Title:  Merry and Bright

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine 

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

 

"Merry and Bright" by Debbie Macomber

 

My Thoughts....

 

This was quite a thoughtful good Christmas read that will keep your attention all the way till the end.  What will happen for Merry Knight when her mother and brother [Patrick] decide to give her a special birthday present which happened to be on December 24th? What will she do when Merry finds out that she has been signed up on a dating website... 'Mix and Mingle' due to the fact that she worked all the time and had been so busy with college [taking out a year out to work] and the upcoming holidays?  Merry's mom  has MS, a son with special needs and a husband that travels with working a lots. So, she felt that life was passing Merry by and just wanted to do something special for her. Well, for Merry everything was looking up for her until she finds out she has been signed up with a certain person that she didn't care for. Merry Knight and  Jayson Bright [her boss] didn't get along very well almost clashing on just about everything at work.  However, it seemed like Merry and Jayson liked chatting together behind their computer screens.  What will happen when Merry finds out just who her on line date is? Will these two be able to come together as it was with each of these two individuals come from different backgrounds?   We find Merry was born near the Christmas holiday and even the spell of her name showed how much she loved all there was to offer about the holiday, however, Jayson was more of what one would call a 'Scrooge' which he never had any good memories of that holiday. So, yes they both have different childhoods but with them both wanting something more meaningful and real in their lives will there be a  friendship that will develop more for each other? To find out what all happens you will have to pick up "Merry and Bright" to see how well this author will bring out the 'romance, drama and misunderstanding and in the end a very happy "Merry and Bright" Christmas all out so very well to the reader.  Yes, this story maybe a little predictable story but still a good read.

 

I liked how this author was able to give the reader quite a emotional heart-warming read with a host of well developed characters that will give the readers one memorable and delightful holiday story. This is also definitely one of those reads that will get one in the mood for a good fun family Christmas season. 

Title:  Any Dream Will Do

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher:  Ballantine Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

 

"Any Dream Will Do" by Debbie Macomber

 

My Thoughts.....

 

Who would have thought that Shay Benson and Drew  Douglas who were complete opposites  would one day come together and actually fall in love?  We find that Shay has just been released from prison and finds herself showing up at Drew's church where we find that he is a widower, pastor and also a single father of two who was frowning in sadness.  Now why was that?  This author does well in giving the readers a real intriguing emotional story of just how life can change and present its form in so many different ways as it was for Shay.  One could see why Shay may have had a chip on her shoulder as her life hadn't been easy for her at all especially with her father and brother.  It was sad to see how she had been too trusting with her brother that she seemed to not being able to tell him NO. Will Shay learn from this bad experience she had gone through?  Well, the story is quite deep and you will just have to pick this well written story that this  author presents to her readers to see how things will change for Shay as she seems to have been given a second chance and finally have found someone who truly loves her.  

 

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Title: Silver Lining
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Series: Rose Harbor #4
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Silver Lining" by Debbie Macomber

My Thoughts....

This was the fourth in the Rose Harbor series featuring Jo Marie, Mark Taylor, Katie Gilroy and Co Co Crenshaw setting in Cedar Cove which continues the story of the 'Rose Harbor Inn.' This read will leave you with some high emotions where one may find themselves laughing to even finding some sad moments.

I liked how this author was able to give us a good story involving Jo Marie and her handy man, Mark which ended up with some surprise that will keep your attention turning the pages getting answers [wanting to know what is up with Mark]...oh well...I guess we will have to wait for that answer to just what secret is Mark keeping from Jo Marie?

Then there were Jo Marie's best friends Kellie and Katie who have return to Cedar Cove for their 10 year HS reunion. Would they be able to 'face down old hunts and find a sense of closure?' Now, to me I will say this was to me some what strange in how all that comes out but OK..with each one having a problem they hope to solve at this reunion. Now, will this happen...or will they leave this reunion with broken hearts?

All of this author's characters seem to come alive as the reader will be presented with such a well written story that will keep you turning the pages. This was quite a interesting read where you will find a story of 'letting go of the past and embracing the unexpected.' I did like the way this author was able to tie these three stories together where the reader will be able to see how they come together by the end of the read where they may find healing and comfort.

"Silver Lining" can be a standalone read but I think it's best to get the other three series for a better understanding of what has gone on earlier. If you are in for a read of love, forgiveness and second chances then you are at the right place and I would recommend this novel for you. Oh I don't want to tell you but I will...expect a cliffhanger ending!

I received a copy through NOR in exchange for an honest review.