The Rose Ring

by Anne Faye

Left at the altar by Zach Richards ten years ago, Julia Manning has buried her pain by leading a quiet life working at a bookstore, helping her sister, visiting residents at a local nursing home, and attempting to be a good daughter. When Zach suddenly arrives back in town and her overbearing mother fixes her up with the last man on earth she would ever want to date, Julia is forced to face her past, whether she wants to or not. A resident at St. Francis Nursing Home, Elizabeth Phelps suffers from dementia and becomes convinced that a ring Julia is wearing is actually her engagement ring from her beloved Joseph, who is away fighting in World War II. As Elizabeth waits for his return, Julia becomes determined to discover the mysterious story behind the ring and to do whatever she can to help Elizabeth heal. The Rose Ring is a gentle story of forgiveness and the power of love to overcome even the greatest obstacles.

170 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2013

Reviews

[Therese Heckenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first came across this new novel, The Rose Ring by Anne Faye, the simple beauty of the title and the cover drew me, followed by the intriguing synopsis on the back. When I opened the book, I wasn't disappointed. The writing is crisp, clean and competent, the characters real, and the touches of humor refreshing. I didn't intend to read this novel in one day, but that's just what I did as the story pulled me in and I became wrapped up in the drama.

The Rose Ring is a sweet, rich story that manages to accomplish much in its 168 pages. Julia Manning is in her thirties and it looks as if love has passed her by. She has been living her simple, well-scheduled, predictable (and somewhat jaded) life since being jilted ten years ago on her wedding day by Zach Richards. But when Zach arrives back in town, Julia's life is thrown off-kilter.

Meanwhile, after discovering a lovely old rose ring, Julia encounters mystery and a poignant love story shrouded in the ring's history. Julia also meets Elizabeth, an elderly resident at a nursing home who still waits for her long lost love's return. Readers will enjoy the glimpses of Elizabeth's old journal entries that reveal secrets from long ago.

With Julia's help, will Elizabeth and her lost love finally be reunited? And will Julia overcome her own obstacles to find forgiveness, hope, and true love?

The Rose Ring is a thoroughly endearing tale, a sweet, clean romance that will be sure to touch your heart.

Reviewed by:
Therese Heckenkamp
Catholic novelist

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been meaning to read this book for...well, I think it's been almost a year. And last week, I did. It's a quick read (I read it in about a day, without really rushing myself), and it's not bad overall. I tend not to read romances, but this is as much about relationships, with a bit of a mystery-ish thrown in. It reminded me, in good ways, of when I was in high school and picked up Nicholas Sparks's The Notebook. I half wished I'd been sitting on a beach when I read it, because it strikes me as a definite summer read. You'll enjoy it, I think, especially if you like "chick-lit."

[Janice Palko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rose Ring was a delightful, easy read--just what I was looking for during a particularly stressful time in my life. I read it in one evening. The characters are likeable and believable, and you probably know someone like just like them. The two divergent story lines came together at the end to teach a powerful lesson--that sometimes you may not learn from YOUR past, but from SOMEONE ELSE'S past.

If you are in the mood for a heartwarming, charming love story, you can't go wrong with The Rose Ring.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read about how a young woman and an Alzheimer's patient both come to terms with things in their lives. The story had some twists and turns I didn't anticipate, and I wasn't entirely satisfied with how it ended. Characters needed more depth; I wanted to like them but didn't really feel I'd gotten to know them. A few typos in the kindle edition.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful romance with interesting twists throughout. The inter-generational relationships only added to this lovely story. If you are looking for a book about loves lost and found, you will enjoy this novel.