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With This Ring
Bestselling author Amy Clipston transports readers back to the picturesque town of Flowering Grove, North Carolina, in this heartwarming contemporary romance.
Dakota Jamison is living her dream running Fairytale Bridal Shop in her hometown of Flowering Grove, NC. But despite helping others find their Happily Ever Afters, getting married and settling down isn't on her radar. In fact, she decided she'd never get engaged again after Hudson Garrity broke her heart and left her to pursue a career in New York City. Besides, she doesn't have time for a relationship between running her shop and giving roller skating lessons at the local rink.
Hudson Garrity made his dream a reality when he started his own software company in the big city, but now that he's sold it, he's at a crossroads. He's finally made enough money to provide a comfortable life for his younger sister and the aunt who raised them after their parents died. Hoping that a return home will help return his focus, he's instead thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister plan her wedding . . . bringing him once more into contact with the one who got away.
As Hudson's sister's wedding date draws closer, he starts to remember how much he loved Flowering Grove and the smalltown life. And as he and Dakota start to wonder what could have been, they reevaluate what went wrong between them.
Will Dakota and Hudson find it in their hearts to forgive each other and forge a new life together?
Dakota Jamison is living her dream running Fairytale Bridal Shop in her hometown of Flowering Grove, NC. But despite helping others find their Happily Ever Afters, getting married and settling down isn't on her radar. In fact, she decided she'd never get engaged again after Hudson Garrity broke her heart and left her to pursue a career in New York City. Besides, she doesn't have time for a relationship between running her shop and giving roller skating lessons at the local rink.
Hudson Garrity made his dream a reality when he started his own software company in the big city, but now that he's sold it, he's at a crossroads. He's finally made enough money to provide a comfortable life for his younger sister and the aunt who raised them after their parents died. Hoping that a return home will help return his focus, he's instead thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister plan her wedding . . . bringing him once more into contact with the one who got away.
As Hudson's sister's wedding date draws closer, he starts to remember how much he loved Flowering Grove and the smalltown life. And as he and Dakota start to wonder what could have been, they reevaluate what went wrong between them.
Will Dakota and Hudson find it in their hearts to forgive each other and forge a new life together?
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
38 people are currently reading
9515 people want to read
About the author
Amy Clipston
121 books2,225 followersHi! I'm a bestselling author of heartwarming romance and happily ever after.
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)
Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)
Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Contemporary Romance (Non-Amish)
The Heart of Splendid Lake (2021)
The View from Coral Cove (2022)
On the Way to Christmas (Anthology) (2022)
Something Old, Something New (2023)
Starstruck (2023)
Finding You (2024)
With This Ring (2025)
Second Chance at Sunshine Inn (7/2025)
The Lighthouse at the Cove (12/2025)
Stand Alone Amish Fiction
Caring for the Amish Family (4/2025)
Guideposts Amish Suspense
A Heart Set Free (9/2025)
An Amish Legacy
1. Foundation of Love (2022)
2. Building a Future (2022)
3. Breaking New Ground (2023)
4. The Hearts of Shelter (2023)
An Amish Marketplace
1. The Bake Shop (2019)
2. The Farm Stand (2020)
3. The Coffee Corner (2020)
4. The Jam and Jelly Nook (2021)
An Amish Homestead
1. A Place at our Table (2017)
2. Room on the Porch Swing (2018)
3. Seat by the Hearth (2018)
4. A Welcome at Our Door (2019)
An Amish Heirloom
1. The Forgotten Recipe (2015)
2. The Courtship Basket (2016)
3. The Cherished Quilt (2017)
4. The Beloved Hope Chest (2017)
Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel
1. A Hopeful Heart (2013)
2. A Mother’s Secret (2014)
3. A Dream of Home (2015)
4. A Simple Prayer (2015)
Kauffman Amish Bakery
1. A Gift of Grace (2009)
2. A Promise of Hope (2010)
3. A Place of Peace (2011)
4. A Life of Joy (2012)
5. A Season of Love (2012)
Amish Anthologies
• An Amish Kitchen (2012) – Spoonful of Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Cradle (2015) – A Son for Always (This story complements A Mother’s Secret)
• An Amish Market (2016) – Love Birds (This story complements The Forgotten Recipe)
• An Amish Harvest (2016) – Love & Buggy Rides (This complements The Courtship Basket)
• An Amish Home (2017) – Home Sweet Home (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Summer (2017) – Summer Storms (Stand-alone story)
• Amish Sweethearts (2018) –Complements The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series and also has a sequel to my story in An Amish Summer
• An Amish Heirloom (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• An Amish Homecoming (2018) – Complements A Place at our Table
• Seasons of an Amish Garden (2019) – Complements The Christmas Cat, novella included in An Amish Christmas Love
• An Amish Reunion (2019) – Complements Room on the Porch Swing
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019) – Cookies and Cheer (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Singing (2021) (Collection of four stories by Amy Clipston)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020) –Evergreen Love (Stand-alone story)
• An Amish Barn Raising (2021)
• An Amish Schoolroom (2021)
• An Amish Quilting Bee (2021)
Young Adult
1. Roadside Assistance (2011)
2. Reckless Heart (2012) (Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book)
3. Destination Unknown (2014)
4. Miles from Nowhere (2015)
Non-Fiction
A Gift of Love (2014)
Seasonal
• A Plain and Simple Christmas (2010) Naomi’s Gift (2011)
• Kauffman Amish Christmas Collection (2012)
• An Amish Christmas Gift (2015) includes Naomi’s Gift
• An Amish Christmas Love (2017) –The Christmas Cat
• An Amish Christmas Bakery (2019)
• An Amish Christmas Wedding (2020)
• On the Way to Christmas (2022)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
April 1, 2025
EXCERPT: (Dakota) loved helping brides dress for the wedding of their dreams, which was why she opened this boutique. Witnessing the pure joy glowing on her customers' faces when they found the perfect gown felt almost magical. In fact, she eventually wanted to have a place where she could not only sell gowns but also host weddings. An all-inclusive wedding venue with a boutique and a large restored building - such as a barn or an old mill where couples could have their ceremony and reception - would be perfect. Perhaps one day she'd find a farm to purchase, but first she'd need the funds to open the place . . .
Until then, she'd continue to sell gowns and help brides plan their dream weddings and their happily ever afters. After all, she believed in fairy tales for the brides-to-be who shopped with her, although she didn't believe she would ever experience her own. She'd just have to live vicariously through her customers instead.
ABOUT 'WITH THIS RING': Dakota Jamison is living her dream running Fairytale Bridal Shop in her hometown of Flowering Grove, NC. But despite helping others find their Happily Ever Afters, getting married and settling down isn't on her radar. In fact, she decided she'd never get engaged again after Hudson Garrity broke her heart and left her to pursue a career in New York City. Besides, she doesn't have time for a relationship between running her shop and giving roller skating lessons at the local rink.
Hudson Garrity made his dream a reality when he started his own software company in the big city, but now that he's sold it, he's at a crossroads. He's finally made enough money to provide a comfortable life for his younger sister and the aunt who raised them after their parents died. Hoping that a return home will help return his focus, he's instead thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister plan her wedding . . . bringing him once more into contact with the one who got away.
As Hudson's sister's wedding date draws closer, he starts to remember how much he loved Flowering Grove and the smalltown life. And as he and Dakota start to wonder what could have been, they reevaluate what went wrong between them.
Will Dakota and Hudson find it in their hearts to forgive each other and forge a new life together?
MY THOUGHTS: With This Ring is my first book by Amy Clipston, but it won't be my last. She really makes you work for the HEA!
There is a lot of conflict in With This Ring, and I mean A LOT! Hudson is at the centre of it all, though maybe not all of it is his fault. He manages to alienate both his sister, her fiancé and his ex-fiancé! Nice going Hud. He had good intentions, but how he expressed them was an epic fail on his part.
Honestly, Hudson and Dakota are just as stubborn as one another and not prepared to explain themselves or their decisions. There is a lot of miscommunication and long held resentment between the two over their breakup years earlier. I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope, but it works well here. I found myself getting equally angry at both Hud and Dakota as the story progressed.
If you are looking for a small town second-chance romance that includes plenty of fireworks, With This Ring is an ideal place to start. It is an entertaining read, and I challenge you NOT to get caught up in the characters' lives.
I was able to read & listen to With This Ring by Amy Clipston, narrated by Brittany Goodwin and enjoyed both formats.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#WithThisRing #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.
Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zonderfan Fiction Audio for providing both an e-ARC and audio ARC of With This Ring, written by Amy Clipston and narrated by Brittany Goodwin for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Until then, she'd continue to sell gowns and help brides plan their dream weddings and their happily ever afters. After all, she believed in fairy tales for the brides-to-be who shopped with her, although she didn't believe she would ever experience her own. She'd just have to live vicariously through her customers instead.
ABOUT 'WITH THIS RING': Dakota Jamison is living her dream running Fairytale Bridal Shop in her hometown of Flowering Grove, NC. But despite helping others find their Happily Ever Afters, getting married and settling down isn't on her radar. In fact, she decided she'd never get engaged again after Hudson Garrity broke her heart and left her to pursue a career in New York City. Besides, she doesn't have time for a relationship between running her shop and giving roller skating lessons at the local rink.
Hudson Garrity made his dream a reality when he started his own software company in the big city, but now that he's sold it, he's at a crossroads. He's finally made enough money to provide a comfortable life for his younger sister and the aunt who raised them after their parents died. Hoping that a return home will help return his focus, he's instead thrown into family chaos and roped into helping his sister plan her wedding . . . bringing him once more into contact with the one who got away.
As Hudson's sister's wedding date draws closer, he starts to remember how much he loved Flowering Grove and the smalltown life. And as he and Dakota start to wonder what could have been, they reevaluate what went wrong between them.
Will Dakota and Hudson find it in their hearts to forgive each other and forge a new life together?
MY THOUGHTS: With This Ring is my first book by Amy Clipston, but it won't be my last. She really makes you work for the HEA!
There is a lot of conflict in With This Ring, and I mean A LOT! Hudson is at the centre of it all, though maybe not all of it is his fault. He manages to alienate both his sister, her fiancé and his ex-fiancé! Nice going Hud. He had good intentions, but how he expressed them was an epic fail on his part.
Honestly, Hudson and Dakota are just as stubborn as one another and not prepared to explain themselves or their decisions. There is a lot of miscommunication and long held resentment between the two over their breakup years earlier. I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope, but it works well here. I found myself getting equally angry at both Hud and Dakota as the story progressed.
If you are looking for a small town second-chance romance that includes plenty of fireworks, With This Ring is an ideal place to start. It is an entertaining read, and I challenge you NOT to get caught up in the characters' lives.
I was able to read & listen to With This Ring by Amy Clipston, narrated by Brittany Goodwin and enjoyed both formats.
⭐⭐⭐.9
#WithThisRing #NetGalley
MEET THE AUTHOR: Amy Clipston is an award-winning bestselling author and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing “career” began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories.
Amy works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC, and lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and five spoiled rotten cats.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Zonderfan Fiction Audio for providing both an e-ARC and audio ARC of With This Ring, written by Amy Clipston and narrated by Brittany Goodwin for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 7, 2024
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.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/with-this-ri...
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.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
** Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/with-this-ri...
January 17, 2025
Amy has written a lovely, cozy, and heartwarming story! It’s a sweet slow burn, second chance romance, with a wonderful small town backdrop. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I loved the growth of the main characters, and how they both came to realize they weren’t without fault. The romance between Dakota and Hudson was sweet, especially when Hudson kept helping Dakota, even though he was still hurting over their breakup.
✨ After a painful broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson, Dakota built a new life as the owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop. But her world is turned upside down when Hudson returns to town.
Wealthy and single, Hudson Garrity returns to his hometown to prevent his sister’s marriage. He soon finds himself entangled in family chaos and face-to-face with Dakota Jamison, the girl who broke his heart.
As Hudson and Dakota reunite, they’re faced with the pain of their past and the uncertainty of their future. Will they continue to believe the lies they’ve told themselves, or will they find a way to rekindle their love?
Relatable characters and heartfelt, emotional moments make this a touching, engaging, and uplifting read.
I received a copy from the publisher and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I loved the growth of the main characters, and how they both came to realize they weren’t without fault. The romance between Dakota and Hudson was sweet, especially when Hudson kept helping Dakota, even though he was still hurting over their breakup.
✨ After a painful broken engagement to her high school sweetheart, Hudson, Dakota built a new life as the owner of Fairytale Bridal Shop. But her world is turned upside down when Hudson returns to town.
Wealthy and single, Hudson Garrity returns to his hometown to prevent his sister’s marriage. He soon finds himself entangled in family chaos and face-to-face with Dakota Jamison, the girl who broke his heart.
As Hudson and Dakota reunite, they’re faced with the pain of their past and the uncertainty of their future. Will they continue to believe the lies they’ve told themselves, or will they find a way to rekindle their love?
Relatable characters and heartfelt, emotional moments make this a touching, engaging, and uplifting read.
I received a copy from the publisher and Austenprose PR via NetGalley, but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
February 6, 2025
WITH THIS RING is a heart tugging story filled with grief, loneliness, heartbreak, and love that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once I started this heartwarming story, it was very hard to put down! I really prayed that Dakota would be able to convince Hudson that he wasn’t the only one at fault when they broke up and deserved to be loved and happy once again. Amy Clipston isn’t afraid to write about subjects that tug at the readers hearts. Oh, as a warning to the reader, keep the tissues handy and do not read the ending in a public place unless you don’t mind crying in front of strangers! I’m so excited to continue catching up on all of Amy Clipston’s previous books.
When I hear that Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. WITH THIS RING is exactly why! Dakota feels like she is drowning. She has opened up a bridal shop which is her dream come true. But recently her shop was flooded and all of this year’s wedding gowns were damaged. She now has money troubles and its really stressing her out. Hudson has just returned to Flowering Grover, NC and is in the middle of selling his company. He is home to try and convince his little sister, Layla, that she is too young to get married. Layla is having none of it!
Amy Clipston has created a wonderful story filled with beautiful families and characters. She is so amazing at what she writes, no matter if it’s Amish or contemporary fiction. Her descriptions of each setting had me feeling as if I were right there in the roller rink giggling with the Dakota and her friends. WITH THIS RING was a quick read for me because I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I found myself cheering for Dakota and hoping she could get Hudson’s walls to come down. I love the way she never gave up on him no matter how hard he pushed her away.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
When I hear that Amy Clipston has a new book coming out, I run to it. WITH THIS RING is exactly why! Dakota feels like she is drowning. She has opened up a bridal shop which is her dream come true. But recently her shop was flooded and all of this year’s wedding gowns were damaged. She now has money troubles and its really stressing her out. Hudson has just returned to Flowering Grover, NC and is in the middle of selling his company. He is home to try and convince his little sister, Layla, that she is too young to get married. Layla is having none of it!
Amy Clipston has created a wonderful story filled with beautiful families and characters. She is so amazing at what she writes, no matter if it’s Amish or contemporary fiction. Her descriptions of each setting had me feeling as if I were right there in the roller rink giggling with the Dakota and her friends. WITH THIS RING was a quick read for me because I had a hard time putting it down once I started. I found myself cheering for Dakota and hoping she could get Hudson’s walls to come down. I love the way she never gave up on him no matter how hard he pushed her away.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 3, 2025
1.5 stars I was intrigued by this lovely cover! It's colorful, gorgeous and vivid! And, unfortunately, the buck stopped there.
It was hard for me to like anything else about this story. Let's start with the characters. This was likely the most petulant cast of characters I've ever read about and they were all money driven.
I went in expecting a romance, but this was the complete opposite. It was just all over the place messy. Wasn't this supposed to be a second chance romance between Hudson and Dakota? Well, there was none. At all. They spent their time either avoiding each other, being rude to each other, or holding their past breakup against each other. I didn't feel any love between them, any spark and I didn't even care if they decided to revisit a second chance together.
It seems as Hudson's little sister and her upcoming wedding was the central point of the story. Lacey was laced throughout - her wedding, Hudson begging to help her with her wedding, her shutting Hudson down, her wedding dress, it was just too much! Too much blah!
Most of the plot seemed to be based on money. Their whiney attitudes towards the money annoyed me. Here you had: "i have a lot of money, let me pay for this", "I don't care about your money, you can't control me", "i'm mad at you because you wanted money and left our small town", "don't flaunt your money in my face". Ugh, just give me the money and I'll show you how it goes!!!
There was no depth, nothing to grab my attention. It was very slow, very boring and lacking the key element - romance.
The narration was pretty decent, but not even it could carry this story. Thanks to Netgalley for my ALC!
It was hard for me to like anything else about this story. Let's start with the characters. This was likely the most petulant cast of characters I've ever read about and they were all money driven.
I went in expecting a romance, but this was the complete opposite. It was just all over the place messy. Wasn't this supposed to be a second chance romance between Hudson and Dakota? Well, there was none. At all. They spent their time either avoiding each other, being rude to each other, or holding their past breakup against each other. I didn't feel any love between them, any spark and I didn't even care if they decided to revisit a second chance together.
It seems as Hudson's little sister and her upcoming wedding was the central point of the story. Lacey was laced throughout - her wedding, Hudson begging to help her with her wedding, her shutting Hudson down, her wedding dress, it was just too much! Too much blah!
Most of the plot seemed to be based on money. Their whiney attitudes towards the money annoyed me. Here you had: "i have a lot of money, let me pay for this", "I don't care about your money, you can't control me", "i'm mad at you because you wanted money and left our small town", "don't flaunt your money in my face". Ugh, just give me the money and I'll show you how it goes!!!
There was no depth, nothing to grab my attention. It was very slow, very boring and lacking the key element - romance.
The narration was pretty decent, but not even it could carry this story. Thanks to Netgalley for my ALC!
January 16, 2025
Dakota Jamison has made her own dreams come true. She owns her own bridal shop. However, with recent flooding and the resulting damage, Dakota begins to face serious difficulties. There are also money worries facing Dakota, but she is a strong woman, and does her best to work through her issues. She can’t believe that the man who broke her heart, Hudson Garrity, is back in her hometown of Flowering Grove.
Hudson wants for nothing, as he began and has since sold his own software company. His time back home is only long enough to guide his younger sister as she prepares to marry. While Hudson works hard to dissuade his sister from her decision, he can’t help but to fight feelings for Dakota that never went away. But, Dakota has moved on with her life and so Hudson thinks about his next adventure in life.
Dakota’s life is filled with substance. She is a successful small business owner, a homeowner, and a beloved friend and neighbor. Hudson, a devoted brother and loving nephew to his aunt who raised him and his sister after their parents’ passing, adds another layer of depth to their story.
This second chance romance unfolds gradually, building tension and anticipation as the characters’ paths cross. It’s a delightful read that promises to captivate readers with its compelling characters and engaging plot.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Hudson wants for nothing, as he began and has since sold his own software company. His time back home is only long enough to guide his younger sister as she prepares to marry. While Hudson works hard to dissuade his sister from her decision, he can’t help but to fight feelings for Dakota that never went away. But, Dakota has moved on with her life and so Hudson thinks about his next adventure in life.
Dakota’s life is filled with substance. She is a successful small business owner, a homeowner, and a beloved friend and neighbor. Hudson, a devoted brother and loving nephew to his aunt who raised him and his sister after their parents’ passing, adds another layer of depth to their story.
This second chance romance unfolds gradually, building tension and anticipation as the characters’ paths cross. It’s a delightful read that promises to captivate readers with its compelling characters and engaging plot.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 15, 2025
The blurb on this one grabbed my attention and I enjoyed the story. Second chance/small town vibes with a very slow burn. It’s almost zero spice but did have good dialogue and characters that kept me smiling. I would have liked their reconciliation to have come earlier in the story so we got more of their HEA.
I received an arc of this book.
I received an arc of this book.
November 12, 2024
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.
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.
January 13, 2025
With this Ring
Amy Clipston
Publication date: January 14, 2025
4/5 stars
This was my first Amy Clipston book and I’m excited to read more of her books. With this Ring is a sweet second chance romance. Dakota and Hudson find themselves running into each other in their small town since Hudson is back for his little sister’s wedding. Neither of them are looking to reconnect after their broken engagement years ago. This book was very easy to read and left me looking forward to getting back to reading it to see how their story unfolded.
Thank you Amy Clipston, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Amy Clipston
Publication date: January 14, 2025
4/5 stars
This was my first Amy Clipston book and I’m excited to read more of her books. With this Ring is a sweet second chance romance. Dakota and Hudson find themselves running into each other in their small town since Hudson is back for his little sister’s wedding. Neither of them are looking to reconnect after their broken engagement years ago. This book was very easy to read and left me looking forward to getting back to reading it to see how their story unfolded.
Thank you Amy Clipston, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 3, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up because this wasn’t quiiiite as good as Finding You, but I still loved it
Amy Clipston has been hitting it out of the park with these sweet and clean contemporary romances! I loved Finding You and this one is set in the same quaint little town in South Carolina.
Let it be known that second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope, but I figured if anyone could do it well, it would be Amy Clipston. And — I was right!
This story was so sweet. I loved both Dakota and Hudson as characters. They were definitely flawed and had issues they were dealing with, but that just made them seem more realistic and well rounded. Dakota was extremely stubborn and unable to ask for help even when she needed it desperately, while Hudson was wrapped up in grief that he refused to address or acknowledge.
I liked seeing the two of them find each other again. The initial awkwardness of running into an ex was well done and I could see each of their points of view.
I loved the small town vibes and it sounded like such a charming place to live. The neighbors, friends and family were good people and supportive of the two lead characters.
Overall this was a very sweet romance and yet another hit for Amy Clipston. She’s one of my very favorite authors at this point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
**read for Book Scavenger Hunt — read a romance novel**
Amy Clipston has been hitting it out of the park with these sweet and clean contemporary romances! I loved Finding You and this one is set in the same quaint little town in South Carolina.
Let it be known that second chance romance isn’t my favorite trope, but I figured if anyone could do it well, it would be Amy Clipston. And — I was right!
This story was so sweet. I loved both Dakota and Hudson as characters. They were definitely flawed and had issues they were dealing with, but that just made them seem more realistic and well rounded. Dakota was extremely stubborn and unable to ask for help even when she needed it desperately, while Hudson was wrapped up in grief that he refused to address or acknowledge.
I liked seeing the two of them find each other again. The initial awkwardness of running into an ex was well done and I could see each of their points of view.
I loved the small town vibes and it sounded like such a charming place to live. The neighbors, friends and family were good people and supportive of the two lead characters.
Overall this was a very sweet romance and yet another hit for Amy Clipston. She’s one of my very favorite authors at this point.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
**read for Book Scavenger Hunt — read a romance novel**
October 4, 2024
Dakota y Hudson estaban comprometidos hasta que todo salió mal y terminaron. Ella dice que fue culpa de él, y él dice que fue culpa de ella. ¿Quién tiene la razón?
Algo que me gustó fue que ella no saltó de inmediato a los brazos de él; de hecho, hizo algo que he estado pidiendo en muchos libros: actuó indiferente y estaba enojada.
Me estaba gustando mucho la historia, pero cuando llegué a la mitad, me desconecté y, por más que intenté encontrar la razón, no pude.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Algo que me gustó fue que ella no saltó de inmediato a los brazos de él; de hecho, hizo algo que he estado pidiendo en muchos libros: actuó indiferente y estaba enojada.
Me estaba gustando mucho la historia, pero cuando llegué a la mitad, me desconecté y, por más que intenté encontrar la razón, no pude.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
This was a sweet story! I really liked Aunt Trudy and how she was able to be a family for the kids. I found Hudson to be a little too much at times. I also enjoyed how Dakota's family was there for her.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
April 6, 2025
The miscommunication or no communication trope isn’t usually a favorite of mine. Who breaks up with someone without telling them why? Or gets broken up with and not ask why???? Anyways… even though the trope isn’t one I’d make by choice, I am glad it was this book I put my mind to finishing, even if I yelled most of the time. The MMC and FMC were both very likable and complimented each other nicely. They had grew up together and been together since High School and then college. We find out later about the miscommunication and a smile inducing happily ever after finishes us out. I gotta admit, for being Vanilla sweet, I didn’t notice the spice missing. There was tension and laughs and the idea of maybe another man she might move on with. Gotta say I will definitely look out for this authors past and future works.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to share my opinion for a copy to review.
Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to share my opinion for a copy to review.
January 12, 2025
With This Ring
By: Amy Clipston
Pub date: January 1, 2025
Publisher Thomas Nelson
Thank you to @ThomasNelson @austenprose and Amy Clipston for this advanced E-ARC.
I really enjoyed this contemporary Romance novel.
Flowering Grove, North Carolina is a quaint town where everyone knows everyone. For Dakota Jamison she loves this town and has grown up here. Her dream of running her own Bridal Shop along with giving skating lessons at the local rink keep her busy. She has no interest in a relationship as her heart was broken years ago.
Hudson Garrity is the one who broke her heart, so when he returns to their hometown, running into each other was inevitable. He left for the big city so he could support his sister and aunt. He lost his parents at a young age and is back in town for his sister’s wedding.
This novel is about forgiveness, love, second chances and finding out what is truly important in life.
By: Amy Clipston
Pub date: January 1, 2025
Publisher Thomas Nelson
Thank you to @ThomasNelson @austenprose and Amy Clipston for this advanced E-ARC.
I really enjoyed this contemporary Romance novel.
Flowering Grove, North Carolina is a quaint town where everyone knows everyone. For Dakota Jamison she loves this town and has grown up here. Her dream of running her own Bridal Shop along with giving skating lessons at the local rink keep her busy. She has no interest in a relationship as her heart was broken years ago.
Hudson Garrity is the one who broke her heart, so when he returns to their hometown, running into each other was inevitable. He left for the big city so he could support his sister and aunt. He lost his parents at a young age and is back in town for his sister’s wedding.
This novel is about forgiveness, love, second chances and finding out what is truly important in life.
January 25, 2025
Title: With This Ring
Author: Amy Clipston
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes
Source: Audiobook Review Copy from NetGalley, physical book copy from Thomas Nelson as a part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank you!
Do you like to wear rings? Do you have a favorite ring or one that is the most meaningful?
Dakota and Huson broke off their engagement seven years before when Hudson left their small town for New York City with dreams of making it big in business. Dakota stayed behind and pursued her dream of starting a bridal boutique. Hudson has returned to town after selling his company as his sister is engaged and planning her wedding. Will Dakota and Hudson reconnect? Will they be able to work through their problems from the past?
My thoughts on this novel:
• As February nears, I was in a mood to read a romance novel. This had one of my favorite tropes – second chance romance.
• This novel was a lot of fun. My favorite part was that there was roller-skating rink that one of Dakota’s friends had bought, restored, and runs. Dakota teaches skating lessons there on the weekend. There are fun activities, and it is the core of the social scene in town.
• The fictional setting was Flowering Grove, North Carolina. I loved the name of this town!
• There is just something I love about bridal boutiques. I enjoy reading about them and Dakota’s struggles as she tries to keep her business afloat. She needs to learn how to ask for help, but Hudson needs to learn to stop controlling everyone.
• Hudson drove me insane when he would just throw money at everything and boss everyone around. He was so rude to his sister and her fiancé.
• Hudson’s pursuit of money alienated both his family and Dakota. He reminded me of Ebenezer Scrooge at times. I like that by the end of the novel, the reader understands why he behaved the way he did.
• I liked that Hudson and Dakota both had redemptive arcs, and both had to learn how to be their best selves and the best to those they love in their lives.
• This is a clean romance.
• I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was great, and it was a fun book. There were some odd pauses in the audiobook, but that may be because it was a review copy.
Overall, With this Ring by Amy Clipston is a sweet, clean second chance romance with a redemptive arc. If this novel doesn’t make you want to roller-skate, I don’t know what will.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
Author: Amy Clipston
Narrated by: Brittany Goodwin
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Length: Approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes
Source: Audiobook Review Copy from NetGalley, physical book copy from Thomas Nelson as a part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank you!
Do you like to wear rings? Do you have a favorite ring or one that is the most meaningful?
Dakota and Huson broke off their engagement seven years before when Hudson left their small town for New York City with dreams of making it big in business. Dakota stayed behind and pursued her dream of starting a bridal boutique. Hudson has returned to town after selling his company as his sister is engaged and planning her wedding. Will Dakota and Hudson reconnect? Will they be able to work through their problems from the past?
My thoughts on this novel:
• As February nears, I was in a mood to read a romance novel. This had one of my favorite tropes – second chance romance.
• This novel was a lot of fun. My favorite part was that there was roller-skating rink that one of Dakota’s friends had bought, restored, and runs. Dakota teaches skating lessons there on the weekend. There are fun activities, and it is the core of the social scene in town.
• The fictional setting was Flowering Grove, North Carolina. I loved the name of this town!
• There is just something I love about bridal boutiques. I enjoy reading about them and Dakota’s struggles as she tries to keep her business afloat. She needs to learn how to ask for help, but Hudson needs to learn to stop controlling everyone.
• Hudson drove me insane when he would just throw money at everything and boss everyone around. He was so rude to his sister and her fiancé.
• Hudson’s pursuit of money alienated both his family and Dakota. He reminded me of Ebenezer Scrooge at times. I like that by the end of the novel, the reader understands why he behaved the way he did.
• I liked that Hudson and Dakota both had redemptive arcs, and both had to learn how to be their best selves and the best to those they love in their lives.
• This is a clean romance.
• I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was great, and it was a fun book. There were some odd pauses in the audiobook, but that may be because it was a review copy.
Overall, With this Ring by Amy Clipston is a sweet, clean second chance romance with a redemptive arc. If this novel doesn’t make you want to roller-skate, I don’t know what will.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
July 10, 2025
With This Ring is the first Amy Clipston novel that I’ve read, and I very much enjoyed my time with this story. Not having ever read anything by this author, I didn’t know what to expect. I discovered a very well written, highly engaging, sweet story. With This Ring is a second-chance romance. I’m a big fan of that trope. For the majority of the story — I’m talking like 85% of the book — the main characters, Dakota and Hudson, focus on issues. So many issues. Some of the issues are individual in nature. Dakota owns a sweet wedding dress boutique. It is her dream job, but nothing, and I do mean nothing, seems to go her way. Hudson just sold his quite successful business and is now between jobs. Should he move to the Middle East with his business partner for a new job opportunity, or try to fix all the broken things back at home in Flowering Grove? Then there are the many family issues. And then their are the BIG issues between Dakota and Hudson that led to their break-up seven years prior. See?! Lot’s of issues. I enjoyed journeying with Dakota and Hudson as they navigated all of these many, many emotional twists and turns, but I would have liked a little more softness between them as a couple. They fight a lot in this story. Yes, I get that they have a lot to work through, but it’s difficult as a reader to really feel the warm-fuzzy feelings when the hero and heroine don’t get warm and fuzzy until the last-ish chapter. I needed Dakota’s and Hudson’s thawing towards one another to happen sooner than it does. But this is my one and only complaint with this story. Other than this, With This Ring is a really good story, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
With This Ring is a great Contemporary Romance — one I highly recommend. If you enjoy Contemporary Romances filled with depth and heart, then this is definitely a story you will want to check out.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 6, 2025, in order to review. I also received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
With This Ring is a great Contemporary Romance — one I highly recommend. If you enjoy Contemporary Romances filled with depth and heart, then this is definitely a story you will want to check out.
I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon.com on July 6, 2025, in order to review. I also received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 6, 2025
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.
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.
January 26, 2025
"I have been running from my grief for a long time."
The second chance romance With This Ring by heartfelt clean romance author Amy Clipston is a story of redemption, forgiveness and understanding.
Dakota and Hudson were childhood sweethearts who always knew they would marry. What they didn't know is that each had very different visions of what that marriage would entail for their individual dreams.
Dakota loves her family and her small town. Her dream is to open her own bridal boutique and design wedding gowns. Hudson can't wait to leave this town and find financial success to care for his aunt and younger sister. The engagement is over.
Normally I get annoyed at the miscommunication trope, but this was more a case of being young and having goals and not realizing their inner fears.
Seven years after their breakup, Hudson, now a rich man, heads home to prevent his baby sister from marrying someone he feels isn't good enough for her. Dakota's bridal store is near bankruptcy and the last person she wants to walk into her store to get a wedding tuxedo is Hudson.
Reading and listening to this romance was a revelation of how time and life experience is sometimes the only answer to conflict. Voice actress Brittany Goodwin was exceptional as Hudson, a man deep in grief over his parents' death, and believing money is the way to protect his family. Dakota is dealing with grief over losing Hudson and now her store. Her inability to ask or accept help has kept her almost frozen in time.
With This Ring is a love story about navigating personal growth, talking honestly, and opening hurt hearts in order to heal and love again.
I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the author and publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The second chance romance With This Ring by heartfelt clean romance author Amy Clipston is a story of redemption, forgiveness and understanding.
Dakota and Hudson were childhood sweethearts who always knew they would marry. What they didn't know is that each had very different visions of what that marriage would entail for their individual dreams.
Dakota loves her family and her small town. Her dream is to open her own bridal boutique and design wedding gowns. Hudson can't wait to leave this town and find financial success to care for his aunt and younger sister. The engagement is over.
Normally I get annoyed at the miscommunication trope, but this was more a case of being young and having goals and not realizing their inner fears.
Seven years after their breakup, Hudson, now a rich man, heads home to prevent his baby sister from marrying someone he feels isn't good enough for her. Dakota's bridal store is near bankruptcy and the last person she wants to walk into her store to get a wedding tuxedo is Hudson.
Reading and listening to this romance was a revelation of how time and life experience is sometimes the only answer to conflict. Voice actress Brittany Goodwin was exceptional as Hudson, a man deep in grief over his parents' death, and believing money is the way to protect his family. Dakota is dealing with grief over losing Hudson and now her store. Her inability to ask or accept help has kept her almost frozen in time.
With This Ring is a love story about navigating personal growth, talking honestly, and opening hurt hearts in order to heal and love again.
I received a free copy of this book/audiobook from the author and publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2025
ARC Review/Book Feature⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With This Ring by Amy Clipston is a heartfelt and charming romance that drew me in from the very first page. With its blend of beloved tropes, including second chance romance, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and small-town charm, it delivered everything I look for in a sweet, feel-good love story.
I especially enjoyed the female main character’s role as a bridal shop owner, which was a fun and unique touch that added depth to her character. Her positivity and determination made her easy to root for. The male lead, while grumpy and guarded, had an endearing side that gradually unfolded, making his growth and connection with the heroine all the more satisfying.
The emotional journey of forgiveness and rediscovered love was beautifully written, with plenty of warmth, humor, and chemistry between the leads. This clean romance is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys wholesome love stories with genuine heart and well-loved romantic tropes. Highly recommended!
With This Ring by Amy Clipston is a heartfelt and charming romance that drew me in from the very first page. With its blend of beloved tropes, including second chance romance, grumpy sunshine dynamics, and small-town charm, it delivered everything I look for in a sweet, feel-good love story.
I especially enjoyed the female main character’s role as a bridal shop owner, which was a fun and unique touch that added depth to her character. Her positivity and determination made her easy to root for. The male lead, while grumpy and guarded, had an endearing side that gradually unfolded, making his growth and connection with the heroine all the more satisfying.
The emotional journey of forgiveness and rediscovered love was beautifully written, with plenty of warmth, humor, and chemistry between the leads. This clean romance is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys wholesome love stories with genuine heart and well-loved romantic tropes. Highly recommended!
January 26, 2025
#AUDIOBOOKREVIEW
WITH THIS RING by AMY CLIPSTON is my first book by this author, and it certainly won't be my last. This audiobook was enjoyable to listen to, and the narrator did a good job.
Dakota owns a bridal shop in Flowering Grove. She and Hudson used to date, but they parted ways when he moved to New York. He now owns his own successful business there and is back in town for his sister's wedding.
I enjoyed the sweet story and how much both characters valued their families. I felt a sense of relief when Hudson and Dakota finally decided to be less stubborn and accept help from their loved ones. The supporting characters were also well-developed.
This was a truly enjoyable read. The skating rink provided a fun setting and served as a wonderful gathering place for the entire community of Flowering Grove.
Thank you #netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
WITH THIS RING by AMY CLIPSTON is my first book by this author, and it certainly won't be my last. This audiobook was enjoyable to listen to, and the narrator did a good job.
Dakota owns a bridal shop in Flowering Grove. She and Hudson used to date, but they parted ways when he moved to New York. He now owns his own successful business there and is back in town for his sister's wedding.
I enjoyed the sweet story and how much both characters valued their families. I felt a sense of relief when Hudson and Dakota finally decided to be less stubborn and accept help from their loved ones. The supporting characters were also well-developed.
This was a truly enjoyable read. The skating rink provided a fun setting and served as a wonderful gathering place for the entire community of Flowering Grove.
Thank you #netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 20, 2025
I received a complementary copy of this book from Netgalley. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for a chance to read this book. Please note all opinions are my own.
Dakota is a seamstress who owns her own boutique that has fallen in between a rock and a hard place. Hudson is a CEO living in New York City. Hudson’s sister Layla hires Dakota to make her wedding dress. Hudson is against his little sister getting married, but he comes back to Flowering Grove, NC. to help pay and hopefully talk his sister out of the wedding. One big problem… Dakota is Hudson’s ex-fiancée.
I found this book really enjoyable. This is my first Amy Clipston book. Now while I did enjoy this book. Every time I would put this down, nothing drew me back to pick this back up. While I could have finished it in a couple days. I would forget about it until I saw the cover again.
But overall, I did find the story enjoyable.
Dakota is a seamstress who owns her own boutique that has fallen in between a rock and a hard place. Hudson is a CEO living in New York City. Hudson’s sister Layla hires Dakota to make her wedding dress. Hudson is against his little sister getting married, but he comes back to Flowering Grove, NC. to help pay and hopefully talk his sister out of the wedding. One big problem… Dakota is Hudson’s ex-fiancée.
I found this book really enjoyable. This is my first Amy Clipston book. Now while I did enjoy this book. Every time I would put this down, nothing drew me back to pick this back up. While I could have finished it in a couple days. I would forget about it until I saw the cover again.
But overall, I did find the story enjoyable.
January 21, 2025
I didn’t hate this book but I didn’t love it! I liked certain parts but overall found it lacking in depth for me. This is a no spice book but that doesn’t matter to me because that’s not a necessity for me in romance books but I found there to be an overall lack in the storyline where for most of it, i found there wasn’t substance. It was pretty basic.
Towards the end their was hints of vulnerability and I really enjoyed that but like I said overall this book just missed the mark for me to be anything but a light read that wasn’t very impactful to me.
I might read more by this author in the future if I ever come across her books.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Amy Clipston for giving me an advanced listener’s copy and ARC of this book!
Towards the end their was hints of vulnerability and I really enjoyed that but like I said overall this book just missed the mark for me to be anything but a light read that wasn’t very impactful to me.
I might read more by this author in the future if I ever come across her books.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, and Amy Clipston for giving me an advanced listener’s copy and ARC of this book!
February 20, 2026
This was a book I randomly found and the cover looked cute so I had to try it out✨
Second-chance romance, high school sweethearts, and the story had a cute plot. The care and love between family members and old friends was endearing💙
I had a difficult time staying focused though. I felt like there was more lack of communication than not and people’s feelings got hurt over tiny actions; it drew away from the main plot.
I was hoping to see the two characters slowly have a love rekindled but it felt rushed and like there was barely any effort put into the relationship. They kind of just “got back together.”
“With This Ring” was a decent read, but one I probably won’t pick up again.
Second-chance romance, high school sweethearts, and the story had a cute plot. The care and love between family members and old friends was endearing💙
I had a difficult time staying focused though. I felt like there was more lack of communication than not and people’s feelings got hurt over tiny actions; it drew away from the main plot.
I was hoping to see the two characters slowly have a love rekindled but it felt rushed and like there was barely any effort put into the relationship. They kind of just “got back together.”
“With This Ring” was a decent read, but one I probably won’t pick up again.
January 20, 2025
With This Ring is a sweet romance about second chances. Dakota and Hudson once shared a wonderful love which ended in a broken engagement. When Hudson returns to town for his sister’s wedding he meets her dress designer, Dakota. Sparks sizzle as they are constantly thrown together in cute circumstances. I really enjoyed reading this book! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.
YouTube Handle: KeenCat
YouTube Handle: KeenCat
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed the basic storyline but got a little lost in the weeds with this one. The same things seemed to happen over and over with the mmc responding the same way every time until the end of the book. I absolutely loved the nostalgia of the roller skating rink included in the book — so fun. There was just a lot going on and a lot that seemed repetitive and just didn’t grab me like I expected. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
January 29, 2025
This book was so cozy and cute! I loved every minute of it, I just wish there was more after they finally reconnected. Dakota and Hudson were so good and relatable. I loved their growth through out the story.
Thank you to Austenprose, Thomas Nelson, and Amy Clipston for the most delightful book
Thank you to Austenprose, Thomas Nelson, and Amy Clipston for the most delightful book
December 23, 2025
New favorite trope unlocked: second chances. Absolutely loved this. I know some people say in their reviews they aren’t a fan of Hudson, but I he had complexities based on his grief. If you’ve had to grieve before, you know that it changes you and how you approach the rest of your life. Dakota made me feel see with how independent she wanted to be, but inevitably knew life is better when you let others help you. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
January 17, 2025
Thank you to @amy_clipston @tnzfiction and @austenprose for the #gifted book.
This story captivates with a delightful blend of emotions.
Hudson returns to the charming town of Flowering Grove with the intention of stopping his sister's wedding. However, he unexpectedly encounters his ex-fiancée, Dakota, who is creating the wedding dress. As they navigate their past, old feelings begin to resurface for both of them.
The dynamic between Dakota and Hudson is both tense and intriguing, evolving beautifully as they spend time together. Dakota stands out as a strong-willed character, determined to succeed with her bridal shop without asking for help. I admired her growth when she finally set aside her pride to seek assistance. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, she shines. Meanwhile, Hudson grapples with his own challenges, particularly his grief over losing his parents. His acknowledgment of this burden adds depth to his character and enriches the story. Second chance romances are among my favorites, and this one is executed remarkably well.
The small-town atmosphere adds a delightful touch, filled with kind neighbors and friends who genuinely care for the couple.
If you crave sweet romances and joyful conclusions, this book is a must-read for you! It is available now.
This story captivates with a delightful blend of emotions.
Hudson returns to the charming town of Flowering Grove with the intention of stopping his sister's wedding. However, he unexpectedly encounters his ex-fiancée, Dakota, who is creating the wedding dress. As they navigate their past, old feelings begin to resurface for both of them.
The dynamic between Dakota and Hudson is both tense and intriguing, evolving beautifully as they spend time together. Dakota stands out as a strong-willed character, determined to succeed with her bridal shop without asking for help. I admired her growth when she finally set aside her pride to seek assistance. Surrounded by supportive family and friends, she shines. Meanwhile, Hudson grapples with his own challenges, particularly his grief over losing his parents. His acknowledgment of this burden adds depth to his character and enriches the story. Second chance romances are among my favorites, and this one is executed remarkably well.
The small-town atmosphere adds a delightful touch, filled with kind neighbors and friends who genuinely care for the couple.
If you crave sweet romances and joyful conclusions, this book is a must-read for you! It is available now.
January 24, 2025
This book holds such valuable lessons, the biggest one of all: communication is key. We witness various instances of this throughout the book and our HEA is all the more sweeter for it.
I literally stayed up reading this until 2 in the morning because I was so absorbed in it.
Dakota is SEVERELY down on her luck. She just bought a cute house, but it's falling apart. And she doesn't have time to fix it because a pipe burst in her new bridal boutique, ruining almost all of her stock. And to top it off, both her lease and insurance didn't cover the damages.
Did I mention he ex-fiancée is in town for his sister's wedding? That was a train-wreck of no communication if I ever saw one.
Hudson is a piece of work who has his own demons to work with, but his intentions are good. The universe seems to keep pushing Hudson and Dakota together, as they keep on running into each other in their little town of Flowering Grove.
Speaking of, can I move there, please?
This really is a must-read if you love second chances and small-town romance!!
I literally stayed up reading this until 2 in the morning because I was so absorbed in it.
Dakota is SEVERELY down on her luck. She just bought a cute house, but it's falling apart. And she doesn't have time to fix it because a pipe burst in her new bridal boutique, ruining almost all of her stock. And to top it off, both her lease and insurance didn't cover the damages.
Did I mention he ex-fiancée is in town for his sister's wedding? That was a train-wreck of no communication if I ever saw one.
Hudson is a piece of work who has his own demons to work with, but his intentions are good. The universe seems to keep pushing Hudson and Dakota together, as they keep on running into each other in their little town of Flowering Grove.
Speaking of, can I move there, please?
This really is a must-read if you love second chances and small-town romance!!
January 31, 2025
Very sweet! It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once it got going I really enjoyed it. With This Ring has a small-town, Hallmark feel. I loved it to the end and wish it was a series. I'd love to know more of Dakota and Hudson's story. I'm definitely going to check out more of Amy Clipston's work.
This was a Goodreads Giveaway Win! Thank you to the author and publisher!
This was a Goodreads Giveaway Win! Thank you to the author and publisher!
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