Last year a friend of mine gave me a copy of The Sound of Distant Thunder, the first book in this series. I really enjoyed it and wanted to continue with this series. When the audiobooks of the next two in the series were made available to me, I jumped at the chance to continue with this series and am glad that I did. This series is set in Ohio during and just after the Civil War. Amish people did not believe in war, but when they are conscripted/drafted they have to find a way to reconcile their religion with this responsibility. You do not necessarily need to read this series in order, but for complete enjoyment and no spoilers, I do recommend it.

The Roll of the Drums is Ruby Weaver's Story. Ruby is single at the age of twenty-eight, a rarity in the Amish community. Ruby is living with her friend Elizabeth, whose husband if off fighting with the Confederate troops. She is helping out her parents as well with her brother off with the Union troops in the Civil War. A family show up escaping their home where battles have raged. Gabriel, his sick wife Lovinia and two children are taken in by the Weavers. Unfortunately Lovinia does not survive and makes Ruby promise to marry Gideon and become a mother to her children. Gideon makes the same promise to his wife, but both are determined to raise the children with no romantic entangles or marriage. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

I very much enjoyed this story that combines the Amish way of life with historical fiction and romance. The story was interesting and drew me in from the start. The Amish life is not easy, but their love, honesty and generosity still shines through. I love the faith in this story. It is embedded throughout, but there is always that one character that doesn't seem to take all the Amish beliefs to heart and action. I loved the characters in this story and my heart went out to the young children who are dealing with life without their mother. Listening to Gideon and Ruby try to do what is best for the children without getting married was entertaining. The perception to the community is always a consideration in an Amish Community, so that struggle is real as well. This is a romance, so you know how it will end, but the journey was a struggle and very interesting. Living in Ohio, does not keep the residents safe and away from the war. The title of this book was perfect. There is often references to hearing the drums as they march and fight.

Letting go of your own control and surrendering to the Good Lord's will is the only way for a man to live. The act of pride can destroy the soul.

A tender romance in the setting of the civil war. Gideon has led his family to Weaver's Creek where he takes on the hospitality of the Weaver family. His wife is very ill and with small children, he is at a loss of what to do. Ruby Weaver takes to the children and to Lovinia. Taking care of her and her children they develop a special bond. Lovinia knows her time is short and knowing her husband well, she has a dying wish that only a woman character can make.

I have been reading this series backwards. I read book 3 before I read book 2 and it still captured many emotions. Both Ruby and Gideon have in common the love of Lovinia. This common love grows into something more. A tenderness of faith, trust and that God is a God of 2nd chances. They also struggle with control in what happens in life. Either by their own hand or another. The shame and guilt that is changed to freedom when we trust God for the outcome. I loved how this was shown in serving others. Highly recommend this series of simple faith and extraordinary love.

A special thank you to Revell and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

For some reason I thought this book might be a bit of a hard read for me, but I couldn't have been more wrong!
When Ruby Weaver's best friend Lovinia Fischer dies, Ruby and Lovinia's husband Gideon are faced with an awkward decision as Lovinia had persuaded each of them that they should marry after her death. Reluctant to go through with this, they compromise, with Ruby caring for the children and keeping the house during the day, but going to her sister's home at night. It's soon clear that this is not going to be possible to carry on for long, and both Ruby and Gideon have issues from their pasts which they will have to face before they can build a future together.

Set in the Civil War period, which is very well woven into the story, this is a wonderful if inevitably somewhat predictable tale. The Civil War elements lend a different dynamic though, and the characters of Ruby and Gideon and the children are so well described that you feel completely invested in what happens to all of them.

An excellent read with much to say about love, commitment, sacrifice, guilt and forgiveness.

I am a huge fan of this author. I am also a huge fan of this book. I love how the author has blended the experiences that the Amish experienced during the Civil War era. This is book 2 in the Amish of the Weaver's Creek series. I have not read the first one, and did not have any proble m in falling along. Gideon has seen what the terrible war has done. On top of that, his wife is on her death bed. She makes him promise to marry her friend Ruby, who already loves and cares for the kids as their own. Can they make it work? What will happen while the war rages on.

I received a copy of this book through the Revel Reads blogger program, all thoughts are my own

“Roll of the Drums” is a well written novel centered around an Amish family and their tight-knit community during the civil war. Gideon has seen the evil that men do. His home and community were destroyed by war. He plans to begin again with his family in the Ohio country, but his wife Lavinia is sick, his children are hungry and he carries a burden of guilt so heavy he may never make his way from beneath it. Ruby Weaver is past the age most young ladies marry. She’s independent, hardworking, and a ray of sunshine to those with whom she has contact. She also carries a burden of unconfessed sin and guilt. Gideon rests his family at the Weaver farm. Because of his wife’s illness he stays, and is thankful that the Weavers have befriended them. On her deathbed Lavinia asks her husband to promise he will marry her new friend Ruby who already loves and cares for her children. Gideon grieves his wife’s death—will he be able to open his heart to another? He lives in fear of the war coming closer to his new community, and has a crisis of faith. Can he really be forgiven and live out his beliefs? How can he be a good husband or father if he can’t keep his family safe? Ruby grieves the death of her friend—the promise to watch over her children and husband always on her mind. She isn’t worthy to be loved by a man like Gideon. Can she find forgiveness? Will she trust the Lord, her friend’s wisdom, and her own heart? Weaver’s Creek has been far removed from the devastation of battle, but how will this peaceful community respond when the effects of the war come knocking at their door? As the war comes closer to the community, will they be able to stand by their convictions? This book raises the questions: Can a person be forgiven no matter the gravity of their sins? Does it take more strength to stand by your convictions, or to act on your own when trouble comes? Is faith strong enough to replace the guilt we carry with peace? This is a great historical novel of community, hope, and love. I recommend it. I was given a copy of this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group through Interviews and Reviews. This is my honest opinion of this work.

This was my first Amish fiction read, and it was a good read. It was also my first book by this author, It was quite interesting to delve into the lifestyle and comings and goings of that time (late 1800s) and community (Amish).

The story is very well-paced and sweet, with just the right amount of intrigue and a bit of suspense to the backstory. I especially enjoyed Ruby's character, very down-to-earth yet lovable . Of course, the leads were an obvious match, but reading their relationship evolving was enjoyable.

I'm looking forward to the next in the series - Elizabeth's (Ruby's sister) story. She was a very interesting secondary character. The Roll of the Drums gets 4 stars from me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and was not required to leave a positive review.

Recently I had the chance to read The Roll of the Drums (The Amish of Weaver’s Creek Book #2) by Jan Drexler. I had not read book one in the series, and although I’m sure it might have a bit of useful background on the family, this book is definitely able to be a standalone read. I have read other books by Drexler in the past and I enjoyed them and for some reason I tend to enjoy Amish fiction so I was excited to read this book.
roll

First, let’s start off with the book’s description and then I will share my thoughts after that.



“Ruby Weaver’s curly red hair isn’t the only thing that sets her apart from her Amish community in 1863. Twenty-eight and single, Ruby doesn’t believe a woman needs to be married in order to be happy. Her ailing friend Lovinia Fischer, however, has other ideas and wants Ruby to promise to marry her husband after she dies. Never imagining she’d have to fulfill that vow, Ruby agrees. And she’s not the only one. Lovinia has extracted a similar promise from her husband, Gideon.

With both Ruby and Gideon reluctant to keep their promises, a compromise must be reached. Ruby will spend her days with Gideon’s family– helping to raise the children and keep the house– but her nights will be spent at her sister’s neighboring house. But this arrangement raises eyebrows in their conservative Amish community, and it soon becomes clear that Ruby must make a decision– marry Gideon or turn her back on her friend, the children she’s grown to love… and their father.”



So as the reader can tell from the description, this book takes place during the civil war, making it both Amish fiction AND historical fiction, two of my favorites! Although the Amish are peaceful people, some still end up being recruited in one way or another in the war effort and, as you can imagine, this can take a toll on both them and their families. Gideon Fischer and his family have been so affected by the war that he is traveling with a sick wife and three young children and happens upon the Weaver family and Ruby Weaver in particular.



Although today 28-years-old and unmarried does not make a woman an old maid, at the time and in that community it did so Ruby is an interesting, independent character in this story. I always hate giving up too much information on what is in the book, so I won’t describe much to you. I will say that I particularly enjoyed the character of Ruby, how she is perhaps not the typical Amish woman, and watching the relationship develop between her and Gideon, although I don’t want to give away too much about that relationship. Just know that something develops, alright?



As I said, it was not necessary to read book one of the series, but now I think I probably will and will continue to follow the Weaver family story in subsequent books. As usual, Drexler pulls the reader in and keeps you interested the entire time you have the book in hand.

I received a free copy of this book from Revell Reads/NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

This is an Amish family drama that grabbed my attention from the beginning pages of the book. I had never given much thought to how the Civil War affected the Amish communities, and the author did an excellent job of making this time period come alive for me. The characters in this book are complex. Rosie, Gideon, and Elizabeth all have mistakes and heartaches in their past for which they are struggling to find peace. As their stories progress, you see their characters change and grow. There are some tense scenes as the war comes to this small Amish community. I appreciated how the author stayed true to the beliefs of the Amish concerning warfare, and that added to the drama of the story.
This is excellent Christian historical fiction and well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I don’t generally read Amish fiction, but the few books in the genre that I have read I have greatly enjoyed. That being said, I’m glad to say I actually did enjoy this one. I thought the premise was interesting so I picked it up for review 🙂
So, where to start… probably Ruby. I liked Ruby; that should say enough. I don’t usually like the female protagonists that overpopulate modern fiction, but then again, this is Amish fiction, so you wouldn’t expect the MC to be annoying and brash and tomboyish right off the bat. Ruby was a spunky protagonist full of vigor and energy and some pretty strong opinions. And yet she never came off as really annoying, so that, my friends, is a good thing.
Gideon… hmm… The love interests in romance books are always harder to judge, even if a lot of it is told in their point of view– which is the case here. He was very realistic for a guy, though, to be honest. You don’t see a lot of guys in fiction struggling with pride as much as he did. Plus I loved seeing him as a father… but mostly because father-children relationships are the best relationships to read about.
The Fischer children were all adorable, of course. xD I just want to say they actually seemed believable. Little children are portrayed kinda “off” a lot in fiction; they either come off as freakishly mature or ridiculously babyish, but I’m happy to say that in this book they were actually like children their age. 😀 And that just makes me happy.
The setting/time period was interesting too. I mentioned that I don’t really read Amish fiction, but the books that I have read are all contemporary as far as I know, and this one is set in the 1800’s, so… that was different and neat.
The story itself, while different, didn’t exactly hook me from the first line and reel me in. So while I don’t really have any issues with this book, I can’t exactly rate it five stars, because I just didn’t enjoy it that much. I was pretty stressed when I read it and it didn’t ease my stress, so I think it’s more my fault than its, haha. On that note, I’ll probably have to reread it sometime if I want it to stick.
All in all, this was a very nice book; I enjoyed it but didn’t love it. Four stars would fit the bill.
*I received an ARC of this book from Revell Reads in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler is book two in her The Amish of Weaver’s Creek series. The title, when contemplated, is inspirational as is the story.

28-yr-old Ruby Weaver moves in with her sister, Elizabeth, to help her while Elizabeth’s husband, Reuben, is off fighting with the Confederates. Ruby is trying to gain her independence and wants the same for her sister. Gideon Fischer, his wife, Lovinia, and their four young children are down on their luck and are taken in by Ruby’s parents. Lovinia is very ill and dies soon after the family is accepted by the Weavers. Prior to her death Lovinia gets both her husband, Gideon, and her new-found friend, Ruby, to promise they will marry and make a home for her children. The promise was not easily given and is even harder to put into action.

Jan Drexler started with a great premise and followed through on the execution. She’s seamlessly merged the traumas of civil war with the peaceful life of an Amish community. The characterization is excellent. She brings the varied cast of characters to life. The theme of the sound of drums as played by marching and marauding troops is carried throughout the novel: “We can hear the drums as they march.”; “But he still listened for the roll of drums.” I remarked that the same sound could elicit different responses based on the listener’s experiences. The plot is engrossing and held my attention, there were elements I never would have guessed. Ms. Drexler draws on her understanding of Amish life, as she is descended from Amish, Mennonite and Brethen ancestors, to bring an authenticity to her writing.

The Roll of Drums settled in my spirit. I could hear those drums beating, heralding the arrival of an army ready to battle. I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy religious themes paired with historical fiction.

My thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

The Roll of the Drums is the second installment of this series and my favorite so far. I read a to of Amish Fiction and Historical Amish fiction is my new favorite sub genre and Jan Drexler is fast becoming a favorite author. Grab this book and go back in time.

BOOK REVIEW: The Roll of the Drums (The Amish of Weavers Creek #2)
BOOK BY: Jan Drexler
What an original idea!
This is the first time I’ve read a book tackling the time period of the Civil War from an Amish perspective. Being a people believing in keeping peace and practicing non-violence, how would they defend their property if deserters passed through? Would they have remained entirely untouched by the battle of the north and south? How far was far enough away to escape the violence and devastation?
These are interesting questions to ponder and from Jan Drexler’s imagination, come some interesting answers and vivid storytelling.
I haven’t read the first book of this newest series, but I felt I could still follow the story well enough without the first. There’s enough backstory sprinkled throughout the book to make sense of why characters do what they do in the current storyline.
The descriptions of the Weavers Creek community in Ohio are well done. I could picture the farms and detail of the surrounding areas as I read. There’s a rawness to Gideon the hero of the story, a reader can relate to. His hesitancy and fears are well founded, and border on PTSD. All things considering, he’s still a strong and powerful character, and one I liked very much. I wasn’t sure what to make of Ruby, the heroine in the beginning, but the more I got into the story, the more I liked her character.
And then there was the Preacher and his wife…
Definitely not characters I liked, nor am I sure I will if they make an appearance in the next installment.
All in all, a great historical read.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler is the second novel in The Amish of Weaver’s Creek series. I recommend reading The Sound of Distant Thunder before beginning The Roll of the Drums. I thought the story was well-written and it moved along at a thoughtful pace. The characters are realistic and developed. Ruby Weaver has lovely red hair which along with her age and unmarried state make her different from other females in her community. Ruby does not feel that marriage is necessary to be a happy and content individual. I like that Ruby is a resilient woman of strong faith. Gideon Fischer is relocating his family after the soldiers devastated his small Amish community. He wants to find a safe place for them to reside and Gideon is worried about his wife’s health. Lovinia, Gideon’s wife, knows her time is short. Lovinia believes Ruby is just what Gideon and her children will need once she is gone. She makes Ruby and Gideon promise to marry each other if she passes away. While each make the promise, they are both hoping they will not have to honor it but for differing reasons. There are good life lessons incorporated into the story. We get to see the characters go through some rough times. I like that the author does not give us a lighthearted feel good story (there are ups and downs just like real life). Gideon is at the lowest point of his life and we get to see how he will handle it. It can be hard to let go of our worries and rely on God, but it is necessary. The phrase from The Roll of the Drums that lingered with me is “Only the Good Lord knew the future. He will give you the strength you need”. Everything happens for a reason as we see in The Roll of the Drums. While the story focuses on Gideon and Ruby, we also catch up with Ruby’s sister, Elizabeth who married Reuben at such a young age. In addition, Levi Beiler is a bookworm who loves to devour theological books. His father constantly berates him and Levi wonders why. He overhears a conversation that soon puts things in perspective and leaves Levi with more questions. We see how a person’s experiences can influence how they look at others and situations. The Roll of the Drums is a sweeping historical Amish novel that has love, forgiveness, fear, redemption, joy, judgement and so much more. You will not be disappointed with this compelling story.

This is the second book in The Amish of Weaver's Creek series.
When we think of the Amish we don't think of them in terms of the Civil War but yet this one takes place during this time period.
The story line is very compelling and I read it in little over a day.
The time line of this book follows right along after the first book in the series, The Sound Of Distant Thunder which I recommend you read first before this one.
There are life's trials and tribulations but the characters still open their hearts and homes to others.
The combination of the genres Amish and historical makes for an exciting read I do believe you will enjoy this as well.
The Amish are passive people so it was interesting to read how they related to the Civil War going on around them.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I highly recommend this one.

Published October 1st 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

aken back in time to the end of the Civil War and the aftermath, this book captured my attention right away and kept me turning the pages. With every thing described so perfectly, the battles, the lives, and towns destroyed, I felt like I was in their midst. Something I would not wish on anyone. Their faith in God is what helped them get through the tough times.

Lovinia remained one of my favorite characters. I guess it was because she put her children and husband first before herself. I would like to think that's how I would be too, if was faced with her circumstances. All the characters though were described perfectly and I felt like I understood them all, whether they were good or bad.

A great, great historical read that includes a great romance.

This book was given to me by Revell and this is my honest opinion.

"The Roll of the Drums" second in the Amish of Weaver's Creek Book series by Jan Drexler gives the reader a peek at what Amish life is like . The story takes place in 1863. Ruby Weaver lives with her sister and she is single. Another family came to the area and asked if they could stay there . . The book shows the theme of loyalty and devotion. I admire the character of Ruby. She is so steadfast and faithful. and endearing. The reader will feel like they are part of the story. The details of the story are so well written. The characters are caught between following the Amish rules vs their own integrity. The opinions of this story are my own. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. Thank you also to netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. I am posting my review on Amazon, my blog, facebook,, Goodreads, for church staff.

I enjoy reading any book by Jan Drexler. She is thorough in her research and develops interesting characters. The Roll of the Drums intrigued me because it is set in Civil War times. The Amish are pacifists and the war is remote from this community. However, when it infringes on their lives, they manage to use their spiritual nature to resist the renegades who come to scavenge their farms and livestock.

I enjoyed how Jan developed Gideon and Ruby, who are the lead characters of the story. I truly wondered how their story would end and it was neatly woven into the story until the end. As this story unfolded, I was thankful to have the opportunity to read this book. Amish fiction is not for everyone, yet, when well written , the reader forgets that they are reading about the Amish and simply reading about people's lives.

This is a wonderful story of Amish historical fiction. This takes place during the middle of the civil war. This made me laugh and cry. It is interesting to read about how everyone reacts differently to the same type of situation. Gideon brought his family out of an area that was very near the fighting to what he hopes is a safe zone. Ruby grew up in this area. Ruby helps to care for Gideon’s children after his wife dies. Lovinia(Gideon’s wife) knows she is ill and wants Gideon and Ruby to help each other to learn to live again once she has died. I love how this is all handled in the story. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

EMOTIONALLY MOVING

Jan Drexler’s book, The Roll of the Drums is a moving historical romance. Due to the the Civil War, an Amish family, the Fischers flee from their home. They pass through Weaver Creek. Gideon Fischer, the father is travelling with his sick wife, Louvina and their children. He spots an Amish woman, Ruby Weaver, a single, outspoken woman who ushers the family to her home. The Weaver family graciously offer to help with the needs of this family.

As Ruby helps the sick wife, Louvina, a friendship blossoms between the two women. During their private time together, Louvina talks about a promise with her. As Louvina spends time with her husband, she also talks to him about a promise. What is the promise? Will they keep this promise? Personally, I found this part of the story emotionally moving that it brought me to tears.

I enjoyed the theme of the Amish community helping and caring for each other. I also enjoyed Gideon Fischer’s character. He is a loving, kind, gentleman who encourages people and he is easy to talk. Gideon and Ruby had several lovely morning talks together.

Jan Drexter weaves a moving story like a colourful tapestry with secrets unravelling, friendships blossoming and danger lurking around the corner.

I would highly recommend reading the book,The Roll of the Drum.

I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

Oh my goodness! This book is a phenomenal read that I highly recommend to historical fiction and Amish fiction fans of all ages. It is the second book in the Amish of Weaver’s Creek series and it’s even better than the first book. It has many of the same characters and it has a continuing theme but each book can be read on its own. The story begins when strangers fleeing the destruction and violence of the Civil War find comfort and open arms in a time of crisis when Gideon, his four children and his very ill wife come to Weaver’s Creek looking for shelter. Abraham and Lydia Weaver and their daughter Ruby immediately invite them to live in their home for food and medical aid, treating them like family and their faith is awe inspiring. This beautifully written and faith-filled story stirred so many emotions in me. From hopelessness to happiness, from comfort to joy and sadness to grief, these themes are felt by all of the Amish community in Weaver’s Creek. I’m really looking forward to reading the third book in the series. I read an early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.