Authentic Faith and Everyday Grace with Author Joanne Lehman

BEFORE THE PAGES

We often wonder about the history inside the books on our shelves, but rarely about the history of the person who wrote them. Today, we're honored to welcome Wayne County, Ohio author Joanne Lehman to our author feature series to share the story behind her unique approach to storytelling and her beloved Benville Community Series.

Joanne’s path to fiction is built on a rich lifetime of professional writing, spanning journalism, community relations in mental health, and university-level English instruction. After earning an MFA in creative writing and gaining early national acclaim as a published poet, she turned her literary talents toward Amish-themed fiction. Today, she shares how a literary challenge inspired her to redefine the genre, the vital role sensitivity readers play in her process, and how her real-world background in community mental health shapes her stories.

REDEFINING THE GENRE WITH AUTHENTICITY

For Joanne Lehman, entering the world of fiction writing was born out of a challenge. After reading a critique of popular Amish romance novels, she decided to write stories with an Amish theme that offered readers something deeper and more authentic. Having grown up and lived most of her life alongside Old Order Amish communities in Ohio, she wanted her fiction to focus on genuine Anabaptist faith and practice rather than superficial tropes.

Even with a lifetime of living near Amish neighbors, Joanne quickly realized that authentic representation requires deep humility and continuous learning. When she engaged an Amish sensitivity reader for her early drafts, she discovered she had mixed together practices from different regional subgroups and included details that were no longer accurate for modern Old Order communities. Correcting those nuances became a cornerstone of her craft, ensuring her books reflect true, current community traditions.

Joanne describes her work as Christian women's fiction with a dash of romance, prioritizing the emotional, mental, and spiritual growth of her heroines. Rather than relying purely on dramatic tropes, her plots are driven by a woman's personal journey as she navigates life's unexpected turns.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE AND COMPASSION

The heart of Joanne’s narratives comes directly from her previous professional career as a community relations specialist for a mental health board. In that role, she worked closely with local Amish families to connect them with publicly funded mental health services and addiction prevention programs. Over the past two decades, Ohio's Amish communities have built collaborative partnerships with professional treatment providers, a dynamic Joanne weaves directly into the fabric of her stories.

Her plots often take inspiration from real situations she encountered, reimagining outcomes to explore themes of resilience and grace. In Leah's Faith, she drew inspiration from a young Amish woman diagnosed with severe scoliosis, imagining her journey toward healing and self-acceptance. In other books, characters like Fannie and Henry reflect real-life widowhood and community integration, brought to life through Joanne’s compassionate lens.

Life is filled with many beautiful moments when we take the time to notice, and good food is always on the table."

Through every narrative arc, Joanne embeds a quiet message of faith, forgiveness, and endurance in the face of adversity. Her stories remind readers that when we yield to God and one another, life yields moments of profound beauty, and there is always hope and connection waiting on the other side.

A LIFELONG DEVOTION TO THE CRAFT

Joanne’s passion for the written word began in sixth grade with weekly language arts essays, later nurtured by a Mennonite mentor in her thirties and crowned by winning the prestigious Wick Poetry Prize from Kent State University. That poetry foundation gave her a deep appreciation for language, which eventually led her to author books like Traces of Treasure, Morning Song, and Fountain Nook.

Writing her debut novel, Leah's Faith, was a ten-year labor of love that taught her to view writing as a patient, unfolding process. Supported by critique partners, writing organizations, and her strong ties to Summit Mennonite Church, she balances her literary work with an active retirement filled with E-bike rides on local rail trails, water aerobics, and spending time with her children and nine great-grandchildren.

Partnering with Masthof Press brought a new level of joy to her publishing journey, from seamless production schedules to custom cover art created by Liz Petersheim. Joanne’s work continues to resonate with readers nationwide, offering a refreshing, deeply human window into faith, community, and the beauty of everyday life.

Joanne Lehman’s journey, shaped by a lifetime of professional storytelling and a compassionate heart for her community, is a quiet testament to the power of authentic fiction. Her Benville Community Series is more than a set of novels; it is an inviting doorway into the genuine faith, mental resilience, and quiet grace of Ohio’s Amish heritage. Readers can eagerly looking forward to the third book in the series, anticipated for release in 2027!

Ready to experience Amish-themed women's fiction rooted in true Anabaptist practice and real-world warmth?

Joanne’s books, including Leah's Faith and her second Benville Community novel, Susan's Hope, are available now through Masthof Press, inviting readers of all ages to enjoy rich stories of hope, healing, and community.

CONNECT WITH JOANNE LEHMAN

Follow the latest news and events for Leah's Faith and connect with Joanne directly:

• Website: Joanne Lehman

• Facebook: Glimpses - Joanne Lehman