I just finished The Ruby Ring, Battle for an English Bible by Karen Rees last night and am now looking forward to reading the second book in the series, A Tale of Souls: The Church in Turmoil, The Reformation, the Family Divided, book 2!
The Ruby Ring is a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist. Here’s the back cover copy:
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 clergy. 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.
My take:
I’m not one to read historical fiction, but this book delves into a subject I find fascinating. It’s the history of how we came to have an English Bible. Before Tynedale, only the church had access to God’s word and in the 1500s the priests and clergy were corrupt. They did not want the common man knowing what God’s Word said. If they did then the church would lose power and money. That sets the stage for intense conflict and this book delivers. Karen Rees has a poetic voice and gave a good feel for the era. It’s not all history, but a good romance, as well. It’s a book that I believe is well worth your time.
This isn’t a book I would normally read, but it was the monthly choice in a book club I’m in. I was surprised when I got caught up in the story and couldn’t put it down. Has something like this happened to you? Leave me a comment and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library!
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Comments 22
Yes, I don’t usually go for contemporary romance but have read several lately that were so well written and enjoyable.
I like my contemporary with mystery and suspense, like yours Pat!
Author
Thank you, Paula! I like that genre as well but have been very pleasantly surprised by the books chosen by my ACFW book club! Anyone can join–you don’t have to be a member of ACFW.
I don’t usually read anything with a sci-fi or fantasy element. However, I ordered Stealthy Steps by Vikki Kestell thinking it was just a suspense novel. It is so much more–and I absolutely loved it and the three sequels. Great series.
Author
Christine, isn’t it fun when we find a jewel like that! Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, it has happened to me. Sometimes stepping out of our comfort zone brings us great blessings.
Author
So agree, Lucy! Last night I finished a book I would not have picked up probably ever, but it turned out I couldn’t put it down. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, my daughters and I have a small book club together. Many books they have chosen have been books I don’t normally read. I have been pleasantly surprised. Some I have even read more in the series.
Author
Lisa, I love it that you and your daughters are in your own book club! What a wonderful way to bond!
As a historical fiction lover, this book fascinates me. I have been pleasently surprised upon reading some contemporary novels, a genre I tend to bypass unless there is suspense with it. They have been hard to put down until finished!!
Author
Great that you’ve found books in a genre you didn’t expect to, Betti! A good book is a good book!
I have read books that turned out better than they started out so I was glad that I stuck with them. We had a past minister who gave talks on how the Bible was put together and how King James had his version written. Very interesting subject.
Author
Gloria, I don’t usually give a book more than a few chapters. If I’m not into it by then, I don’t keep reading. Thanks for stopping by.
Yes, it has. Many times. I started a book thinking I wouldn’t like it and really didn’t but decided I would keep on reading. Then somehow it hooked me and I became involved in the story and couldn’t put it down!
Author
Faith, sometimes characters pull me in even when I’m not fond of the plot line. But that is rare. 🙂
I’m very picky in my historical fiction, as well, but I just finished Jill Eileen Smith’s “The Crimson Cord,” which is the story of Rahab. Fascinating! I couldn’t put it down!
Author
I need to read that one, Regina! I love that story. Thanks for stopping by.
yes, it has!
Author
Great, Shelia! I like being surprised by a book.
I think I have mentioned that I do some proofreading. In the course of doing that, I have proofread books that I typically would not have chosen to read, and been pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the stories.
Author
I’m glad, Edward. Proofreading is not my strong suit. 🙂
Sometimes it’s hard to step out of our comfort zones. When we do blessings await!
So agree, Caryl