I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
With This Ring by Amy Clipston Series: Flowering Grove #1
Published by Thomas Nelson on 2025 January 14
Genres: Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 194
Format: E-Arc
Source: Netgalley
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
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?
Though With This Ring screams like it’s your typical finding-each-other-again romance which it really is, the entertainment that it gave me is still priceless. With This Ring reminded me of those days when I just want to let go of all my stress, go to the beach or to a secluded cabin, stay there, watch a no-brainer romcom, be oblivious to anything else and just savor every moment that you are there. Imagine yourself simply enjoying a good read without straining your mind just to fathom its intellectual depth. With This Ring gave me such experience; adorable main characters, a predictable but nonetheless, fluffy story, and a quaint setting that you can easily fall inlove with.
The primary reason why I picked up this book, however, is that second chance romances are just right up my alley. There’s nothing more exciting than two lonely and miserable ex-lovers meeting and rekindling that lost love. I don’t know about you but there’s something achingly beautiful watching two people breaking up, learning from their mistakes, growing up and realizing that after all the struggles they’ve been through, they still find themselves longing for the one who caused them so much pain. Yes, I am sadistic in that kind of way. To make the story short, I did not dilly-dally but immediately hit the request button for With This Ring.
Just like the cover, With This Ring made me feel warm all over. I love our main characters despite being infuriated at their stubbornness and how their tunnel visions are ruining their HEA future. I love how they continued with their lives and not wallow in their brokenness. And yes, I love that the story is brimming with so much chemistry without resorting to endless sex and other smutty scenes. I don’t know how the author did it but With This Ring felt sexy and yet, wholesome at the same time. So this is just a perfect read for those who really want the kissing and sexy scenes light.
And who would not fall in love with Flowering Grove with its picturesque description, vibrant community, and happy vibe? It’s just the perfect setting for our love story to happen. I think the only downside of this book was when one of the supporting characters, Shane, chose to make a decision that really didn’t sit well with me because WTF? You just don’t do that to the woman you love just because her brother is a jerk. You are no longer a teenager for Pete’s sake. You are an adult who can choose to stand up and fight for the things that you want and love. So yup, that’s the only thing that really soured my mood when I was reading With This Ring.
But all in all, With This Ring is such a lovely and refreshing story that all romance fans should try.