The beautiful gold and ruby ring has history and significance in Vanessa Mayfield’s family. Her great grandfather found it in the dirt by chance in France on D-Day and now it was going to be passed on to her daughter Sophie when she graduated from high school in a few years. Except for one problem, it was lost on a ski hill in Colorado when visiting there during the holidays. While they had searched for it there and put out flyers, nothing had happened. It didn’t dim Vanessa’s hope that one day she will be blessed again with it. In her search at a “Christmas in July” (even though it was August), sale at a small antique store near where Vanessa had dropped her daughter off for college, she didn’t find it. But she might have found something better, Ben Miller, the co-owner of the antique shop. She had never expected to find love again, after losing her husband years ago in the war. There was something happening between Vanessa and Ben as the months pass by. She just didn’t know how to tell anyone, let alone her daughter. There would be a sign that it was okay for her to move on, one that no one would imagine could happen. All it took was time and patience and faith.

This is a clean, Christmas romance that does show you anything is possible. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this in exchange for my honest opinion.

A beautiful story of faith, love, friendship, and second chances, wrapped in the warmth of Christmas. This was my first Karen Kingsbury read, and it truly touched my heart. Heartwarming and uplifting!

This story starts out telling a little bit of the backstory of the ring. Fast forward to Vanessa Mayfield, who is a widow, has the ring that has been passed down from generation to generation. Vanessa and her daughter goes on a trip, where she loses the ring. Vanessa does all that she can to find a ring that may just be a bauble to many, but is priceless to her family. During the story Vanessa meets Ben Miller who runs an antique store with his Dad and uncle. I didn't want to put this book down without finding out whether or not the ring will ever be found. I enjoyed the chemistry between Vanessa and Bill and reading about how they were both learning to let go of the past. Will Vanessa ever find her ring? Will her daughter accept that her Mom might be moving on? I think the author did well with describing the unity and closeness of military families. I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read an early copy of this book. All opinions are what I thought of the book and looking forward to the movie being made of this book.

I absolutely loved this story from Karen Kingsbury! What a beautiful book! I cried, and smiled, and my heart felt so warm by the end of it! This would make an incredible movie!! There were so many layers that added depth and emotion to this story and its characters!
I absolutely loved the Christmas time feels! This book felt like a warm hug! I loved the second chance romance, as well as the deep moments of love and grief!
Finally, the faith aspects of this book were written so well! The Christmas message and love of God were displayed incredibly!
This quick, yet powerful book is definitely a must read!

A very sweet read. Such a fan of reading Christmas in July.

Vanessa lost her husband 4 years prior and her and their daughter Sadie, go on a ski trip. On a sled ride down a hill they had a fun crash, but Vanessa realized she had lost the ring, the Christmas Ring. A ring that had been in the family for many years. Vanessa would always stop and look at antique shops to look for the ring, no luck.

On a stop she runs into Ben and he's interested in looking for her ring. A friendship blooms between them.

I found the story to be very predictable bringing it to the 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, along with Karen Kingsbury for allowing me to read a copy.

There is so much about this book that I loved from the dramatic D-Day, 6 June 1944, opening that set up the storyline to the heartbreaking growth widow Vanessa and her daughter, Sadie, go through after the loss of Alan.

Readers will relate to Vanessa’s pain at the loss of her loving husband, her fairy book life, and the abrupt ending to her life as she knew it or thought it would be. There are parallels in this story that all people can relate to in their own lives.

Author Karen Kingsbury does feelings and interpersonal relationships with finesse invoking deep emotions and many tears. Her characters are fully developed and realistic. Ben Miller, the handsome and wholesome antique dealer, is easy to instantly connect to and get a sense of who he is. While Sadie, as the youngest in the book came across age appropriate for her part in the book.

This book is worth reading for all the emotions it invokes and the beautiful ending. I give it 5 STARS.

This story entertained and pointed to the kind of life that matters … one built on God’s Word and full dependence on Him. It’s filled with love and illustrated by lives anchored in a deep desire to trust God through the hardest chapters of life.

There’s something special about a book that doesn’t rush the healing or force the joy but gently reminds you where to look for both. I loved how the family unit was honored and upheld in this story, not just in word but in every quiet act of care, sacrifice, and remembrance. The heart of this book beats with love across generations, through loss, and into unexpected second chances.

One of the most touching aspects was how Scripture was woven into the story with tenderness and reverence. Vanessa viewed the Bible not as a distant book, but as God’s personal love letter present and alive. Every time she opened it, it wasn’t just for reading; it was a meeting with the God who saw her, held her, and guided her through. That quiet, unwavering faith was one of my favorite parts.

That said, there were two moments that stopped me. One line: “Even if He could’ve prevented it” That phrase, in reference to God and the death of a loved one, implies uncertainty about His sovereignty. As believers, we may not understand His ways, but we know He is all-powerful. We do not serve a God who might have been able to intervene. We serve the Almighty who holds every breath and every moment in His hands. Anything less diminishes His character.

Later, a conversation about Walt Whitman felt like it validated his views. But Whitman denied core Christian doctrines, including the atonement, the deity of Christ, and the need for a Savior. I couldn’t help but feel another deep, quiet ache because even a short scene like that, especially in a Christian novel, can be misleading and when left unchallenged, eternally dangerous.

This book offered warmth, love, and glimpses of faith. And it reminded me why I love Christian fiction—not because it’s perfect, but because it can plant something eternal in a reader’s heart. I know it’s fiction—but fiction reaches us in quiet, lasting ways. And when a story carries Jesus’ name, truth matters all the more. Not to condemn, but to guide. Not to win arguments, but to point to the One who never fails. Grace and truth were always meant to walk together—and when they do, hearts are changed.

I received a digital version of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

It's been 4 years since Vanessa lost her husband, and she's devoted her life since then to helping other military families. Ben works with his dad in an antique shop a few hours away, but when the 2 meet they feel as if they've known each other for years. As she explores this new relationship, she's mindful of her daughter Sadie, and how to tell her that she may have feelings again for someone. As for the title of the book - soon after her husband's death, she lost a family heirloom - a ring that was found by her great-grandfather during the Normandy invasion. Will she be able to find the ring so that one day she can give it to Sadie? A feel-good Christmas story - I read it in a day, but still enjoyable. My only thought is that I wish it had gone a bit deeper into the past of the ring - that would have made it more interesting.

A beautiful and lovely Christmas story surrounding searching for antiques, life as a military spouse, faith, redemption, loss and love. A perfect story for any time of the year but even more poignant and heartwarming when wrapped around Christmas.

Karen Kingsbury was the first author I discovered in the Christian Fiction category, which was a delight to find. She has since gained tremendous success with her novels and is now turning some of those into movies. This particular story is warm and written in the practical style that is the authors hallmark, so don’t expect eloquent speech or a convoluted plot. The very strong spiritual thread throughout is much appreciated. You can count on a heartwarming story about a couple who have both lost their beloved spouses, a lost family heirloom ring and honor for our military. This book is currently being made into a motion picture.
I have read ten or more of her older novels and this is the first of her recent ones that I have read. Her early novels are still a favorite, especially the ones co-authored with Gary Smalley. Karen Kingsbury is a very prolific, award-winning author of over one hundred titles, including children’s books that she co-writes with her son.
I received a e-copy of this book from NetGalley and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley/the publisher, huge thanks for the opportunity to read it all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am really sad to say that this one wasn’t for me. It had great ‘bones’ but it didn’t deliver in terms of what I would like from a book, and a Christmas book at that.

I found that it changed pov in an easy way (no headings) and whilst in some parts I liked this as it seemed to flow, others it felt like I didn’t know who it was. It wasn’t just two pov’s there were 4 told at one point, and for a long time it was just 1, hence my confusion I think.

There was also a lot of faith in this book, and whilst that is not a problem at all I didn’t enjoy the referencing at every given point.

I personally found the ending quite sudden and rushed too, but again these are all personal thoughts.

There were definitely other things too, but this is the bulk of it really.

What I will say though, and this might shock you, is at the end I found out it’s also going to be a movie and I actually think it would make a great movie, one that I would watch. I can see it visually, like I say it had great premise and bones just missed a bit of something-something for my own personal tastes.

Thanks again for the advanced copy Netgalley and look forward to catching the movie when it comes out!

2 stars for me

Thank you to NetGalley and author Karen Kingsbury for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
What is an heirloom? To most people it is an expensive often priceless item that has been around for many many years, but is that really the only kind of heirloom? Could an heirloom be just some small inexpensive little trinket that has also been passed down from generation to generation? This is the story of one families heirloom..
On the eve of D-Day, 1944, Bill finds himself floating over the proposed target in France, but the wind blows him off horse and he lands in a field too far inland. While hiding and waiting for rescue, he finds a ring in the dirt. This will become this families’s heirloom.
Present day: On their last day in Colorado widowed Vanessa, and daughter, Sadie are sledding down a hill, enjoying the last moments of their vacation when Vanessa notices, she has lost her Christmas ring that has been passed down from the family’s grandfather. Bill. They spend some time looking for it, but unfortunately, many people have trampled the snow and it seems to be a lost cause. Vanessa has faith, though that someday it will be found..
After Vanessa drops Sadie off for her freshman year in college, she decides to stop in at an antique store, in the time since losing her ring, she has made many such stops to see her ring has resurfaced. In this store she meets the owners son Ben. They strike up a conversation that becomes a friendship. This story follows the friendship and how the search for the ring is the driving force.
Like all of Kingsbury’s books, this one is faith based and is prevalent throughout the story but not overly so.
I rate this 4⭐️

The Christmas Ring is a heartwarming standalone romance by Karen Kingsbury that beautifully captures the spirit of the season. This touching Christian love story was a perfect addition to my Christmas in July reading—and I absolutely loved it!

The characters are compelling and easy to connect with, and the story unfolds with just the right mix of emotion, faith, and holiday charm. Kingsbury has a gift for weaving together themes of love, redemption, and hope, and this book truly reflects the magic and meaning of Christmas.

If you’re looking for an uplifting read that will warm your heart and remind you of the true joy of the season, The Christmas Ring is a perfect choice. I’m looking forward to watching the movie later this year!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m sharing my honest opinion voluntarily.

The Christmas Ring, A Holiday Romance by Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women's Fiction
Expected Publication Date: October 21, 2025

The Christmas Ring is a beautiful story of healing and new beginnings. It follows Vanessa and her daughter as they are healing from losing Vanessa’s husband while he was overseas in combat. Vanessa and her daughter go on a trip to help them with their grief and Vanessa unfortunately loses her ring that is a family heirloom passed down since WWII. over the next four years, she searches antique stores in hopes it will turn up at one. At one store, she meets Ben and is instantly connected with him; as he has also lost his wife.

I liked this Christmas story. It is a short read that you can finished in a day. I like this author’s use of all emotions and then has her characters understand their failures and weaknesses and seek forgiveness for harsh things that were said in anger. I will admit that I did not care for some characters and I didn’t like how some things seemed to be odd that they weren’t discussed. Idk, things just made me roll my eyes and I felt frustrated with some things that I don’t want to mention as it would be spoilers to the plot.

Overall I did like this book and recommend it for a nice; wholesome story.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review..

I went into this one just a little too blind. I thought a nice Christmas read in July would be sweet and romantic. I'd hoped for a sweet romance. But I hadn't anticipated all the religious themes and praying.

I found Vanessa's loss and her want to find the ring endearing and I understand how she'd want to hold on to something. I liked Ben, her love interest, and how sweet they were. But I did struggle to connect to the story. It was a quick and easy read. It just wasn't my thing.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

One of my favorite talented authors…reflective…heartwarming…love…family…friends…connecting…the recipe for a novel that is thought provoking…finding a ring in a war zone…Karen Kinsbury has taken a familiar war torn area to begin this story. She has continued it to a later time all the while circling around the ring. Curl up in a cozy chair…grab a cup of steaming herbal tea…become lost in this book…thanks Netgalley.

This is like a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book- and surprise- it's going to be a movie as well.
The book releases in October, with the movie coming out in November.

The Christmas Ring is about a lost family heirloom, a widow Vanessa and her daugher, and an antique shop owner.
I've read alot of Karen Kingsbury books, and this is just what I expected. It was a short, predictable, but lovely.

As most Kingsbury books it touches on some hard topics of loss in a very digestable and refreshing way. Faith and redemption are front and center themes.
It was a fast read for me.
I'm typically not a Hallmark movie type of gal, as I find it a little cringy. Some of the dialogue in this felt a little forced, and althought I enjoyed the book- I don't think I'll plan on watching the movie.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced read.
4 stars from me!

I love how Karen wrote this story involving the military and a Christmas ring. It was written superbly
and made me think of my late father who was a medic in Vietnam. I highly recommend this book for teens on up. It was a book that really shines brightly for Christ! Thanks to Karen, Net Galley, and the publishers for allowing me to read a copy before publication. This review is entirely my own.

Vanessa Mayfield, a military widow, stops for gas in Marietta, Georgia, on the way home from dropping her daughter Sadie off at college. With the house now destined to be even quieter, she can’t resist a "Christmas in July Sale" sign in the window of Miller’s Antiques. She wonders if this could be the moment she finds her missing ring—a family heirloom that her great-grandfather found on D-Day in France. This ring is special not only because of the circumstances surrounding its discovery, but also because of the one-word engraving. When you make spontaneous stops, do they turn out to be futile, or can they lead to life-changing experiences beyond your wildest dreams?

This is an uplifting and beautifully written faith-based story that delves into emotional depths, becoming even more magical as it builds to a climax during the Christmas season. It features elements of mystery, friendship, second chances at love, romance, and the evolving dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship. Throughout the narrative, Vanessa and Sadie navigate significant changes in their personal lives while maintaining the strength and love of their bond. Additionally, the story celebrates a community coming together for a special event, which is part of the year-round charity that Vanessa has organized to support military families in honor of her late husband, and a conversation she will never forget.

Thank you to Karen Kingsbury, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

Reviewer's Note: The film adaptation of this novel, featuring Jane Kramer and Kristoffer Polaha, will be released in theaters starting November 6th! The teaser trailer is now available on YouTube.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book. That did not affect my review.

I loved this book. I highly enjoy reading all of Karen Kingsbury books. There is a lesson to be learned in each book and I try to apply that lesson to my own life.

All things will turn out as God has intended.