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Merry and Bright

Review

Merry and Bright

Merry Knight is heading into Christmas in the midst of a whirlwind. Her uptight boss is demanding overtime from everyone, but Merry needs the temp job to pay for college tuition. Additionally, she’s helping to take care of her family, as well as volunteering, shopping and baking. It’s a busy schedule, way too busy for a social life, but Merry’s mother and 18-year-old autistic brother think a boyfriend would be a nice addition to her life. When Merry rejects their idea to try Mix & Mingle, an online dating site, they go forward with it anyway --- minus Merry --- in hopes of giving her a Christmas that’s merry and bright.

"If you liked You’ve Got Mail, you’ll certainly enjoy MERRY AND BRIGHT. Warm and sweet as Christmas cookies, this new Debbie Macomber romance is sure to be a hit this holiday season."

Jayson Bright is desperately trying to secure his future with his uncle’s company, but it’s meant long hours for himself and his staff. It’s not his fault that the current project has a deadline just days before Christmas. To make matters worse, there’s a certain temp who’s been giving him a hard time, and something about her that keeps lingering on the edges of his mind. Maybe even his heart. But Jayson doesn’t have time for romance or anything but work right now. And his last relationship attempt was an epic failure. Still, he’s intrigued by the fact that his best friend just got engaged and takes his suggestion to check out a certain online dating site.

When Merry discovers that her mother and brother put her profile on Mix & Mingle without a photo, she uploads a picture of their dog. After scrolling through profiles that don’t interest him, Jayson is intrigued by the photo and fills out his own profile using his childhood dog’s picture. The two begin emailing every night without knowing each other’s true identity. Both leave the office on the same elevator, rushing home to email…each other! But when they arrange to meet and Merry finds none other than her boss waiting for her with flowers, she leaves before he sees her. How can this never-smiling, follow-the-rules guy be the same sincere, charming man she emails each night?

If you liked You’ve Got Mail, you’ll certainly enjoy MERRY AND BRIGHT. Warm and sweet as Christmas cookies, this new Debbie Macomber romance is sure to be a hit this holiday season. There are no shortage of likable characters, including Merry’s mom, who’s battling multiple sclerosis, and her brother, whose kind nature and no-holds-barred honesty nearly allow him to steal the show. All that, plus a captivating plot that tugs at the heartstrings. Macomber comes through again with a light and lovely novel just in time for Christmas. And as a bonus, there’s even a chapter from her next book.

Reviewed by Susan Miura on October 26, 2017

Merry and Bright
by Debbie Macomber

  • Publication Date: October 9, 2018
  • Genres: Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction
  • Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books
  • ISBN-10: 0399181245
  • ISBN-13: 9780399181245