Book Review: Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber

Title: Merry and Bright

Author: Debbie Macomber

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Holiday Romance

          

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.

 

This is probably the lowest I've ever rated a Debbie Macomber (and it's not even that low) so I hope it doesn't discourage you from picking this one up or any of her other Christmas reads. This one just didn't hit the right notes for me but I've certainly given 5-stars to her other books, including Twelve Days of Christmas.

Merry Knight is overworked this holiday season. She's working overtime for her boss on a project with a tight deadline and at home, she feels resentful she can't spend time more with her family, including her lovable brother. Her mom sees it too and figures Merry leaves absolutely no time for herself so her mom and brother create an online dating profile, hoping to give her love life a little boost.

In enters Jayson Bright - the uptight "boss" whose cousin also encourages him to create an online dating profile since he found love on the Mix&Mingle site. Soon, Merry and Jayson find themselves more and more intrigued with the stranger they're talking to on the other end. But of course, in real life, it's a completely different story. Merry can barely stand Jayson, who doesn't believe in the spirit of Christmas and comes off callous and mean.

The plot is very similar to You've Got Mail which is probably why this story felt a little flat and predictable for me. I did read it in one, swift sitting and I do like how Macomber vividly describes the details of a festive and brightly-adorned Seattle. Either way, Debbie Macomber is the queen of the holiday romance and I'm already looking forward to next year's book.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays this year and if you like a cozy (and clean) feel-good holiday romance, please don't hesitate to pick this one up! Happy reading!