Secrets of Her Amish Heart: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Love Inspired Small Town Amish Enemies to Lovers Story

by Cathy Liggett

Can she find the courage
To believe in love again?

Penniless after being conned by her late husband, widow Katie Troyer moves to a new Amish community with two goals in provide for her younger sister and keep her shameful past hidden. Her new job at Miller’s Market is just the hopeful beginning she needs…until the sudden arrival of her boss’s nephew. Instantly clashing with Nathan Bowman’s ideas for the store, Katie tries to keep things professional—after all, the too-handsome bachelor will leave town in a month. But when their tentative friendship turns personal, Katie must make a guard her heart…or ask Nathan to stay.

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Cathy Liggett is a New York Times bestselling author and an ACFW Carol award winner. She is also an Ohio girl who never dreamed her writing journey 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 re-meeting her husband at a high school reunion and marrying three months later--over forty years ago. She enjoys visiting kids and grandkids, spoiling the family pup, and knitting too (if the pattern isn't too tough!).
Please visit her website at www.cathyliggett.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cathyligg/

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Her Amish Heart is a gentle and tender romance. It’s a story about an Amish widow Katie Troyer and a single Amish man Nathan Bowman. Katie and her younger Sister Annie have recently moved to Blossom Grove in Holmes County hoping to escape from the unpleasant circumstances of her marriage to her late husband. She also works at Millers Market and meets Nathan when he comes to run the market. The two do not hit it off in the beginning. Nathan will only be there for a month and Katie can’t wait to see him leave. Then Nathan moves into The Happy Endings Inn where she and Annie live. It seems there is no escaping this man and to make things worse Mary Louise, who owns and runs the inn happens to be a matchmaker and she has her eyes on Katie and Nathan.
This is a strangers to friends to sweethearts story. There’s a lot going on before readers get to the romance part. It’s a slow burn romance because both main characters aren’t interested in romance. I thought all the characters were engaging and well rounded. I felt drawn into the story and I could see the characters in my mind as I read the book. The cover is beautiful and fits the story inside the book. Very well written.
I highly recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction, Amish Romance and Love Inspired books.
This book is scheduled for release in 8/26/25.
I read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC with no expectation of a positive review. I love this story of widow Katie and Annie Troyer and Nathan Bowman. This is such a power story of fierce determination, faith, strength and love. No matter what evil Katie had lived through, she was determined to make a new life for her and Annie. She would not allow another man to hurt her or Annie ever again. She vowed to make a new life for them both no matter how hard she would have to work. Join this inspirational, uplifting, encouraging story that will show God has a plan no matter what we may determine.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet, emotional, heartwarming, heartfelt, Christian story!! Second chances, love, hope, friendship, starting over in a new place and learning to trust again!! I enjoyed meeting Katie and Nathan. Their personalities clash but they try to work together professionally. Sometimes God works in unexpected mysterious ways!! Ms. Liggett kept me engaged from the beginning to the end of the story!! I look forward to reading more of this authors books!! I wish I could give ten stars instead of five. I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cathy Liggett for allowing me to be on your launch team….

I loved Katie and Nathan’s story and I think you will too..
A bit of wisdom-
“Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin thieves that rob us of the moment”.

As a young widow taking care of her young sister, Katie Troyer tries to start a new life for them. Vowing to never loose her heart again she pours herself into her new job at Miller’s Market but when Nathan Bowman shows up to help at the market, Katie has a hard time keeping to that promise.

God has a plan for each of us but we have to listen for his voice as in Katie and Nathan’s story. We don’t always have the answers but God does.

[Sandy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Loved this book. 1st time I have read Cathy Liggett, won't be the last. If you like Amish romances this is a must read

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Secrets of Her Amish Heart, author Cathy Liggett introduces us to widow Katie and her younger sister, Annie. They’ve moved to a new Amish community. Katie is determined to leave her past behind and start a fresh, new life for her and Annie. Getting a job at Miller’s Market, she soon meets the owner’s nephew, Nathan, there to run things for a bit. He and Katie are like nails on a blackboard to one another.
They both have burdens from their past and are guarding their hearts. But can the Lord help them write a new future on a freshly cleaned slate?
This story is a charmer! Plus I love the Amish innkeeper/matchmaker. The settings are described so I could easily picture them. The characters are dealing with plausible struggles and how they work through them. I sure hope we revisit Blossom Grove in the future!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It's about widower Katie Troyer and Nathan Bowman. Katie and her sister moved to Blossom Grove. Katie gets a job at Miller's store. One day Nathan shows up at the store to help. As time goes on things begin to change. Things change for Katie and Nathan as well.

This book is very well written and has great characters and it drew me right in from the very beginning. It's my very first read from Cathy and it won't be the last. Definitely looking forward to reading more from her.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMS! I loved this sweet beautiful book about Katie Troyer & Nathan Bowmen. Two people who had trust & belonging issues finding each other. It was such a great story. I cried a lot of tears reading about them both. Of course, I then cried happy tears at the epilogue. I also loved Happy Endings Inn & the owner Mary Louise. She is such a lovely and happy character. I don’t know if we’ll get more books about this wonderful town Blossom Grove, but I sure hope so. It was such a delightful visit.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender and heartwarming story that deals with learning to trust after being hurt from lies and deception. I really enjoyed this book and the realistic characters. As Katie builds walls can Nathan break through or will God bring all the pieces together and create a beautiful tapestry from brokenness. A grateful quick read that leaves you smiling.

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

SECRETS OF HER AMISH HEART was a sweet and uplifting read that warmed my heart and left me with a smile on my face.

In this small town, workplace romance, Nathan and Katie find themselves thrust together by meddling family and a determined matchmaker. Suffering from the mistakes made in the past, both are determined to keep things strictly professional between them. Woulda, coulda, shoulda, because a friendship blossomed and from that the seeds of love.

I found myself drawn into the picturesque nature of the Happy Endings Inn and the gentle sweetness of the love that developed between Katie and Nathan. I’m giving SECRETS OF HER AMISH HEART the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and enjoy!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to enjoy this heartwarming, sweet, Christian, Amish romance. Learning to trust again with Faith, Family and Friends, comes this wonderful story of Katie and Nathan. This must be in your “to be read pile”. Thank you to Cathy Leggett for this Arc. This is my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Her Amish Heart by Cathy Liggett
Can she find the courage
To believe in love again?
Penniless after being conned by her late husband, widow Katie Troyer moves to a new Amish community with two goals in mind: provide for her younger sister and keep her shameful past hidden. Her new job at Miller’s Market is just the hopeful beginning she needs…until the sudden arrival of her boss’s nephew. instantly clashing with Nathan Bowman’s ideas for the store, Katie tries to keep things professional—after all, the too-handsome bachelor will leave town in a month. But when their tentative friendship turns personal, Katie must make a choice: guard her heart…or ask Nathan to stay.
This is widow Katie Troyer and younger sister Annie's story.
This is Nathan Bowman’s story.
Kate get a new job at Miller’s Market.
April showers bring May flowers.
As Katie Troyer walked down the main street of Blossom Grove toward Miller’s Market to work, the saying echoed in her mind. The adage used to sound like such a hopeful statement throughout much of her life. But right this minute? That expression was simply frustrating. And while she knew she didn’t deserve special treatment from Gott, even so, she begged Him to at least hold off on the rain for a few more minutes. Just until she got to where she was going.
“Katie, why didn’t you tell me the truth?”
The truth? Katie’s breath hitched. Did Nathan mean the full reason she’d come to Blossom Grove? But how could he know about her past? Or know everything that had happened to her?
Heart pounding, she attempted to sound calm. “I’m not sure what you mean, Nathan.”
“I’m talking about the market closing early most days.”
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
I recommend this book.
Secrets of Her Amish Heart by Cathy Liggett is wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Cathy Liggett .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Jean Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Liggett delivers a beautifully woven story in Secrets of Her Amish Heart, where faith, forgiveness, and second chances take center stage. Widow Katie Troyer’s quiet resilience and fierce devotion to her younger sister Annie make her an instantly relatable heroine. Moving to Blossom Grove to escape a painful past, Katie’s journey is both emotional and inspiring.

Her clash—and eventual connection—with Nathan Bowman, the boss’s nephew, adds just the right amount of tension and tenderness. Their evolving relationship is paced perfectly, never rushed, and filled with genuine moments of vulnerability. I especially appreciated how Cathy Liggett handled themes of trust and healing without ever feeling preachy.

The setting of Blossom Grove is charming and vivid, and the supporting characters—especially the matchmaking innkeeper—add warmth and humor. This story reminded me that even when life feels broken, grace can lead us to unexpected new beginnings.

If you enjoy clean romance with emotional depth and spiritual uplift, this one’s a gem. I’ll definitely be returning to Blossom Grove if Cathy Liggett takes us back there again.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Liggett brings together a darling of a story. She grabs your heart and pulls at your heartstrings with lovable characters and a plot that will carry you alongside them.

We meet Katie Troyer. After a heartbroken situation brings her back with her sister to forget her past she starts to work a the Miller's store. Only to come close to Nathan Bowman. Nathan has come to help his family run the market she is now working at. With friendship rising will these two find the love they so need even when they want nothing to do with it?

Author Cathy, brings slowly a romance story full of second chances, friendship and family together as I like it not rushing. And second characters to put a spunk as the inn keeper Mary. Who decides bringing together as a couple will be her next targets, Nathan and Katie.

A story that you will love to hold to your heart when life is going fast. I enjoy her stories. And there is always a message to grab hold between the lines.

I received a ARC from the author. All stated here are my own. Was not required to leave a positive comment.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SECRETS OF HER AMISH HEART BY Cathy Liggett is an absolutely wonderful book that will be released, August 26, 2025. I am absolutely honored to be on the launch team.

This is Katie Troyer’s and Nathan Bowman’s story. Katie had moved to Blossom Grove to work at Miller’s Market to support her sister an Nathan had com to help out an older Uncle and Aunt while a wrist injury healed.

All characters in this story are realistic and the setting just adds to the story.
Th author shares real life problems of being conned by a late husband, fear of failure, conflicts with a new boss and problems raising a younger sister, just to name a few. All of this is so exciting you can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a delightful story that can’t be missed.

I was given a copy of the book by the author, but was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own. You do not want to miss this 5-star book.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Liggett is a must read author for me and this book did not disappoint. Katie and Nathan were forced to work together at the market. Katie and her sister, who Katie is raising, are living at an inn with a motherly figure, Mary Louise, who is an inspiring character to me. I loved how Mary Louise reminded Katie that God has always been with her and always will be. :) Katie is distrustful of men due to her experience with her late husband. Katie is ashamed of her past and tried to keep it hidden. Katie and Nathan develop feelings for each other, but Katie refuses to acknowledge them. Nathan is a wonderful hero. I loved watching these two work out their feelings for each other! Additionally, I liked the explanation about celery in the story and how Nathan found ways to help a couple of applicants who weren't quite what they were looking for in an employee for the market. This was just a great story! If you like Amish fiction, I highly recommend this book!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I just want to read an uplifting story. Secrets of Her Amish Heart left me feeling happy. Widow Katie Troyer and her fourteen year old sister have moved to Holmes County, Ohio. Katie got a job at Miller's Market and is trying to save enough money to afford an apartment for them to move into nearby. Then one day her boss's nephew, Nathan Bowman, comes to help out at the store. After a shaky start, they get to know each other and feel comfortable spending time together. What slowly ensues is a budding romance. The author did a good job of describing the characters and events in the story. She kept me interested from beginning to end. She inserted Amish phrases and instances of faith which added to the story.

[Janet Nush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Cathy Liggett's latest book called “Secrets of Her Amish Heart”. This is a wonderful inspirational romance novel that you will find uplifting and encouraging. You will enjoy reading Katie and Nathan’s story! The theme of faith, forgiveness and hope are explored in this novel. Cathy Liggett has a wonderful writing style that captures your attention in the first chapter and holds it until the very last sentence on the last page. If you enjoy reading Amish fiction, you will definitely love reading this book! Thanks Cathy Liggett for continuing to write such wonderful stories for all of us to read! I look forward to reading more of your Amish books in the future!!

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Katie has been scarred by her past, and for the sake of her sister and herself, she is determined not to repeat the same mistakes. As a result, love is not on her radar. Nathan has scars of his own, which also have him guarding himself from love and making sure the past doesn't repeat itself. As much as it seems that these two don't have a chance, things eventually shift, proving that God's will is greater than anything we can imagine, and that is just one of the things that makes this such a great story of love, forgiveness, overcoming one's fears, healing, and second chances.

[Daina Maleiska · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
I can’t wait for Mya and I to swap. My annotations went hard. Occasional plot holes with some extremely boring plot points. But overall sweet and cozy. Learned a lot of Amish lore. Katie irked me at times because I hate the miscommunication trope and being too afraid to say what you’re feeling trope. Nathan was a total sweetheart. The climax was absolutely insane. I genuinely told anyone that would listen about it haha. Also Annie is the goat, rip you would’ve loved tinder and hinder on your rumspringa.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed getting to know Katie and Nathan. They both had things in their past that they tried to hide from each other but eventually they realized that telling the truth was the right thing to do. They were able to help each other and grew to love each other so they could have their happily ever after. I was thankful to be on the Launch team for Cathy's book and I look forward to reading more of her stories.

[Debbie Earls · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Katie and her younger sister Annie arrive unexpectedly in Blossom Grove, their community doesn't know Katie's past and the secret she is hiding. Things begin to change when Katie takes a job at Miller's Market and meets Nathan. Her well-orchestrated life takes a sharp turn. This is a sweet story about love, family, faith and second chances. I enjoyed reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Penny Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow Katie Troyer has moved to a new Amish community with her younger sister to start over. She isn't pleased when the owner's nephew Nathan arrives and announces he's her new boss. Even worse he moves into the B & B where she is living. Katie and Nathan both have things in their past they don't want to share.

This is an enjoyable read that keeps you trying to figure out those secrets.

[Kim Trivett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, I loved it from beginning to end. I couldn't put it down.

[Mrs. Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of trying to rise above the losses when all seems hopeless.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really liked Katie and Nathan. The plot really held my attention.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchmaking stories are so well thought and really enjoyed!!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun read by Cathy Liggett.