The Roll of The Drums by Jan Drexler. A Review

How far will she have to go to keep a promise?
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. The 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?

My Thoughts

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.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the Revell Blogger Programme. Opinions expressed are solely mine

About The Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the inspiration for her stories. Jan lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband, where she enjoys hiking and spending time with her expanding family. She is the author The Sound of Distant Thunder, Hannah’s Choice, Mattie’s Pledge (a 2017 Holt Medallion finalist), and Naomi’s Hope, as well as several Love Inspired historical novels.
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