With this Ring is a sweet and clean second chance romance by best selling author Amy Clipston. I've long been a fan of her wonderful Amish romances, but she's also making a name for herself in the sweet romance market, and I was excited to dive into another of her titles set in the fictional community of Flowering Grove.

Dakota and Hudson were young sweethearts who separated under harsh circumstances with him choosing to follow a career path in New York, and her choosing to remain in Flowering Grove. When Hudson's younger sister gets engaged, she chooses Dakota's bridal shop for her custom made gown. As Dakota and Hudson navigate seeing each other for the first time in nearly a decade, feelings will emerge that showcase they never truly moved on from each other. However, with all of the reasons for their break up still firmly in place, can these two ever truly move on to their own happily ever after?

A sweet but heart wrenching story about the depths we'll go to for the people we love, With This Ring is another wonderful sweet romance from Amy Clipston and a perfect story to start out the New Year with. While I wasn't the biggest fan of Hudson to begin with, he grew on me as the reasons for his decisions were revealed, and I loved how this played such a big part of the story. I also adored the familial relationships, and how both Hudson and Dakota sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones who mean the world to them both.

I will say I wasn't a huge fan of the somewhat cheating subplot that emerges and I still continue to wish that Amy's contemporaries would have a faith element included, but overall this was a lovely story that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a clean romance to start the year off with.

I'd still say that Finding You is my favorite of her contemporaries, but this one was a worthy contender in its own right.

Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to Thomas Nelson for allowing me to advance read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher (Thomas Nelson) via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

My review is a mixed bag. For the two-thirds of the novel, I struggled to get into this storyline. It came across as very juvenile. The last third was significantly better and saved this novel from possibly being a DNF. I wish we knew more about Hudson earlier in the book to understand him more.

The main female and male characters, Dakota and Hudson, are rather immature for two adults in their late twenties. I wanted to put them both on naughty chairs in the corner until they grew up! Hudson is completely aggravating and controlling. Dakota won't ask anyone for help or consider any input. Trouble, the cat, has his life together better than either of them.

Once Hudson completely spectacularly flubs up and Dakota has to eat crow and reach out, the storyline picks up greatly. Hudson's aunt, sister, and Dakota call him out. Dakota faces a rallying team of people to tell her like it is. It is frustrating that such horrible communication and lack of self-awareness can occur amongst adults but let this story be a sign to LISTEN and NOT ASSUME.

I think another point of confusion for me is that I enjoyed this author's previous novel so much. It was clear she had such passion for the subject matter. I didn't feel that with this story.

*** My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and to Net Galley for a complimentary advanced copy of this novel. My review is voluntary and in my own words.

Amy Clipston delivers a heartwarming romance in With This Ring, a story of second chances, forgiveness, and love's messy yet fun journey. The novel, set in a small town, follows high school sweethearts Dakota and Hudson. They are unexpectedly reunited years after their broken engagement.

The reunion happens when Hudson's sister, Layla, becomes engaged to a man she has only recently met. Concerned that Layla is rushing into something, Hudson feels he must head home to stop her wedding. In the meantime, Layla's search for a wedding dress leads her to Dakota's bridal shop, setting the stage for Hudson and Dakota to come face-to-face with their unresolved past. Neither has seriously dated since their engagement ended, and their lingering feelings quickly rise to the surface.

What makes With This Ring stand out is its dual focus: Will Dakota and Hudson rekindle their love despite the hurt and misunderstandings that drove them apart? Will Layla's whirlwind romance find the stability and foundation it needs? The story is one of love, stubbornness, poor communication, and family. Dakota and Hudson, with their relatable flaws, make their journey all the more engaging. (Even if I sometimes wanted to shake some sense into them.)

If you enjoy stories of second chances with characters who feel real, With This Ring is a quick and fun read that will keep you entertained.



The book published on January 14, 2025.  I was provided an advanced copy to read beforehand publication and provide a review.

I really wanted to like this story. I have enjoyed other stories by this author and was looking forward to a nice romantic read with some tearful moments included. This is not that kind of story. Most of the story has the MMC and FMC suffering from a great misunderstanding that resulted in a broken engagement. They are basically at odds for most of the story due to this misunderstanding, which is downright frustrating. To make matters worse, the MMC and FMC have huge character flaws that they are dealing with throughout the story which seem to overshadow any positive traits they may have. Basically, they are unlikable characters. I know I am in the minority and I really hate giving this story a negative review, but the only positive thing I can say is that the character growth is strong. I still enjoy the author’s writing and will continue to read her other books. This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Oh my word … this was cheesy. So cheesy that I had to put it down for a while because the writing is just …. Cheesy. There are descriptions of everything. There is constant mention of steaming and salvaging the wedding dresses that got wet in the bridal shop flood.

This would be great if you’re looking for something cozy and romantic to read before going to sleep! It was sweet and simple and lighthearted, full of small town love, second chances, and wedding gowns.

Enjoyed this romantic second-chance story, especially that of Dakota and Hudson. I live in a small town in NC, not far from the author as it turns out!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars!

With this ring by Amy Clipston is a fun, lighthearted romance with lots of heart and lifelike characters to keep you turning the pages for more. This is a book about second chances and dreams coming true. I give this book 4 stars. It will fit comfortably on your fun, light romance shelf. I received a complimentary review copy of this book

This was such a sweet small town, second chance romance! I really loved both Dakota and Hudson as characters. Dakota was a very stubborn, but hard working, go getter type. While Hudson was consumed by grief that he wasn’t ready to acknowledge.

The two of them together made such a realistic and relatable pair. The awkwardness of the first time seeing your ex since breaking up to just the undeniable connection and love between the two was really beautifully written.

Not only did I love Dakota and Hudson, all the side characters mentioned throughout were so fun and relatable and stole my heart as well!

This is my first Amy Clipston book, but it definitely won’t be my last! I’m so excited to dive into her other novels!

I would highly recommend this to my book besties who love second chance romance, small town settings and deep, relatable characters!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me the ARC of this book! 🫶🏻

I was given an ARC of this book through NetGalley to honestly read and review.
I love a second chance romance and this book did not disappoint. Dakota and Hudson dated through high school and college. They were engaged to be married until Dakota called the wedding off and Hudson left for NYC. A few years have passed. Hudson did all he set out to do and is now ready for something new. Dakota has opened her own business but things are not going well.
Hudson gets a call from his little sister and she is engaged to be married. What is a brother to do but head home and try to talk some sense into his baby sister. Can he go back home and still avoid seeing the one who broke his heart?
I enjoyed this story so much. I especially liked how eventually Dakota and Hudson both took responsibility for their actions in the past and the present. However, the miscommunication got a little tiring throughout this book. Hudson's attitude needed a major adjustment. Dakota needed to grow up and learn to admit when she was struggling. I would recommend just know going in that miscommunication or lack of any communication is strong is this one.

I usually adore a second chance love story so I was excited for the premise of this book. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for me. It was slow and dull. More of the plot was focused on the side relationships than the main relationship. I never felt a spark from the couple and the reason they broke up in the first place didn’t fully make sense to me. Sadly a miss.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

"With this Ring" by Amy Clipston is such as sweet and clean, second chance romance book. Dakota is someone that's relatable. She's a girl who can sew amazing dresses, has the cutest sounding wedding dress shop and loves to roller skate. Then there's her ex Hudson - rich, handsome and has a need to control everyone and everything around him. The supporting characters in this one are great as well, especially Dakota's teenage niece Skye. Overall enjoyable cast of characters.

The story was well paced. The struggles Dakota has with her dress shop are relatable for anyone who has started their own small business. The scenes in the roller rink were fun and well executed (including cute kids giving some sweet energy to the book) and Hudson's strong willed sister and her wedding add an extra layer of tension in the book. This one kept me engaged from beginning to end.

I really like the modern romances that Clipston is writing these days. Her Flowering Grove books are all standalones in a cute small town. She's built a world worthy of a Hallmark type movie.

I'd recommend this one to ages 16+. Content is clean and story is appropriate for older teens.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hudson & Dakota

I didn’t like Hudson. Not at first. I almost thought of him as the bad guy. He’d chosen money and work, over Dakota. At least that’s what I’d thought.

Turns out… when a relationship ends… both people are usually at fault. And that was true for Hudson and Dakota.

I loved watching them work through their fears, addressing their issues and inconsistencies, admitting their wrongs — to each other and to their families.

But thanks to NetGalley and ThomasNelson for the chance to read and review early!

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this book! The town of Flowering Grove is small town Americana. I love the roller rink! It brought back many fun memories to me.

The characters' personalities are very realistic. Life is not all sunshine and roses. Dakota is dealing with huge problems in her personal and business life. I totally related with her because I too like to handle everything by myself and find it hard to ask for help. Hudson acts like a huge jerk for most of the book. However, when he reveals the truth about his concerns, his heart is in the right place. Kayleigh is the perfect best friend. She offers great advice but isn't pushy. Aunt Trudy is a gem. She has a heart of gold.

The love story is a slow burn, but for good reasons. A lot of heartache had to be repaired along with trust. It's a clean romance with a few kisses. The ending of the book is heartwarming!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This book is a second chance romance filled with lots of tension and lessons to be learned by all. Dakota is a struggling business owner in her hometown and in walks Hudson back to town. Hudson is a well respected and rich business man who seems to intimidate those close to him with his money and stubborn opinions.

Although he is back for a good reason Hudson finds himself struggling with family and relationship issues but he learns a heartwarming lesson in the end. Will his turnaround be in time to save probably one of the most important relationships of his lifetime? 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed the location of this book. Flowering Grove, NC is a charming little town, and I really enjoyed getting to meet Dakota and her shop - Fairytale Bridal Shop. I loved how it stressed how overworked she was, how stressed and tired she was, and just how she worked so hard. to provide a happily ever after for others - not for herself. Hudson has grown up, moved away and started a successful tech company - only he kind of loses his way when he sells it and finds himself back in his hometown. He returns and enters a great deal of chaos - his sister is getting married and needs help to plan everything. Only problem? That just leads him straight back to his ex - the one he broke up with and has regretted ever since. He and Dakota work together to give his sister the ultimate wedding and they grow close, only to evaluate everything - all the prior things that came up that drove them apart.

I wish there had been more - more after the reconnection, more of the longing even - the slow building second chance romance was fine - i just think it lacked a bit more depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

With This Ring is the first book I have read written by Amy Clipston. It was an easy read with hallmark like vibes. The story caught me right from the start.
The character development was good. It was fun getting to know Dakota and Hudson as they worked through their past relationship and what drove them to become who they are today.
The setting and storyline had the making of a hallmark movie. I loved the small town. I loved that Dakota owned a wedding dress shop. It was a fun setting.
The romance was closed door and perfect. I loved the rekindled relationship between Dakota and Hudson.
The faith aspect was a little on the light side. I would have liked to have a little more.

*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

With This Ring was the most adorable second chance book. Not just a second chance in love but also with family. Dakota & Hudson were precious & now i want to open my own bridal shop! I loved all the vivid detail in the story, and felt like I was there with the characters. This was my first book by Amy Clipston but it won't be my last!

Dakota runs Fairytale Bridal Shop in her smalltown of Flowering Grove, NC. Her shop is struggling after a leaking roof and she is trying her best to keep everything afloat until she get her financials back into the black.

Hudson left town, and Dakota, for the big city years ago to start a software company. After selling his company, he returns home for a brief stint to help his family and be by his sister as she gets married. Hudson thinks his sister is too young for marriage and tries to get her to slow down and reconsider marriage but she is set on starting her life with her fiance.

With Dakota and Hudson back in the same town, they can't help but bump into each other, especially when he rents the house next door to hers. When old feelings resurface, will they take another chance at love or will she really be the one that got away?

Hudson left me with a bad taste in my mouth. With his sister he was pushy, overbearing, and just overall not supportive of any of her decisions. He wanted to pay for everything for the wedding but then would hold it over her head. I wasn’t a fan. He was very controlling and just an overall jerk.

With Dakota, she was stubborn and refused to ask for help when her store was floundering. She had too much pride and also wouldn't listen when her niece brought her ideas to help.

I feel like their initial break-up was a huge case of miscommunication or better yet, non communion between two young people. It was probably for the best that they didn't get married initially because they were both too immature to deal with any issues that arose between them. I did appreciate the growth that they both went through in regards to their relationship and that they were able to figure out what went wrong all those years ago. It was sweet and the ending was satisfying.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book through a digital ARC from NetGalley
Author: Amy Clipston
Genre: Romance
Troupe: Second Chance Romance

This was a great second chance unexpected love book! Amy writes with such a beautiful story telling ability and her romance is clean and closed door!

As my family are all "rink rats," I loved the roller skating setting, music, activities, theme nights, etc. It brought back many memories of weekends at the rink.

I enjoyed seeing a bit of what it would be like to have a bridal gown store. I hadn't thought about the stresses of dealing with all types of people and changes in plans.

This was an enjoyable read for the most part. The main issue for me was that the two main characters were both pretty annoying for a good long while. They both had their good points but they got overshadowed in a big way.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.