Book Review | Merry and Bright | Debbie Macomber

Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber

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.

About Author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Book Review: Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber

Recap

Merry and Bright is exactly what you’d want from a holiday romance: warm, cozy, and bursting with Christmas spirit. It’s a feel-good, clean romance with just the right amount of sweetness. I was in the mood for something light and fun, and this story hit the spot!

In the book, Merry is juggling a lot: she’s working long hours as a temp in a job that’s about to end, managing family responsibilities, and dreaming about finishing her college degree. She lives with her mom, who’s unwell, and her younger brother Patrick, who has Down syndrome. Her family worries she’s a little too busy and lonely, so they set up a dating profile for her using a picture of her dog—keeping her identity a bit of a mystery. Right away, she catches the attention of a mysterious guy who seems equally interested.

On the other side, we have Jayson, Merry’s grumpy boss who seems allergic to Christmas cheer. He’s got his own family issues, especially with his dad, and has grown a bit cynical. But beneath his bitterness, Jayson is a decent guy who might just need a little push to see things differently.

Review

This book was such a delightful surprise! After reading a bit of Debbie Macomber’s novel from Cedar Cove series, I wasn’t sure if her stories were my style, but Merry and Bright turned that around. It’s a short, sweet read that flows so smoothly—you’ll breeze through it in no time.

The story does become a little predictable as it builds toward the big reveal, but Macomber manages to keep it interesting with clever twists that push off the final confrontation until just the right moment. This approach adds a nice bit of suspense to what could otherwise be a straightforward romance.

The characters are relatable and so well-written that they feel genuinely believable. Merry’s warmth and family devotion make her easy to root for, and even though Jayson is a bit of a Christmas Scrooge, it’s fun to watch his gradual transformation. Macomber keeps the story lively with little detours that make you second-guess the ending until you’re practically at the last page.

Final Thoughts

Merry and Bright is a perfect pick if you’re in the mood for a holiday romance that feels like a cozy mug of hot chocolate. It’s sweet without being overly sugary, and it’ll leave you with a big smile.

Stay tuned for more book reviews.

Until next time, happy reading!

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Shabana Mukhtar

The Other Me Unfolded