Two years ago, while visiting Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I had a moment of reflection after my attention was captured by a placid lake surrounded by willows and a bundle of flowers placed along a country roadside—even a family tree wall hanging I’d seen in an Amish home. Although at the time I was researching aspects of my previous novel The Stone Wall, these three images sprang to life in my heart, lingering until I knew they were meant to be knitted together into The Beginning. I hope this story lifts your heart and offers a genuine and touching glimpse into a young Amishwoman’s life journey through the challenges of loss to a hopeful new beginning.

As is usual, this book’s cast of story people took time to form in my mind. Among them is a recurring favorite, Ella Mae Zook, whose endearing character continues to remind me of the sweet faces of two very wise women from my childhood—women who attended my father’s church in Lancaster and who helped to shape my Christian view of the world. One was my mother’s dear friend Edna, the wife of our music director, and the other, my best friend’s mother, Helen. These women’s insights and the way they honored God in word and deed made a lasting impression on my young heart. To this day, I am truly grateful.

I am additionally thankful to Dave Horton, my friend of many years, for acquiring this book and for his excellent insight into story and how stories are created. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my meticulous and inspiring editorial team, headed up by Rochelle Glöege and including Charlene Patterson and Elisa Tally. Kudos, as well, to Steve Oates for his many years of selling and promoting my books, and to the Bethany House marketing department, particularly to Noelle Chew and Amy Lokkesmoe, for an outstanding launch campaign.

I offer special gratitude to my husband, Dave, for his helpful encouragement and editorial work, as well as to my sister, Barbara Birch, for her careful reading and checking of this manuscript. My appreciation to John and Cynthia Bachman for sharing the antics and unique personalities of their beloved felines. And many thanks to Amish and Mennonite consultants, research assistants, and proofreaders, as well as to faithful partners in prayer and my cherished family and friends, whose tender love and encouragement nurture my heart each day. And always to my dear, devoted readers—you continually amaze me!

My highest praise and thanksgiving are directed to God, the Creator of all things. Soli Deo Gloria!

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