Until I grabbed The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury I had never heard of her before. Coined as a Christmas romance novel, I thought it was the perfect read for my Camp NetGalley pick because, well, Christmas in July. Knowing the publisher was Thomas Nelson I knew Christian themes would be front and center, so I didn't go in totally blind. With that said, I didn't connect with this book at all.

If I weren't the wife of a retired soldier, who actually helped stand up the 506th Infantry to fight during OIF and who spent over a decade in service before being forced to retire due to an injury, I may have feel differently---but as a soldiers wife, this felt like a novel written by someone who has no link to the military, and this is what they think it looks and sounds like. In particular, it is absolutely against the ethical code of the Medical Service Corp to tell soldiers to call out to Jesus and ask for forgiveness before death. There are many, many religions within our Armed Services and to violate that ethical code---while it may sound good in a book---infuriated me because it's just not how things work.

That aside, I struggled with the timeline. The overall story concept---of a family heirloom before lost and then found---isn't a bad one, but it lost me in the details. First, the timeline. The ring, which was found during the drop to Normandy, would have been in 1944. Vanessa, the FMC, referred to her late relative as her great grandfather. In reality, it should have been her grandpa. I'm about the same age as the FMC, and it was my grandpa who fought during WWII. If it had been referred to as Sadie's great-grandpa that would have made more sense; but not Vanessa's. Also within the timeline, there are a lot of time jumps and it kept the piece from ever feeling finished. It's like info dump, and then jump, info dump and then jump.

Onto Sadie, a fresh 18 year old going off to college with a 23 year old Army Ranger boyfriend---this is a massive nope from me. Clearly they dated when she was a minor given the information from the story, and being her best friends brother, doesn't change the ick factor. This seemed to be added as a plot point because of course he has to surprise her at Christmas---versus adding to the story.

I knew this was a Christian fiction, and if you like over the top references to Jesus and praying then you'll enjoy this. I do read some Christian fiction (along with plenty of non-Christian fiction) and I definitely got to a point where I just rolled my eyes. It is entirely too overhanded and becomes the theme of the book overtaking everything else. Instead of developing well rounded characters and plot points, everything went back to praying and Jesus---it's why the book lacked substance for me.

The drama with Ben's dad was also a bit much. There are laws about reselling and as soon as it was known that it was Vanessa's ring; which was lost not abandoned, legally it had to be returned. A little research would have gone a long way.

At this point you can probably tell that this book wasn't for me; so many things would completely pull me out that it got a point where I just wanted it to be over. It is my understanding that this book will becoming out as a movie and I wish the author well with that, it probably will come across as something meant for the GAF network which some people like.

Thank you Thomas Nelson for the gifted ARC.

Such a sweet and heartwarming story, gave me Gilmore Girls vibes with the small-town setting. Not a very long book. Highly recommend if you like a sweet Christmas book with heart.

Karen Kingsbury once again captures the heart and soul of the holiday season in her newest novel, The Christmas Ring. Set in a charming Southern town in Georgia that radiates warmth and nostalgia, the story feels like stepping into a Christmas Hallmark movie—with all the sentimentality, magic, and meaning that readers long for in a holiday read.

At the heart of the novel is a treasured family heirloom, a ring with roots dating back to World War II. As the story unfolds, this piece of history weaves together the lives of two widowed characters, each navigating grief, healing, and the possibility of love again. Their journey is heartfelt and sincere, drawing readers into a deeply moving story of second chances.

Kingsbury's characters are instantly likable and relatable, and readers will enjoy experiencing the Christmas season through their eyes. The novel beautifully showcases the spirit of giving as the community comes together to support military families through a touching charity initiative. Strong themes of Christian faith, trust in God's timing, and the power of prayer serve as the spiritual backbone of the story, reminding readers that hope is often found when we least expect it.

Poignant, heartwarming, and faith-filled, The Christmas Ring is a must-read for anyone looking to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Be sure to grab a box of tissues—and your copy—when the book releases on October 21, 2025.
#TheChristmasRing #NetGalley

Vanessa and her daughter go on vacation to Colorado and she loses the family heirloom. As she spends her days trying to find it, she moves her daughter to college and finds live. Cute Christmas story. Predictable. I’m glad it was short and a quick read. A longer book would have been too much.

This is a sweet but very predictable story about a lost family heirloom, a widow and her daughter, and a widower whose dad owns an antique store. It’s a Christmas novella that honors the military and focuses on what is really important in that season - faith, family, and helping others. This is similar to basically every Christmas Hallmark movie out there, and it is the basis for a theater release in 2025.

If you’re looking for a clean Christmas romance that’s warm and fluffy, this is for you.

This is Christian fiction so expect a lot of prayer and discussions about God.

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a wonderful holiday read by one of my favorite authors. Snuggle in with a cup of tea and a warm blanket as you enjoy this story about hope and new life.

An inspirational love story that checks all the boxes for Karen Kingsbury fans. A widow, a widower, a daughter off to college, and a missing family heiress are the ingredients mixed together in this holiday romance.

4.5 ⭐️s

Vanessa Mayfield, a military widow, loses the family ring, The Christmas Ring, on a trip with her daughter, and ever since then she had been stopping in at antique shops to see if it ends up there. The ring had been passed down from generation to generation ever since her great grandfather found it buried in the dirt in Normandy on D-Day. One day she goes into an antique store to check, and while she may not have found the ring, she happens to meet the co-owner of the store and widower, Ben Miller, and they have an instant connection.

This was the first time I read something by Karen Kingsbury, and I look forward to reading more in the future. This was a lovely, clean, lighthearted love story that focuses on family and second chance at love. While a short read, it still made me emotional, and it is a lovely cozy read especially for the holidays (and of course perfect to have Christmas in July). You’ll still get all the feels, and it’s the perfect to read with a blanket and a hot cup of cocoa.

Thank you so much to Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness I devoured this book in 2 sittings. It’s so heartwarming and one of the coziest and sweetest reads I’ve ever read. The messages of faith and believing there’s a time and place for everything andand if something is meant to happen, God will present it to you when it’s time.

I love love love stories about family heirlooms and the stories behind how they magically touch people’s lives and bring people together. The Christmas Ring will touch yours, too!

If you love deeply emotional stories that talk about faith and religion, this is an amazing and beautiful one to select.

Thank you to NetGalley and Karen Kingsbury for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Christmas Ring is a heartwarming holiday novella that beautifully weaves together themes of love, redemption, and second chances. Kingsbury’s signature style shines through with her gentle, faith-based messaging and emotionally layered characters, creating a comforting and meaningful reading experience. Though brief, the story packs an emotional punch and is perfect for readers looking for a cozy, uplifting read during the holiday season. While predictable at times, the charm lies in its simplicity and heartfelt message: love never truly dies, and Christmas miracles can happen when you least expect them. This novella is a sweet reminder of the hope and healing the holidays can bring—ideal for fans of inspirational romance and feel-good fiction.

A clean, cozy Christmas read full of warmth and quiet emotion. When Vanessa loses a treasured family heirloom—a ring with deep sentimental value—it unexpectedly leads her to Ben. Both widowed, both cautious, they tiptoe around new beginnings. Vanessa’s hesitance to tell her daughter Sadie about her new friend adds a tender layer of complexity.

Will finding the ring bring closure... or open the door to something more?
A sweet and gentle holiday story about second chances, healing hearts, and the magic of timing.

Do you believe in second-chance love—especially during the holidays?

#TheChristmasRing #KarenKingsbury #CozyChristmasReads #CleanRomance #WidowedButHopeful #HolidayHeartwarming #SecondChances #BookstagramChristmas #readsiprepeatrewind #SweetReads #ChristmasFiction #FaithAndFiction #WinterReadingVibes

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy of “The Christmas Ring.” I was definitely in the mood for a Christmas book in July.
Like most of her books, Kingsbury weaves Christian advice into her storylines. She uses Bible verses in meaningful ways, never being too preachy.
With that being said, this book was way too predictable for me. The characters were cheesy and I figured out the whole story in the first few chapters. While easy to read, I did not feel any Christmas magic.

I didn't realize it was one of those romances where the only true love is toward God, country and the military. My mistake, surely in its genre it is a masterpiece.

Non avevo capito che fosse uno di quei romance in cui l'unico vero amore é verso Dio, la patria ed i militari. Errore mio, sicuramente nel suo genere é un capolavoro.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Looking for a wonderful Christmas read? Then this book is for you!! It has "all the feels". The story focuses on a military widow who raises her teenage daughter while searching for a family heirloom ring that she lost at Christmas skiing just after her husband was killed in action. The story follows their lives as they navigate life without their husband/father. I love how the military life is highlighted in this story - what families go through and how they support each other. The characters, relationships and decisions are all very realistic and heartfelt. Is it possible to find love again? What about the precious Christmas Ring that has been missing for years? Do not miss this heartwarming story! I received an advance copy from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

I. Have. No. Words. Karen Kingsbury has always been my favorite author. Her books are absolutely amazing. And The Christmas Ring didn't disappoint. If I had one bad thing to say about this book, it would be that it wasn't long enough :)

From the very first page, in 1944, you will be immediately drawn into the story of a soldier hiding for his life who happens upon a ring. And then you will be transported through time, down through generations of his family, to the current time. A widow, trying to live her life and raise her child while still wearing the ring passed down through generations. This is a story of God's amazing love, God's faithfulness, and how we always need to remember that He is still in the miracle performing business!

I was crying at the ending and was so sad the book was over. I finished it in a day. Do yourself a favor.. READ THIS!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury. This is my first Kingsbury read and it was a wholesome good time.

Vanessa is a war widower, raising her teen daughter Sadie and accidentally loses her family heirloom passed from her grandfather during WWII. The story centers around Vanessa’s search for her missing “ Christmas ring” and her newfound friendship with antiquities owner, Ben Miller.

The story is surface level deep but checks all the boxes of second chance at love, found family and miracles through God. While the topics it touches could be triggering to some (spousal loss, war), Kingsbury handles the subjects delicately without pain or grief.

Overall, The Christmas Ring was an easy, sweet Christian romance that leaves you feeling like anything is possible with the power of prayer and God’s love.

The Christmas Ring is a quick Christmas read that tells a story of hope.

When our main character's family heirloom is lost, she jumps into action doing what she can to find it. However, she has to walk away from her efforts for some time. But as many people know, good things happen when you least expect it, and that is evident in this story.

I think this story will better reach its audience if it is marketed as a faith-based read since faith is a major theme in this story, and that isn't currently evident in the description.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC read in exchange for an honest review!

This is the first Kingsbury book I have read., although I am familiar with her name. I enjoyed the characters and the plot of the story.. I did, however feel the religious aspect, for which Kingsbury is well known (Christian fiction), seemed to be forced. It did not seem to flow in the story well. In the acknowledgment, she stated the book came together quickly and it makes me wonder if the sudden prayers were written to fit her writing outline.

It is a wonderful story and will be a great movie to share with family when it comes out in time for the holiday season. I would recommend it for a cozy winter holiday read and/ or gift for a fellow bibliophile..

Karen's latest masterpiece, The Christmas Ring, is a beautifully crafted story that welcomes you into the lives of its characters. As you turn the pages, you'll laugh, cry, and celebrate alongside them. This book is a true gem, one that will leave a lasting impression and become a cherished favorite. Don't miss out - preorder your copy today and make this Christmas one to remember.

*Thank you NetGalley & Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with an advanced readers copy for a honest review*

This is an amazing feel good, Christian romance about love, loss, family, faith, and second chances. I completely fell in love with the characters and the setting. WOW, ultimate Christmas feel. A must read for those who love a great holiday story. I could not put it down. I cannot wait to see the movie now!!!
Maybe there will be a follow up to where the ring came from????
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.