1--What is the title of your latest release?
THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE, which is the first book in my Letters from Lancaster County series. It’s also my 50th novel to be published!
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
They despise each other in real life, only to fall in love—anonymously—through an Amish circle letter.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
The location for this story had Paradise Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania written all over it from the start. First of all, it had to be in Lancaster County to work for the series. Second of all, the book has a birding theme in it—what setting could be more perfect for an Amish romance with a birding theme than Paradise?
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Definitely! She’s one of my favorite characters ever.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Spunky, vulnerable, and determined.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned so much about birds, specifically in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and on the Delaware shore! The story includes a Mennonite/Amish circle letter with a birding theme, which I already mentioned, which was super fun to research. But beyond that, I was reminded of the value of friendship and past connections and how important it is to be honest and vulnerable with those we love.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I work from a detailed outline and write the rough draft straight through and then edit. I wish I could be one of those writers who edits the previous day’s work each morning, but that messes with my momentum. I tend to get too bogged down in the edits if I don’t write straight through and then edit.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Cashews are my power snack while I’m writing. And chocolate, lol. I wash it down with black tea.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I have two different spaces. A sunroom with great lighting where I do interviews and Zoom calls. And then a room off our kitchen with a desk with a big screen that I can hook up to my laptop for writing and also a sectional where I sit to write. I also use a standing desk at times. I have back issues so having multiple options for my writing sessions is really helpful!
10--Who is an author you admire?
I admire so many authors. Over thirty years ago Jane Kirkpatrick visited one of my book groups about the time I started writing fiction and was so encouraging to me. I love her stories and also the way she lives her life. In contrast to all the years I’ve known Jane, a new-to-me author just this last year is Patricia Johns. She’s an incredible writer too, and also super supportive! We’ve been having fun connecting and promoting each other’s work.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
The first book that changed my life was To Kill a Mockingbird. It was the first grownup book I read on my own without my parents reading it to me (and editing what they read a little when needed). One of my older siblings had recently read To Kill a Mockingbird, and I picked it up out of curiosity. I was ten, and it was the first time I experienced that deep, gut-wrenching connection with the characters in a story and felt that emotional punch that makes a book lifechanging.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.”
THE SHOP DOWN THE LANE is my first book with a new agent, so that made it extra fun! It was an email, not a call, to notify me I had a contract for a new series, but it was still a very celebratory moment.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
If I’m not currently writing an Amish novel, I love reading Amish novels by one of my many Amish fiction author friends. If I’m in the middle of writing an Amish novel, my favorite genre is dual-time, specifically World War II. But I really love all sorts of fiction, from literary to sweet romances.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
At the moment You’ve Got Mail, which was part of the inspiration for The Shop Down the Lane, is my favorite movie because I’ve been thinking about it and analyzing it for over a year. The Shop Around the Corner and Pride and Prejudice also inspired The Shop Down the Lane!
15--What is your favorite season?
Summer! I live in Portland, Oregon so our weather is comparatively mild. I love the sunshine, flowers, fresh fruit, and vegetables. And I also love hiking in the nearby mountains, being on or near the local rivers and lakes, hanging out in our backyard, and the general warmth of the season.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
A family dinner is my favorite celebration—something simple with my favorite people.
17--What’s a recent book you highly recommend?
A HEALING TOUCH by Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the best books I’ve read in the last couple of months. The main character Ruth “Dok” Stoltzfus who grew up Amish but left to become a doctor and then returned to that same community practice medicine, and the supporting cast includes a mix of Amish and Englisch characters, including a painfully shy Amish assistant who wants to become an EMT, a patient with a mysterious past who is diagnosed with cancer, and an abandoned newborn who shows up on her office stoop. Suzanne writes with insight and compassion with no easy fixes as she explores healing that comes from all sorts of sources—including the Lord and medicine, but also from belonging.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Thai! If I had to make a last-meal request, that would be it. I love the spices, textures, and variety of vegetables.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
My husband and I walk three to five miles a day, usually while listening to an audio book together, and we love taking our grandkids to the zoo or on other outings on Saturdays. We also try to have a date night once a week. There’s never enough free time!
20--What can readers expect from you next?
The second book in my Letters from Lancaster County series, WHEN THEY MET AGAIN, which is a “just friends” rom com, releases in Spring 2026.
Letters from Lancaster County
A Sweet Contemporary Amish Letter Writing Enemies to Lovers Romance
Leslie Gould delights in this sweet and humorous Amish romance reminiscent of The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail.
Lois Yoder has always found solace in the quiet life of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where she manages a gift shop that reflects her Amish community's simple values. Her tranquil world is upended when Moses Lantz, a former Amishman turned Mennonite and the man who broke her heart, buys the shop with ambitious plans to transform it into a tourist hub--a move that Lois fiercely opposes.
Seeking a distraction, Lois joins a bird watchers' circle letter under an alias. But unknown to her, Moses does the same at the urging of a friend. While their correspondence blossoms into a tender romance, the enmity between Lois and Moses in real life only intensifies. Can they overcome their animosity and embrace the love they've found through their letters, or will their stubborn hearts keep them apart forever?
This heartwarming Amish romance includes themes of bird watching, correspondence by letters, enemies to lovers, and family secrets for readers of Beverly Lewis, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and Shelley Shepard Gray.
Amish | Romance Contemporary | Christian [Baker Publishing Group, On Sale: May 6, 2025, Paperback / e-Book / audiobook, ISBN: 9780764244223 / eISBN: 9781493450787]
Leslie Gould is the award-winning and best-selling author of over 45 novels. A varied work history, from curating a historical museum to editing a bridal magazine, preceded her fiction-writing career. Leslie received her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught writing as an adjunct professor at Multnomah University and Warner Pacific University while writing fulltime over the past 20 years.
She and her husband, Peter, love traveling together for research trips and to author events. Leslie supported Peter through 30 years as an Army reservist, including a deployment to Afghanistan as the commander of a field hospital. Peter in return, has supported Leslie through every step of her writing career. They live in Oregon and are the parents of four adult children and one grandchild.
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