More than engaging writing, in-depth character development or flawless flow and seamless transition, the key to a good book is subject. Beth Oberholtzer is a talented wordsmith and a thorough researcher, but what makes her books so successful is the theme, the material.

"The topic is the most important thing," said Oberholtzer. "What's the point of writing a book if you don't have a topic? The author has a passion for the subject. Topics invite themselves into my heart."

Oberholtzer is the author of four nonfiction, informational books on Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite people, their lifestyles, their culture and their places in our communities. Her fourth book, "Amish Weddings," was released in the spring, and it was preceded by "Amish Gardens," which came out in 2023; "Working Horses," which first appeared in 2021; and "Plain Meetinghouses," which was released in 2017.

People are simply intrigued by the Amish and Mennonite cultures. Sometimes it seems that the general public just can't get enough of them.

"(The Amish and Mennonite) are just like you and I, even though they do dress differently," said Oberholtzer. "In my books, I do try to shine a light on how we're the same as the Amish. They make decisions on how to live their lives. The Amish are not stuck in the past. Change happens, but it's more deliberate and it happens slower, and there are community aspects to the changes."

Amish weddings are similar to all weddings in that they differ by culture. Amish weddings, which traditionally are held at the bride's home, are daylong celebrations that focus on young people and include lots of food, lots of guests and lots of specific jobs or roles.

Oberholtzer will discuss her new book, "Amish Weddings," at a free community event hosted by St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 700 Pleasure Road, Lancaster, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7.

"My book ( 'Amish Weddings') is about Lancaster County," said Oberholtzer, a resident of Manheim Township who was raised Mennonite. "It's never been put together before. It's a reference and history. It records this moment in time."

"I greatly admire the way (Amish) live their lives," Oberholtzer continued. "They make different decisions than you and I, and they have a strong, strong community. You do see a fair amount of self-discipline with the Amish and working for the greater good and not being individualistic."

Each of Oberholtzer's books took a year and a half to two years - up to 1,500 hours - to research and write. Her research involved interviews, visits, phone calls and interactions with Amish and Mennonite people who live in communities like Quarryville, Brunnerville, Rothsville, Elizabethtown, Honey Brook, Manheim, Kirkwood, Mount Joy and New Providence.

According to Elizabethtown College's Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, about 39,255 Amish live in Lancaster County. Recent census numbers have Lancaster County's overall population at 558,589.

"It's your classic Venn diagram," said Oberholtzer. "We coexist with each other, and we benefit from each other. There are fewer family farms (today). There are a lot of jobs where Amish interact with English."

Through her research and interview processes, Oberholtzer became familiar with and networked with many members of the Amish and Mennonite communities. But perhaps most importantly, she gained a certain level of their trust.

"It's very important that what I write is true," said Oberholtzer. "I didn't just use one source for a subject. People who were in my previous books knew me. Certainly, trust is valuable. I made sure everything was OK, and I do use pseudonyms. Whatever makes them feel comfortable."

"I learned to know people," she added. "People were willing to connect me with other people."

Oberholtzer's books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.