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 … 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.
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I started reading this amazing story as soon as I received the book. I had been waiting to know how the families and community in Weaver’s Creek was doing after reading book one, The Sound of Distant Thunder. They were facing some difficult times as the war continued between the south and northern states over slavery. The setting is May 1863 so readers know this historical period is the Civil War Era.
When Gideon and Lovinia Fischer and their four small children arrived at the Weaver’s door they graciously took them in. Ruby Weaver lived with her English sister Elizabeth, since her husband was off fighting the war. Ruby assisted with the care of Lovinia and the children showing she was tender and loving despite her strong independent spirit. There were accusations made toward Ruby that was disturbing to the Weaver family but they knew the facts. As the truth of what Gideon and his family suffered before they arrived in Ohio brought the realism of war to life for this family and community. There were many unexpected turn of events with the struggles and promises that had been made but Drexler brought the story together in a remarkable way. I appreciate the research and depth Drexler wove into the story for this Amish community during a troublesome period in our American history.
I enjoyed the excerpt provided at the end for the next book in The Amish of Weaver’s Creek. At least I have a couple of wandering questions answered as to what happened to favorite characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Company, with Revell a division of the publishing company. I was under no obligation to write a positive review but have shared my sincere thoughts.
Finished this wonderful book at 3 am this morning and just wow!! Jan Drexler sure knows her stuff!!
Sometimes Gid has a much much bigger plan outside the box only we just can’t see it at the time! Jan puts her characters through some tough times and I loved reading to see how they reacted and if they would turn to God and unload their burdens. I wasn’t disappointed! I never am with Jan!
Folks I know unloading your burdens isn’t an easy thing to do and I am perfect example of that. Jesus took care of that when He died on the cross for us. For us! Isn’t that amazing!
Sunday I was so angry very angry when a family issue happened. And hurt! But Folks I’m gonna hang in there until the Lord returns. If I killed myself it would be unforgivable in God’s eyes! Depression is a serious condition.
This story came through because it reminded me of the One who loves us.
I bawled when I finished reading this.
There us love, forgiveness, redemption and so much more!
Ruby reminded me so much of myself!
Keeping everything inside isn’t a good thing!
Both Ruby and Gideon are a lot like me!
Stubborn, hardheaded, need I go on?
I wished that Lovinia weren’t so rushed off though. I have a heart problem just like her. I would have liked more about her. She seemed like a lovely woman to get to know!
War can do terrible things to people. I can’t imagine what they went through and what they have seen. And I dont want to really! I thank each and everyone for their service for our freedom along with the Lord Jesus Christ who is our true freedom Giver!
I strongly recommend this book!!
I hope this can help and bless the next person who picks this book up. You won’t be disappointed! I wasn’t
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own!
This Amish story takes place during the Civil War, and this community in Ohio is touched in way you won’t see coming, and will they be able to stay to their beliefs and still survive?
The author has given us a strong woman to follow, and at 28 she is bucking the trend, but holding to her own beliefs, and yet being a woman of faith.
We also have an Amish man who has suffered and survived, but is still being tested, and we meet him at one of his lowest points.
We see how these people and watch how these two people are thrown together by a promise each has made.
Now the second book that I have read in this series, and you will be updated, but you might want to go back and read the first, and there is another coming, and hopefully some more answers!
I have enjoyed reading about these early Amish settlers!
I received this book Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
“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.
Ohio, year 1863.
the story is set in Weaver’s Creek, a small farm village of amish people.
the main character is Ruby, one of the Weaver’s daughters. She is full of life and curios, as her mum used to say
“your curiosity will get you in trouble one day”.
All the people make mistakes, but “past mistakes are something we live with, but that doesn’t mean we have to continue to make the same decision again. We learn from our mistakes and move on.”
The people feel safe, the village is far from the main city, but the war will reach it and will destroy what the people had built with hard work.
Very nice book, lovely story, where you can learn about amish lifestyle and good things to improve your life: trusting God, pray for all, also for your enemy, help others, enjoy the small things happen in the life,
forgiven the sinners, be more patient with others, listen others, enjoy the Nature…