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!

Overall rating 2.5 stars. What I liked:
Small town cozy read
The cover, the reason I requested this book
Clean read, closed door romances.
What I didn't enjoy: Hudson and Dakota fought and butted heads whole book until literally the final chapter, yet we are told in the brief epiloge they got their "happily ever after" which seemed unlikely given the entirety of the book. I seriously felt no attachment to either character and didn't care if they go together anymore.
Also many redundant phrases and scenarios in this story, a few times I checked to see if I accidentally was backreading the ebook.
Also listed Christian and yet basically zippo faith content.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC, this is my honest

thank you net galley for the arc. i really do like the cover of this book. dakota frustated me with how stubborn she was being. there were moments were i wanted to shake some sense into them both. this is about hudson who return to flowering grove to stop his sister wedding, but runs into his ex fiance. over all ok story.

With This Ring by Amy Clipston

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for letting me review this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story follows two people .. Dakota a seamstress who loves to make and alter wedding dresses who has a bridal shop that she maybe bit off more than she can chew. And Hudson a money driven career guy whose sole goal in life is to provide for his Aunt and Sister and make sure they never have to want for anything.

Dakota and Hudson are childhood sweethearts who broke up seven years ago due to wanting different things in life. With Hudson coming back to his hometown for his baby sisters wedding he runs into Dakota and the fire is still there but both are so hurt and untrusting of each other.

Both of our main characters are well meaning good people who just can’t seem to get out of their own heads and see the world around them. Both are stubborn and can’t accept help or see where they are lacking.

This story is about the importance of communication, growth, understanding and accepting grief, asking for help and ultimately love. Love is the motivator for the whole story.

I really enjoyed this book and the overall story, I thought the writing felt a bit new, like maybe the author is still finding their feet but overall really good enjoyed it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

just wasn't for me and was not a book I personally enjoyed. I know there will be other readers out there that this will fit their style a lot better.

With This Ring was a great romance and read. Amy put me through all the feels in this story and I found myself rooting for the MMC. I enjoyed how they both grew and matured in the story and also loved the side characters and how she built the romance with the plot.

Loved reading the fabulously written Christian romance story. When Hudson returns home for his sister's wedding, he sees Dakota again, his ex-fiancé, and both Hudson and Dakota still have hidden feelings for each other. Read the highly recommended and a must read engaging love story.

This book was so cute and clean and was just the right amount of Hallmark drama that made the book so enjoyable. I tend to struggle with second-chance tropes but this one actually worked pretty well with the plot line. I really enjoyed the characters depth and how the author dealt with the main characters trauma without being overtly detailed. I couldn’t put it down and I loved how lighthearted it was.

I tried this book on a whim and really found myself enjoying it. I’m not even sure why, because the characters really weren’t super likable—especially the lead guy—but something about the whole story is just Winsome and enjoyable. Definitely, a talented author to get me to keep reading about a self centered rich guy who’s more interested in fixing things with money than being honest with his loved ones about his thoughts and feelings, and to make me like him anyway!

Dakota was a fun heroine even though she made some frustrating decisions along the way.

I did truly enjoy the cast of side characters—Kayleigh, Aunt Trudy, Layla, Skye, and so on.

I’ll be trying more of Clipston’s work.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

A sweet, easy romance - another enjoyable story by Amy Clipston.

A second chance romance - a small town setting. Dakota runs a wedding boutique and she's having money issues after a flood ruins most of her stock. She's turning things around when her ex's sister asks her to recreate an amazing wedding dress for her wedding. That puts Dakota and Hudson back in each other's paths - and they end up being neighbors while he's in town. It's a sweet story of second chance love.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

As always, Amy Clipston delivers a heart warming story in With This Ring, the tale of two people how lost each other and find their way back in the midst of a wedding. Full of charm and love and hope, you won't want to miss this one! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!

With This Ring
Amy Clipston

The setting is Flowering Grove, North Carolina. Dakota Jamison helps brides make their day perfect, she always dreamed of running Fairytale Bridal Shop. She doesn’t see herself ever marrying. At one time she was engaged to Hudson Garrity, but he left her in Flowering Grove to pursue his career in New York City. Dakota stays busy between the bridal shop and teaching roller skating lessons at the local rink.
Hudson started his own software company in New York City but now that he’s sold it, he isn’t sure what he should do. He’s met his goal in life; he’s made enough money to keep his little sister and their aunt comfortable for the rest of their lives. He returns to his hometown thinking he can ponder what lies ahead for him. His sister is getting married and needs his help planning the wedding that also puts him in the position of working with Dakota. As the wedding draws closer, Hudson remembers what he loved about Flowering Grove. He and Dakota can’t help but wonder what life could have been like if they had made different decisions.
This story is charming. Like real life the two main characters in this tale are not perfect. This is a second chance romance which isn’t my favorite romance genre however I enjoyed this book. Author Amy Clipston does a superb job in fleshing out the characters; she gives them realistic emotions, behaviors and actions. Both Hudson and Dakota are extremely stubborn. They know they are meant to be together and yet they each hesitate to admit it. I found myself rooting for them throughout this tale.