The Roll of the Drums

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.