With This Ring, I'm Confused

"With This Ring, I'm Confused" is a perfect ending to a hilariously funny series. The only problem with this book is that I hated to see it end!

WITH THIS RING, I'M CONFUSED by Kristin Billerbeck From the back cover: She's got the rock, so when does happily ever after kick in? At long last, Ashley Stockingdale--patent attorney, fashionista, and homeowner--can finally add "fiancée" to her spirited resume. That means the next four months will be a dizzying and decadent waltz through aisles of Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole, Sheridan sheets, Kate Spade place settings and Oneida flatware. Well...maybe not. For starters, the HR department has hired Ashley's ex-boyfriend (yet, the one who went off to India with that other woman) as the new director of software. And now her fiancé is starting to sound crazy--something about moving across country, to Philadelphia of all places. Worst of all, right before her eyes, Scarlett-I-need-some-Prozac O'Hara is hijacking her wedding plans! Life for our heroine is spinning from out of control to downright confusing. But whether she makes it to the end of the aisle or not, she'll never be at a loss for drama! Camy here: I made my husband wait for dinner. I made my dog wait to go outside. I couldn't stop reading this book. I thought this third installment in the Ashley Stockingdale series was the funniest one. Like in all the books, the dialogue is zippy and fun. With the occasional Ashley-commentary, the entertaining narrative flies along at NASCAR speed. Ashley is incredibly strange at times, which makes you love her despite her dream-boat fiancé. I mean, all women want a guy like that. Actually, Kevin did border on too-perfect. His "Yes, mother" about-face mid-way through the book was a little too sudden for me--it didn't seem quite in character. But his attitude near the end was great and very in character, so it's all good. Ashley's nemesis-squared--Emily, and later, Kevin's mother--are extremely well-drawn. Mean, nasty pieces of work, but not cardboard or cliché. They became so real that I was itching for a catfight to erupt any second. That's something, when I get so emotionally worked up over fictional characters. I did get a bit frustrated when Ashley didn't just smack the brat's face, but since I've heard other readers complain that post-modern Ashley isn't "Christian" enough already, it's probably good she restrained herself like the mature young woman I obviously am not. What I like about Ashley's spirituality is that she's so obviously flawed, and she's trying so hard and failing so badly. I love that because that's me. She isn't particularly successful at doing what's right. She has very good intentions and they all fly out the window as soon as she opens her mouth. She feels guilty later, she receives forgiveness and affirmation from God, and then she does it all over again. For me, that's a familiar pattern. The point that I got out of the book is that she's really trying. Sometimes, that's all I can do. I relate to Ashley's relationship with God in that way. Secondary characters are just as colorful and three-dimensional. I especially l

Kristin Billerbeck has the ability to hold my interest from word one, all the way to the end of her books. I've thoroughly enjoyed going on Ashley Stockingdale's self-discovery journey in this series, and I look forward to future releases by this amazing author. Ms. Billerbeck's writing is fun yet thought provoking. All of the characters in Ashley's series are well drawn and complete. I love books like these that make me laugh, cry, and cheer for the main character.

If you are a fan of chick-lit with characters rich in detail and personality, this series is for you. Ashley, the main character, is told she's a bit dramatic, but in fact, I think she was restrained in this book. It was interesting to see her struggle with holding her tongue and being wise with her words as a christian example. I found, as a reader, I was frustrated beyond belief when her character wouldn't tell the others exactly what was on her mind. In addition, when others told Ashley she was being whiney, I found myself telling *them* off in my head. LOL! "Ashley's not whiney... she's engaged!" It's a true reflection of the author's "real" voice in getting me to be so emotional over the characters in the book! I laughed, cried (although I cried more during the second book She's Out of Control- that was a roller coaster!), and even gave a few harumphs in anguish through this book. If you're part of any christian singles group, this series is a MUST MUST MUST read. I think all of my friends and I have dated a "Seth" at one point or another. This book wrapped up all the loose ends, but left things available for future stories. (On Kristin Billerbeck's website she says she's open to the possibility in the future. Yay!) I've introduced 5 of my friends to the series, and we're all discussing our favorite parts and quoting Ashleyisms to each other. We even renamed our singles group "The Reasons". (Privately) Well... the guys anyway. ;-) Now if only I had Ashley's Prada budget...