Roll of Drums by Jan Drexler

I enjoy reading any book by Jan Drexler.  She is thorough in her research and develops interesting characters.  The Roll of the Drums (The Amish of Weaver's Creek #2)  intrigued me because it is set in Civil War times.  The Amish are pacifists and the war is remote from this community.  However, when it infringes on their lives, they manage to use their spiritual nature to resist the renegades who come to scavenge their farms and livestock.

I enjoyed how Jan developed Gideon and Ruby, who are the lead characters of the story.  I truly wondered how their story would end and it was neatly woven into the story until the end.  As this story unfolded, I was thankful to have the opportunity to read this book. Amish fiction is not for everyone, yet, when well written , the reader forgets that they are reading about the Amish and simply reading about people's lives. Look for Jan's books wherever books are sold.

Reviewing: Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing

What better way for a woman to share her love of cooking than by teaching others.  Heidi Troyer was a wonderful cook who decided to invite people into her home for cooking lessons. Her Aunt Emma was a master quilter and to help conquer her loneliness as a widow she started teaching others to quilt.  Heidi knew that Emma got much more in return from her students than just seeing their completed projects.  So, Heidi, in turn, prayed that by giving simple cooking lessons she could bless others while adding purpose to her own life.  Her first classes were successful so she planned to teach another series of lessons.

She and her husband Lyle have been married nearly nine years yet remain childless.  After years of longing for a child, they are looking forward to adopting a baby.  As things happen in life, the best laid plans don’t always come to fruition. Disappointed and hurt, Heidi buoyed herself with her deep faith and strength of character to overcome the sadness after learning the adoption fell through.  With Lyle’s encouragement, she went ahead with her plans teach another series of classes.  The first day of class brought an unexpected mix of eager students.  From the lonely wife of a policeman to a teen struggling to fill the shoes of the mother who walked out on the family, Heidi welcomes them all to her home.  Even her mailman smelled the delightful aromas and wanted to join in. Women and a few men who wanted to prepare tasty meals unwittingly found so much more in the Troyer's kitchen.  

Each week as Heidi wrote out the weekly recipe for the class she tucked a verse of scripture on the back of t.  Devout in her faith, she prayed that someone among the group would read and need that verse before the next class.  Oftentimes, the students would gather and share how uncannily a verse resonated and hit home.  

In her simple yet faithful way, Heidi made an impact on those who took her class.  I read the first book in the series, Amish Cooking Class - where it all began when one woman decided to step out in a leap of faith to make a difference.  I enjoyed the quiet way she listened, taught and prayed for her students.  So much more was going on than mixing, baking and preparing food.  A ragtag group of unlikely people came together as strangers and came away as friends.  Each one with their own story.

I invite you to see your yourself by picking up this wonderful book.  I was pleased to read the Amish Cooking Class - The Blessing,  by Wanda Brunstetter for review for an unbiased review.