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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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. I have always enjoyed reading stories about the Civil War era. I love to read anything historical because I’m drawn to the simple lifestyle of the 1800s and early 1900s. The author had the ability to draw this reader into the story from the first page to the last page.
Ruby Weaver and Reuben Kaufman are the two main characters in this book. All other characters add to the story making it seem so real that I could actually visualize it as though I were there with them. Ruby is a twenty eight year old single Amish woman. She’s very independent and forward for an Amish woman during those years. She feels she can live her life and be happy without a man. Reuben is a married Amish man with a family of youngsters. He has been scarred in his heart because of this war between the North and South. He was forced to help the Confederate army even though he was Amish. He witnessed many horrible things he can’t forget and feels guilty that he couldn’t make a difference. One might say that by today’s standards that Reuben suffered from PTSD. When the Yankees win over the Confederate troop he has been helping, they send him home to his family.
Ruby and Reuben meet when he moves his family North to escape the war. His wife Lovinia is very sick and Ruby’s family takes the weary travelers into their home in the hopes that Lovinia will recover from her illness. As the story progresses the war seems to move further North. Things get unpredictable and uncomfortable in Weaver’s Creek. Will this community be safe from this war and how will this affect the Amish people as they try to go about their every day life?
I highly recommend this book to readers of Amish fiction and historical fiction. I would recommend that book one, The Sound of Distant Thunder, be read first before reading this book as it continues on from the first book .
I borrowed a copy of this book from the Hoopla Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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.
I enjoyed this Amish story. I received it for free and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is during the later years of the civil war. You’ll need to keep a tissue handy. This family had some real hardships, compounded by the Amish views of fighting. It just about broke my heart because I know many of the things probably did happen during the war. The story pulled me in and made it hard to put down. I’ve given this a 5* rating. Not sure the younger should be reading this.
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.
Thank you Revell for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Roll Of The Drums
By: Jan Drexler
*REVIEW*
The Roll Of The Drums is the second book of the Weaver’s Creek Series, but it reads fine as a standalone. Jan Drexler is a new to me author, and I enjoyed the time spent in the world she has created. The time is summer 1863. Ruby is 28, unmarried, Amish, and thus she is basically an old maid. Ruby lives with her sister, Elizabeth, while her husband is fighting in the civil war. I felt sympathetic toward Elizabeth because her unhappiness was almost palpable. These women were so limited in their choices. Ruby is the exception, firmly believing a man is not necessary for a woman to live a meaningful life. I loved her independent spirit, fierce loyalty and understated sassiness. One day, a man named Gideon, his very sick wife, Lovania, and their four children arrive in Weaver’s Creek seeking refuge. They have suffered terribly due to the war, and Ruby’s parents, Abraham and Lydia Weaver, gladly take them into their home with a spirit of generosity and kindness. Ruby quickly bonds with the children and becomes a caretaker. She and Lovania become close friends, and Ruby makes a great promise to Lovania to marry Gideon and be a mother to the children upon her death. Gideon also promises his dying wife that he will marry Ruby. Gideon is a very sad lost man, and he seeks direction for his life in the face of a staggering loss. Perhaps Ruby is the answer for him and his children? Ruby is so independent, and it is hard to imagine her marrying anyone out of obligation. The premise here is unique, and it makes for an intriguing story. I felt every emotion from sad to angry to disbelieving throughout the story. It is a roller coaster of feels for all of the characters, including secondarys that add another level of depth to this book. I am interested to know more about many of the minor characters, and I hope they have stories in the future. Faith and God are a present and integral part of Amish life, and many lessons are woven into the narrative. I found this aspect very informative. Overall, I enjoyed this unique look at Amish life during the Civil War. The author clearly researched and carefully constructed this well written,engaging and inspiring story- sure to be enjoyed by readers of the genre everywhere.
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.
Even before I began reading Jan Drexler’s “The Roll of the Drums”, I felt a personal connection with the story. It takes place in Millersburg, Ohio, in 1863, and I have been to nearby Berlin and Sugarcreek many times. This time period in American history is also one of my favorites to read about, and considering how the Civil War affected the Amish makes for an intriguing and enlightening story. Amish fiction can easily become formulaic and perhaps even stereotypical, but this second book in The Amish of Weaver’s Creek series impressed me with its originality and depth.
Despite not having yet read the first book, I had no trouble at all immersing myself in the story, which is something that I always appreciate. I also did not read the plot description because, in my opinion, these are usually too detailed and detract from the story by giving too much information up front. For me, this made the narrative more interesting and enjoyable as I tried to guess what would happen and how things would turn out. However, one of the beautiful elements of this book is that even if you do know some of the plot points going in, Drexler still manages to surprise readers with the intricacies of how everything plays out on the page.
To my knowledge, this is the first Amish novel I’ve read set during wartime. The Civil War backdrop adds so much dimension to “The Roll of the Drums”. Drexler demonstrates that even in what was considered safe Ohio, the war takes a toll, touching even the Amish. As non-resistors, it never occurred to me that the Amish would have any role in the military, but in this story, Gideon Fischer is haunted by his forced work for the army and the destruction of his former home in Maryland. He suffers from what we now recognize as PTSD, and it affects his way of life and his relationship with God. He questions, “But could a man, unless he was rebellious against God, ever be out of the Lord’s will? Could he fall out of his Lord’s sight, through no fault of his own?” Both he and Ruby Weaver must face the dark events in each of their pasts in order to move forward, just as well all must, and this makes the story so relatable for all readers. Because no matter what, if we accept Jesus’ precious gift of salvation and a relationship with Him, nothing can ever separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). One conversation between Gideon and Ruby particularly stands out: “You don’t know what they are capable of”, to which Ruby replies, “But I do know what God requires of us.”
If you are looking for a unique Amish fiction series, enjoy inspirational historical fiction, or need a boost in your relationship with the Lord, I highly recommend Jan Drexler’s “The Roll of the Drums” because even in tragedy and seemingly lost causes, God is working!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
“The Roll of the Drums” by Jan Drexler is the second book in this series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I had not read the first book, and didn’t feel that I had missed anything by starting with this one.
At its heart, the book tells the story of an Amish couple realizing their true feelings for each other. However, because of the storyline details, this is much more than a typical Amish romance. The male lead (Gideon) is already married with four children when the book opens. The family takes refuge in Ruby’s community, and the stage is set.
This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. First, you’ll experience the fear and frustration of a family fleeing a war-torn area. Then, it’s on to the joy of new friendship, quickly followed by tears brought on by the death of a friend/wife/mother. As you move closer to the final chapter, you’ll be treated to happiness again as everyone involved seeks the healing that they need. (Not spoilerish: this info can be found on the book jacket.)
The emotions evoked by the events in this story are genuine. As a reader, you’ll honestly believe what each character is feeling, as each individual reaction makes perfect sense given what you’ve come to know about the characters. As a person, you’ll feel many of the emotions yourself…the story and dialog are THAT well written.
Ruby, the female lead, is a breath of fresh air. She is loving, devout, and sincere in her faith, as most Amish heroines are. However, she is also focused, creative, and believes in herself enough to realize she doesn’t need a man to be fulfilled in life. It’s nice to see an Amish woman willing to step out of the box a bit (while in NO WAY going against her religious beliefs) to stand up for herself and her own wants and needs.
In addition to the Gideon/Ruby storyline, the reader will be exposed to lots of information about the daily life of the Amish, including plenty of local dialect and vocabulary. I found this refreshing, as some Amish novels don’t reach for this level of historical accuracy.
Smaller side plots involving other members of the community add to the depth of the story, giving the reader a stronger sense of involvement. I look forward to future installments of this series to learn more about things that were only hinted at in this volume.
There are some wonderful religious lessons to be gleaned from the story as well. The theme of trusting the Lord despite difficult circumstances flows throughout. The issue of self-blame when bad things happen to loved ones is also addressed, with a particularly insightful character tactfully explaining the link between self-blame and pridefulness.
Head into this book expecting a great story, and some valuable life/faith lessons. You will not be disappointed!
Five out of five chunks of creamy mozzarella!
In The Roll of the Drums, Jan Drexler takes us back to the Amish of Weaver’s Creek. We get a chance to follow the older, single daughter Ruby as she finds God’s purpose for her life.
I really enjoyed the healing themes found throughout Mrs Drexler’s books. No one is perfect in this life, not even the Amish, but God offers healing to all those who admit what had happened and start the healing process.
My favorite illustration in the book was the splinter – the literal and the figurative one. Mrs Drexler blended the two together and pulled it off seamlessly.
I’ll be honest – I am not as brushed up on my American history as I should be, but reading different periods of history helps my interest to spark. The Roll of Drums has done that, and I am now eager to research more into the Civil War just from reading a well written fiction book from that era.
Fans of Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter, and Suzanne Woods Fisher will enjoy these books by Jan Drexler.
This is a story of God’s infinite wisdom in bringing people together because of their needs. Ruby Weaver is twenty-eight and unmarried but this doesn’t bother her. Her best friend Lovinia Fisher is a wife and mother but she is dying and she asks Ruby to help her family after her death. What follows is the struggle that Ruby and Gideon Fisher face as they try to honor Lovinia’s wishes but still resist her efforts to make them a couple.
The Roll of the Drums is book two of The Amish of Weaver’s Creek series and I loved learning how this Ohio Amish community was affected by the Civil War in 1863. I also enjoyed seeing how Ruby and Gideon grow as individuals and as two people working together to provide a sense of family for Gideon and Lovinia’s children. Author Jan Drexler has been able to portray their human failings while vividly depicting their spiritual growth.
The Roll of the Drums demonstrates the power of love, acceptance, and forgiveness amidst the conflicts of man and the conflict of war. If you enjoy historical romance and Amish fiction, you will certainly want to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell but a favorable review was not required. These are my own opinions.
The Roll of the Drums” is the second book in the series, The Amish of Weaver’s Creek. The author picks up with Gideon Fisher, his wife and four children who are in the process of moving to another community. When they come upon Weaver Creek they see a young women and ask her where they could find a place to stay and their friendship starts.
The Weaver’s have an extra room and allow the Fisher’s to stay with them. Ruby and Lydia Weaver offer to help take of care of Gideon’s wife who is ill as well as watch over their children. Lavinia asks Ruby to make her a tall promise as well as her husband.
I like how the author weaves in the Civil War and Amish traditions. A story about true love, redemption, forgiveness and mercy. “ The Roll of the Drums” can be read on its own, but you will miss the relationships that develop in the first book.
I received a copy of the book from Revell in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Roll of the Drum
The Amish of Weaver’s Creek #2
By Jan Drexler
Gideon Fischer is hoping for a fresh start and healing for his wife Lovinia. Having lost almost everything to Southern raiders his family has suffered greatly and his wife’s health has drastically failed. The promise of help from the Amish community of Weaver’s Creek has kept him pushing on. If not for his family he could never ask for help he can’t repay.
Ruby Weaver is most unconventional but she is more than willing to help those in need and the Fischer family needs the help her family is more than willing to share. She soon becomes friends with the failing Lovinia. And the four young children who are hurting need her help as they must prepare for the worst. But when Lovinia extracts a promise from her to be there for her children and to agree to marry Gideon, Ruby agrees but with reservations.
Gideon can’t image a life without his wife but his children need someone to mother them but marriage to Ruby Weaver, he just can’t do that even if Lovinia felt Ruby was just what they will need. When they come with a workable plan to provide a home for the children/ Unfortunately wagging tongues find fault with the solution that they come up with.
The Roll of the Drum is the second book in the Amish of Weaver’s Creek series and it is set during the years of the Civil War. The war has not left the area untouched and they are having to live with the cloud it has cast over them. This book is an enjoyable read and the characters are for the most part likable. I like the chance to again revisit the Weaver family and their community. This is an easy to read book and I have to be honest I like American Historical fiction so this was an interesting look at the Civil War era.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion – all thoughts expressed are my own.
This series, The Amish of Weaver’s Creek, presents an unusual view of the Civil War. The first book, A Sound of Distant Thunder, saw Jonas off to war, taking the place of his (pacifist) drafted brother. Now, Jan Drexler provides us with the story of Ruby Weaver, Jonas’s sister.
Poor Ruby is outspoken, red-haired, and brash. No wonder she is still single. When a new family moves into the area and settles, Ruby has no idea the effect that befriending them will have on her life.
Who, as a reader, won’t fall in love with Ruby? She isn’t your typical beauty, she doesn’t fit the typical behavior norms, and she isn’t just “perfect.” But she is loyal, kind, and she loves children.
Gideon was a puzzle to me. I liked his determined character, his hard work, and his loyalty to those around him. Gideon feels like he failed God, and God cannot forgive him or use him. But the more I think about it, the more I believe his understanding of right and wrong or what he should have done, was very skewed in real life. Just my opinion. You’ll have to read the book to see what I’m referring to, and even then, you may have a different opinion.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. If you like Amish, romance, or the Civil War, this might be a book for you. I can’t wait for book three!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
What a wonderful story this is with characters that are easy to fall in love in. I loved how the author captured the time period and weaved a beautiful theme of forgiveness and hope.
Ruby has always thought of herself as unattractive and not marriage material. What I liked about her was how vulnerable she was. Her heart for others is a great reminder of how we should help others. When she sees that a family needs help, she welcomes them into her family’s home. Without hesitation she helps care for the children as well as the mother was is gravely ill.
It was interesting to read how close she became to Lavinia while caring for her. There are some emotional parts in the book that may cause tears, so be warned. There is a promise made to Lavinia that Ruby is not sure she can keep. Have you ever broken a promise? Gideon has a lot to deal with and turns to Ruby for help. It was not surprising that people in the community disapproved of their arrangement.
The story is well written with historical facts that bring the past to life. I loved reading about the Civil War and the destruction it did to families. Sometimes we forget about the civilians in a war who pay a big price for their freedom. The author has written a beautiful example of following your heart and allowing God to lead you to forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.
If you enjoy historical fiction then you will enjoy The Roll of the Drums. Author Jan Drexler takes us to an Amish community in 1863, where war, death, and difficult decisions touch the lives of Ruby and Gideon.
With well-developed characters, Drexler shows us how the Amish believe in turning the other cheek and caring for their enemies. But we also see the inner struggle that can happen during conflict of any kind. I really appreciated the spiritual growth of the characters. The Amish lifestyle is not easy but the author shows us how God moves in the lives of His children.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Roll of the Drums is a thrilling book and kept me on the edge of my seat. Author Jan Drexler has written an awesome book. There are different things happening, which kept me very intrigued and interested throughout the whole book. The author did an excellent job bringing out all the characters faith. I highly recommend reading The Roll of the Drums. Author Jan Drexler will not disappoint.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This review is one hundred percent my opinion.
Reading The Roll Of The Drums was my first time experiencing the writing of Jan Drexler. I love, love, love the fact that this book is about the Amish during the American Civil War. For me, it was the best of two worlds. I enjoyed seeing two of my favorite genres meshing in one incredible story. I fell in love with the characters from the start. In the beginning Ruby reminded me of a feisty Anne of Green Gables, and not only because of her red hair! But, as the book progressed I feel Ruby grew. I truly appreciate the Godly, Spiritual growth that was shown in this book from more than one character. As I read the growth within the characters it also ministered to me. People with real problems were presented. They were not perfect, bit like me, they served a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ!
If I had one complaint it would be that the phrase “for sure” was overused in an annoying way. It seems petty, I suppose, but it was ridiculous how many times it was in this book. I have read hundreds of Amish books, I have been to Amish Country several times, and have even had dinner in Amish households, and I have never heard an Amish person say for sure. That doesn’t mean some of them don’t use it, but it just seemed odd to me.
All in all it was a great read! I would like to thank Revell and Netgalley for my copy of this book.
Ms. Drexler opens the book with an Amish family, (the Fishers), who traveled from Maryland to Ohio to escape the tragedy of the Civil War. Gideon and Lovinia have suffered many trials throughout their lives, while Ruby remains strong and independent. This book had my emotions running up and down like a roller coaster!
I don’t want to spoil the story, but the characters seem real and they come to life by demonstrating that you can survive violence and chaos if you have faith in the Lord.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and the opinions are my own.
After having read the first book in the series, The Sound of Distant Thunder, I was eagerly anticipating this book because I absolutely wanted to return to Weaver’s Creek. The author deftly combines two of my favorite genres in this series, Amish and Historical fiction making me one happy reader.
This novel is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, with characters who are going through such difficult times themselves, but still open their hearts and homes to those in need. It’s evident how kind the Weaver family is when they open their home to the Fisher family, weary from traveling and in need of food and shelter. I loved Lovinia Fischer immediately, she is incredibly brave, loving and selfless making her family her top priority in the face of a devastating situation. I was pleasantly surprised by Ruby Weaver because she was fiercely independent a trait that was refreshing to see in an Amish woman living in 1863. The love and care she showed to Lovinia and her young children shows what an amazing young woman she was.
There are so many reasons to love this novel, it’s well written, perfectly paced and the characters are endearing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and think other readers will enjoy the first two books as much as I have
I received a complimentary from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.