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What Inspired the Story
During an autumn vacation in New Hampshire, I became captivated by the historical aspects of the stone walls of the northeast. And an idea began to simmer, as I was drawn like a magnet to the idea that an old boundary wall might serve as a compelling metaphor for a forbidden love. From that seedling idea, Anna Beachy's story journey began to swell in my heart…and her determination to solve the decades-old mystery of her own courting-age grandmother and an Old Order Amish boyfriend. The secret meeting place? A stone wall in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, deep in the heart of Amish farmland.
Researching for The Stone Wall
This ornate stone wall, near a large grove of black walnut trees, is featured in The Stone Wall. There is something wonderful about the composition of the old wall situated against the treed backdrop (503 Twin Elm Road) that was ideal for one of the important scenes in the novel.
Another stand-out in the novel is my protagonist, Anna Beachy's work as a volunteer at an Amish-owned horse therapy retreat. There, Amish and Mennonite children with special needs are helped with balance and muscle coordination, and they learn to trust and have greater confidence. I'm over the moon about this subplot after spending time at a real-life Amish-run horse therapy retreat last October near Strasburg, PA.
I took this photo at the Tschantz Graveyard (1733), the burial ground for several of Lancaster, Pennsylvania's very first settlers. This historic cemetery and stone walls are located at 2100 Pequea Lane, along the Pequea Creek. I was especially curious about the loosely-stacked stones in the old boundary walls, the inspiration for the beautiful cover of my novel, The Stone Wall.
Brenda B.
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
If you know and like Beverly Lewis you know where she is going. She does have a different spin on this story. This is a beautiful and fun story.
Kathy
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
Was good easy reading.
Kindle Customer
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
Since the story is written about a young woman living among the Amish community in Pennsylvania, it is not typical of most current fiction. It has a very discrete romance but nothing too forward between the couple. Apparently they are not allowed to kiss until after marriage. I am not one who favors the typical "bodice ripper" book with a 5 page description of a sexual encounter between the hero and heroine, so it didn't disappoint me much to miss that. I was somewhat disappointed that she didn't take them through at least the marriage ceremony though just to appease my curiosity. The story was very light reading and would be fine for younger readers since it doesn't include obscenities or sex. It definitely has the flavor of a young romance type of book. I found the tale intriguing and it kept me interested til the end.
Morgan Giesbrecht
Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2022
This is probably one of my favourite Beverly Lewis stories! Anna is a sweetheart, and I love the dual POV between her and her grandmother growing up. I guessed the little twist at the end which was fun. Also Sadie and Glen are just the sweetest! Overall, a lovely story!
Kindle Customer
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2021
So often, Amish stories seem slow and cookies cutter.But from my earliest days of reading, Beverly Lewis has never been one if those writers.The Stone Wall is contemporary Amish Christian fiction, and is a stand-alone book.With a cast of characters of every age range, you're sure to find someone you connect with, whether it's grandparents, parents, middle-aged, young adult, kid, or toddler!A widower with a young daughter who wouldn't talk.An equine therapy ranch.Friendly co-workers.A well-loved job.2 elderly ladies with Alzheimer's & trying to take of them.One elderly guy and a stone wall - from another era - impact today's love story.Not to mention all of the mouthwatering delicious meals and snacks found throughout the book!This is one of those simple stories of family,of running through every emotion possible,and yet still challenges your own faith walk.
Patricia’s
Reviewed in Canada on June 28, 2021
excellent read
GAGramma
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2020
Beverly Lewis is undoubtedly my favorite female author, This book did not disappoint; it just wasn't long enough, It helped me to understand more of the differences between Beachy Amish and Old Order Amish. I loved the characters, the storyline, and the conclusion. I don't want to give details and spoil the book in any way. I did have one big disappointment: I'll be 78 years old when her next book is published. But, then, it's something to look forward to! Thank you, Beverly Lewis, for the many great books you have penned
Tracy Worby
Reviewed in Canada on December 17, 2020
Arrived in good condition. Love this author.
Kav
Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2020
Classic Beverly Lewis. She has a way of making a story seem like a sharing of confidences between friends. I'm always spellbound by her understated word choice and the way the story gently unfolds.The Stone Wall is especially intriguing because of the diverse Anabaptist representation. Anna is Beachy Amish, her cousin is Old Order as is one of the young men she's interested in while the other is Mennonite. (And yes, that means there's a love triangle element to this story but we'll get to that in a second!)A fascinating part of this novel is the way it highlights the differences between each sect. Especially how they view one another -- there's acceptance but definitely a desire to keep apart. After all they divided for a reason, ain't so? :-) I'm so used to reading Amish/Englisch 'forbidden love' romances that it was refreshing to see the culture clash coming from within rather than without.So, yeah, back to that love triangle. Not my favourite trope, but Lewis handles it with with only a modicum of angst so I finished this read with my nails intact and a stable heart rate. I really like both suitors though, so now I want to a book for the one that got left behind! I think that's only fair.A surprise dual timeline is an added bonus featuring Anna's mammi in her rumspringa days. There are some uncanny parallels between the then and now though each young woman has to find her own way in the end.A heartwarming inspirational romance.Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Linda McCutcheon
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2020
The Stone Wall by Beverly LewisA sweet story about a new beginning for Anna Beachy. This new start moves her to Lancaster county to live with Plain relatives. While there, she begins to unravel a hidden story about her grandmother, who suffers with Alzheimer’s, and her vague comment of what happened years before and a stone wall.Anna begins a new job as a tour guide for this community and embraces other new opportunities and friends. One is a Mennonite man who is a tour guide as well, and the other a Plain widower whose local horse retreat helps Amish children with special needs.As the days pass, truth of the mysterious stone wall becomes clear as does the clarity of her heart and her future in Lancaster county.Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Christine L. Frei
Reviewed in Canada on February 22, 2004
I read this book to my 4th grade son. Daniel Knight became important to both of us! Brad Smiley did an excellent job of helping us to imagine the daily life of a Confederate soldier and it fueled our interest in knowing more about the Civil War. We laughed and we cried. It's a book for the young, the old and everyone in between.
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