With This Ring by Amy Clipston is an enjoyable contemporary romance novel with amazing characters.
This is a fascinating, poignant story, as well as somewhat of an emotional experience.
I love all of Amy's books but this one is probably my favorite.
This book is beautifully written with characters that you can connect with and bond naturally.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I really love this author! Her books are well written! This has been one of my favorite second chance romance books that I have read. I recommend this book to those who like second chance romance books.

Thank you to Netgalley for a digital copy of this book for me to review!

With This Ring by Amy Clipson. I always enjoy a romance by Clipson because they are simpler without the heat and yet, so sweet. Dakota owns a bridal shop, but things aren’t going well. The pipes had burst and ruined a great many gown for the new season. She is working diligently with a steamer to salvage as many as possible. Because she has no gowns from this season, her business has fallen off so now is having trouble making her store lease payment and her house payment. To make matters worse, Layla had come in and wanted a wedding dress just like her mother’s: she had a photo. To start from scratch would be hideously expensive but Dakota thought she could modify one she had in the store. Layla was thrilled. The next day a man came into the store to pay for the dress. It was Hudson, the man who had dumped Dakota years before...back in town! Hudson was bossy and thought he was always right, which caused a problem between Layla and her fiance. In fact, it led to the wedding being cancelled.’

Hudson was a good guy, but he was bossy. He was ruining his relationship with his sister and Dakota told him so. As he contemplated his next move, he though about what Dakota had said, and she was right. Dakota was good at solving other people problems, just not her own. She never wanted to ask for help. She was a bad as Hudson in many ways. She gave in and went to her dad for help. Things took a turn for the better quickly. Layla resolved her problems and the wedding was back on. Things were looking up and Dakota was thrilled. These are all nice people. We see the hidden darkness in several of them, but it rectifies itself. It was a decent second chance romance novel with a lot of other stuff thrown in for good measure.

I was invited to read With This Ring by Thomas Nelson Fiction. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #ThomasNelsonFiction #AmyClipson #WithThisRing

Heatfelt

I greatly enjoyed With This Ring, as it is a very heartfelt, sweet romance that deeply touched my heart. It is the story of Dakota and Hudson, two very wounded people whose previous shattered relationship left them deeply wounded. However, what got them there is a matter of opinion as each one has a different opinion of how things went down. Those hurts and clouded memories bring much unpleasantness, anger, and sadness to their unexpected reunion. As they spend more time together, they each deal with buried memories that come to the surface and begin to bring a new light to their relationship. How they each do so is extremely heartfelt, and sent me on an emotional roller coaster that included feelings that fluctuated between the like and dislike of certain characters.

Dakota and Hudson's story is a sweet, clean story of healing, self-reflection, and the effects of misguided goals and lack of communication. But most importantly, it is a wonderful story of the power of forgiveness and love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are voluntary and completely my own.

Hudson has been avoiding his hometown for years, ever since his fiance called off their engagement, but when his little sister announces she's getting married in three months to a man he considers completely unworthy of her, he comes home to stop the disaster he expects their marriage to be. But his plans to avoid Dakota and the memories of her rejection crash and burn when it turns out that she's making his sister's wedding dress - and happens to live next door to his Airbnb. Dakota's business is struggling and she's not going to turn away business, even to avoid the man who chose his business over her. But she's determined not to fall for him again. Unfortunately, she gradually realises she never got over him. But the problems that separated them in the first place are still there - and unless they finally address them, their second chance is doomed...

A delightful read, even if Hudson's attitude sometimes drove me up the wall! I really enjoyed getting to know both Hudson and Dakota, even though Hudson in particular had some hangups that I found annoying - but that made it all the better when others pulled him up on them, and ultimately he worked through them (at least somewhat). The secondary characters (like Dakota's niece) really add to the story, too, though none particularly stood out as needing their own story - which leaves the field open! Hudson and Dakota are a couple who clearly belong together, but there was so much between them getting in the way that it was satisfying to see them finally get their long-delayed happy ending. An enjoyable story, with plenty of heart - looking forward to more by the author! 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

This is a cute, quick read. It is easy to get into and the characters are sweet. It is a clean romance ( which I enjoy ). The two main characters have a history.

If you are looking for a quick escape that is very predictable - this is your book. There were no surprises and the ending was exactly what you would expect.

I really enjoyed both Dakota and Hudson. They were both super stubborn in their own way and still hung up on their past together. Neither of them got closure when they ended their relationship. However, now that Hudson is back in town, all those old feelings and questions are coming back.

I felt like this was a sweet story. Second chance romances usually aren’t my favorite, but I really liked how it worked out in this story. I liked the many “will they, won’t they” moments and the slow burn. Their reasons for their decisions made sense and felt realistic.

I really enjoyed reading about the side characters as well. Hudson’s aunt and sister really brought the story together, just like Dakota’s family and friends. I thought it was cool that a roller rink was involved.

Overall, I enjoyed this cute story. I would recommend this book is you enjoy small town, second chance romances.

Thank you NetGalley, Amy Clipston and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC for an honest review.

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.

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.

A sweet, wholesome love story set in the quaint fictional small town of Flowering Grove, NC. This is in the same universe as Clipston's other Flowering Grove novels, but it can definitely standalone. If you have read the other novels, you might hear a familiar name or two.
The positives: I loved the bridal shop setting (hello, say yes to the dress!) and overall, the leads had alot of redeeming qualities, though sometimes they were quite frustrating individually in their actions and decision making;
The negatives: I think Hudson was written too intensely at time. I didn't really think that he loved of money at the level all the characters were accusing him of. There is kind of a fine line between loving money and just being financially responsible and generous with your resources entrusted to you. And honestly, as a big brother he probably should have been concerned about his little sister. Love and romance is good and yes, that is the genre that the author is writing in, but being realistic is also good too. That being said, he was a jerk at times and way over the top and I was kind of reading it like the author was trying too hard to write him a certain way and lost the heart of his character. I think if she had toned down those scenes just a bit, it would have been much better and added more complexity to his character because he wasn't necessarily wrong in his concern.
The story came together at the very end, BUT we didn't get much of Dakota and Hudson actually together.
Overall, a sweet and enjoyable story.
Thanks #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson Fiction for the ARC.

Dakota Jamison owns Fairytale Bridal Shop in Flowering Grove, North Carolina. Despite her insurmountable challenges and the fact that she’s been nursing a broken heart for seven years, she’s determined to make things work. Hudson Garrity left Flowering Grove to pursue a career in New York. When his sister's upcoming wedding coincides with the sale of his company, he tells his business partner he’s going back home for three months before they start their next venture. Hudson soon discovers that the Airbnb is next door to Dakota, the woman who called off their engagement seven years earlier and ended his hope for love.

This book had me hooked from the start, with its charming small-town setting, a bridal shop, a roller rink, and Dakota’s love for both. The fact that Dakota and Hudson were feeling the same way about the break-up seven years later, was intriguing I kept asking myself, “Why are they not together?”

I was drawn to Dakota’s personality, straight away. I mean, any character who roller skates for fun, has the heart of this roller girl. Hudson was harder to figure out. His need to control everything around him while at the same time having a very loving heart smacked of childhood trauma. I wanted to love him and shout at him to just let it go all at the same time.

There is so much chemistry between Dakota and Hudson but they both fought it. Living in the past was keeping them in some sort of odd limbo. Hudson’s sister and aunt, along with Dakota’s friends and family, all had different opinions about what should or shouldn’t be happening between the two.

This book is everything a contemporary romance should be. Fun, sweet, and melt-your-heart good. Amy Clipston fans as well as those who enjoy small-town romance with true-to-life questions and happy endings will not be able to put this down.

With This Ring is the first book I’ve read by Amy Clipston. This book is a sweet smalltown romance novel that tugs at your heartstrings.

Dakota Jamison is living out her dream running her own Bridal Shop in Flowering Grove. She always wanted to stay in her hometown, settle down, and start her own business. She also teaches roller skating at the rink. However, between her business and teaching lessons, it has left her to have little to no time to have a relationship. She is also still heartbroken over her past relationship not working out.

Hudson Garrity made his dreams a reality when he started his own software company in New York City. He wanted to make sure that he was successful enough to take care of his Aunt Trudy and his sister Layla. Now that he has enough money, he wants to come home for a while to regroup and figure out his next steps. As he returns home for his sister’s wedding, he finally has to come to terms with his past and figure out what he truly wants for his future.

Dakota and Hudson’s story is a true testament to never giving up on someone you love. Both Dakota and Hudson remind us how communication is very important in a relationship. The chemistry that they have for one another is undeniable. You can’t help but root for them from the beginning and hope that they will figure out their relationship. I especially loved how comfortable and vulnerable they were with one another.

Overall, I highly recommend this book! I think that it’s a heartfelt story of second chances, never giving up on your dreams, and fighting for what you matters most.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you so much NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this eARC.

Oh what a tender book. This was so lovely. It felt all the right feels at all the right points. Amy manages to be just emotional enough with her characters but giving you the lighthearted and friendly moments too. There is two people here who left eachother last with broken hearts. He to her I might add. And can she forgive. Or even forget. And did he do the right thing all those years ago when spending time with his old love brings him all those heart pulls bacl again.
And in the midst of this should his little sister get married or should he carry on his mission to stop.this at all costs.
I think this book has it all. It's a quick read so you get to soak it all up in a quick gorgeous few sessions of reading.

Amy Clipton gives us another sweet romance. Broken dreams of a past love, Hudson, and now owner of a Bridal Salon that is having issues with the building, Dakota wonders If she can continue with her small business.

Suddenly, Hudson appears in town as his sister is planning to get married. Hudson, who is a billionaire after starting his own software company, has always felt he is the one to care for his sister and doesn’t think she should get married and wants to stop the wedding. Many family and relational issues arise while he is at home. When he runs into Dakota he’s not sure what he feels now.

You will enjoy reading this book to see how all the different issues end up being solved. This is a quick read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance.

Thanks to Thomas A Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

Dakota Jamison has achieved her dream of owning a Bridal shop. She loves helping Brides find the right dress for their special day. Dakota, however, feels like she will never have a special day for herself. Hudson Garrity has made a new life. One that is finally able to provide not only for him but for his aunt and younger sister. When his sister calls to tell him she is getting married, Hudson rushes back to stop the wedding. Running into his ex, Dakota, was not in the cards. He broke her heart all those years ago. As they start spending more and more time together, each begins to wonder what really drove them apart. Were their choices really the best?
Second chance romance novels can be either a hit or a miss. Amy Clipston does a wonderful job with this novel. She brings out the raw emotions often associated with a hard break up. I look forward to more. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not requied.

Finding You by Amy Clipston
A Sweet Contemporary Romance
Both of them want a relationship—but is beginning it a big mistake?

On the outside, twenty-seven-year-old Darcy Larsen is a pretty, put-together professional—but inside she’s falling apart. Eighteen months ago, she lost her fiancé in an accident she still blames herself for. After a successful transplant, her kidney disease seems to be in check, but she worries that her future children—if she has any—will also suffer from the same condition. And she’s overcome with indecision about finding her birth mother, discovering potentially devastating information, and hurting her adoptive parents.

Mechanic Carter Donovan seems to have everything going for him at first glance. Stunning good looks. A wicked sense of humor. And a heart of gold. But Carter’s seemingly perfect exterior hides a host of secrets. After a rough breakup and mounting medical bills from a medical emergency that left him drowning in debt, he doesn’t feel like the catch everyone says he is. Plus, he’s about to turn thirty—with no romantic prospects on the horizon.

When Darcy’s Lexus breaks down in her doctor’s parking lot, Carter appears on the scene to try to jump-start her car—and her heart. But despite their immediate connection right from the start, the two have perhaps too many obstacles to overcome. Carter questions if getting involved with Darcy will be his next big mistake. And Darcy wonders if she can ever move past her grief and guilt to embrace the gift of Happily Ever After that’s dangling in front of her.
This is Darcy Larsen and Carter Donovan's story.
Your labwork looks fantastic, Darcy.” Dr. Mona Reyes smiled
and sank down onto the round rolling stool across from the
exam table. “I can’t believe it’s been two years since your transplant.
Your kidney numbers are perfect.”
Darcy forced her lips into a smile and hugged her arms over her
green shirt. “Time has flown,” she said.
Turning, she found a man peering in her window.
“Sorry.” He lifted his hand. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” He
pointed toward the hood of her car. “Need some help?”
She pushed her door open. “It won’t start.”
“I heard the clicks.” He grinned, and she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was.
The man lifted his eyebrows and nodded toward the hood of the
car. “Sounds like a dead battery. I can jump it for you.”
“Thank you, but I don’t have
jumper cables.”
“You’re in luck. I always carry a set just in case.”
“I’m Carter, by the way.”
“Darcy.”
I recommend this book.
Finding You by Amy Clipston is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Amy Clipston
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This is a sweet second-chance romance set in the small town of Flowering Grove. Dakota, busy running her bridal boutique and teaching roller-skating lessons, reconnects with Hudson, her ex who broke her heart seven years ago. Both struggle with personal issues—Dakota’s stubbornness and Hudson’s unresolved grief—but they gradually find their way back to each other.

The story highlights themes of love, healing, and community, with a warm small-town backdrop. Realistic characters and heartfelt moments make this a touching and uplifting read, perfect for fans of clean, emotional romance.

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

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

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

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

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

Final Rating: 4/5.



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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