Joseph, a child prodigy and then, a young man, has to deal with fear, disappointment, frustration, and pain. The story begins when he's ten years old. He finds a friend murdered in his home, he realizes that only his mother could have done it. He can't continue to live knowing this fact, and if others know, his family and his security would be threatened. He develops amnesia to everything that pertains to his friend and the murder. When his family later rejects him, he can't figure out why. He goes out into the world on his own, sets goals and trusts in God. His faith keeps him going when life becomes difficult. At the end of the story, he sums his life up by saying,"God Can Turn Bare Trees Gold."       First three paragraphs from: Chapter 4      A Day is but a flicker of light that approaches its end and leaves in its wake memories to delight in or not.  The days ahead would not leave happiness in their wake for Joey.      On this day casually dressed men waited outside. Crickets chirped, and dew settled on the newly mowed grass. Mosquitoes swarmed into its new dampness, and a few men fanned to keep them away.  Inside, someone played a piano, and a male soloist say "O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee."  The melody and voice rippled through the open church windows and onward toward the ears of the men.      Joey finished singing, then, glanced toward the window on the other side of the room.  There he saw men waiting.  Could his father be with them?  He went to the window to have a better view, but he didn't see him.  He thought. Guess I shouldn't really expect him.  He didn't actually say he would come and hear me practice or pick me up from rehearsal. Excerpt He prayed, "Oh, Lord, give me guidance. I want to follow your teachings. When my thoughts stray and when I become tempted, help me find my way back to you. Don't let anger destroy me. Help me to be thankful for the blessings I've had, the roof over my head, the clothing, the food, my high school education, my father, and even my mother. Help me to trust in you. Let me always remember the last part of Isaiah 57:13 and let it be my strength." He quoted the pertinent line, "But he who puts his trust in me shall posses the land and shall inherit my holy mountain."

Professional Reviews
Novel for teacher -Akron Beacon Journal
Patricia M. Eichler of Cuyahoga Falls has taught 26 years in public schools and worked four years at Kent State University. Her recent novel, Trust In Me: God Can Turn Bare Trees Gold, has been printed by Publish America (194 pages, $19.95 retail, $17.95 through the publisher's Web site, www.publishamerica.com). It's about a young man who discovers an adult friend murdered, is rejected by his parents, fights in Vietnam, then returns just in time to get himself involved in the May 4, 1970, student uprising at Kent State University. In a recent letter to former Booktalk writer Craig Wilson, Eichler said the book was about events she had witnessed and has been carrying around inside her for years. She said she plans to donate 10 percent of what she earns from her book to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Alumni Books - Kent State Magazine
P.M. Eichler '71, M.Ed.'83 shows her readers the source of great love and comfort that can be found in God in "Trust In Me: God Can Turn Bare Trees Gold." The story evolves through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy who suffers disappointments throughout his life. Eventually, his pain is eased when he learns to trust God through prayer.

Reader Reviews for "Trust In Me: God Can Turn Bare Trees Gold"

Reviewed by Pier Tyler	9/7/2005
Patricia Eichler draws you into this must read, maginficent story.
Reviewed by OnepoetGem *	12/27/2003
A very well written story that touched me personally. It seems as though Mrs. Eichler followed me during my life and wrote my life story in her book. It is so close to my experiences that it kind of brought tears to my eyes. My faith and trust in God has certainly carried me in the same manner as her character Joseph. I also experienced problems with my parents, especially my father who never bothered to do anything for me or my sisters and brothers. All my life I prayed and asked help from God on understanding this life and myself. I got my answers and directed my life accordingly. It is truly amazing this experience of meeting Mrs. Eichler. I'm still trying to figure this out. Maybe it was meant to be. Anyway get the book and read it, it is a very good story of inspiration. Thanks Pat, I don't know what is really going on other than God and faith. God certainly turned my bare trees to gold. Love and respect GEMorrison
Reviewed by Dee Siegferth	2/24/2003
Hi Pat, I really enjoyed your book. At first, I wasn't too sure because of the first two chapters, but I really became deeply involved with the characters when I returned to the book. You write well. This was an insightful book with many twists and turns. I believe it needs to be on fiction shelves. I am going to share it with my daughter-in-law next, then a few more friends. Let me explain about the first two chapters. I felt that the little boy talked like an adult rather than a child with so many adult actions. Was that because he was Jesus? I put it down after the first two chapters and came back to it the next day with reservations. He was deeply religious, like an adult, but how? I had many questions with such adult language from such a little boy. After reading on, I saw how his mother was micromanaging his life, and then ditched him because of what she had done and seeing him reminded her of it????? So many events to keep the reader intrigued; I was hooked from that point on. I loved the sequence of events in his life and his love for God. His faith! His actions to Bob. Will we meet him again? I look forward to book 2. You did such incredible work for your first novel If a fellow Christian would read this book from cover to cover, they would be renewed by his testimony and life. I liked that you put real life into the book. The sex scene was great! Well, Pat Michaels Eichler; you are a true talented author! Congratulations! You've touched my heart. Dee Siegferth
Reviewed by Becky Dice (Reader)	10/29/2002
This book was gripping and realistic. Joe faced a tragic period in history, the Vietnam War and the National Guard shooting the students at Kent State University during war protests. Being only fourteen at the time of the shooting, I didn't truly understand about it. But Eichler made it realistic to me. Also, Joe's temptations and moral dilemma's made him a strong character. I actually felt his spiritual struggle, bring a Christian myself. His mother's rejection was truly sad but he was able to rise above the situation and not be bitter.
Reviewed by Jim Howell	9/19/2002
Pat, The book kept my interest throughout, although I liked the middle part more so than the last few chapters; these seem to drag a little to me. The first sentence of chapter 4 was wonderful - "A day is but a flicker of light that approaches its end and leaves in its wake memories to delight in or not." Joe makes for a strong character; living in the sixties, experiencing Viet Nam, remainng a virgin all add up to one good guy.
Reviewed by Kevin Norris	5/15/2002
The sudden calamity that befalls Joseph in the first chapter is cleverly hidden throughout the book but never leaves your thoughts.Each chapter offers the potential for a breakthrough in accepting what is really affecting and determining Joseph's ability to cope with life. The best part to me was seeing that his trust in God never failed him . And in the end, there was really no resolution to his real problem of facing that his mother had murdered his friend, but it showed that with God's help Joseph could overcome even that . The lesson comes to life , trust God and live on. He will use you in His way, no matter what your circumstance.
Reviewed by Linda Kelley	5/2/2002
I want to read it, Patty, but I will need to get back to the states first. Sorry I don't know how to rate the book from this bit, but if you mean How much does it motivate me to want to read it. Very much! With love, Linda

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