Merry Knight is working as a temp in a downtown Seattle office so she can earn enough money to finish her last year of college. She works long hours and then takes care of her family. Her mom has Multiple Sclerosis, and Merry has an eighteen-year-old brother with Downs Syndrome. Her dad is away a lot with his job. Merry has no social life. Her mom and brother come up with the idea of signing her up on an online dating website as an early birthday present. They use a picture of their golden retriever, Bogie, rather than Merry's picture. Merry is not sure this is something she wants to do. But when she begins getting "winks" she becomes interested in at least one of them.

Jayson Bright is climbing the corporate ladder and working long hours to do it. When his cousin Cooper comes to visit and ask him to be his best man in his wedding, Jayson learns that Cooper hooked up with his bride-to-be on the same website where Merry is now a member. Jayson signs himself up and uses a picture of his childhood dog, also a golden retriever. He's intrigued by Merry's "dog" picture and gives her a wink. She responds, and they begin corresponding for several weeks. When the time comes to finally meet each other, what a surprise Merry gets when she walks into the coffee shop and sees Jayson. She immediately retreats and goes back home. Will this relationship ever work?

Debbie Macomber brings us another endearing Christmas story with MERRY AND BRIGHT. Of course, her characters have festive names, and it wouldn't be complete without a dog in the story. Ms. Macomber delights us with all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas as she tells Merry and Jayson's story. Merry and Jayson come from completely different family backgrounds, yet each is searching for the same things in life. She shares many of the heartwarming endeavors that make Christmastime so special. She vividly describes Seattle like a winter wonderland fairytale. The storyline takes several unexpected detours, so you never know exactly how it will all come together in the end. This quick read would be a great stocking stuffer for someone who enjoys a good Christmas love story.