This poignant story had some of my favorite elements. Antiques have always been a part of my world since my mother was an antique dealer. “Antiques had a way of stirring Ben’s heart, taking him to places of poetry in his soul. Antiques let you hold a piece of history in yout hand.”
I love second chance romance and this was just the ticket. It was a story of love, loss and moving on mixed with the quest of a lost ring which was an heirloom that Vanessa wanted to pass on to her daughter Sadie. The way Vanessa and Ben met seemed orchestrated by God. I appreciated the way the author depicted them as solid Christians who made mistakes but could overcome them with the help of God. I also appreciated the honor given to fallen military personnel and the way Vanessa found a way to serve the families of those lost in service to their country.
The story garnered a few tears and had me thinking of the meaning of true, sacrificial love. I am so glad it is being made into a movie for release this year. Truly a Christmas gift.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*

So many things I loved about this book.
❤️The story of how the Christmas Ring began
💙The imagined stories about found antiques
💜The relationship between Sadie and Vanessa.
💚The evolution of friendship/love between Vanessa and Ben
💛 The bible quotes and also the prayers

This was a great Christmas in July book to read to get ready for the upcoming movie that is coming out this November!! Karen Kingsbury books are the best - faith filled, sentimental, emotional, love stories and with Christmas thrown in also, this one does not disappoint.

Thank you Camp Net Galley, Karen Kingsbury & Thomas Nelson publishing for this eARC!!

This was a sweet and heartwarming Christmas story about love, loss and love after loss. I enjoyed this but wasn’t expecting all of the Christian references…this is my first book by this author. It was a great palette cleanser.

Wow what an amazing story!
Karen Kingsbury has been one of my favourite Christian authors for many years and I have collected nearly all of her books (still have some to get) but this is one of my absolute favourites. Not only is it set at Christmas time but the depth of emotion the tribute to the military and the faith shown in God is outstanding. I could not put this book down. There is so much depth to each character especially Vanessa Sadie and Ben so much emotion they have to work through but with Gods help they learned to live and love again. Absolutely amazing thank you so much to Karen Kingsbury, Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for an ARC copy to honestly review.

Title: The Christmas Ring
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
'The Christmas Ring' by Karen Kingsbury

My Insight:

'The Christmas Ring' is a heartwarming holiday Christian romance that will keep you turning the pages, eager to discover what's next for Vanessa and Sophie. Vanessa Mayfield, a widower, has found love with Ben Miller, a fellow widower who owns an antique shop. However, she has yet to reveal this to her daughter Sophie. The story also revolves around a lost family heirloom ring. Will this ring be found, and how will Sophie adapt to her mother's new relationship? To find out, immerse yourself in this heartwarming read, 'The Christmas Ring.'

Prepare to be inspired by 'The Christmas Ring', a captivating story with a rich cast of characters. This tale is a tapestry of 'military spouse, devotion, faith, redemption, friendship, and love.' It's a story that is steeped in prayer and scripture, seamlessly woven into the Christmas narrative, offering a source of inspiration and hope.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advance copy for my honest review.

Christmas in July? Say less! However, I really wanted to love The Christmas Ring, given the premise of a Christmas backdrop, but unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me for a few reasons.

The story centers around Vanessa, a military widow, who lost her husband overseas, and her journey to find a lost family heirloom, a ring, that holds sentimental value. Along the way, and while her daughter is off for the first time to university, she meets Ben, another person dealing with grief, and together they work through their respective losses. Now, none of that was an issue for me, as I quite enjoyed reading about an older couple for once.

What I can say confused me was the sudden time jumps from chapter to chapter, especially after the midpoint of the book. Also, the miscommunication trope throughout the book really annoyed me. From Vanessa’s reluctance to open up to her daughter (while both of them claim they are each other’s best friends), and them intentionally excluding each other from important life choices, to misunderstandings between her and Ben or Ben and his dad, they just made me want to curse all of them out.

One gigantic red flag was that Vanessa’s daughter is now 18, dating a 23-year-old man that she has been dating for 3 years. I am sorry, but this is just wrong, and it did leave a bitter taste in my mouth how supposedly all sides were super pro this happening.

Another thing I wasn’t ready to encounter was how highlighted religion was in every single chapter. I don’t mind faith being a central theme, as some people need to have something to believe in, but it was mentioned so frequently that it overshadowed other important aspects of the plot. It was like every single moment of tension had to be followed up by a prayer (to overcome any plot issues?). It became too much the third/ fourth time for me, and it felt super forced.

The Christmas Ring just wasn’t the book I hoped it would be. While I appreciate what it was trying to do, the rushed pacing, lack of communication, the inappropriate age gap, and the over-reliance on faith as a part of the plot, as a whole, didn’t make it a good fit for me. With all that being said, I can see how this would be a good pick for readers who are looking for a fast-paced Christmas romance read with strong Christian themes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

You can always count on this author to write a story that will tug on your heartstrings.

A ring discovered on D-Day has been passed down through a family for generations until Vanessa Mayfield loses it. Devastated does not begin to describe her emotional state. She planned to give it to her daughter and continue passing it down. She has given pictures of the ring to any antique store anywhere that she encounters to be on the lookout for the ring. A chance meeting at an antique store in Marietta will change two people's lives forever. Who knew something good could come from losing a family ring?

Loss is a big part of this story, but so is second chances and divine providence, as you see God's hand in every thing that happens in this book. The faith element is perfect as you see the characters lean heavily into their faith and allow it given them daily strength when everything else seems lost.

This sweet, inspirational story also beautifully showcases the sacrifices that military men and women make daily for our country.

If this one does not move you, you might want to check your heart. Tears will come as you read along, but so will smiles.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Christmas Ring just wasn't for me. I was prepared for a nominally Christian book, but this was a faith-as-destiny book that really sells the idea that prayer is the only solution to any problem. It's also a very low-level read. For the right type of reader, this may be a great book. Unfortunately, that reader wasn't me. Also, I was just irked by the idea of finding this incredibly expensive ring in the middle of World War II and making no efforts to trace the provenance, which may well have been to a Holocaust victim or war refugee.

I have long enjoyed reading Karen Kingsbury books!

This is a novel set mostly at Christmas. Vanessa lost her husband & while on a trip shortly after, lost an heirloom ring called The Christmas ring.

Fast forward years later as she’s still searching for the ring, she finds more than a piece of jewelry in Ben.

This was a feel good novel with some sad moments sprinkled in. It is also going to be a Christmas movie and I am excited to watch it!!

Thank you Camp Net Galley, Karen Kingsbury & Thomas Nelson publishing for this eARC!!

The Christmas Ring - Karen Kingsbury- NG review
A sweet, cozy Christmas romance involving a lovely antique ring: a deep red ruby surrounded by tiny diamonds set in old gold.

Discovered fortuitously off the Cotentin peninsula near Utah beach on D-Day by Bill Bailey, the ring , prizeddd for its sentimental value - is passed down from mother to daughter within the Bailey family until Vanessa Mayfield inherits it.

Recently widowed, Vanessa and her 14-year-old daughter Sadie are holidaying at Breckenridge, Colorado, when Vaneesa accidentally loses the ring while skiing. All their attempts to recover it fail and they leave. On each visit, they pass out flyers about the ring, to no avail.

Fast forward four years, Sadie is off to college, the ring is still missing and on her return from dropping Sadie off, Vanessa stops for gas in Marietta town, wanders into the antique shop hoping to find her ring and meets Ben Miller the owner's son. They hit it off and become friends.

Over the months, their friendship grows. Widowed himself, Ben is interested in Vanessa, but does she fancy him too? She has not mentioned him to Sadie at all!

In the meantime, Vanessa gets a call from an antique dealer, Isaac Baker from Denver who saw her flyer and remembered selling off a ring very like the one described in the flyer, with a box of antiques to different shops across the US. He offers to track it down if the reward offered still held.

Will Vanessa and Bill get together? How will Sadie react to her mom having a close male friend who might become more than a friend?

Will Isaac manage to track down her ring? Who has it now? Will they sell it back? Or has the ring been sold to someone else? Will Vanessa ever get her precious keepsake back?

Kingsbury ties the story together with the threads of faith and trust in God that undergird this little gem. A perfect read for a snowy, wintery evening spent by a cosy fireplace with Christmas decorations dancing and twinkling in the firelight.

I was given an ARC to review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A beautiful, moving story! I absolutely devoured it and hated to see it end. The storyline pulls you in instantly and has wonderful characters you fall in love with and can relate too. It is an emotional read with the themes of grief, loss, starting over, and family. The fact that it focuses around the Christmas holiday season is just perfect.

Vanessa and Sadie are a dynamic mother daughter duo learning to navigate life after the loss of their husband/ father. This story follows them through several years of their lives as we watch them each navigate life both together and individually. Vanessa’s character is one of strength and grace that you instantly connect with. Ben Miller enters Vanessa’s life and instantly finds his way into your heart. This book has so many wonderful characters making it a full, rich story.

This is definitely a favorite book for me! I can see myself rereading this one for years to come. The perfect story to touch my heart, have me feeling in the emotions, and closing the book with a smile on my face yet sad that it is over. I highly recommend this book!

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Christmas Ring is the perfect “get in the mood for the Christmas season” book. The devotion Vanessa has to her faith and how she has shared this with her daughter is the basis for this book. The ring is the special connection between all the characters and brings the love Ben and Vanessa feel for each other. This faith based novel is not to be missed. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury is a delightful Christmas Romance. The story is set in Georgia. At the heart of the novel is a family heirloom from World War II Ms. Kingsbury creates a tale worthy of a Hallmark Christmas Movie. It has all the magic, wonder and sentimentality that readers seek in a romantic Christmas story.

Skipping to present day - the ring brings together the lives of both main characters who both have lost their spouses. Each is grieving in their own way and trying to heal. Their journey is heartwarming, sincere and leads the reader down the path to a powerful story of second chances.

The two main characters are likable and totally relatable. It is enjoyable seeing the weeks up to Christmas through their eyes. The story also explores the spirit of giving. Another theme that is included in the story is how a community comes together to support the military through a charitable initiative.

There is a strong theme of Christian faith, believing that God will answer you prayers in his own time not ours. It also explores the power of prayer and how hope is found when we least expect it. This story is very faith filled and reminds the reader of the true meaning of Christmas.

This is a could not put down, reading way past your bedtime while having a box of tissues near kind o f read. I would highly recommend reading this book when it comes out in October of 2025.

I would like to thank Karen Kingsbury, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A book packed full with emotions from the very first page. Sadie and Vanessa dealing with their grief from a painful loss tightened their bond and kept their faith in God. When they suffer an additional loss of a family heirloom, they are shaken but still unbowed. Karen Kingsbury writes a heartfelt story of mother and daughter as they navigate through their loss and find love again.
The intricate way the family heirloom is found, bringing with it new love and a whole new chapter of joy is amazing. Indeed, God works in ways humans can't fathom as He uses every little detail to bring out a beautiful picture from seemingly hopelessness and pain.
I really like the relationship between mother and daughter, that they could communicate even when it seemed they were not in agreement. Also, Vanessa using her pain to bring forth a worthy cause that benefitted many people especially at christmas. Ben is an admirable character. One who was ever ready to help as well as understanding and accepting as he too moved past his pain.
The love story between Vanessa and Ben is heartwarming and filled with hope, faith and peace. The Christmas Ring is a delightful and inspiring read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this book because Karen Kingsbury is one of my favorite authors. The characters seemed to have genuine emotions of loss, sadness, confusion as well as joy and happiness. The situation with the daughter going to college is a familiar one to many people, and the book accurately showed how a relationship between mother and daughter can change with the start of college. Also seen in the book was the relationship between adults and their parents, and how there can be differences without ruining the relationship. It was a good story with a good ending!

When you’re injured alongside your unit hiding in the trenches of Normandy and discover a gold ring buried in the mud whilst awaiting rescue, what would you do?
Vanessa Mayfield, a military widow and her daughter Sadie are out enjoying the heavy snowfall riding a sledge together when they discover Vanessa’s family heirloom gold ring has vanished, after going back to see if they could find it within the snow with no luck, Sadie sets about making some posters to send to all antiques dealers and jewellery stores in the area hoping it may appear.
When Sadie announces she has got into University, Vanessa helps her unpack and get settled in then stops off in the next town and discovers an antique store. She steps inside and is welcomed by a gentleman called Ben who owns the store with his father, unbeknownst to them all at the time, spiritual guidance is playing his part in more ways than one.
Ben sets about helping Vanessa find her ring whilst also hunting for more items for his own shop and discover more about the rings history.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the movie

Treasures are rare and never easy to find

Thinking that it was set during World War 2, I started reading it. Spoiler alert: Only the prologue was set during that period. The Christmas Ring was a heartwarming, sweet, and simple story about loss, belief, and finding love unexpectedly. This book is better off as a movie since it felt like it was made for the infamous Christmas movie marathons on Hallmark, as it has the same formula.

The plot and writing were easy to follow. There was enough character development to show that the characters were not stagnant. The mother-daughter relationship and how faith was intertwined in the story were the highlights of the book for me.

So, if you're looking for a Christmas miracle (in July for me, since I read it then) to reignite the hope, faith, and love in your lives, then this one is for you!

P.s. I used to love watching the Hallmark Christmas movies 🤭.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing this eARC in return for an honest review. This book was read as part of Camp NetGalley Books initiative by NetGalley

A heartwarming Christmas story centered around a special family heirloom, a Christmas Ring. Vanessa, a military widow meets Ben while she is searching for a ring that she lost on a skiing trip with her daughter. A bond forms between them as they find that they are both ready for a second chance at love. This special faith filled romance is filled all the wonderful things that make a memorable story. Karen Kingsbury never disappoints us! I am looking forward to the movie version of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this charming Christmas read centering around Vanessa Mayfield a war, a 40 something war widow with a teenage daughter, Sadie.After dropping Sadie off at college in Northern Georgia , Vanessa stops off at an antiques shop in Marietta to search for her Christmas ring that she lost when she was skiing in Colorado 4 years before.The ring holds special significance for Vanessa since it was the ring her grandfather found in France on D-Day and it gave him hope that he would survive the war.At the antiques store the owner’s son Ben , also a widower, and Vanessa make a connection..Over a period of 6 months they grow closer but when there is a chance that Vanessa’s ring has been found in Ben’s shop will he do the right thing and return the ring to Vanessa ? Read the book and find out.Perfect Christmas story.