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A Festival of Carols #3
Hear the Bells Ring
2019. Abigail Moyer, an aspiring author, needs some inspiration, especially after receiving yet another rejection letter from one too many publishers. Hoping a change in scenery and her life will supply the needed inspiration, she heads home to picturesque Buckingham, Pennsylvania, and her parents’ farm for Christmas. There, she discovers an engagement ring of an assumed lost ancestress and a mystery that sparks an idea within her for a love story she hopes will finally get her noticed. But when a chance meeting brings a handsome stranger across her path, she may also find the inspiration for a love story of her own. If only she dares to believe the impossible.
1861. Eleanor Benton wants only one thing in her life. The chance to marry the handsome and quiet farmhand she has known most of her life. But as a once-orphaned boy who has worked on the farm since he was ten, Ethan is unworthy of her, according to her parents. They wish for her to marry someone else. When duty calls, Ethan enlists in the Union Army to fight for his country. He promises to return to her, but as Eleanor waits at home, she has only his vow inscribed on an engagement ring that she keeps hidden from her parents. But will it prove enough to bring comfort to her anxious heart?
A dual-timeline story that begs the question of whether love can be so strong that it can reach across time.
1861. Eleanor Benton wants only one thing in her life. The chance to marry the handsome and quiet farmhand she has known most of her life. But as a once-orphaned boy who has worked on the farm since he was ten, Ethan is unworthy of her, according to her parents. They wish for her to marry someone else. When duty calls, Ethan enlists in the Union Army to fight for his country. He promises to return to her, but as Eleanor waits at home, she has only his vow inscribed on an engagement ring that she keeps hidden from her parents. But will it prove enough to bring comfort to her anxious heart?
A dual-timeline story that begs the question of whether love can be so strong that it can reach across time.
- GenresChristmas
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Scott R. Rezer
22 books80 followersScott R. Rezer lives in the Desert Southwest and is a multi-genre indie published author. He describes his books as character-driven stories that bring history to life. Recently, he has ventured into the Contemporary/Historical Romance genre and is having a blast creating dual timeline stories with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing, wondering how the stories will end.
Two of his books have garnered Editor's Choice selections by the Historical Novel Society, and were long-listed for the HNS Indie Award (The Leper King and Shadow of the Mountain).
Retired now after a career in federal service, he spends his days writing and reading and enjoying the great outdoors with his wife or taking a nap. He loves naps. It’s when he does his best writing!
Two of his books have garnered Editor's Choice selections by the Historical Novel Society, and were long-listed for the HNS Indie Award (The Leper King and Shadow of the Mountain).
Retired now after a career in federal service, he spends his days writing and reading and enjoying the great outdoors with his wife or taking a nap. He loves naps. It’s when he does his best writing!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 9, 2024
Scott R. Rezer strikes again! Another amazing Christmas romance story that will keep you on your toes.
I absolutely loved the story that Rezer weaves between modern day with Abigail discovering a lost ancestors diary and engagement ring in the attic of her parents home to Civil War Era with her ancestor, Eleanor and how the two timelines come together.
I especially loved the aspect of Abigail researching historical documents and genealogy to discover a gold mine of inspiration for a book she wants to write. I love the time travel elements in this story and really kept me guessing until the end how things were going to turn out for Abigail.
Eleanor's story was also interesting because of seeing what it would be like during the Civil War and being engaged to a man that her parents didn't approve of and in hopes that after the war they could be together and then not getting a happy ending.
Highly recommend this amazing and beautiful story about if love is strong enough to conquer time.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
I absolutely loved the story that Rezer weaves between modern day with Abigail discovering a lost ancestors diary and engagement ring in the attic of her parents home to Civil War Era with her ancestor, Eleanor and how the two timelines come together.
I especially loved the aspect of Abigail researching historical documents and genealogy to discover a gold mine of inspiration for a book she wants to write. I love the time travel elements in this story and really kept me guessing until the end how things were going to turn out for Abigail.
Eleanor's story was also interesting because of seeing what it would be like during the Civil War and being engaged to a man that her parents didn't approve of and in hopes that after the war they could be together and then not getting a happy ending.
Highly recommend this amazing and beautiful story about if love is strong enough to conquer time.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
Dual timeline/time travel. A romance that stretches beyond the test of time. Twists and turns that will be keep the reader guessing what will happen next.
Third in the series but can be read as a stand alone, yet I highly recommend reading all three in the series.
Third in the series but can be read as a stand alone, yet I highly recommend reading all three in the series.
August 5, 2024
Fun, romantic story
Great for Christmas or any time. A whimsical tale with romance and faith. You'll enjoy Abby and Ethan and the slowly unraveling mystery.
Great for Christmas or any time. A whimsical tale with romance and faith. You'll enjoy Abby and Ethan and the slowly unraveling mystery.
December 19, 2024
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.
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.
June 10, 2025
You can read the blurb to find a synopsis of the book, so will just share my impressions. I love time travel or dual time-line books. There are always dichotomies to be resolved in these types of stories. This story of a civil war soldier and his one true love resolves those problems in a unique and surprising way. I loved the characters and the writing was above average. I found it hard to put this book down. Scott Rezer is a talented writer and I will seek out more of his stories. I highly recommend this book.
December 2, 2025
Beautiful.
November 3, 2024
A dual timeline, this story takes you on a journey between 1861 and 2019. A journey of lost love, an ancestors' diary (because no harm ever came from reading a book, right?) family secrets, and finding inspiration to write a great love story. But is it just a story or real life for author Abigail Moyer?
A book of love, adventure, and mystery.... I couldn't put it down! The ending....simply blew my mind, I did NOT see it coming! This is only my second book by Mr. Scott Rezer and I already can't wait for another one. I highly recommend this series 100%!!
"My love for thee will endless be."
*sigh* ❤
A book of love, adventure, and mystery.... I couldn't put it down! The ending....simply blew my mind, I did NOT see it coming! This is only my second book by Mr. Scott Rezer and I already can't wait for another one. I highly recommend this series 100%!!
"My love for thee will endless be."
*sigh* ❤
July 25, 2024
Scott has been writing for many years in a different genre, and I enjoyed his stories and attention to detail, but he decided he wanted to reinvent himself, and I’m glad he did! I’m here to tell you he has done it exceedingly well with his third time slip/time travel story. I’m telling you that you do not want to go inside this man’s mind—you will get lost, but what comes out in print is mind-boggling yet easy to follow, although I have no idea how he got there. In this book, I never saw the ending coming! But trust me. You’ll love Scott R. Rezer
July 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this story; it was set in 1864 and 2019, with a twist and surprises along the way! Abigail loves history and she finds a diary and ring in the attic of her parents’ farm. I love family genealogy, so it was a fun read as Abby tried to figure out her family line and the romance told about in the diary! Is there a romance in her future? Very sweet story! Loved it!
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March 31, 2025Another intriguing time travel adventure!
This author excels at bringing you back in time with his historical, time travel stories. His descriptive writing helps you feel like your in the setting and allows you to really get to know the characters. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This author excels at bringing you back in time with his historical, time travel stories. His descriptive writing helps you feel like your in the setting and allows you to really get to know the characters. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews