Amish of Weaver's Creek Softly Blows the Bugle, Book 3, (Paperback)

I was happy to hear the clarion call of the bugle inviting me back to what should have been the uncomplicated Amish lives in Weavers Creek. However, Jonas has returned home after 3 years of serving as a medic in the Civil War. He can only marry Katie if the church approves him for membership, and everyone knows the Amish don't believe in war. Jan Drexler ups the drama in her third book of the Amish of Weavers Creek, Softly Blows the Bugle. While this could be read separately, it is so much richer when read following the first two books. Aaron Zook, a close non-Amish friend of Jonas's, has followed him home. Aaron has issues to sort through, some caused by the war, some inherited. His very presence causes conflict for widowed Elizabeth, who must decide if she wants to court respectable Amishman Solomon Mast or wait on Aaron, who is neither Amish nor settled. So many different threads going in this story, and I loved them each and every one. I finished the book in one day, as I couldn't pull myself away from the events at Weavers Creek as they became more and more intense. While Jonass patience and trust in Gott amazed me, I felt like Aaron and Elizabeth grew the most throughout the novel. I loved how Ms. Drexler feeds the reader just enough doubt and clues at the right times to make one feel as if they have suddenly figured out something essential. I also liked the inclusion of the Amish gossip. Doesn't every group have at least one person who needs to learn to control their tongue? Anxiously awaiting Ms. Drexler's next series. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours and NetGalley. I also received an ARC from LibraryThing. All opinions are my own and unsolicited. Notable quotables: That's a mother's kiss, young man. And a mother's kiss lasts forever. No man is whole when he is by himself. All of us are broken on the inside until we find our place with God...

Every now and then I read a book that just takes my breath away. This book was one of those. Oh my, this was a late night reading book because I absolutely could not put it down. And as much as I wanted to find what happens, at the same time I never wanted it to end! It was THAT GOOD! I am not going to "re-write" the book in this review, because you can read the book blurb. I am going to say it was excellent. This author has moved right up the ranks of my favorite writers! It was a historical suspense and romance with twists and turns that just surprised me. There was not a dull moment in this exciting historical Amish fiction. The characters were captivating, including the bad guy! The writing was believable and held my interest throughout. I could easily picture myself in the settings of the book and the time period. The excellent writing would make a great movie! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.