One Golden Ring: A Sweet Small Town Romance

by Clara Pines

I’ve been hiding my crush on Derek Lockwood as long as I’ve worked for him. But I’m not sure I can handle being his fake fiancée…

When my boss brings me back to his hometown in the Pocono Mountains at Christmastime to help him run the business remotely while he looks after his sick grandfather, I’m pretty sure I can keep it together.

After all, I’ve managed not to drool over the handsome single dad for the last three years. At least, not openly…

But the mountains bring out another side of my boss—a side with a manly appetite, a side that chops wood in tight jeans and a flannel shirt, a side that howls at the moon just to make me laugh…

And when the rugged widower asks me to wear his ring I’m basically swooning, even though it’s only a pretend engagement. I don’t love the idea of tricking his sweet grandpa, and everyone else in small town Angel Mountain, but I can never seem to say no to Derek Lockwood.

It’s only when his daughter shows up that I know I’m in real trouble. I’ve been Judi-Bloom Lockwood’s biggest fan since she came to Take-Your-Daughter-to-Work-Day when she was only ten. But Judi-Bloom is thirteen now, she goes by “J.B.”, and I’m pretty sure my favorite math whiz is figuring out that something doesn’t add up…

One Golden Ring is a clean & wholesome Christmas romance, perfect for anyone who loves a lighthearted holiday rom-com and a happily-ever-after!

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

246 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Golden Ring is a tender Christmassy read with a good fake dating trope.

Derek, a rich workaholic, and his assistant Darcy go to a little mountain village to look after his ill grandfather. Here to not disappoint the sick man the two fake an engagement. Will they finally uncover their true feelings for each other staying so close?

Darcy and Derek are such a good, powerful team at work, they only did need a little push to find out they are a good match in a love relationship too. They are worth so much more than their jobs, they are kind, generous and selfless.
I've enjoyed to see them let go, and how they slowly show their true selves to one another.

Thanks to Clara Pines skillfully storytelling and beautiful descriptions I fell in love with these characters and this small town at first page and I put the book down only when I reached last page.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When golden ring 💍

Darcy and derek's story.

Returning to angel mountain is like going home where everything is about christmas.
its Like living in a snow globe. ❄️


Michael.
The grandfather is ill and derek, taking a trip home.Most thoughts are on family.But christmas time there's also love in the air. sometimes there's more to life than work.

This story reads like a hallmark movie.
Almost like you're reading a hallmark movie.
I simply enjoyed the story.The characters are sweet and judy bloom.The daughter oh so sweet.

The ending brings joy to everyone.
Angel mountain, is a place where everyone can be happy.

I truly enjoyed this story.As much as I did.The first book in the series.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek goes to his hometown of Pocono Mountains, to check on his grandfather who’s sick, and he brings his assistant, Darcy. She will help run his business remotely. He can’t do without her. When she meets his grandfather, he assumes that Derek and Darcy are engaged. Darcy didn’t know what to say but really likes the older gentleman. So when Derek asked her, she agrees to a fake engagement since they don’t know how much time he has left. He refuses surgery. Darcy wouldn’t tell anyone but she has a little crush on her boss, since she started working for him three years ago. They are both workaholics. Derek is a widow, handsome and smart. He has a daughter named Judi-Bloom, also known as J. B. who’s thirteen. J.B. And Darcy are really close to each other. She’s excited about the engagement. What can go wrong? With it being Christmas, they all spend time together. They make a lot of memories. It feels like they are a family. Can they have a Christmas miracle? Anything is possible. Will they confess their feelings for each other? Will his grandfather be okay? Will he get the surgery? I was so rooting for these characters. They all deserve to be happy, find love and a family and start a new chapter in life. I didn’t want to put it down. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.

[Pam Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A return to Angel Mountain and what a superb story. This book can be read as a standalone but will have you wanting to read the first book in the series. Darcy is an energetic, independent woman who has works for Derek who does a gaming website. When he has to rush home for a family situation he asks Darcy to go with him to Angel Mountain. She goes knowing that what she thought she knew about Derek was surface only. She thought he only had a daughter Judi-Bloom who is away at a private school for gifted children. When they arrive to the cabin they head to the main lodge to see his Grandfather, who naturally assumes they are a couple. What ensues are family situations, an unexpected arrival of a teenager and secrets that seem to unravel at every turn. When everything collapses will Derek understand just how special Darcy and his family is and how their life could be together? This story is filled with family, friends, community events, small town life and a relationship worth fighting for. Outstanding story, well written, and great character development. Can’t wait for more. 5+ stars.

[Shana W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down; the story is so engrossing while the writing is beautiful. The characters are really well developed and very likable. Derek has been a workaholic since his wife died and he became a single dad. His assistant Darcy is devoted to her job as well. She has a can-do attitude and she agrees to go to a chalet with him when he visits his grandfather who is ill. The two of them are thrown into fake dating to make the grandfather happy. Meanwhile, Derek's daughter Judi-Bloom shows up and they have some beautiful family time. I love the relationships they have with each other and with their found family in the town. Readers all know the direction that fake relationships usually take, but it's always fun seeing the romance blossom. I have to say that the ending is very satisfying and I highly recommend the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review One Golden Ring (Angel Mountain Christmas) by Clara Pines

From the first paragraph I was drawn into single dad Derek Lockwood and his employee Darcy’s story.

The writing is so descriptive that I can easily see Angel Mountain in the Poconos in my mind whilst reading.

When Derek asks Darcy to pretend to be his fiancé she doesn’t hesitate. After all she has had feelings for him for years.

This was a heart warming, entertaining and well written, story that moved me on a number of levels.

The relationship she develops with Judi-Bloom Lockwood aka JB melted my heart.

I loved their journey as Darcy brings light into Derek’s life. It made for a heartwarming and well written story.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each and every book I have read by Clara Pines and she never disappoints. This was a heart warming Christmas novel and Darcy, Derek, JB and Michael are such beautiful characters who will make you fall in love with them all. Darcy and Derek pretend to be engaged to make Derek’s grandfather, Michael, happy when they believe he won’t see another Christmas but in actual fact they have feelings for each other. When it comes to light that they are pretending and Derek’s daughter JB runs off because of the lie, it is Michael who finds her and then Darcy and Derek confess their true feelings. This is a beautiful story with a happy ending and along the way we meet lots of locals from Angel Mountain. This book is emotional and entertaining and I did not want it to end.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Golden Ring: A Sweet Small Town Romance (Angel Mountain Christmas Book 2)
This lovely story takes place in a small town of Angel Mountain. Darcy and Derek carry out a fake engagement in order to make his aging grandfather happy and Derek’s 13 year old daughter happy. It is a very cute story that inspires faith, family harmony, and romance. The characters come to life with their own personalities, weaknesses and strengths. I read it in two sittings and loved every minute. I love the wholesomeness of each of Ms Pine’s books.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take another visit to Angel Mountain. I sank down into the story and relaxed as each page turned. Darcy, the personal assistant, whose motto is “no problem” and all she does is work. Derek Lockwood, her boss, who works and works out. Then the sudden trip to care for his grandfather throws schedules and people out of order. What will they do to make a grandfather happy? What is the cost? Loved the ups, downs, and sudden jerks of this story. I was reminded to not put people in boxes. They change or we change how we see them.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Go!den Ring is the second book in the Angel Mountain Christmas series. It grabbed me from the first page. I couldn't put it down! I loved Derek and Darcy! Darcy is Derek's assistant. They are both hiding their feelings for each other. Derek, Darcy and his daughter JB (Judy-Bloom) came to Angel Mountain to see his grandfather Michael. To make Michael happy, they pretend to be engaged, but through the magic of Angel Mountain, it turns into so much more! One Golden Ring warmed my heart. I can't wait for the next Angel Mountain book!

[Amy Petrowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who’s faking?

I love a good pretend engagement! Darcy and Derek will neither one allow the pull of attraction to ruin their working relationship.
Visiting Derek’s grandfather for the holidays is just the push they need to begin a perfectly pretend relationship— except neither is pretending.
I love the supporting characters in this story. JB is such a great part of the story.
I think I would very much enjoy a trip to Angel Mountain.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Golden Ring

Derek and Darcy have a wonderful and sweet story. Darcy has been Derek’s assistant for a few years. When he got a call his grandfather was ill it surprised her that he requested she come along with him to Angel Mountain. Then she was surprised again when his grandfather thought she was her bosses girlfriend. The next thing she knew, Derek was asking her to pretend to be his fiancé. I recommend you read their story to find out more.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally charming and absolutely delightful, I adored this book. The storyline was a combination of cuteness, humor, heart and emotion brought a smile to my face again and again and laughter to my lips often, while also making me feel choked-up a time or two. Another sweet heartwarming in a wonderful series that I think is truly a can't miss.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mixed a workaholic billionaire single dad, a Christmasy small town, a beloved but seriously ill grandfather and an assistant who secretly been crushing on her boss? A excellent feel good, heartwarming story! Once again the author brings to life wonderful characters and a sweet HEA.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

This book is brilliant. I was hooked from the first page. I found this book thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, clean Christmas read. Loved J.B. 3.5 stars ⭐️

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real good story

This is a feel good story with great characters was to go back and visit Angel Mountain. I had to keep the Kleenex

[Kathy Brickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Ah, such a fun book! Loved the way the pretend turned out, and Michael was as sneaky as his grandson!

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Pines I love her books.
One Golden Ring was a story that started as a fake engagement. All that was to make his grandfather happy that is how engagement starts. Derek gets feeling for Darcy and Darcy for him.
I love the way Clara writes this book.She makes you feel like your in the book.
Clara is a fantastic writer she made me feel like I was part of the book.
She creates an wonderful group of people that I fell in love with her writing. I recommend this book..

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story.

[Jean H. Kromeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book 2 in this new series by Clara Pines.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author delivers another clean, contemporary romance with this latest addition to the series. We are taken back to Angel Mountain, an idyllic mountain town where individuals find love and peace.
Darcy has been working for single dad millionaire Derek, for the past three years. She’s his right hand, the office handler and solver of all the problems that arise.
She’s always had a crush on Derek, but he’s on a different stratosphere than her, and mingling with her boss is just not right.
When he discovers that his grandfather, the man he loves and who taught him a great deal about life, is very ill, he decides to take a weekend of his very busy schedule to visit him in Angel Mountain. He takes Darcy along so he can continue to stay up to date with the business. Never thinking that weekend would become more and might just change his life.
The moment grandpa sees them, he believes they are together and it seems the only way to keep the dying man happy is to fake the relationship. Something that neither feels totally comfortable with since they are averse to lies.
When Derek’s 13 year old daughter shows up , the farce continues. Darcy loves the girl , so she feels badly lying to her.
What happens when the make believe feels real? What happens when all falls apart?
This is a story with heart. It’s also story about family, finding one’s sole mate, and discovering that taking chances in life and love might just be what they need to find their HEA. Also it’s a reminder that families come in all forms, sometimes by blood and other times by deep relationships.
Another winner is delivered by this talented author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm and charming Christmas story.

Angel Mountain is the perfect place for restoring the magic of Christmas. Derek is headed there to be with his grandfather who may not see another Christmas. His assistant Darcy accompanies him, and when his grandfather mistakes her for Derek’s girlfriend, they play along. How far is too far to play along? When Derek’s daughter Judie-Bloom shows up unexpectedly, the pre-teen is happy that his father is moving forward with Darcy.

The feelings I get when I read a Clara Pines story are pleasure, warmth, and affection that she brings out in her characters and their lives. It’s the fun and antics of the people around them and the love and feeling of home that comes across in all of her books. I love the ease with which Ms. Pines captures me in her stories. I was immediately enthralled with Derek and Darcy and their journey. The emotion that came with seeing Michael (Derek’s grandfather) ill and not able to perform his job at the Angel Mountain lodge was heartbreaking, and yet, the wonder and joy of Judi-Bloom was inspiring. The understanding of faith and the wisdom of love combine to craft a beautiful and heartwarming Christmas read. I am looking forward to traveling back to Angel Mountain very soon.

[Charlie Sandino]

The second book in the series set in Angel Mountain. The book was the marvelous read I hoped it to be. The setting takes the reader back or simply discovering Angel Mountain. The characters are lovely and several of them were part of the first book in the series too. This time it is the story of Derek Lookwood and his daughter Judi-Bloom. They have the help of Darcy Keller who's been there with them since the passing of Derek's wife. A sweet story about how they need to go to Angel Mountain to take care of Michael, Derek's grandfather who's unwell. A story getting complicated when it doesn't need to be. This book is full of adventure, a golden ring has a very big part of the story. A story of new beginnings and a family finding it's place together, getting ready for the Christmas season. The title really corresponds and fits the story. I can really recommend this book and I would have loved for it to be longer.
I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read and review this book, grateful to the author for sending it my way.
Charlotte N

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Golden Ring is single dad Derek and Darcy’s fake to real holiday romance. It’s part of the Angel Mountain Christmas Series and I loved everything about my visit to Angel Mountain in the Poconos from the characters to the area which was described so well.
When Derek learns his grandfather is sick he needs to let him know he has settled down and that means finding a woman to be his fake fiancé and who better than his employee Darcy…….
What he didn’t realise was that Darcy had hidden her feelings for him for many years so Christmas up Angel Mountain could end up a lot more than just a fake relationship……….
I loved this book, it’s sweet, it’s romantic and it’s full of holiday cheer but what took this book to the next level was the relationship Darcy built with Derek’s daughter Judi- Bloom aka JB. I smiled and I swooned as I cheered this couple on.

[Marea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is next in the Angel Mountain series by Clara Pines, it is a beautifully written clean romance that takes place over the holidays between 2 people, who are kindred spirits but just don’t realize it yet. That is until the opportunity presents itself in more ways than one.

Darcy has had a crush on her boss, Derek, for years but hasn’t not revealed it to him at all. When he insists she comes with him back to his home town to help him take care of a “family” situation. When his grandpa thinks they are a couple, Derek doesn’t deny the fact because it might help the situation. The problem is when Derek’s 13 year old daughter comes back for the holidays and Derek realizes maybe he needs to turn this fake it romance, into a making it real romance.

Thanks to 1852 Media and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy and her billionaire boss, Derek, visit Angel Mountain to check on his grandfather, lodge doorman, Michael, who is reportedly seriously ill. Michael’s assumption about their relationship is further complicated with the unexpected arrival of Judi-Bloom, or J.B, Derek’s thirteen-year-old daughter.
A developing romance, a festive holiday spirit, plentiful snow and the emotion created by Michael’s increasing frailty and J.B.'s reaction to the relationship between her dad and Darcy, makes this a story containing happiness and humour mixed with tenderness and tears.
I personally prefer characters to be more straightforward in expressing their feelings instead of the repeated doubts, especially when said feelings are very clearly demonstrated but are interrupted by external interference.
I received this book as a review copy from the author, and this is my honest opinion

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One Golden Ring” is the latest wonderful must read from the ‘Angel Mountain Christmas’ series! Such a magical, can’t-put-down, page-turner that grabbed me from the start! ... Derek, a widower dad, and Darcy, his loyal work-a-holic assistant each have to hide the sparks they feel around each other, as they insist on keeping it professional to not lose their perfect work relationship... However, the sweet, small town community in Angel Mountain may have some magic that could change things- or not? ...
This story just warmed my heart, even through the ups & downs, to where I did not want to put it down when I had to! ... I can honestly recommend this to all fans of fiction of any age... Even tho I volunteered to read this, these are my own opinions & I can’t wait for more!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy has been crushing on her boss Derek since she stared working for him. He's a single dad to cute girl and asked her if she could accompany him back to his small town while he takes care of his grandfather. She agrees of course, but what neither of them expected is the hidden feelings that this little visit will awake in both of them.

And with small army of family and friends who want what's best for them, all sort of things can happen, even falling deeply in love. So if you want a cozy Christmas romance that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows (can't forget those), this book is for you.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything Clara Pines writes and One Golden Ring did not disappoint. This was such a feel good Christmas story that once I started reading I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved Darcy, and Derek might have been grumpy but he grew on me too. Even though this is a no spice romance that doesn't mean that the chemistry isn't off the charts. I could feel the connection Derek and Darcy had and was rooting for them to finally open up to each other about their feelings. I also loved the connection that Darcy had with Derek's daughter.  This book really did have everything. The writing was fabulous, there were some moments of drama that had me on the edge wondering how everything was going to work out and the storyline flowed nicely. A must read book for sure!
By Alisa