by Debbie Macomber
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Merry Knight is pretty busy these days. She’s taking care of her family, baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, and hoping to stay out of the crosshairs of her stressed and by-the-book boss at the consulting firm where she temps. Her own social life is the last thing she has in mind, much less a man. Without her knowledge, Merry’s well-meaning mom and brother create an online dating profile for her—minus her photo—and the matches start rolling in. Initially, Merry is incredulous, but she reluctantly decides to give it a whirl.
Soon Merry finds herself chatting with a charming stranger, a man with similar interests and an unmistakably kind soul. Their online exchanges become the brightest part of her day. But meeting face-to-face is altogether different, and her special friend is the last person Merry expects—or desires. Still, sometimes hearts can see what our eyes cannot. In this satisfying seasonal tale, unanticipated love is only a click away.
Every year I look forward to Debbie Macomber’s holiday book. With all the earmarks of a Hallmark Christmas movie I know she is going to put me in the holiday spirit. From the play on the title to the heartwarming tale within Merry and Bright is this seasons must read holiday romance. Grab some hot cocoa and check out my date with Merry and Bright….
Coffee with Merry and Bright
Merry Knight is a tired, overworked twenty-four year old who has been working mandatory overtime at a downtown firm after taking a year off from school to raise funds for tuition and help her family. Her mother suffers from MS, and her younger brother who works part-time at the local Kroger has Down Syndrome. All of this leaves little time for a social life, let alone dating. While finances are tight, Merry’s mother and brother set her up for a three-month membership as Merry Smith on an online dating site. They even set up her profile complete with a picture. Eep!
Meanwhile, Jayson Bright a successful downtown manager is facing the most significant deadline of his life, but a recent phone call with an old buddy who just got engaged has him checking out an online dating site where he stumbles upon Merry’s profile and thus begins our story.
Macomber’s holiday stories are always warm and fuzzy with sprinkles of tender moments that remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. While Merry and Bright, was predictable thanks to the reader being privy to who all the players were, it was delightful to watch it unfold. At one point I was a tad annoyed that Merry didn’t fess up, but Macomber made it work as Jay opened his eyes to those around him, or maybe just maybe Merry looked a little closer at the man she thought she knew.
I loved the online chats, advice from friends and the changes we see in Jay as he communicates with Merry. Her brother was adorable, and his interference helped the story along. It was interesting to see the different sides of Jay. There was a thread regarding Jayson’s father that I would have liked to know more about, but it didn’t detract from the story.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romance Merry and Bright, offers all the magic of the holiday season.
Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber is the #mustread romance of the season. Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kay @ It's a Book Life
This holiday book sounds good. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Tyler H. Jolley
I haven’t heard of this one, but it sounds very nice and perfect for the season.
Nikki @ Notes of Life
I haven’t read this one, but I do love to read Debbie Macomber books come Christmas time 🙂
Melanie Simmons
Mary sounds really sweet. I’m glad she finds romance.
Lily
Excited, will be starting this one soon now that Thanksgiving is over. I LOVE her holiday books
Suzanne
I almost picked this one up at the bookstore the other day. After reading your review, I’m going to have to go back and get it so I can keep getting myself into the holiday spirit. Great review!
Wattle
I saw a review of this on another blog earlier and the cover is just as cute but the dog is different, so I had to make sure it was the same book lol I’m easily amused (I always wonder what makes them change it up that little bit).
This one sounds really sweet and I’m definitely going to have to read it in the near future 🙂
Nina
Oh I need holiday stories in my life, especially now! 🙂
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
This sounds like such a sweet holiday story! And I love the play on the names. 🙂
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! My mom loves Debbie Macomber. I haven’t read too much of her work but I am thinking maybe I should give her books another try.
Sarah @ A Weebish Book Blog
I used to read a lot of Macomber, but I have to confess it’s been years since I picked up one of her books. This one sounds wonderful 🙂
Debbie Haupt
Yeah I too look forward to her holiday tales Happy Turkey Dat
claire
I’ve never heard of this book before, but just looking at the cover reminds me of December and holiday music! This looks like such a sweet read for the wintertime. Lovely review, and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
claire @ clairefy
Dianna
I’ll have to check this one out. My BFF’s mom is a big Debbie Macomber fan.
ShootingStarsMag
That poor turkey looks so sad! But thanks for the fun review. This sounds like a really cute holiday-themed read!
-Lauren
Angela Adams
One of my favorite Debbie Macomber Christmas reads is “Mrs. Miracle.” Happy Holiday with your family!
Alex
This sounds so good ! Great review ! And happy Thanksgiving
Laura Thomas
This sounds lovely and so is the sweet cover. I adore holiday books. Thanks for sharing this one:)
Laurel-Rain Snow
I adored this book, which was just what I needed to get in the mood for the holidays…along with all the Hallmark movies I’ve been watching!
As predictable as the story was, I always enjoyed each little curve ball they threw at us.
Thanks for sharing.
Blodeuedd
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Stormi Johnson
I loved this book too! 🙂 She always has the funniest Christmas book!
Geybie's Book Blog
Happy thanksgiving, Kim. I hope you and your family have a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing this great sounding book. Awesome review, as usual, my friend. ❤️❤️❤️
Nadene
This does have a Hallmark movie feel. I have heard good things about the author, but i never read her books.
Ailyn Koay
Awww … that is kinda sweet to read
kindlemom1
I always love that you read all these fabulous holiday books Kim. Great review for this, glad it was a sweet one!