02 January 2014

The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees, Book review


  • Publisher: Crosslink Publishing (June 13, 2013)
  • ISBN 9781936746460


SYNOPSIS:

The Battle Begins. The year is 1524. William Tyndale makes the fateful decision to produce an English Testament without Church permission. He knows that a vernacular scripture will free the common people from spiritual domination by a corrupt and ignorant Church. If Tyndale is caught, he'll die at the stake. So will anyone found assisting him. 

Owen Alton, a London grocer's heir, catches Tyndale's vision. But if he helps Tyndale, he'll be disinherited and lose Jane Horne, the minor-knight's stepdaughter he loves. 
Jane has defied her family in her desire to wed Owen. If he now should leave her for Tyndale.... As if she didn't have enough troubles, Jane discovers the shocking secret behind her mother's ruby ring.


Here are my thoughts:

For my first 2014 book review The Ruby Ring is truly a fine example of historical fiction woven around actual facts. 
Author Karen Rees combines mystery, romance and a great amount of period details as she explains the absolute power the Church held over the common man and the amazing courage of those who set out instead to bring the Word to anyone!

Amongst those is Owen Alton, once an aspiring priest who becomes one of Tyndale's acolytes in his ultimate battle to bring the Truth to the masses. 
Once a childhood friend, Jane Horne is in love with Owen and very much fears for him as he fights, risking even his life with other 'heretics' like himself to pursue Tyndale's quest to translate the Bible in the English language.
Persecuted, Tyndale leaves for the Teutonic countries to continue his work. When Owen follows him to the continent to assist him in his endeavour, Jane entrusts her lover with her mother's ruby ring...

A richly period detailed story of love and compassion in a time of absolute power, The Ruby Ring's 24 chapters has surprising twists guaranteed to please a wide audience and spans from June 1515 to September 1527!

5 Stars, well deserved!

Note to Readers: Recommended for teens and adults (and those of us who take the Bible for granted!)

Regarding the Author:

This is Karen Rees' first novel and as such promises to be the beginning of a successful career!

I received a copy of this title from BOOKCRASH to review . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 




9 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good start. I am doing a re read of Under the Tuscan Sun because I just could not find the time (and the concentration) for a new book!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't read it albeit I saw the movie so I will put it on the list Mystica!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm reading a historical set novel at the moment not based in fact but i like it very much.
    Merle..............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now, now Merle! You cannot throw such news to an avid reader like myself and not mention the title!!!!????
      Hugs,

      Delete
  4. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly you read these books and review them here. I find it difficult reading and get easily tired, especially when reading my stories.

    I've always wanted to read a big book with many pages, like Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, but never had time. I've seen the film on TV with the subtitles on though; so I suppose I've really read the book!

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As an author you will admit though rare is the movie that reflects a book in its entirety Victor. No matter how skilled the director is there is nothing like the written word to truly visualize the action. Few actors can truly bring to the screen the emotions described wouldn't you agree?
      As to reading (and reviewing) Victor, I must state I am just a housewife (with all that entails!), a baker (I find baking daily relaxing), a 'Chef ' (I love cooking!), a knitter (long lines for the ferry!) and a volunteer (sponsoring soldiers) before all else.
      I must however feed my imagination (oh dear, it sounds like an addiction) and therefore books are constant companions (and I review only 75% of what I read...'little fishes' are thrown back in the sea...Not everyone can write after all!)
      War and Peace was a tad more taxing for me by the way.
      All the best and keep warm,

      Delete
    2. "Few actors can truly bring to the screen the emotions described wouldn't you agree?" Too true. I bet they'd have difficulty making a film of what I write !!!

      I too love cooking and baking. No one however appreciates my skills except the dog.

      God bless.

      Delete
    3. Lucky dog and too bad for Aunt Gertrude!

      Delete
  5. I'm always excited when you say it's a first novel and it's that good. Another author to watch and read! Thanks my friend! Hope you are warm and safe on this cold winter day! Sweet hugs!

    ReplyDelete

I love to share dreams and always enjoy meeting kindred spirits!
Thank you for stopping by!