This book was cheesy, predictable, all the things that make a book feel like coming home. While there was a momentary suspense on how things would go, all things work together for good. This is a perfect cozy holiday read.

The only complaint I had is one that's expected in this kind of book- the characters aren't particularly relatable- they are too gracious, too kind, too quick to forgive- overall, too good. For me, I need to see the woman who loses patience, gets angry, lashes out, regrets it, reads her Bible, tries to do better, has to ask for forgiveness a lot. While I think that Vanessa and Sadie are both upstanding women and have been through a lot, their reactions and immediate grace cause them to lack depth as characters. And I know, this is just a cozy Christmas read, but certain scenarios were enough for me to be a little exasperated- like don't you feel passionate enough about anything to just lose it a little sometimes?

Anyway, I did love the story line and the arc of Ben and Vanessa- it was sweet, Christmasy and warm. Big thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC copy. My thoughts and assessment are my own. I can't wait for it to come out so I can see what my sister thinks. I have a feeling she will rave more than I have. Happy reading, y'all!

I picked this one up as part of Camp NetGalley, thinking, “Why not celebrate Christmas in July?” And I’m so glad I did.

This was my first read from Karen Kingsbury, and it delivered all the comforting elements I hoped for—tender love, redemption, and a sweet message wrapped in a clean, Christian holiday romance. The story follows Kendra, a journalist on the verge of rediscovering faith, love, and a family history she never fully understood. Her journey unfolds through a mysterious Christmas ring and the story of Charlotte and David—a couple from WWII whose lost love echoes into the present.

It’s heartwarming and gentle, with an emotional thread that ties generations together. I especially loved how hope and healing were central to both timelines. The book doesn't rush; it rests in quiet moments, in acts of kindness, in second chances.

Perfect for anyone craving a heartfelt escape with a festive touch—even in the middle of summer 🍹🎄

Ben & Vanessa..

If you are looking for a heart-warming faith based Christmas novel this needs to be on your TBR. If I remember correctly, this book also was turned into a movie as well.

This heartfelt review describes a deeply moving and faith-filled story that explores themes of grief, healing, and trust in God's plan. The reader was especially touched by the portrayal of loss and the emotional journey of the characters, Ben and Vanessa, as they navigate life after tragedy. More than anything, the book's message of faith resonated powerfully during a personal time of spiritual struggle, offering comfort and a renewed desire for connection with God. Though simple and straightforward, the story left a profound impact, becoming one of the most influential reads in the reviewer's life.

This is not something I traditionally would read but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful story! I'm a sucker for a lost treasure type of plot. So the antique store setting just reeled me in... My happy place!!

Karen Kingsbury is a great writer. Here she has provided a clean romance, featuring a strong resonating Christian message. A book I can definitely recommend to my friends!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.

This was my first book by Karen but I’ve seen some of her tv movies. I loved everything about this book! Widow Vanessa Mayfield loses her heirloom Christmas ring that was passed down to her from her great-grandfather. Fate connects her with antique shop owner Ben Miller and they develop a friendship that leads to a slow burn romance. Vanessa’s teen daughter Sadie also features with a secondary romance.

This book has all the tropes and microtropes:
Friends to Lovers
Faith-based
Slow burn romance
Military themed
Christmas

This was a perfect read for Christmas in July. I’m looking forward to the feature film starring Jana Kramer and Kris Polaha that comes out later this year. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for making this ARC available for Camp NetGalley.

This beautiful, beautiful book was the perfect example of how if you keep your eyes on Him all roads will lead you to where you're supposed to be. I loved all the scripture in this, it was just so perfectly spoken in all the right places. Ben and Vanessa's shared journey through grief was told delicately and with perfect grace and I absolutely can't wait for this movie to come out. The mother/daughter relationship between Vanessa and Sadie was also told beautifully. This is just a beautiful book. If you're looking for a book that beautifully covers new relationships after loss and navigating that through Christ please read this book. It's fantastic.

I fell in love with this book from the moment I read the prologue. Thanks, Netgalley, for the camp and arc! Mainly, thanks to God for encouraging me to do crazy things like devouring a book in less than a week.

Hope
In my native language, there's a saying: "Hope is the last thing to be lost." For me, it was a very creative start to a contemporary romance book to use a World War II battle. The action, the uncertainty, the faith. Three elements that immediately hook you.


Love and Second Chances
One of my favorite parts of the entire book. Even though there was a bit of Insta love at the beginning, the relationship between Ben and Vanessa developed so organically. They learned to know each other, gave each other time, and let each other cross the barrier. They're so adorable, and they end well (stars in my eyes). It's beautiful to think that a single detail can change everything in a relationship for the better. Plus, I loved that they had distinct personalities and goals outside of romance. An honorable mention to Saddie and Hudson.

Parents and Children
One of the most iconic themes in history. Finally, realistic and healthy relationships! I felt identified with the conversations between Saddie and Vanessa about faith. The path isn't always easy, but it is written: "Whether two or more are in my name, there I will be." Even Ben and his father had very memorable moments near the end of the chapters.


Time and Flaws
In the first part of the reading, I admit that the time jumps felt abrupt. They were sudden. I also think the characters showed more qualities without flaws, but in this case, I really don't see any harm in it because there was no unnecessary drama.


Thank you, Lord, for inspiring Karen Kingsbury to write this book with a Christmas spirit. I learned a lot and felt identified in certain parts. It honestly made me want to enter the story to visit the town. I can't wait for the movie to come out! Finally, for those who have lost a loved one, our Father is with them and we are on the journey.

For memorable quotes, you can read my review at Goodreads 😁✨

#TheChristmasRing #NetGalley #Netgalleycamp

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. This book was not for me it was very religious and I am not a fan of that in books I read. There was no indication it was faith based in the blurb and I was surprised. That said the overall story was great and I am sure for a reader who likes faith based stories they will love it.

I picked up this book assuming it was a mild mystery with a touch of romance happening around Christmas. I was mistaken about the genre, but ended up reading a sweet Christian fiction where two people who lost their spouses find love again when life brings them together. The fmc is the widow of an army medic and this book honors all soldiers and their families who selflessly give up so much for the sake of their country. The characters are lovable, but often far too sweet, thoughtful, polite, and perfect compared to how people are in real life. These are the kinds of people and relationships you might wish for and see only in dreamy holiday movies, making the story a little less relatable for me (perhaps that is the point?—we are supposed to want to be like them; they aren't supposed to be like us).

I'm not Christian, but you don't have to be one to understand faith, hope, and the need for something solid to hold on to when the going gets tough. All of us have lost people we have loved, been anxious for our loved ones who are far away, and longed for genuine and compatible connections, so it would be easy for most of us to appreciate the sentiments in this book.

So overall, this reads like a Christmas movie—familiar, predictable storyline, but you know you are gonna choose yet another one for those warm, fuzzy feelings of contentment and hope you feel after enjoying a good happily-ever-after.

I thank the publishers and netgalley for the arc provided in exchange for an honest feedback.

In honor of Christmas in July
I’m coming to you with a little Christmas review thanks to @netgalley for the early copy.

Publisher: @thomasnelson
Pub Date: October 25, 2025
Women’s Fiction & Romance
Author @karenkingsbury

If you’re anything like me, then a holiday romance is exactly what you need no matter what time of the year it is. A cozy, feel good read is always nice to have whether it’s curled up by the pool on a hot summer day

This was a wonderful book honoring those in military service but also telling a sweet story with Christian backgrounds. It is so refreshing to read the characters praying for those things that they need. Faith in God was such a big part of this sweet book.

Vanessa and her daughter are on a ski trip when Vanessa loses a family heirloom that dates back to WW2. She prays for its return but also starts to live her life after her miliary husband dies during his military service. As life goes on, Sadie is dropped off at college. On Vanessa's return trip, she meets an antique dealer named Ben. Vanessa can start to see a lif3e with Ben, but Sadie thinks it is just too early. I have only read a few Kingsbury books, but I feel that this one will become such a hit when it is released. I loved the relationships in this book and how the people support each other.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook. The narration was great as well

✨4.5 stars rounded up ✨

I absolutely loved reading The Christmas Ring! It was such a touching and meaningful read that had all of the things I love about Christmas in it! I loved how the true meaning of Christmas was woven into the story and how it was deeply rooted in faith. Such a great book and I highly recommend reading it!

I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.

This book really resonated with me, it speaks about God’s plans for us and how trusting God can go a long way.

I loved how the author wrote about faith and how the characters had so much faith in God.

Do I recommend yes I do.

There's something so special about reading a holiday book that doesn't rush the story.
This book is about a lost heirloom, loaded with family memories, but what i really enjoyed was the tender relationship between a mother and daughter. Both grieving a loss in different ways, one with the loss of her husband, the other with the loss her father and adjusting to being away from her best friend to starting college. I really appreciated the mother's yearning for something new in the gentlest way. She wanted to be careful with her daughter's emotions.

The emotional pace felt perfect, it was warm, soft, honest, and human. I do recommend listening to Christmas music while you read this. It set the perfect vibe for a holiday read.

Thank you to #netgalley and #thomasnelsonfiction for the opportunity to read this early copy. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

What can I say about this book? It's my first book by Karen Kingsbury. Definitely it is Christian literature and can be classed as romantic story. It's different for me then majority so called romances/contemporary fiction we can find in bookshops or libraries where I live. In comparison with them is kinda delicate, almost naive, full of patriotism and strong believe in God. Fast read and easy to follow, but I'm not sure if today's young generation (even 30-40 yo) would fully understand it. Overall nice book.

I really appreciated "The Christmas Ring". It was a realistic love story with faith intertwined. The heartache and conflict were true to life, and it wasn't too cheesy. I really enjoyed reading this title and am excited to watch the movie as well.

Thank you for letting me read an advanced copy. I appreciate it.

Looking for a sweet romance that is warm and cozy for the Christmas season? Look no further than Karen Kingsbury’s latest book. The Christmas Ring is a quick read, and for fans of Karen Kingsbury, they will not be disappointed. The plot is similar to many cozy reads, but around Christmas, you often want something familiar to read by the fire. The characters are believable, but there is not much depth to them. However, this did not deter this reader from rooting for Vanissa and Ben the entire way. The Christmas Ring hits the spot for that quick Christmas read. Recommended for all fans of cozy romances.

Just thinking about The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury being turned into a possible Hallmark movie she makes me happy! What a great read and I'm sure it will be a great movie too! Karen Kingsbury never disappoints me!
As my husband was a paratrooper of the 101st Airborne Division years ago, I sure can relate to Bill Bailey and the whereabouts of The Christmas Ring and having a loved one no longer on this earth especially during the Christmas season. Is it possible to find love again? This book sure delves into question for the main character, Vanessa and her family including Sadie, and the missing special heirloom ring which belonged to Vanessa!
The Christmas Ring sure kept me reading and enjoying all the special memories this book brought home for me. Well worth reading as all of Karen Kingsbury's books are!

Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring is a heartfelt and deeply moving holiday read that masterfully explores themes of grief, love, and the courage it takes to let go. The story follows Vanessa, a military widow, as she navigates the loss of her beloved husband and faces the questions we all must ask after our lives are forever changed: When is it time to treasure the past, and when is it time to let go and embrace the future?

Kingsbury’s characters are so authentic and well-drawn that their emotions feel genuine and raw. The gentle pacing of the novel provides the perfect backdrop for reflecting on your own experiences with loss and renewal, making it easy to see yourself in Vanessa’s shoes.

This is exactly the type of cozy story you want to curl up with in your favorite chair, a blanket around your shoulders, and a cup of tea or hot chocolate nearby. The combination of a tender romance, a touch of family mystery, and Kingsbury’s signature warmth creates an immersive reading experience that brings both comfort and hope.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or inspirational fiction, especially those who are looking for a story that doesn’t shy away from real emotions, yet ultimately offers healing and second chances. Let Kingsbury remind you that while grief may linger, love and new beginnings are always within reach. Five stars! Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free book to review.

This book felt like I wasa reading a Hallmark xmas movie, which is exactly what I was hoping for!
It's very well written, characters are believable, and situations too.
It was a tad too religious for my taste at some points but it- actually makes sense with the characters' lives.
It was a perfect cozy read for xmas time and for any time actually, and I can't wait for the movie adaptation