About the Book

Book: Trusting Her Amish Heart

Author: Cathy Liggett

Genre: Amish Inspirational Romance

Release date: August 1, 2022

Her heart may learn to love again… 

But can it trust? 

Running from betrayal, Leah Zook finds purpose caring for the older owner of an Amish horse farm. But when he’s injured and his estranged son returns home looking for redemption, Leah’s resolve is tested. The mysterious Zach Graber has all the power to fix the run-down farm— and Leah’s locked-down heart. But together will they be strong enough to withstand his secret…and hers?

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

ACFW award-winning author Cathy Liggett is an Ohio girl who never dreamed writing would take her across the world and to Amish country, too. But she’s learned God’s plans for our lives are often more creative than the ones we imagine for ourselves. That includes meeting her husband at a high school reunion and marrying three months later–forty years ago. Together, they enjoy visiting kids and grandkids, and spoiling their pup Chaz. Visit her: www.cathyliggett.com

 

More from Cathy

Trust.  It’s a small word with huge implications, isn’t it?

When I think of trust, the first thing that comes to mind is our dog Chaz. We – or rather she – rescued us when she was a little over one year old. At the time she first came into our home the poor pup was too scared to even sleep.  She’d start to doze off, then jerk and open her eyes, looking all around trying her utmost to stay on guard. Now, at 13 years old, our furry gal has cushy dog beds in every room in the house. Which makes perfect sense since she undoubtedly rules our roost.  It’s been our joy to be able to spoil her all these years. But I have to say, Chaz isn’t the only one who has had trust issues.

While penning Leah and Zach’s story, I was so happy because it took me back to Sugarcreek, and not just in spirit or through sweet memories.  As it happened, my critique partners (and dear friends) decided Ohio Amish country would be the perfect spot for a writing retreat. How could I disagree?

In the four days we spent in a rustic cabin we got ideas flushed out and chapters written too. But we also laughed, shared, celebrated, and ate more snacks and sweets than we should have.

I’m telling you this because coming home I thought how the chance to know and share with these special women may have never happened.  Many years ago, I almost didn’t say ‘yes’ to their invitation to join their critique group. I’d been working in a creative field but writing a book was something new, and they were so far ahead of me. Can I tell you that as I sit typing this, that I’m so thankful I shared my writing and myself with them?

As just noted, like Leah and Zach, I know it’s not always easy to open up and to trust. But, also like the two of them, I’ve learned when I do trust God and the special people (and pups) He sends into my life, those relationships can be beyond rewarding.

Oh!  And lastly – if you’re in the mood for something sweet like the characters in this book, here’s the recipe for the “Chocolate Chip Cake” they all raved about.  It’s quick, easy and delicious.  Trust me!

 

Chocolate Chip Cake

Ingredients:

1 box Duncan Hines yellow cake mix

4 eggs

½ cup oil

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 package vanilla instant pudding

6 oz. package of chocolate chips

4 oz. bar of Baker’s German Chocolate grated

3 Tablespoons confectioner’s sugar

Floured tube pan

Wax paper

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour tube pan and line bottom with wax paper.

Set aside 3 Tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar.  Mix everything else together except for chocolate.

After mixed, fold in all chocolate chips and ¾ of the grated German chocolate.

Add to pan and bake for 1 hour (a little prior to 1 hour, check for doneness).

Mix the remaining ¼ of the grated German chocolate with the 3 Tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar.  Sprinkle this chocolate sugar mixture on top of cake. Bake 3-4 minutes longer.

Remove from oven and cool thoroughly.  Remove from pan.

MY REVIEW

This has been a nice story that examines relationships. I especially liked learning more about Zach and why he left home so suddenly. When he returns several  years later to help his dad out he wants to mend their relationship. We slowly see why he left and how his dad is slow to forgive him. I really enjoyed watching these two interact with each other. It reminds me of the  story from the Bible about the prodigal son. However the father in this story isn’t as welcoming as the one in the Bible. The author illustrates how pride can interfere and cause tension when a relationship has been damaged. 

Leah is a very giving person. All her life she has cared for others and never once complained. The hurt she experienced from her ex-fiancé has caused her to be cautious of building a new relationship. I cheered for Leah as she began to open up a little to Zach and how she encouraged him to not give up on his reconciliation with his dad. She is very compassionate and shows grace to others. Will she learn to trust again after something  that hurt her deeply? 

When secrets between Zach  and Leah start to be exposed the author shows us how important it is to be honest with others. I liked how these two discover that they have been afraid of allowing each other into  their  lives for  fear of rejection. With Zach’s secret it affects his father in a big way. How will he explain to his dad what he wants to do with the farm? Will it cause them to drift further apart? Leah admits that her eye sight is becoming a problem and is afraid to tell Zach for fear he won’t want to be around her. What a great example the author has given us. We need to learn to swallow our pride and let others into our lives. When we learn to trust others we can begin to allow God to help us. As we turn away from people, we allow division to separate us from others as well as God.

This has been a good book to learn about trust and forgiveness. The relationships between father and son are repairable if they forgive each other and begin to see how important family is. Leah has a journey that will find her on a road to trusting God to heal her eyesight. “The Lord does provide healing in many ways, doesn’t He? If we’re open to it, that is.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 10

Texas Book-aholic, September 11

The Avid Reader, September 12

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Writing From the Heart Land, September 13

Inklings and notions, September 14

Britt Reads Fiction, September 14

Bigreadersite, September 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 16

deb’s Book Review, September 16

She Lives To Read, September 17

SusanLovesBooks, September 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 18

Holly’s Book Corner, September 18

Bliss, Books and Jewels, September 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

Mary Hake, September 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 22

Vicky Sluiter, September 22

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 23

For Him and My Family, September 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and with a copy of my book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2159d/trusting-her-amish-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway