One Ring

Hear The Bells Ring by Scott R Rezer is the most charming Christian Christmas dual timeline novel that I absolutely adored. It is the third book in A Festival Of Carols series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in 2019 and during the American Civil War. It is linked by location and the lead character in both time periods as they are directly related.

There is a mystery to solve after an attic search reveals a diary from 1861 and an old ring with an inscription. We see that the power of love transcends space and time. Christmas may just be a time for miracles.

The greatest love of all is God’s love for us all. It is an everlasting love. Some may reject Him but God will never reject us. “You may not bother with Him, but He will never leave you alone… He knows how desperately you need Him.” God knows us better than we know ourselves.

We need God, whether we acknowledge that or not. “He’d seen the power of God in his life… He prayed… his reliance on God increase and strengthen.” As we press into God, He will draw near to us. God is a gentleman and will never force himself onto us. God is as close to us as we want Him to be.

Prayer is important. We must “strengthen ourselves through daily prayer.” Prayer builds relationship with God. “He [God] always has our best interest at heart when it comes to answering our prayers.” God will not always give us what we want but He will give us what we need.

I love the idea that we “assault the throne of heaven with your prayers.” To pray for someone or to have someone pray for you is both an honor and a privilege.

In times of war, we need to hang on to hope. Do not give fear a foothold. “Fear had begun to nibble away at her hope.” We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

The characters were all delightfully drawn and the location was wonderful.

Hear The Bells Ring was a truly beautiful book about the power of love and a God Who loves us.

JULIA WILSON