The Guardian (32 page)
Authors: Beverly Lewis
Tags: #FIC026000, #Christian fiction, #Foundlings—Fiction, #Lancaster County (Pa.)—Fiction, #FIC042000, #Amish—Fiction
W
hile on a springtime book tour, I stumbled upon an intriguing article in a homespun Southern newspaper. I leaned in, gasped, and reread the lead line:
Amish child falls out of carriage and goes missing.
“What an incredible story idea!” I told myself. After reading onward and discovering—much to my relief—that the real-life child was found twenty-four hours later, I began to write my own version, pouring all the angst of my own mother-heart into poor Maryanna Esh’s. I truly felt little Sarah’s terror, as well as Jodi Winfield’s astonishment. And my heart was ever so tender to dear Ella Mae Zook’s sincere wisdom.
As always, there are many wonderful people to thank, beginning with my own darling husband and partner in fiction, David Lewis. I
could not
manage all the ideas whirling in my brain, let alone get them down on paper, without Dave’s encouragement and loving support. And his helpful cooking!
I’m beyond grateful to David Horton, the head of Bethany’s terrific fiction team. And I offer my ongoing appreciation to my amazing editor, Rochelle Gloege, and to Ann Parrish and Helen Motter.
My heartfelt gratitude to Dr. D. Holmes Morton for his remarkable work at the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania—located in the middle of a former cornfield. Also, deep appreciation to my astute consultant, Donald Kraybill, whose book
The Amish
is enlightening to anyone eager to understand Amish life and tradition.
I am thankful to Jim Smucker, Erik Wesner, Brad Igou, and Hank and Ruth Hershberger. Other Amish and Mennonite research assistants requested to remain anonymous but are equally important to my work and to its accuracy.
I am devotedly indebted to my partners in prayer, including Dave and Janet Buchwalter, Dale, Barbara, and Lizzie Birch, Donna DeFor, Debra Larsen, and my loyal Facebook friends, who take prayerful intercession seriously. What a difference it makes!
My cheery friend Martha Nelson offered her very own “fiery cornflakes” anecdote for this book, for which I am still smiling … and thankful. And where would Tobias Esh and his siblings be without my sister, Barbara Birch’s, original and catchy lyrics (“Person, Place, or Thing”) set to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell”? Thanks for sharing with my reader-friends!
Denki
to Eli (“Small”) Hochstetler of Berlin, Ohio, who prayed the Lord’s Prayer in German at my request as we shared a special dinner, his eyes filling with tears as he said the reverent amen. I’ll never forget!
If you’re interested in information regarding the annual
autumn Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon or the
Vella Shpringa
, please check online.
While the fictitious bishop in this story staunchly rejects contacting the police in the case of little Sarah Esh, many other present-day Amish communities in Lancaster County
do
utilize 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Saying thank-you is simply never enough, my faithful reader-friend. An inspiring and compelling story is always my cherished goal … from my heart to yours.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Beverly Lewis
, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the
New York Times
bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with
The Shunning
, which has sold more than a million copies.
The Brethren
was honored with a 2007 Christy Award.
Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.
H
OME
TO
H
ICKORY
H
OLLOW
The Fiddler
The Bridesmaid
The Guardian
T
HE
R
OSE
T
RILOGY
The Thorn
The Judgment
The Mercy A
BRAM
’
S
D
AUGHTERS
The Covenant
The Betrayal
The Sacrifice The Prodigal * The Revelation
T
HE
H
ERITAGE
OF
L
ANCASTER
C
OUNTY
The Shunning * The Confession * The Reckoning A
NNIE
’
S
P
EOPLE
The Preacher’s Daughter * The Englisher * The Brethren T
HE
C
OURTSHIP
OF
N
ELLIE
F
ISHER
The Parting * The Forbidden * The Longing S
EASONS
OF
G
RACE
The Secret * The Missing * The Telling The Postcard * The Crossroad
The Redemption of Sarah Cain October Song
Sanctuary (with David Lewis)
The Sunroom Amish Prayers
The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook
www.beverlylewis.com
