Merrily Yours

The Bardot Siblings #1.5

by Rachel Lewis

Head back to Sassafras this holiday season! Come home for the holidays with the Bardot siblings as they prep for a cozy and chaotic family Christmas—complete with Santa competitions, secret rendezvouses at The Coffee Shop, and a night at Louie’s Gabe will never forget. ‘Tis the season for humor, heartfelt moments, and holiday spice!

If you loved the charm and humor of 'Yours, Unexpectedly,' you'll fa la la la love this holiday sequel, set two years after book one! Merrily Yours re-visits all your favorite characters (and a few new ones as well!). It’s a festive treat, but make sure you curl up with the first book before diving into this delightful Christmas adventure.

Praise for Yours, Unexpectedly: Book One in the Bardot Siblings Series

“It’s amazing to me that this is a debut novel. I’m so wildly impressed with Rachel’s compelling storytelling—full of so much character depth and a fully realized world, one that is so unique in the romance genre.” – The Jenny Edit

“Rachel’s writing pulled me in from the very first page.” – Goodreads Review

“A heartfelt romcom that had me giggling from the start and begging for an encore at the end.” – Ray Riley, author of Murder, She Sold

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance, Holiday Romance, Holiday

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Rachel Lewis is a fresh voice in contemporary romance. With charmingly flawed characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue, Lewis' writing effortlessly blends witty banter, delightfully indulgent spice, and heartwarming found families that readers will want to call their own.

Beyond her own writing, Rachel champions the book community through Get Lit: Grown-Up Book Fairs. She previously co-hosted the popular "Welcome to the Smut Show" podcast.

Rachel is a mother of two crazy girls, wife of a crazy husband, and crazy for some 90’s country hits. She is a nostalgic TV watcher, lover of fan-fic, and is always willing to try a new color in her hair.

Reviews

[The Love Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I HIGHLY recommend reading Yours, Unexpectedly (Bex & Anders’ romance) before reading Merrily Yours, but you don't HAVE to.

I love a big family and the Bardots make you want to join their family for the holidays! It was fun catching up with Bex and Anders (and their growing family). The author hinted that we’d have an idea of who the Bardot siblings may be coupled with, and I am EXCITED.

Bex is the youngest sibling and she’s found love, so it’s time for her brothers to get their HEA!

P.S. - The cutest part was that each chapter was from a different family member’s POV, so it truly was the perfect holiday novella with great foreshadowing for the next books!

[booksarebetterjess]

MERRILY YOURS
@rachel_mlewis
🌲⛄🍾🎄🎁🎉
guys, im sorry to say but the world is too depressing and this girl just needed some holiday romance in her life - enter merrily yours!

i fell in love with rachel's writing earlier this year when i got my mitts on her debut - yours, unexpectedly and this novella carries that same heart and wit.

in merrily yours, we are reunited with the bardot clan a few years after the first book and get to read chapters from different family members povs, which ultimately sets up the siblings for the follow up books in this series. rachel has thoroughly teased and edged us with this book and now i am DYING for the next installment. this is the perfect book to get you in the holiday mood.

and a little birdie told me who the next book is about and i am so excited!

definitely add this novella to your tbr - especially for those of you (like me) that lovedddddd yours, unexpectedly.
🌲⛄🍾🎄🎁🎉

(i don't star rate novellas)

[Larareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.25 ⭐️

[Nadja · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I just finished Merrily Yours, and honestly? It was just okay. Was it a bad novella? Not at all! But it definitely wasn’t what I expected.

My biggest issue? All the different points of view. I mean, I get that it’s a cool idea to switch things up, but there just hasn’t been enough backstory to pull it off well. We only had one book before this, and now we’re jumping six years ahead? It felt like we didn’t really know these characters yet, especially since we’re introduced to a bunch of new ones. Sure, getting to know the siblings was interesting, and I can see how it sets up for more books down the line, but I kind of wish we’d already had that connection established.

I really thought Bex and Ander would be the main focus since they were the only characters we’ve seen before. But instead, we got a lot of the parents’ POV, which honestly just felt unnecessary and a bit boring.

All in all, Merrily Yours wasn’t terrible, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me. It has potential for future stories, but I think it would’ve been way better if we’d had more time with the main characters we already knew.

[emily (bookish_addiction_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Rachel Lewis for reaching out and sending me an advanced copy of Merrily Yours in exchange for an honest review.

Merrily Yours did three things; it reminded me how much I enjoyed Yours, Unexpectedly (which was a lot), it put me in the Christmas spirit, and it got me so excited to see where this series will go next!

I adored being back with the Bardots in a domestic and fluffy setting and seeing what they have all been up to, especially Anders and Bex. It was also great getting POVs from all the other characters and getting to know them a little better.

If you likes Yours, Unexpectedly, I would definitely recommend picking up Merrily Yours to tide you over until the next full release in this series!

[Isabela Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Rachel for the eARC!

I loved this! Truly was such a sweet holiday novella. I loved getting to see the world through each Bardot (and honorary Bardot hehehe) family member’s eyes. SO fun! Am counting down the days until Bardot Siblings Book 2!!!!

[Brooks Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

The PERFECT novella to get you in the holiday spirit featuring the impossible not to love Bardot family (YOURS, UNEXPECTEDLY). 🎄🎄🎄 although short and sweet, this novella packed so much joy, spirit, and spice! I loooved the way it was written with each chapter being from a different character’s POV, even featuring some new names I’m *hoping* we get to see again in book 2 (👀 @rachel)!!! I’m so glad I chose it to kick off the holiday season and can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it November 12th!! Def one to add to your TBR (available on KU!) 📚 If you haven’t read Rachel’s first book YOURS, UNEXPECTEDLY, I highly recommend you read that first. While it’s not necessary in order to enjoy MERRILY YOURS, it’ll definitely pack a more emotional punch if you’re already OBSESSED with the Bardot crew ♥️ I can’t wait to read more of this series!!! Thank you to the author, Rachel, for the eARC 🫶🏼

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhhh I love the Bardot's. I've had Yours, Unexpectedly on my favorite reads list all year and this novella just brought me back to how much I loved that book.

This novella packs a SPICY punch. So while a Christmas novella, we stay true to our roots here in Sassafras!

The idea of a chapter with each Bardot was brilliant. I loved that Elaine was last and she's about to be a manipulative mama (in the best way). It was such awesome foreshadowing on what's to come.

I'm so excited for Jules' book and what we can expect. I got chills when I read Elaine's POV staring Jules would be the focus.

I also love that during Gabe and Ben's POVs we got insight into what we can expect for the tropes for their stories as well.

Such a great set up. Kudos Rachel, well done!!

Overall: Highly Recommend!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the Bardot/Bardot-Olsson gang is back!!

This was a delightful read!! It was fluffy and fun and spicy - just what Rachel promised!

If you read Yours, Unexpectedly then, this is the “extended epilogue” you didn’t know you needed and if you haven’t read it yet, you’ll probably end up picking it up ASAP!

This was quick and entertaining and great to get you into the Christmas/holiday spirit.

I love Bex and Andres and the “life update” was so good!! But to see more of her brothers was so much fun! I need their books please and thank you!! And Elaine and Hugo (aka the parents) - I think Elaine was being far to “demure and mindful” - I bet she’s up to no good in book 2, in her ever loving way, of course! 🤭

Loved all the Easter eggs and to feel a little bit part of this chaotic and loving family.

Bring on the boys’ books!!!

[Brittny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for the readers that love the little extras and snippets! It was a lovely, quick read packed with sass, spice, and some good old family traditions! Getting a chapter from each family member’s POV was so much fun! They may not be super long, but they give you a really good idea of just how much the Bardot’s love and care for one another behind the chaos.

I absolutely adored getting to see Anders and Bex a few years down the road from where we left them in Yours, Unexpectedly. IYKYK, and they were adorable!

The teasers were teasing, and Rachel set the stage so beautifully for the rest of the Brothers Bardot! My jaw dropped when I realized who was next!

I love this family so much and wish I could be part of the festivities! It was just under 100 pages and I got hit by all the emotions! I can’t wait for the rest of this series and all the cabbages to come!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful Christmas novella in the same universe as Yours, Unexpectedly (but could be read as a standalone). Each chapter is a different family member’s point of view at Christmas time, and it is like a sampler platter of holiday romance stories. I loved getting to see Bex and Anders again and it was so fun getting to know Bex’s brothers better. I love this sweet family and all of their holiday spirit. Rachel Lewis has said that each sibling will get their own book, and after reading Merrily Yours, I can’t help but hope that Ben is next! I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a short story to get you in the holiday spirit!

Thank you to Rachel Lewis for an e-ARC and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Kaci (travelswithabook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A super cute novella, with some spice, that gives you a POV from each Bardot family member. I loved reading these different points of view, especially from the parents! However, I think it might have been stronger if we had more backstory of some of the brothers. Those seemed to be the chapters I connected with the least. I’ll probably go back for a reread before each book.

That being said, I still really enjoyed it and loved seeing how their books were set up. Their mom is still going to meddle and be her hilarious self, which is what I loved in the first book. And this family will always have a whole lot of love for each other.

Thank you so much to Rachel Lewis for the ARC! Excited for the next one!

[evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

i didn’t realize how much i have missed these characters until now!! i loved the different pov’s from each family member and catching up with their lives. we also get like sneak peaks for what might come in this series. i was already making my guesses for each of the boys 😭 the way this novella is structured makes it fun. you get updates about these characters but you also get the holiday fun!!! this novella just has all the cozy holiday vibes 🤍

thank you to rachel lewis for the arc of this fun holiday novella

[Sarah (TheLibrarysKeeper) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short collection of chapters each written from the view point of one of the Bardot family members from Yours Unexpectedly. I adored the characters from the book so I figured this one would be just as good. For whatever reason having one chapter per chapter being the narrator really threw me off as most of the characters we don't know very well. Plus I was totally confused when I got the the last chapter and was like should I even know who this is? Over all the story was okay. It just wasn't for me.

[K-Lanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bardot family is back and better than ever in this super sweet holiday Novella. This was such a fun read and a great way to draw readers back into the family shenanigans. Taking place two years after the Yours, Unexpectedly epilogue, we find ourselves celebrating Christmas with the Bardot fam. The chapters are all from different POVs giving everyone a chance to be inside the head of members of the family. I enjoyed this so much and this shot my excitement up for the possibility of getting stories about my favorite Bardot boys 🥹.

What a sweet way to engage readers and leave them wanting more of the family! If you want to find out whether the Bardots are naughty or nice, pick this one up!

[Birdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I didn’t realize how much I missed this family, I had such a fun time with Bex and Anders and this novella feels like such a great segue into book 2, idc who’s next I need my sweet bby Jules to get his happy ending 😭, you can absolutely read this without reading book 1! It’s about a 100 pages so I knocked it out in less than an hour

I want to thank Rachel for letting me ARC read for her 🙏🏻it’s always a pleasure 🥰

[Chawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a way to be adopted in to the Bardot family? Because I call dibs. This was the sweetest, most perfect novella for this family. The different perspective chapters were *chefs kiss* 🧑‍🍳 💋 the set up to the next story lines were everything I needed and more. 👀 there’s so many stories to be unraveled and I am sat here (im)patiently waiting!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this Christmas Novella. The little jaunt into the other Bardot family members heads-and our bonus whom I suspect will be book two’s FMC-was super funny. It was the perfect amount of spice and foreshadowing to show us what tropes and fun we can look forward to in future books. I can’t wait to come back to see what comes from the next books.

[MapuaMade (Andrea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest little novella with one of my all-time favorite fictional families! This book was the perfect read to get me into the holiday spirit and still packed some spice 🔥 can’t wait for the next book in this series!

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! These characters bring such comfort for me. I was so happy to see these characters again. The only reason I did not give it 5 ⭐ was because I wanted more! 🤣

[Bookishandbrewsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll read anything Bardot family related

[mandie ୨୧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

this read like a myspace roleplay thread and i can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

holiday novella perfection 🤗

This was SUCH a delight!! I fell in love with the Bardot clan after reading Yours, Unexpectedly earlier this year, and I was SO excited to go back to Sassafrass for the holidays!! This bite-sized taste of my fav fictional fam was exactly what I needed to jump start the holidays. I LOOOOOVED seeing Bex and Anders being so domestic and sweet and SO HOT, and I loved the glimpses we got of the other family members, including the parent's gentle love too!! I have been PLOTTING to try to figure out who the next book in the series is but regardless, I'm thrilled to continue to read more from Rachel!!

Thank you SO much to Rachel for the ARC!! <3

[Abby (bookrecsbyab) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone that’s read Rachel’s first book, Yours Unexpectedly, you would love this short but sweet (and sometimes spicy) novella about the Bardot family!

With 8 different POVS, you get to experience the holiday season with the whole family and even get some sneak peeks to the next couples in the series 😍

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute and got me immediately in the festive spirit! I loved the whole cast of characters and getting to know the rest of the Bardot fam. Rachel especially has me excited for what's to come! All the warm and fuzzy holiday feels, banter and spice with this one.

[Rachel Hodgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! I loved that we got a POV from each of the members of the Bardot family. It made me super excited for future stories while also showing the family dynamic. I loved the Bex and Anders chapters so much because they’re my favorite couple but I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the family!

[Taylor Suhr (Fontes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I say I loved this novella more than Unexpectedly Yours??? I love that we got multiple POV from each Bardot family member, their banter is just a 10/10. Rachel did an incredible job of giving us a cozy holiday read while also giving us snips into future book plans! Highly recommend!

[Bella Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was just adorable. 🥺

[Joyce De Bruin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and cute book. You read like 8 different POV’s in this book and I never saw that before. I loved that we got to read in the point of view of every family member of the Bardot family, even the parents were included!! Im very curious which Bardot brother is going to have a book next. Im still hoping that it will be Jules.
This book really got me into the Christmas vibes, can’t wait to see all the houses decorated again. Loved the Christmas decoration battle the brother had together. Wished I could see the house being decorated in two completely different styles.

[Jen | The Jenny Edit · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun novella, letting us revisit our old friends, the Bardots. 💚

I was a huge huge fan of Yours, Unexpectedly, and this short and sweet glimpse at the world that began with that novel was truly delightful.

We get to see what Bex and Anders are up to four years after YU took place. But what’s so great about this novella is that each chapter is from the POV of a different character — Bex and Anders, yes, but also all of Bex’s brothers plus her parents!

These POV switches were a fun twist and also set us up for what I’m hoping are future books in the series — and I’m officially lobbying for Jules’ story ASAP. 😍

This will take you like, 90 mins to read, and you’ll have a smile on your face the entire time.

Thanks so much to Rachel for letting me read this one in advance! 🫶🏼🎄