a silence of several years, Gloria unexpectedly contacts Leona, who makes up her mind to go after her friend. Will Leona’s good intentions lead to her own undoing? 3. Part of the story centers around Arkansas Joe Gingerich, who relocates with his family from Arkansas to Colerain Township in Pennsylvania. What inspired the idea of an Amish family from Arkansas? Many people would be surprised to know that Amish now reside in more than thirty states—the hunt for inexpensive and plentiful farmland means that they’ve had to look well beyond the long-established Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. This particular family was inspired by an autumn trip my husband and I took to the Ozarks. It’s such a picturesque area; I could easily imagine an Amish community nestled there. The Gingerich family plays a very important role in the life of my protagonist, Leona Speicher, but while Arkansas Joe’s daughter, Gloria, is everything a young woman might hope for in a friend, Joe himself may not be quite as wonderful as he appears. . . . 4. Friendship and sisterhood are both key themes in The Wish. What are some character qualities that you find invaluable in sustaining a close friendship? I’ve been blessed with some rich friendships during my life, including one with my dear sister, Barbara, who was also my college roommate and maid-of-honor in my wedding. Yes, we are very close! Every friend brings unique gifts to a relationship, but some qualities that I find particularly essential are loyalty, patience, and forgiveness. I strive to be that kind of friend myself, but as the song says, truly there is no better friend than the one we have in our Lord Jesus.
What folks are saying . . .
“Yet another fine example of Lewis’ skillful storytelling. Grief, volunteering and atoning for past mistakes are key themes in her latest novel. Lucy is a determined character with a huge heart, making her an enjoyable heroine to root for.” —RT Book Reviews on The Atonement
“No one does Amish-based inspirationals better than Lewis.” —Booklist
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