The Roll of the Drums by Jan Drexler Review

About

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?


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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THE AUTHOR

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   Photo by: Roaming Reflections Photography

   Jan Drexler

   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...

   Continue reading about Jan Drexler

My Review:
This is a great story about promises. How far would you go to keep a promise that you never imagined would come into play? Ruby is an interesting character. She cares for her friend and the children, but she is not willing to get married. Even though she made a promise. she can not see herself getting married. I also liked that this book took place in the past, and in an Amish community, with so many different laws and inventions. It was a different time, however the vow between friends is timeless. Lovinia wanted her husband and kids to be taken care of after her passing, but did she plan on  Ruby making waves in their community? I liked that this story was written by someone with an Amish history, so it was more genuine. The ending was expected, but still enjoyable. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own.