Member Reviews

With This Ring is a captivating romance about love, loss, family, and second chances.
Dakota and Hudson were high school sweethearts on the path to happily ever after. When their paths went in two different directions, they broke up and never spoke again. Dakota stayed in their small town and is trying to make a go of her bridal business. Hudson went off to NYC to conquer the business world, after all money is everything.
When Hudson's little sister announces she is getting married, Hudson feels it is his job to come home and stop the wedding. However, throwing his money around and giving his opinion as often as possible is not always the best way to get people to listen.
Truly a cute love story with real feelings and emotions. I loved the characters, flaws and all.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Dakota and Hudson were engaged . They both lived in Flowering Grove. While they were in college they got engaged and then it was broken. Dakota stayed in town and started her own Bridal shop and Hudson off to the city and went in with a partner to start a software company which they are in the process of selling when the story starts. In the meantime, Hudson's sister, Layla calls to let him know she is getting married what a great time to go home. See how he is as a big brother and support to Layla about her getting married.. She wants Dakota to redo her Mom's wedding dress which brings her and Hudson together. Does Layla get married ? and Does Dakota and Hudson get things straightened out. A VERY GOOD READ

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Another wonderfully written book by Amy Clipston! I absolutely loved this story and couldn’t put it down! Dakotah Jamison lives in Flowering Grove, NC where she runs a bridal boutique. The love of her life and the one who broke her heart, Hudson Garrity, returns for his sisters wedding. Can they put past hurts aside? Can they find their way back to each other? This is a must read! Thank you to the Author, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC book. This is my honest review.

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Honestly, this book was boring. I understood the premises and initially loved the idea that Dakota had a wedding dress shop. She was an unlikable character to the last chapter. I did like Skye and the family dynamics but this book wasn’t for me. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Readers who like second chance books will enjoy this sweet story. Loved Dakota’s determination to make it on her own but sometimes she was too stubborn for her own good. Lack of communication between characters was an important theme throughout. Hudson was way too strong in his opinions but story slowly reveals his reasoning. Loved the setting of the wedding boutique. Enjoyable story. Recommended.

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A sweet second-chance romance. Many family and business issues. A few heartwarming moments causing misty eyes. It is always a relief when people finally talk and resolve their differences and misunderstandings. Many challenges along the way. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

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3.5 STARS!
The premise of the book got my attention and rightfully so. The female lead is proud, over worked, and stubborn in her quest for success with her dream business. The male lead character is caring, never stops loving her, and wants to help her. But with that comes issues.

Clipston develops the story with engaging interactions between friends and family, continually connecting Dakota and Hudson due to the small-town proximity. But all was not well between them initially. We can feel the hurt and pain, both needing to find forgiveness and healing and especially knowing how to communicate with each other.

With This Ring is a powerful reminder that the heart can heal if we open our minds, listen, and forgive ourselves and others. I love the way the author allowed the characters to grow with their self-realization of what was needed to love again.

This is a clean romance about family connections with a super slow building second chance. I do wish it had more after the reconnection.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.*

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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