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.

The Roll of the Drums is the second installment from Jan Drexler’s series, The Amish of Weaver’s Creek. I enjoyed the first book, The Sound of Distant Thunder, but enjoyed this one so much more. I have read a lot of Amish fiction over the years and I find it unique to read an Amish Historical Fiction. I found this story to be fascinating.
I give The Roll of the Drums four and a half stars. I am hopping there will be a third book in the series. I recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Set during the civil war, the author weaves a tale about learning to trust God with everything that concerns us.
Ruby is different from every Amish girl in the community. With her red hair and bold attitude to match she always speaks her mind. Not ready to keep the promise she made to her friend because she feels unworthy, she settles for compromise.
Gideon too has been affected by the war, escaping after being a prisoner he wants to keep family safe and as far way from the war as possible. He’s fighting his own demons too and running scared. He wants to handle everything even though he can’t.
Both of them carrying burdens of guilt and feeling undeserving. I liked their growth process realizing first of all that God has forgiven them and all they need to do is accept his forgiveness and give him their guilt.
The war affected everyone and the author puts a spotlight on the Amish and how the reacted to it. Although not always ideal turning the other cheek was the teaching they lived by. Caring for your enemy even if he has hurt you. With lessons on forgiveness for your fellow man, redemption and faith, this was a wonderful book.

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 through Netgalley and have given my honest opinion.

I could not put this book down! Jan Drexler did it again, where you continued in the story of Weaver’s Creek with the Civil War entering the Amish life. You have main characters Ruby Weaver and Gideon Fischer. Gideon enters Weaver’s Creek from Maryland with his 4 children and very ill wife, Lovinia. Lovinia ends up passing away soon after, but not before she becomes close friends with Ruby. She then asks both Ruby and Gideon to marry after her death. With both of them grieving deeply, neither one wants to marry, but they do want the children taken care of, so that falls upon Ruby. A short question is, will they end up getting married? Will they end up falling in love?

On the Civil War end, there are some Confederate marauders that enter Weavers Creek. These are not good men. They end up shooting Abraham, Ruby’s father. They also steal his horses. Later they also end up burning his barn down. The question here is, will Abraham recover from his wound? How will the community react to this? You will need to read the book to get the answers to the questions.

The Roll of the Drums became available for sale October 1, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.

Jan Drexler writes intriguing Amish fiction, and even dabbles in historical Amish fiction. The Roll of the Drums is one of these intriguing Amish historicals. Set during the War between the States (I'm from the South and if I were to give it the true Southern title, it would be something else.), the story emphasizes the pacificism of the Amish, along with how the Amish were used during the war.

Ruby Weaver lives with her sister Elizabeth, while Elizabeth's husband has gone to fight with the South. Elizabeth's husband wasn't Amish and refuses to allow Elizabeth to go to the Amish services.

The year is 1863 and Gideon is moving with his family to find a place where the war hasn't infiltrated. He comes across the Weaver's farm and looks for help. He has four children--Rosemary, Ezra, Sophie, and Daniel; his wife--Lovinia, who is quite ill, and all of them are hungry--undernourished, even; and weary. The Weavers, being the generous Amish family they are, take them in and do all they can to help all six of them.

Ruby spends time with Lovinia, taking care of her, reading to her, listening to her, and befriending her. Lovinia is far more ill than she can recover from, and after a doctor visits, Lovinia makes Ruby promise to marry Gideon and take care of her children--love them like a mother would.

Ruby never saw herself as marriage material--she's just too opinionated, outspoken, and the most non-Amish Amish woman she knows.

The more time Gideon spends with Ruby, the more he sees how right Lovinia was, but he was not by any means ready to marry again. But he was extremely happy to have Ruby watch his children.

This was one of the most compelling books I've read in a while. The storyline is believable, engrossing, and absorbing of the reader's time and imagination. I love the way Jan Drexler has a plethora of side characters whose actions only add to the plot. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a sweet Amish family to help in a time of need.

Revell and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read and I am privileged to participate in Revell's Blog Tour for this book.

In this second book in Drexler's The Amish of Weaver's Creek series, we are reunited with Abraham Weaver's family, particularly his daughter, Ruby. The family takes in former minister Gideon Fischer, his ailing wife, and their four children. Gideon is running from his memories and guilt over his role in the war between the Union and the Confederacy, the fleeing and separation of his flock, and the circumstances his family had contended with during his forced absence. Weaver Creek and Abraham and Lydia's home offer the perfect sanctuary to recover from his spiritual wounds. Unfortunately, the war may not be far behind.

Drexler brings to the forefront Scripture's instructions regarding how we as Christians are to treat our enemies. Readers will be challenged to put themselves in the characters' shoes and consider their own choices in the situations in which Drexler places them. While a thoroughly enjoyable read, there will be plenty of opportunities for self-reflection.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Roll of the Drums from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

In “The Roll of the Drums,” Jan Drexler has produced a rare masterpiece of genuine Amish family life, combined with true Christian faith and exemplary values of decency and decorum, set in the backdrop of war and its fiery aftermath. Jan combines intensive historical research with true-to-life characters, to create a memorable story of the sweetness of true love, flourishing against all odds, amidst the conflict, sorrow and trauma of battle. The true values of honest faith, love of family and hard-won freedom of the gentle Amish community are painfully tested in the excruciating crucible of war. Lives and hearts are disrupted by the roll of the drums. This haunting and beautifully woven love story of Gideon and Ruby, surrounded by Gideon’s children, captures the mind and nourishes the soul, keeping readers spellbound, as Jan Drexler graphically portrays the heroic struggles of fiery faith, aspiring hope and selfless love in families, communities and churches. I strongly recommend this inspiring, enlightening and engaging book to all who wish to know about the true and honorable values of family life in Amish communities.

This was a really good historical Amish book. It was book 2 of the Amish of Weaver's Creek. I love historical and the characters in this book were such caring and good people even through the hardest times.

The characters had some life-changing trials and challenges. And I loved the promises made, the difficulties, the forgiving and the deep friendships.This book took place during the Civil War period making it a hard time for the Amish.

This book was so good. I really loved reading it. Didn't want it to end...

I felt all the feelings of Gideon at the passing of his wife, the promise she wanted him to make and the responsibility he felt towards his children. This book was very poignant and stirring. I highly recommend it to all those who love Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

It's disharmonious to my mind to put the Amish and the Civil War in the same setting, yet it must have happened as no one escaped unscathed. I love how the author has put these two things together, making us think just a little bit more, and with a complicated setting that removes all of the fluff. You have a troubled family, a welcoming community, and the question of whether you should stick to your beliefs if it puts your family at risk. Themes of forgiveness, redemption, and trusting in faith are ever-present throughout the book. There are several couples featured here, some that we saw in book one from this series and some that I predict we will see in a future book, but you don't have to have read book one to follow - this is a standalone novel.

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.

Enjoyed this book so much. Ruby and Gideon's story captures you from the very beginning. the book is not without some hidden twist and turns not expected for Amish fiction.

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...

The Roll of the Drums is well written. I enjoyed the plot and the Civil War setting. Jan Drexler is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction and she did not disappoint with this latest book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

I love reading Jan Drexler, She is one of the best writers of the Amish Romance stories. Due to her Amish ancestry, she has knowledge of their traditions and beliefs. Ms. Drexler does such a wonderful job of bringing her characters to life, you will find yourself genuinely caring about them. I read the first book, The Sound Of Distant Thunder to this series, The Amish of Weavers Creek and really enjoyed it. I could not wait for the next one to come out. The timeline of this novel continues on during the Civil War. Although the Amish are conscientious objectors, Jonas has gone off to war to save his older brother who's number was drawn. Samuel has a wife and children. We are introduced to a new family the Fischers who are fleeing the war in Maryland and traveling through Ohio. Ruby Weaver becomes best friends with Lovinia Fischer as she tries to nurse her back to health. During this time Abraham, Ruby's dad has invited the family to stay with them. Ms. Drexler writes about some very hard topics in her story. She has a special way of bringing light into the darkness. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing through NetGalleys. The opinions expressed in this book are my own

The second in this series features Ruby, a young Amish woman who is not as mild and meek as most Amish women but very outspoken. Ruby is easy to love since she is so caring and authentic. I like the way Gideon was portrayed as a very thoughtful man and a loving father. This story captures Amish life and struggles during the Civil War in a very real way. Looking forward to the next book in this heart warming series. Highly recommended!

The Roll of Drums tells the story of an Amish family who migrates from Pennsylvania to Ohio during the middle of the Civil War. As they relocate, they face major life struggles and are blessed by a new Amish community. Friendship, family, and romance intermingle in this delightful second book in The Amish of Weaver's Creek series by Jan Drexler. The book can easily be read as a standalone.

The year is 1863. and the country is involved in the Civil War. Gideon is traveling with his gravely ill wife and 4 young children, when they stop at the Amish community of Weaver Creek. Luckily they meet and stop at the home of Abraham Weaver and his family, who take in the travelers and help Gideon's wife until her passing. She befriends Ruby, the unmarried daughter, and makes her promise to take care of her children and family when she is gone. She makes Gideon the same request, but naturally they are struggling with grief at her passing, and do not feel right about jumping into a marriage. However, Gideon gets set up on a farm, and Ruby goes daily to take care of the children and the house. Struggles dealing with roving bands of raiding soldiers, and trying to come to grips with their grief and demons of past sins makes for a good story line. At times a few issues were cleared up quickly or mentioned but not explained. For example, would have liked more details about Amos and his family. Also hope in future books that Levi gets a break. Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and it gives a different perspective of what it might have been like for a passive group during a hard time in our history. Would recommend.