The Golden Ring by John Snyder
Warner Books September 2001
ISBN 0-44653006-9 - Hardbound
Children's Fiction / Christmas
Ages 8 to 16

Reviewed by Beverly J. Rowe, MyShelf.Com
Buy a Copy

Anna Beal is nine years old in 1918 in Meyersdale, a small western Pennsylvania coal-mining town. She is part of a large, close knit family and she and her father, Joseph have an especially loving relationship. Joseph is a big man, who has a strong belief in God. Anna's most treasured possession is a gold ring that was a special gift from her father for her birthday.

Now Christmas is only days away and Anna and Joseph both have dreams that are very nearly alike. Jesus is asking Anna for her ring in the dream, and in Joseph's dream, Jesus is trying to give him a ring, a very puzzling coincidence.

When Anna discovers the plight of Martha, a young girl she meets, and her family, the message in Anna's dream seems very clear. Martha's family is trying to get to the next town. Her father has no job, and is looking for work. They have no home, no money and no food. Anna is compelled to try to help this destitute family in this season of giving. I shared Anna's pain and uncertainty as she agonized over what her father would think of the way she chose to help them.

The vision Anna shares with her father, and the Christmas experience they share because of it, will forever change they way they feel toward Christmas and toward each other. What a wonderful, uplifting story to share with your loved ones this Christmas. A true story of selfless giving, it's sure to become a classic.