Softly Blows the Bugle, by Jan Drexler is thoroughly enjoyable. Historical Fiction is my favourite genre to read, and I have discovered a new (to me) favourite author. The writing flows well and the pace is just right. Romance and suspense and integrated historical detail bring alive the setting. 
Although the third in a series, it reads very well as a stand-alone. Incidents and people from the previous books are sometimes referred to, but not in a way that creates any gaps in the story.
The main character, Elizabeth, is a young widow. She strayed from the Amish faith of her parents and married a non-believer, too late realizing her mistake. Elizabeth is actually glad to be a widow, as she endured thirteen years of abuse at his hand. Seeing the contrast between her husband and the men of her Amish family, she vows never again to marry someone from outside her community. But never say never. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.
I love how the author portrays the various characters with their flaws and thought processes. There are twists and turns in the plot. Characters’ eyes are opened, causing them to undergo changes of heart.
Readers become acquainted not only with the Amish community, but also with the civil war and the then-recent legal emancipation of blacks shown through characters from those realms. One feels with them the despair of their circumstances as well as the peace and joy of putting their trust in Jesus, the Redeemer of our souls.
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