I wasn't sure what to rate this book.
I LOVED Dakota and Hudson when they were together. The dialogue was fantastic.
However, I didn't like them when they were interacting with other people.
The plot was intriguing, and the writing was good. I read it quickly because I was interested in how the story would conclude.
I was also a little disappointed there was no faith element to the story, considering the publisher. I'm not sure if that was an author or publisher decision, so I didn't take off stars for it.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Publishing for an ARC of Amy Clipston’s With This Ring in exchange for an honest review.

I found the story's premise interesting, so I requested the book. Former lovers who reconnect is one of my favorite tropes. The storyline itself was cute. I liked Dakota’s independence, although it was obstinate on her part.

Then there is Hudson, the big brother who feels he must protect his sister and aunt from everything, including the man his sister is about to marry. Hudson’s inability to see how overbearing and controlling he is damages his relationship with his sister and her future husband.

I found this story to be rather long, and not only was the book slow, but the slow burn was really slow.

#AmyClipston #WithThisRIng #NetGalley #ThomasNelsonPublishing #Romance #Fiction #RealisticFiction #ContemporaryFiction #Family #FriendsLikeFamily #Friends #ProtectiveOlderBrothers #SlowBurn #BrokenHearts #Misunderstandings #YoungLove #November #2024

With This Ring by Amy Clipston is filled with angst, obstacles, and second chances. Dakota just cannot get a break in her business. One catastrophe after another and she's wondering if her business will fold. Hudson Garrity is returning home after seven years to attend his sister's wedding. Unless he can break up the couple. I really did not like Hudson but wanted to. Can he change and get a second chance with his sister? His hometown? and the love of his life Dakota?

Releases Jan. 14th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 Stars

With This Ring is a perfectly sweet and equally frustrating romance. The characters are well-written, entertaining, and easy to relate to. While this story is a clean romance, there is definitely a lot of great chemistry and pull between the characters that will leave you wanting more.

Yes, this book had some really frustrating moments and the writing was a little rough in some spots, but when it comes down to it, With This Ring is a solid read and I'd definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

A huge shout out to Amy Clipston and Netgalley for the ARC of With This Ring!

This was my first Amy book, and I really enjoyed it! While second chance romances aren't always my favorite trope, I feel like this was well done. I really enjoyed the small town setting, especially with the bridal store being involved. It gives Hallmark vibes in the best way! Overall a sweet book!

Loved this book!!! The characters and plot were so easy to relate to. It felt like I was part of the book. Definitely would recommend to others.

With This Ring by Amy Clipston is a second chance romance.

Dakota Jameson is an independent woman, trying to make it in the Bridal shop business in a small town. But things start piling up, like her inventory is damaged by a burst pipe and she has to try to salvage the dresses or lose her shop.

Hudson Garrity has made it good in the IT world, and has been supporting his aunt and sister for the last seven years. He is intent on preventing his sister marrying a landscape artist. But only drives a wedge between Layla and himself.

Dakota was once engaged to Hudson, so when his sister comes in to buy a wedding dress, it resurrects hidden feelings.

This was a sweet story. Clean romance focused on love, forgiveness and second chances.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received via NetGalley. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

With this ring is a second chance small town love story. I liked the conflict, chemistry and angst in the story. If you are looking for a closed door, second chance love story pick this up for a perfect lazy day treat.

Miscommunication is not my favorite trope but Amy Clipston manages to overcome it and still write a book with characters that I absolutely love! I love how relatable her characters are and how even though they aren’t perfect, they’re perfect for each other. Dakota and Hudson had such a sweet story. I enjoyed watching them as they got and learned from the mistakes that they’d made in their relationship originally and how to avoid the same mistakes going forward. Hudson had a lot of trauma from his past that he had been running from but ultimately learned that if you don’t deal with your past, it will often interfere with your present happiness. Dakota had to learn how to ask for help and I truly understand how difficult that is! She also had to learn how to express what she’s really feeling. Amy truly handled the initial awkwardness that happens when you unexpectedly run into an ex that you have unresolved issues with. It was sweet watching them remember how good their relationship had been and start to move towards being fully again. I loved seeing Hudson heal his relationship with his sister. I definitely love the small town feel of Flowering Grove and all of its residents. I want to live in Flowering Grove! I will need more books set here and in Coral Cove please.

This is a clean romance.

Dakota lives in a small town and owns a bridal shop that is struggling due to pipes breaking and the insurance coverage not covering the damage. Her niece keeps trying to set her up with her teacher, but Dakota's heart still seems to be on her ex-fiancé, who she hasn't seen since he left town many years ago. However, she runs into her ex-fiancé, Hudson, when her returns for his sister's wedding. He feels his sister is making a mistake. Will he ruin his relationship with his sister? Can Dakota's heart love someone else?

This story deals with lost love, difficult relationships, people being stubborn and not willing (at least in the beginning) to see other people's point of view. There are very interesting dynamics here dealing with parent loss and debt. A good read.

With This Ring by Amy Clipston is a contemporary Christian story. It is well written and easy to read. Hudson has sold his business so when his little sister gets engaged he flies home to be with her. He doesn’t expect to be reunited with Dakota.

This is such a good book to just get lost in. I enjoyed the story as it not only focused around Hudson and Dakota, but it also gave a look into Layla’s situation of planning a wedding and marrying the man of her dreams, even though Hudson didn’t approve. I enjoyed reading of how Hudson felt about providing for his sister and the struggles they go through because of it. I felt for Dakota as she was struggling with building the business of her dreams with the different issues that she has to face. Reading how Hudson changes through out the story is inspirational.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

As a Mystery/Thriller girl I am pretty selective with my rom coms/ romance/ books, I do prefer my stories to be on the cleaner side and sweeter not spicy. So its hard for me to rate this lower than 3 stars, but here we are. There are some things I need :
lLikeable characters (or characters you love to hate--like a total grump)
An interesting conflict (You know you need some tension / something high stakes)
Engaging "hook"

This book came up short in my criteria.

I knew I was going to have issues with this book when in one of the first chapters Hudson goes into Dakota (his ex fiancee)'s wedding shop, carries on a conversation with her and she doesn't recognize him. Um, what? Unless the last time they saw each others was when they were infants, people from aged 21 to 27 do not change that much that you do not recognize one another.
Can I get a D?

Next Hudson, our main character. I am all about some "grumpy guy" syndrome, but this guy was just a first class jerk. His comments towards his sister and his immediate rudeness towards his little sisters boyfriend/fiancee was totally uncalled for. He was so judgemental and just said really mean and hurtful things. His innability to forgive was unbearable. Personally if I was his little sister I would have said keep your money and don't help me. He gave his money with such a regretful heart. I never warmed up to him....at all. I mean show me some good!
Can I get a U?

Then we have Dakota, her scenes were so scripted, and the sacchrine way she interacted with her neice was too much for me. I also think she was incredibly immature in her behavior. When characters call off relationships because they are afraid they are going to hold that person back just sends nails across my chalkboard. She was also irrespoinsible with taking on too much and trying to prove herself. Girl, you have a family they will support you. She also treated the teacher that was interested in her so rudely. Not a good showing
Can I Get a M?

This book was published my Thomas Nelson, so I was expecting some Christian themes or at least a little message in the book. Nope. None. Zilch :( I know we are all sinners and need saving, but these seriously did not show ANY fruits of being In Christ
Can I get a B?

Finally the actual plot was so boring! Y'all, like whoa I thought they two MCs were going to come together to try to break apart the sisters marriage (for good) and rekindle their love.....instead it was just Hudson pitching fits and acting like a total Jerk and saying mean things to his sister.


Sad to say if I got a Ring I would refuse the proposal.

Thank yo uThomas Nelson, Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance Copy of With This Ring. I was not influenced or paid in exchange for my honest review.

Awful. Absolutely awful. This isn’t a romance book. This is a book about a man who destroys his relationships with those he “cares” about because he suddenly has grief he never dealt with since childhood. Not one romantic thing happens in this book. I actually skipped quite a bit because I hated these characters so much. I think Layla and Aunt Trudy were the only decent characters. Also, miscommunication trope is the worst. ALSO, it felt very disingenuous of Dakota to suddenly realize that she was also treating other people like crap after Hudson called her out on her “crap.” Just no.

“With This Ring” is a real-to-life kind of story. Characters who feel like real people - flaws, strong points, emotions, and personalities. A plot that feels as if you are hearing from a friend about their life struggles and wins. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The two main charcters, Dakota and Hudson, showed so much personal conflict and growth throughout the book. They offer the reader a chance to introspect a bit and maybe even to grow themselves. If you are looking for a good literary escape with a bit of introspection, then this book is a great choice.

I requested a copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

What a great second chance, grumpy/sunshine romance. I enjoyed this one, absolutely hallmark feel, would love to see the roller-skating scenes on the big screen. Well written, read in one sitting. Would absolutely re read in the future.

A sweet childhood sweethearts -misunderstanding - breakup - finally back together again trope, Amy Clipston has excelled in this narrative.

A lighthearted and heart warming tale of two high school sweethearts separated by deep misunderstandings.

All the ingredients for a feel good story are there - a struggling bridal wear shop run by one half of a former couple who nearly made it to the altar, and the wealthy other half of the couple who returns to their tiny hometown for a wedding.

Both Dakota Jamison and Hudson Garritty are stubborn and have money issues of different kinds.

Hudson is too blind to see the role money plays in his life, camouflaging deeper relationship issues, until he nearly loses his only sister over disagreements on her plans to marry young

Dakota is too proud and stubborn to accept help with her floundering business and mortgaged to the hilt home, until she comes close to losing them both. She is also too stubborn to see how her issues contributed to the break up 7 years earlier with Hudson.

How do these two adorable but stubborn sweethearts overcome their issues, the least of which is admitting they still love each other?

Amy Clipston weaves character development into the story arc effortlessly and you see these two grow from stubborn, mulish, thick headed people, to becoming more teachable and malleable humans - essential ingredients for successful relationships.

A sweet, clean romance with a good storyline by Amy Clipston, this light hearted read is perfect for cosy winter evenings with a hot mug of cocoa with or without s'mores. Or maybe a hot cider.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book. But all opinions are my own and unforced by any consideration.

Dakota Jamieson is living her dream operating the Fairytale Bridal Boutique, but not everything is going working out the way she would like between salvaging her gowns from a leak and giving lessons at the local roller skating lessons, she doesn’t have time for a relationship much less the man who broke her heart over seven years ago.

Even though Dakota and Hudson suffered from not communicating with each other, I still enjoyed watching them come back to each other and realize they were still in love. Hud was an annoying jerk most of the time but I knew there had to be a gem inside his heart, he just needed to take time to inquire of his heart and see where it would lead him which was back home in Flowering Grove. I loved the themes of family, healing, community, and humbling yourself enough to find out what it was Dakota and Hudson wanted the most.

Entertaining and recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. All opinions shared here are mine and honest.

This was a sweet second chance love story! I loved learning how the past relationship unfolded, discovering their reconnection, and the growth of the characters. I was a little frustrated by the whole plot being based on lack of communication- not my favorite trope. I desperately wanted the characters to get with it and TALK to each other 😅 It was a slow burn, for sure, but glad when they finally got back together!

I was drawn to With This Ring by Amy Clipston because of its gorgeous cover. The story unfolds around a sweet, second-chance romance filled with angst. Dakota Jamison is the determined owner of a struggling bridal shop. She prides herself on her independence, but a burst pipe, loss of her inventory due to water damage, and a steep mortgage are pushing her business to the brink. Hudson Garrity, her ex—a self-made man who left seven years ago for a big-city life is back in town for his little sister's wedding. He is intent on preventing his sister's wedding. When he stops by Dakota's shop to rent a tux, she finds herself face-to-face with the man she never truly stopped loving.

Hudson has the best intentions to care for those he loves most, but he doesn’t realize that they need him more than his money. Dakota, meanwhile, is fiercely self-reliant, but she’s forgotten how many people love her and are willing to help. Despite continuing to clash over his sister’s wedding, their chemistry remains undeniable. Both have tried to move on, but something has been missing. Could it be each other?

This story is heartwarming, but I struggled to fully connect with it. While it was an enjoyable read, I found myself wishing Dakota and Hudson’s relationship would blossom a bit sooner, adding more depth to their connection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Such a precious story about true love, forgiveness, and growth! It was a clean read with a beautiful story. The small town vibes were so sweet and It’s set in NC! really enjoyed this one! 🤍 I definitely recommend!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for my early copy!