The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler
Stephanie's Rating: 5 out of 5 bookmarks

The Roll of the Drums, book two of The Amish of Weaver's Creek Series is even better than book one. This book has quite a few more ins and outs that keep your attention and move the story along at an exciting pace.

In this book, we mainly follow the life of Ruby Weaver, an older, unmarried daughter in the Weaver family. Her path crosses with that of a family fleeing the devastation of the Civil War, and nothing will ever be the same for her again! Though she is older and unmarried, an unusual state for an Amish young lady, she has never felt the need to be married and is very independent and confident. However, she finds that a good man who loves you for who you are can complete your life without eclipsing it. This was a fun read.

I did think one part was rather redundant, and even evocative of the first book of the series: the main character, Ruby, and her counterpart, Gideon, AND the preacher and his wife all have some sort of "secret" or hidden sin in their lives, as did the heroine in book one! I would have preferred a little more imagination in the method of building suspense, but it wasn't so bad as to make the book unenjoyable.

There is some war violence in this novel, though not enough to cause squeamishness, and there is an allusion to a relationship before marriage that might not make sense to the young reader. Still, I think those as young as 12 would be able to easily join in Ruby's life story and appreciate how it unfolds.

For ease of reading, pace of the plot, and exciting twists and turns, I give this book 5 out of 5 bookmarks.





Stephanie Garrett is a busy homeschooling mom of three who somehow always finds time to read. She has been a voracious reader since childhood and even won a bicycle in elementary school for having read the most books! She enjoys learning and growing and never turns down an opportunity to try something new. Her first love is the Lord and service to Him, second is family, and third...is reading. She believes that anyone who learns to read with comprehension can go anywhere and do anything! She also enjoys music, theatre, sewing, and mathematics.



Disclosure: The publisher provided us with a free copy of this book for promotional purposes. A favorable review was not required. This post contains affiliate links.

The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler
Stephanie's Rating: 4 out of 5 bookmarks

What to do when life interrupts the set flow and pattern of what has always been?

Jan Drexler provokes the mind and heart to consider how best to follow the Scripture and walk after God when life gives us those unexpected twists in the first book of The Amish of Weaver's Creek series, titled The Sound of Distant Thunder.

The Amish community of Weaver's Creek is being bombarded with dissension within, and the Civil War without. Some Amish church bishops are encouraging change, and are adopting new methods or styles of worship, while other bishops are holding to the idea that only the Old Way is best. One wise man, Abraham Weaver comments that "The biggest question should be whether we are following the Scriptures or not."

Jan Drexler Photo Credit: Roaming Reflections Photography

At the same time, the Civil War is raging and though the Amish community is known for never fighting, the United States government has demanded they be a part of the war draft. When the brother of one main character is drafted, the war comes screaming into a community that only desires to be left alone. However, principles and convictions will not fill the draft rolls, and someone must go. The main character, Jonas, decides that he is meant to take his brother's place, even though it means leaving behind the love of his life. Both Jonas and his love, Katie, will face many hardships during their time of separation, but they also grow in the inward man as they have to face life outside of the predictable norm.

Though I did find myself skimming some parts of this book, overall it was an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. It is obvious that great research went into this novel, and no part of it felt forced or discordant with the time and era. Ms. Drexler has an engaging style and I believe readers will enjoy this gentle book.

The main characters do kiss on occasion, though not married, but these are all chaste embraces that should still be an acceptable read for those aged 12 and above, though, of course, parents would have the final say based on personal preference. There are casualties and wounds on the battlefield, but I didn't find these scenes to be gory or disturbing.

For my personal preference, the plotline was a little shallow, though it still has enough of a story to carry it. Readers should enjoy this first of the series book if they are looking for an easy read.





Stephanie Garrett is a busy homeschooling mom of three who somehow always finds time to read. She has been a voracious reader since childhood and even won a bicycle in elementary school for having read the most books! She enjoys learning and growing and never turns down an opportunity to try something new. Her first love is the Lord and service to Him, second is family, and third...is reading. She believes that anyone who learns to read with comprehension can go anywhere and do anything! She also enjoys music, theatre, sewing, and mathematics.



Disclosure: The publisher provided us with a free copy of this book for promotional purposes. A favorable review was not required. This post contains affiliate links.