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The Reformation - A Family Divided #1
The Ruby Ring: Battle for an English Bible
2014 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist. 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.
ebook
First published June 7, 2013
About the author
Karen Rees
5 books14 followersKaren Rees exchanged her life as an Oklahoma farmer's daughter for SE Asian "big city" life when she, with her husband, Benjamin, began mission work in Hong Kong. Over the years they have worked with Chinese, household servants imported from the Philippines and Tamil asylum seekers from Sri Lanka.
As a result she has eaten chicken's feet, baby octopus cooked in its own ink, barbecued pig's ear and several other delicacies that she chose not to ask about.
Karen is a mother of two and grandmother of three, an avid reader, quilter, writer, lover of history and a continual learner.
Her debut novel, The Ruby Ring, set against the backdrop of William Tyndale's battle for an English Bible, won an Indie Excellence Finalist Award.
As a result she has eaten chicken's feet, baby octopus cooked in its own ink, barbecued pig's ear and several other delicacies that she chose not to ask about.
Karen is a mother of two and grandmother of three, an avid reader, quilter, writer, lover of history and a continual learner.
Her debut novel, The Ruby Ring, set against the backdrop of William Tyndale's battle for an English Bible, won an Indie Excellence Finalist Award.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 29, 2019
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees is a historical novel taking place during 1535-1537 in England.
A renegade monk by the name of Martin Luther has sparked something in the English speaking world. William Tyndale is trying to translate the New Testament so that the English common man can read it for himself. The Church of England is against letting people have the Bible in their own language. They are out for control, power and money. The Church has strayed from preaching the Gospel and turned to calling for works for Salvation and having people buy favor from the Church- not the free gift of grace through faith in Christ.
Owen Alton is a friend of Tyndale and risks his life to get the scriptures into the hands of the common man. That jeopardizes his relationship with Jane Horne. Jane is trying to be obedient to her stepfather, Sir Harry, but is wary of the man Sir Harry wants her to wed. Jane and Owen want to pursue a courtship. When they are forced to part, Jane independently tries to help the cause to bring the English Testament to the English people. Will Owen and Jane meet again? How will their lives be impacted by this quest to get the true Word of God into the hands and hearts of the people? What part does the Ruby Ring play in the overarching story?
This was full of intrigue. The author has a wonderful way with words that describe what it was like in the 1500’s. I love learning about history through fiction and this fit the bill. I only wish there had been more scripture quoted. I would have liked to know which verses Jane was translating. All in all, this was a fascinating story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of a book club discussion. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.*
A renegade monk by the name of Martin Luther has sparked something in the English speaking world. William Tyndale is trying to translate the New Testament so that the English common man can read it for himself. The Church of England is against letting people have the Bible in their own language. They are out for control, power and money. The Church has strayed from preaching the Gospel and turned to calling for works for Salvation and having people buy favor from the Church- not the free gift of grace through faith in Christ.
Owen Alton is a friend of Tyndale and risks his life to get the scriptures into the hands of the common man. That jeopardizes his relationship with Jane Horne. Jane is trying to be obedient to her stepfather, Sir Harry, but is wary of the man Sir Harry wants her to wed. Jane and Owen want to pursue a courtship. When they are forced to part, Jane independently tries to help the cause to bring the English Testament to the English people. Will Owen and Jane meet again? How will their lives be impacted by this quest to get the true Word of God into the hands and hearts of the people? What part does the Ruby Ring play in the overarching story?
This was full of intrigue. The author has a wonderful way with words that describe what it was like in the 1500’s. I love learning about history through fiction and this fit the bill. I only wish there had been more scripture quoted. I would have liked to know which verses Jane was translating. All in all, this was a fascinating story.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author as part of a book club discussion. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.*
March 9, 2019
The author did a lot of research for this book. At first I struggled with the wording in this book. There was a lot of old English words - so glad that my Kindle was able to describe most of them. I have become more educated now for this time period in England. There were a lot of characters in this book and that took me a while to understand the relevance to the story line. I did enjoy the main characters - Owen and Jane. I thought that the author took a lot of time to describe their feelings.
It would have been very difficult to have lived in this time period. We take a lot of our religious freedoms for granted here in the United States. Thank God that we have our Bibles to guide us in God's Word.
It would have been very difficult to have lived in this time period. We take a lot of our religious freedoms for granted here in the United States. Thank God that we have our Bibles to guide us in God's Word.
November 7, 2017
"The Ruby Ring" is an excellent historical novel about the struggle to bring God's truth to England in the early 1500s. I've read many historical novels from this time period to research my family tree. This one is unique because it focuses on people who were willing to give their lives so that the New Testament could be written and read freely in their own language. It encourages me to be courageous for my faith.
May 7, 2020
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Read Romans 10:9-13; and John 3:16-21
Book Review: The Ruby Ring: Battle for an English Bible (The Reformation - A Family Divided Book 1)
Karen Rees, The author, obviously has talent, and it's refreshing to read a new writer's work and find that it is someone whose books you'd like to be absorbed in. The story is set in the time of the 1500s, when Catholicism had an oppressive and dictatorial hold upon the people. There was little to no religious freedom, and that produced the exciting time of the Protestant reformation, with Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press, the Tudor dynasty, the Christian Brethren, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and the awakening of the people's hearts for the pure Word of God.
All which laid the setting for this story, of a young man, Owen, who had left the priesthood and had become rather obligated to work in the family's grocery business, and keep it running. The story is also about Jane Horne, a young Catholic woman who falls in love with Owen, the ex-priest. You are brought deep into the narrative, and Karen Rees does have skill for drawing the reader into the story. Her God-given talent to write has phenomenal potential.
That time in history was fascinating, and Karen Rees did an exceptional job with her first book, The Ruby Ring. If you're not a big student of England's Protestant reformation period, this would be an excellent introduction for you, and will most likely pique your interest in the era. She wrote The Ruby Ring to help Christians understand the sacrifices our spiritual ancestors made to have the Scriptures.
This is a good historical romance, light on the romance part, which I appreciated, and many,many details about the struggles of smuggling New Testaments into various lands. It was well-written and a delight to read. God willing, I'll read the second book, and I'm looking forward to seeing more historical details interwoven into that storyline.
It will be a shame if publishers like Bethany House, Zondervan, or Barbour don't grab her and promote her books. She really has money-making potential.
Karen Rees and her missionary husband Benjamin have served the Lord in Hong Kong since 1975. Besides her involvement in the mission work, Karen loves history, quilting and writing. They have two children, Matthew and Megan.
The Ruby Ring came out in 2013 and is a Finalist in the Religious Fiction category in the 2014 Indie Excellence Awards. Find Karen on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Author.KarenRees.
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Read Romans 10:9-13; and John 3:16-21
Read Romans 10:9-13; and John 3:16-21
Book Review: The Ruby Ring: Battle for an English Bible (The Reformation - A Family Divided Book 1)
Karen Rees, The author, obviously has talent, and it's refreshing to read a new writer's work and find that it is someone whose books you'd like to be absorbed in. The story is set in the time of the 1500s, when Catholicism had an oppressive and dictatorial hold upon the people. There was little to no religious freedom, and that produced the exciting time of the Protestant reformation, with Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press, the Tudor dynasty, the Christian Brethren, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and the awakening of the people's hearts for the pure Word of God.
All which laid the setting for this story, of a young man, Owen, who had left the priesthood and had become rather obligated to work in the family's grocery business, and keep it running. The story is also about Jane Horne, a young Catholic woman who falls in love with Owen, the ex-priest. You are brought deep into the narrative, and Karen Rees does have skill for drawing the reader into the story. Her God-given talent to write has phenomenal potential.
That time in history was fascinating, and Karen Rees did an exceptional job with her first book, The Ruby Ring. If you're not a big student of England's Protestant reformation period, this would be an excellent introduction for you, and will most likely pique your interest in the era. She wrote The Ruby Ring to help Christians understand the sacrifices our spiritual ancestors made to have the Scriptures.
This is a good historical romance, light on the romance part, which I appreciated, and many,many details about the struggles of smuggling New Testaments into various lands. It was well-written and a delight to read. God willing, I'll read the second book, and I'm looking forward to seeing more historical details interwoven into that storyline.
It will be a shame if publishers like Bethany House, Zondervan, or Barbour don't grab her and promote her books. She really has money-making potential.
Karen Rees and her missionary husband Benjamin have served the Lord in Hong Kong since 1975. Besides her involvement in the mission work, Karen loves history, quilting and writing. They have two children, Matthew and Megan.
The Ruby Ring came out in 2013 and is a Finalist in the Religious Fiction category in the 2014 Indie Excellence Awards. Find Karen on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Author.KarenRees.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Read Romans 10:9-13; and John 3:16-21
August 9, 2014
There are mixed feelings about this book by Karen Rees. The author has a simplistic, yet engaging command of storytelling. She’s able to bring the reader deep into the story with the dialogue and narrative descriptions.
Research into 16th century was greatly expressive. Little known and rarely spoken of facts gave the reader the sense of turmoil the people of that time experienced. The powerful grp of the church over the people showed how power corrupts.
From a historical point, this book was great, a good read to teach about Tyndale’s desire to make the Bible available to all.
From a writer’s view, Rees’ word usage and sentence structure was exceptional. The descriptions and setting very well done.
From a conservative reader’s viewpoint, which also includes a writer’s viewpoint, I found that the book blurb did not match the story. It was deceptive considering the ruby ring didn’t come into play into well past midway of the book; and, Tyndale was not a major character.
Although I felt the author wanted to be true to the language of that time period, I view the words “p**s” and “b***ch” too harsh for a Christian based book. These words, although used in the right context, are vulgar and crude by today’s standards. I felt the writer could have been more creative to avoid use of those words; ex: “defile the pope’s hem” instead of “p*** on the pope’s hem”. Another word I felt would push readers away was the overuse of the word “bastard”. Although mild, it can drive many readers away.
Despite the language, I felt the book at times drew out the plot in an attempt to expand the word count. A three star book that had potential to be a five star book.
With the issues I listed above, I will carefully consider any further books by CrossLink Publishing.
***I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a full and honest review***
Research into 16th century was greatly expressive. Little known and rarely spoken of facts gave the reader the sense of turmoil the people of that time experienced. The powerful grp of the church over the people showed how power corrupts.
From a historical point, this book was great, a good read to teach about Tyndale’s desire to make the Bible available to all.
From a writer’s view, Rees’ word usage and sentence structure was exceptional. The descriptions and setting very well done.
From a conservative reader’s viewpoint, which also includes a writer’s viewpoint, I found that the book blurb did not match the story. It was deceptive considering the ruby ring didn’t come into play into well past midway of the book; and, Tyndale was not a major character.
Although I felt the author wanted to be true to the language of that time period, I view the words “p**s” and “b***ch” too harsh for a Christian based book. These words, although used in the right context, are vulgar and crude by today’s standards. I felt the writer could have been more creative to avoid use of those words; ex: “defile the pope’s hem” instead of “p*** on the pope’s hem”. Another word I felt would push readers away was the overuse of the word “bastard”. Although mild, it can drive many readers away.
Despite the language, I felt the book at times drew out the plot in an attempt to expand the word count. A three star book that had potential to be a five star book.
With the issues I listed above, I will carefully consider any further books by CrossLink Publishing.
***I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for a full and honest review***
March 28, 2019
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.
August 2, 2022
Great book
I’m very much interested in this time period and I enjoyed this book a lot. The prose was refreshing and original, not your tired old descriptions. The world and people’s morals seemed authentic and real for those times, so the author obviously did her research. I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy. The only critical thing I have to say is that I got tired of the wavering back and forth romance and I’m not sure a young female such as Jane would have had that much say in her marriage. I’m not convinced that she truly loves the man she currently has decided to marry (she seems to change her mind lightly) and I’m not even sure which man I’m rooting for. We shall see in the next book, hopefully, whether she actually marries him. To sum it up, this is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction inspired by true events.
I’m very much interested in this time period and I enjoyed this book a lot. The prose was refreshing and original, not your tired old descriptions. The world and people’s morals seemed authentic and real for those times, so the author obviously did her research. I look forward to reading the other two books in the trilogy. The only critical thing I have to say is that I got tired of the wavering back and forth romance and I’m not sure a young female such as Jane would have had that much say in her marriage. I’m not convinced that she truly loves the man she currently has decided to marry (she seems to change her mind lightly) and I’m not even sure which man I’m rooting for. We shall see in the next book, hopefully, whether she actually marries him. To sum it up, this is a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction inspired by true events.
May 14, 2018
Award Winning Story
Now I know why this book won an award. It's an amazing story based on historical fact. While the book took a bit of time to grab me, I'm glad I persevered because it rapidly warps into a captivating page turner. The characters leap to life from the pages revealing a portion of history most people don't know and many could care less about. That's unfortunate. If ordinary people hadn't taken extraordinary risks to provide the world with the Bible written in the vernacular, modernity would never have become what it is. Instead, education would have been confined to the privileged few, personal freedoms would not exist, nor would democracy ever have been established. Of course, that's this reviewer's opinion. Feel free to disagree. People like Tyndale risked everything to give us that right.
Now I know why this book won an award. It's an amazing story based on historical fact. While the book took a bit of time to grab me, I'm glad I persevered because it rapidly warps into a captivating page turner. The characters leap to life from the pages revealing a portion of history most people don't know and many could care less about. That's unfortunate. If ordinary people hadn't taken extraordinary risks to provide the world with the Bible written in the vernacular, modernity would never have become what it is. Instead, education would have been confined to the privileged few, personal freedoms would not exist, nor would democracy ever have been established. Of course, that's this reviewer's opinion. Feel free to disagree. People like Tyndale risked everything to give us that right.
April 24, 2019
This is one of those books that sort of sticks with you, I can't stop thinking about what happens next, and plan on reading the next book in the series. I loved learning about this era and couldn't believe what it was like back then, I can't imagine not having a bible and can't believe the sacrifices and risks that were taken back then to get the bible in people's hands. I have a much greater appreciation for all that happened and feel privileged that I can get a bible in many translations in one language! This is definitely a book worth reading, I found my heart beating quickly in many of an instance!
March 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
I enjoyed this fictional take on what could have been happening in the earliest days of Bible translation. There were some fun twists and turns thrown in for good measure, also.
I enjoyed this fictional take on what could have been happening in the earliest days of Bible translation. There were some fun twists and turns thrown in for good measure, also.
April 7, 2019
I liked it once I got into it. I liked the content and the characters. I liked the reminder of what people sacrifice to get the Bible into the languages of the people. And I think the author did a great job with setting and time period descriptions.
October 22, 2013
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees is a romance set against the backdrop of Tudor England. Jane Horne and Owen Alton recognize their feelings for each other early but are kept apart by the drama surrounding William Tyndale’s quest to have scripture available to all men in a language they can understand.
Based on the description of this book, I was expecting it to include more detail on Tyndale’s work and the drama surrounding the Reformation. Instead, this is basically a romance, though reformist ideas and activities have endless effects on Jane and Owen’s relationship.
My favorite scenes in this novel were those related to the smuggling of Lutheran tracts and English Bibles, and I wish there had been more of them. A very powerful scene includes the burning of one such heretic. Jane feels guilt over her part in the man’s participation in illegal scripture, but she is comforted by a fellow Lollard who reminds her that the one punished has received his heavenly reward and his testimony and strength of faith will affect all those who witnessed his death.
Some discussion of the recent beginnings of the Tudor dynasty take place, though the reader need not be familiar with this history in order to follow the story. I found it a little odd since this book takes place in 1523-1527 that there would be so many references to the old Plantagenet reign. Henry VIII would have been two decades into his reign following his father’s defeat of Richard III in 1485. It felt a little like the author just wanted to make sure that historical knowledge was thrown in as it wasn’t necessary for the story.
Other historical figures who are introduced are Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Moore, who leads Henry VIII’s persecution of the Protestants (only to later be executed at Henry’s command when he changes his religious ideals in favor of a new wife). The reader is given only a glimpse of these two important people, and the story remains focused on those characters Jane knows personally.
If you enjoy historical romance, this author has created a story with love, disappointment, secrets, and several almost-ended-up-with-the-wrong-one moments. Not being a fan of romance, I was a little bored with this at times. If you are looking for an in depth look at the work of William Tyndale, it is not to be found here.
I received this book for review purposes from Crosslink Publishing through BookCrash. The opinions expressed are my own.
Based on the description of this book, I was expecting it to include more detail on Tyndale’s work and the drama surrounding the Reformation. Instead, this is basically a romance, though reformist ideas and activities have endless effects on Jane and Owen’s relationship.
My favorite scenes in this novel were those related to the smuggling of Lutheran tracts and English Bibles, and I wish there had been more of them. A very powerful scene includes the burning of one such heretic. Jane feels guilt over her part in the man’s participation in illegal scripture, but she is comforted by a fellow Lollard who reminds her that the one punished has received his heavenly reward and his testimony and strength of faith will affect all those who witnessed his death.
Some discussion of the recent beginnings of the Tudor dynasty take place, though the reader need not be familiar with this history in order to follow the story. I found it a little odd since this book takes place in 1523-1527 that there would be so many references to the old Plantagenet reign. Henry VIII would have been two decades into his reign following his father’s defeat of Richard III in 1485. It felt a little like the author just wanted to make sure that historical knowledge was thrown in as it wasn’t necessary for the story.
Other historical figures who are introduced are Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Moore, who leads Henry VIII’s persecution of the Protestants (only to later be executed at Henry’s command when he changes his religious ideals in favor of a new wife). The reader is given only a glimpse of these two important people, and the story remains focused on those characters Jane knows personally.
If you enjoy historical romance, this author has created a story with love, disappointment, secrets, and several almost-ended-up-with-the-wrong-one moments. Not being a fan of romance, I was a little bored with this at times. If you are looking for an in depth look at the work of William Tyndale, it is not to be found here.
I received this book for review purposes from Crosslink Publishing through BookCrash. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2014
About the Book:
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.
My Review:
Jane cares a great deal about Owen, a family friend. She believes he is making a mistake when he tells her of another religion, that slightly defers from her own, that he wants to pursue. She has heard of the consequences of choosing to follow that religion and his life will be in grave danger if he follows that path. She has grown to care a great deal for Owen and she doesn't want him to do something that could get him killed. But Jane feels she can do nothing to stop her friend.
Owen wants to follow in the footsteps of the great William Tyndale. He believes in this man and all he is trying to do and wants to help his cause no matter what. The author has simultaneously woven true history with fiction and has done an outstanding job creating something that is rich with life. The Tudor era in England is something that has always intrigued me and there is something to also be said for the brave individual that would stand up for their God.
If you would like to purchase this book you can do so at this link.
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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.
My Review:
Jane cares a great deal about Owen, a family friend. She believes he is making a mistake when he tells her of another religion, that slightly defers from her own, that he wants to pursue. She has heard of the consequences of choosing to follow that religion and his life will be in grave danger if he follows that path. She has grown to care a great deal for Owen and she doesn't want him to do something that could get him killed. But Jane feels she can do nothing to stop her friend.
Owen wants to follow in the footsteps of the great William Tyndale. He believes in this man and all he is trying to do and wants to help his cause no matter what. The author has simultaneously woven true history with fiction and has done an outstanding job creating something that is rich with life. The Tudor era in England is something that has always intrigued me and there is something to also be said for the brave individual that would stand up for their God.
If you would like to purchase this book you can do so at this link.
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 17, 2017
The Ruby Ring is set in a time period I've rarely found addressed in historical fiction, which is why I was so frustrated. I had hoped to learn more about the struggle to obtain an English translation of the Bible & make it available to the masses. Though set in that time period, the actual history of that struggle was hardly addressed in any detail. The book had incredible potential, was entertaining as a story but left the reader with lots of questions about the history of this time in church history. I'll be looking for another historical fiction read set in this period that has more of the history built into the story.
April 4, 2014
Real Rating: 3.5 stars!!
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees
{About the Book}
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.
{My Review}
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees retells the story of William Tyndale and when he made the decision to produce the English New Testament of the Holy Bible. An English version of the New Testament would give the people freedom to read the Scriptures for themselves and not have to depend on the Church priests and pastors to tell it for them. If Tyndale was caught he surely would be burned at the stake. Tyndale also has an assistant, Owen Alton, a grocer's heir. Owen is to be wed to Jane Horton, who has defied her family's wishes in wanting to marry Owen. So if Owen is caught, he will surely be burned at the stake along with William Tyndale and will not wed Jane.
The Ruby Ring was an interesting story. I very much enjoyed the story, it was full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. But the story did lack in some development. I wish the characters along with the plot had been developed more. If they had I probably would have enjoyed the story more. But other than that I enjoyed the story and will recommend to all my friends who enjoy historical fiction.
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees
{About the Book}
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.
{My Review}
The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees retells the story of William Tyndale and when he made the decision to produce the English New Testament of the Holy Bible. An English version of the New Testament would give the people freedom to read the Scriptures for themselves and not have to depend on the Church priests and pastors to tell it for them. If Tyndale was caught he surely would be burned at the stake. Tyndale also has an assistant, Owen Alton, a grocer's heir. Owen is to be wed to Jane Horton, who has defied her family's wishes in wanting to marry Owen. So if Owen is caught, he will surely be burned at the stake along with William Tyndale and will not wed Jane.
The Ruby Ring was an interesting story. I very much enjoyed the story, it was full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. But the story did lack in some development. I wish the characters along with the plot had been developed more. If they had I probably would have enjoyed the story more. But other than that I enjoyed the story and will recommend to all my friends who enjoy historical fiction.
April 1, 2014
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.
So I thought that this book would be different them it was. It was set in the 1500's, but it didnt really feel like the book was set in that time, it felt more like the 1800's or so. The feel was just off.Also the main character kind of bothered me, she was just a little bit too trusting and didn't really think things through. Maybe it was just me, but it did. But it wasn't the biggest thing that bothered me. The one thing that did bother me is the cover. It had way to much going on. I realize that they wanted to show the different parts of the story, but there is no flow to it and its all just stuck on there. Its not the worst but not the best by a long shot. The artistic side of my brain was screaming about this cover. All in all a decent read but could have some improvements.
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.
So I thought that this book would be different them it was. It was set in the 1500's, but it didnt really feel like the book was set in that time, it felt more like the 1800's or so. The feel was just off.Also the main character kind of bothered me, she was just a little bit too trusting and didn't really think things through. Maybe it was just me, but it did. But it wasn't the biggest thing that bothered me. The one thing that did bother me is the cover. It had way to much going on. I realize that they wanted to show the different parts of the story, but there is no flow to it and its all just stuck on there. Its not the worst but not the best by a long shot. The artistic side of my brain was screaming about this cover. All in all a decent read but could have some improvements.
July 12, 2014
The Ruby Ring, an outstanding debut novel, is the story of a young man's calling to spread the teachings of William Tyndale in the midst of the Protestant Reformation. Owen Alton goes against his father's plans, his fiancée's wishes, the Church, and the King's law to fulfill a sense of purpose and a deep yearning to know and follow Christ.
This historical novel set during the 16th Century revels in the details of manors and markets, bookshops and fairs, without diverging from the storyline. I felt unknowingly transported into the time period, swept up in the changing winds blowing over the English countryside, only stopping occasionally to reread a beautiful sentence.
The Ruby Ring becomes a page-turner as Owen goes deeper into the smuggling of Tyndale's writings. My stomach clenched when he's forced to choose between Jane Horton, the woman he's been fighting family and tradition to marry, and his spiritual calling. The day he turns his back on England to follow Tyndale to Germany, Jane gives him her ruby ring and the mystery behind it starts to unfold.
Jane, a childhood friend of Owen's, is a lovable and fully-developed character whose search for identity parallels Owen's quest for purpose. Perhaps my only complaint is for more insight to Tyndale's teachings and how they affect Owen spiritually. Rees has clearly done her research, however, and is passionate about the subject. She is a confident writer and story teller. I hope there will be a second novel out soon!
This historical novel set during the 16th Century revels in the details of manors and markets, bookshops and fairs, without diverging from the storyline. I felt unknowingly transported into the time period, swept up in the changing winds blowing over the English countryside, only stopping occasionally to reread a beautiful sentence.
The Ruby Ring becomes a page-turner as Owen goes deeper into the smuggling of Tyndale's writings. My stomach clenched when he's forced to choose between Jane Horton, the woman he's been fighting family and tradition to marry, and his spiritual calling. The day he turns his back on England to follow Tyndale to Germany, Jane gives him her ruby ring and the mystery behind it starts to unfold.
Jane, a childhood friend of Owen's, is a lovable and fully-developed character whose search for identity parallels Owen's quest for purpose. Perhaps my only complaint is for more insight to Tyndale's teachings and how they affect Owen spiritually. Rees has clearly done her research, however, and is passionate about the subject. She is a confident writer and story teller. I hope there will be a second novel out soon!
January 30, 2014
I previously reviewed a short biography of William Tyndale and his quest to get the Bible into the hands of the English speaking peoples in their own language and was interested to see just how author, Karen Rees would handle this jewel of history via the novel Ruby Ring. Actually before reading the book, I wondered just how a ruby ring would factor into Tyndale's story of bringing the Bible to the people in their own tongue.
After reading this enjoyable book, I realized that it is a sweet romance that happens to take place during the time of Tyndale and involves the smuggling of Bibles into English speaking countries - primarily England. There are strong scenes of persecution that are quite moving and yet most likely still do not reveal the true terror of the times. Those were brutal times in history and Christian factions were truly at war with one another and all over control of placing God's Word into the people's hands for their own reading.
The practice of arranged marriages and pursuant struggle of actual love relationships to thrive is interesting and historically based. This is a clean, sweet romance with a strong historical setting.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for this review and received no compensation to review the book. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
After reading this enjoyable book, I realized that it is a sweet romance that happens to take place during the time of Tyndale and involves the smuggling of Bibles into English speaking countries - primarily England. There are strong scenes of persecution that are quite moving and yet most likely still do not reveal the true terror of the times. Those were brutal times in history and Christian factions were truly at war with one another and all over control of placing God's Word into the people's hands for their own reading.
The practice of arranged marriages and pursuant struggle of actual love relationships to thrive is interesting and historically based. This is a clean, sweet romance with a strong historical setting.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for this review and received no compensation to review the book. Opinions expressed are solely my own.
February 1, 2014
This is a historical novel about Owen Alton and Jane Horne. They love one another but are star crossed lovers because of the times. It is 1524 when the catholic church is trying to keep the protestant churches from forming and the scriptures being written so a poor man might be able to read them. Owen leaves to follow William Tyndale to Germany so he can help to smuggle copys of the scriptures into England. During this time Jane stays with friends and learns much about her real history and what her mothers ruby ring signafied. I liked the characters in this book. The story really kept my interest. I had not read too much about this time period and it was interesting to see how people lived and what they thought of religion. This book moves along very well and I had a hard time putting it down because I wated to find out who Janes family really was. There really wasn't anything that I did not like about this book. I think if you like historical fiction you will enjoy this story. I received this book through the bookcrash program for an honest opinion. You can get this through Karen Rees or Crosslink Publishing.
December 27, 2014
The Ruby Ring is well-written and worth reading. Those who enjoy historical fiction will not be disappointed. And for those readers who are interested in the history of the Church, there will be double delight. However, readers need to be certain they are looking for fiction. While the historical setting is strong, the story centers around a fictional romance. The characters are solid and the pace of the novel enjoyable. One of the author's strengths is descriptive writing. She has researched deeply and many of the details of 16th century living are brought to life in her writing. As a homeschooling parent who uses living books to teach history, I can recommend this book for older readers (16 and up) as enjoyable supplemental reading that is not to be ignored as a valuable resource for learning history.
August 26, 2013
A well-crafted interweaving of fiction and true history. Join fictional characters Owen Alton and Jane Horne as they commit to the struggle for William Tyndale's English version of the Bible to be brought to the people of 16th-Century England. The suspense builds as these characters remain vigilant against churchmen who would see them arrested and burned at the stake for proclaimed heresy. Walk with Jane as she navigates the awkward relationships with her known family to unearth long-kept family secrets. This novel is a page-turner, and leaves the reader eager for its sequel!
June 21, 2015
Riveting!!
The descriptions of the very real persecutions endured by Christians during the 1500's were eye opening, it's startling to think that so many very corrupt church leaders could have been so cruel. I did not want this story to end and it seems that there is plenty of fodder for a sequel. Hoping for more of this amazing tale.
The descriptions of the very real persecutions endured by Christians during the 1500's were eye opening, it's startling to think that so many very corrupt church leaders could have been so cruel. I did not want this story to end and it seems that there is plenty of fodder for a sequel. Hoping for more of this amazing tale.
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