The Rings

by William Pickrel

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

About the author

William Pickrel writes the Unseen Truth series — clean Christian supernatural suspense where the spiritual world is as real and present as the one we can see.
His favorite books have always been spiritual thrillers with strong, driving storylines — and he writes the way he reads. After the death of his father, a retired pastor, in October of 2025, Bill put his thirty-plus years of storytelling to work, carrying on his father's message of hope. He writes from a simple conviction: that a story can reach a heart in places a sermon can't. His novels move fast and keep you turning pages, but underneath every one is a question about faith, doubt, and what lasts. He writes for the reader who wants to be gripped — and maybe, quietly, changed.
William also writes the Smidge series for children. He lives and writes in the mountains
of Western Maryland.
He does not only write supernatural suspense. Enough to Cover Us is a family story that runs from 1943 to 2011, held together by a quilt sewn from a soldier's uniform and his wife's wedding dress. It is quieter than the Unseen Truth books, and it is about the things families never get around to saying out loud.

Browse the complete Unseen Truth series at unseentruthbooks.com. To learn more about the heart behind the books, visit unseentruth.org.

Reviews

[Jennifer Sullivan]

In spite of its syrupy cover, William Pickrel's novel The Rings is a surgical dissection of trauma reactions and emotional detachment rather than some cheesy destiny-based romance story. While there are no magic soulmates here, there are Justin, a detached carpenter, who barricades himself behind a wall of self-reliance and Lilly, a selfless church woman who hides her emotional needs behind a layer of her excessive kindness. As the story goes, both of them own the ancient rings of their families, which together create an incomplete song of Hebrew wedding. As usual, "destiny" element would make me cringe, but Pickrel provides enough of historical details and background in form of the flashback to the Jerusalem drought, putting these rings into a context of a family legacy of survival. Although the story drags a bit while our protagonists spend many weeks reading the diaries of their ancestors, The Rings is a harsh, yet accurate depiction of how scary it may be for a person who had been closed in for twenty years to open the doors for another person. (Disclosure: I received a free ARC for this honest review.)

[Aliza Villanueva]

If you’re a fan of "destiny" tropes and stories that feel like a warm hug for your soul, you need to check out The Rings. The way the two timelines mirror each other is pretty masterful. The premise is super romantic. Watching them collide felt really authentic. It’s not just a "boy meets girl" story, it’s a story about learning to be vulnerable again, which I think everyone can relate to. It’s definitely a Christian romance, so expect themes of faith, divine timing, and a lot of heart. It’s sweet, it’s sweeping, and it’s one of those books that leaves you feeling a bit more hopeful about the world.

[Jeanne Briggs]

Decisions in life

This book is very thought-provoking. It is a romance but not a typical romance. I think it is more about change, brought on by an ancient promise that can only be fulfilled by two people in the present world who are willing to change. These two people are good people who have grown up in dysfunctional families. Through the course of a year and exploring the possibility of learning to be open to giving and receiving without strings being attached, is only possible through the Grace of God and being willing to trust.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Taylor Brown]

i think i like the way the novel is layed emotionally and the way it takes time to build the characters alongside the wounds they carry. On the grand scheme of things i would say, the story is interested in connection, loneliness, vulnerability, and the ways people protect themselves from the very things they secretly need most. My main criticism is that the pacing can be demanding. The novel's deliberate approach will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven fiction, but those expecting a fast-moving mystery or thriller may find some sections slower than anticipated which isn't that bad you know.

[Alan Flowers]

The Rings by is a thought-provoking novel that blends mystery, emotion, and symbolism into an engaging story. Pickrel creates believable characters whose struggles and choices keep the reader invested from beginning to end. The pacing is steady, revealing new layers without feeling rushed, while the writing remains clear and immersive. Themes of connection, sacrifice, and personal growth resonate throughout the book, making it both entertaining and meaningful. It's a memorable read that lingers long after the final page.

[Sherie]

I already finished reading The Rings by William Pickrel, and I really enjoyed it. The story kept my attention from beginning to end, and I liked how it made me want to keep reading to see what would happen next. The characters were interesting, and the plot had plenty of action and suspense. Overall, I think it was a good book that was easy to follow, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure and mystery.

[Sito]

Set against an immersive ancient backdrop, William Pickrel's The Rings is a sweeping Christian romance that masterfully weaves two mirrored timelines to explore themes of divine timing and vulnerability between a king and a vineyard keeper. Although the pacing slows slightly in the middle, the genuine character chemistry and profound emotional payoff make this a deeply hopeful, memorable read that will linger long after the final page.

I was given a free arc copy

[Izzy Lee]

I received a free ARC of this book.
William Pickrel creates a really immersive ancient backdrop for this romance between a king and a vineyard keeper. The middle section slows down a bit for internal reflection, but the genuine chemistry and emotional payoff at the end make it completely worth the read.

[Michelle Jones]

This book is full of love, faith and perseverance. Two people must battle the time to get to where they want to be. It keeps you on the edge of your seat while your also lost in the pages. Yes! This book needs to be read.