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Merry & Bright: A Sweet Christmas Romantic Comedy
Merry
A runaway car. A twisted ankle. A very serious police officer who keeps calling me ma’am.
I’m turning thirty—not eighty—and Officer Nicholas Bright is not amused by my objections. He’s buttoned-up, stoic, and completely unprepared for my nonstop commentary…until I finally make him laugh.
He insists on driving me home.
Then he keeps showing up.
“Just checking in.”
I’m a baker—specifically, a Christmas-cookie maximalist. When Nick mentions that his adopted grandmother used to bake with him every Christmas, something shifts. She has Alzheimer’s now. Most days, she doesn’t remember him at all.
So I suggest cookie decorating.
And somehow, I end up going with him.
Nick
I don’t believe in optimism. Life cured me of that.
Merry is sunshine and chaos—too cheerful, too talkative, and far too determined to see past my badge and dark sunglasses. I tell myself we’re just friends. I have nothing to offer her. My grandmother is slipping away, and Christmas—her favorite season—feels like salt in an open wound.
Then Merry comes with me to the care home to decorate cookies. And for a few precious minutes, my grandmother remembers me.
I break every boundary I built. I don't care anymore.
I want Merry. And I want more than friendship. For the first time, I’m willing to risk my heart to get it.
A runaway car. A twisted ankle. A very serious police officer who keeps calling me ma’am.
I’m turning thirty—not eighty—and Officer Nicholas Bright is not amused by my objections. He’s buttoned-up, stoic, and completely unprepared for my nonstop commentary…until I finally make him laugh.
He insists on driving me home.
Then he keeps showing up.
“Just checking in.”
I’m a baker—specifically, a Christmas-cookie maximalist. When Nick mentions that his adopted grandmother used to bake with him every Christmas, something shifts. She has Alzheimer’s now. Most days, she doesn’t remember him at all.
So I suggest cookie decorating.
And somehow, I end up going with him.
Nick
I don’t believe in optimism. Life cured me of that.
Merry is sunshine and chaos—too cheerful, too talkative, and far too determined to see past my badge and dark sunglasses. I tell myself we’re just friends. I have nothing to offer her. My grandmother is slipping away, and Christmas—her favorite season—feels like salt in an open wound.
Then Merry comes with me to the care home to decorate cookies. And for a few precious minutes, my grandmother remembers me.
I break every boundary I built. I don't care anymore.
I want Merry. And I want more than friendship. For the first time, I’m willing to risk my heart to get it.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
10 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Oren
9 books34 followersDianne Oren enjoys writing sweet, swoony romantic comedies. She lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas with her husband Kevin, dogs Duke & Daisy, house panther Finn, and Rebel...the tiny gray potato tornado.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 14, 2025
Merry's friends refer to her as a unicorn, all sunshine, rainbows, and sparkles. But somehow, they've all managed to find their special guys, and she's left with the dregs of the dating pool. As she approaches the big three-uh-oh, she's about to give up on a love life. Instead, she's devoting her energies towards her life-long dream of opening a bakery like her grandma - her Nonna. The problem is getting Nonno on board with the idea.
Her luck begins to change when she runs into a sad policeman, who gives her a lift in his burly arms when she injures her ankle. Before long, Merry is beginning to think that a traffic cop might be just the ticket to happily-ever-after. But there are a lot of traffic cones on their journey!
I loved this book, and it was such fun! I love a sense of humor, and this whole series is written that way. You really need to read the other books to get the most out of this one, but believe me, you won't regret it. Spunky gals, hot and hunky heroes, lots of twists, and relatable situations. Lots of kissing, but no bedroom scenes!
You will enjoy this most if you have several hours to devote to reading. Keep tissues handy, just in case; but also take care if you eat or drink while you read, because you might snort a laugh at unexpected moments. There is bonus content at the end which details a proposal; there is also a description of the group of friends many years later, to wrap up their stories.
Get this book. Get the whole series. Read them and re-read them. They're that much fun.
Diane C
Her luck begins to change when she runs into a sad policeman, who gives her a lift in his burly arms when she injures her ankle. Before long, Merry is beginning to think that a traffic cop might be just the ticket to happily-ever-after. But there are a lot of traffic cones on their journey!
I loved this book, and it was such fun! I love a sense of humor, and this whole series is written that way. You really need to read the other books to get the most out of this one, but believe me, you won't regret it. Spunky gals, hot and hunky heroes, lots of twists, and relatable situations. Lots of kissing, but no bedroom scenes!
You will enjoy this most if you have several hours to devote to reading. Keep tissues handy, just in case; but also take care if you eat or drink while you read, because you might snort a laugh at unexpected moments. There is bonus content at the end which details a proposal; there is also a description of the group of friends many years later, to wrap up their stories.
Get this book. Get the whole series. Read them and re-read them. They're that much fun.
Diane C
November 8, 2025
This romantic comedy is pure dessert for the soul!
The San Francisco Hearts series just keeps delivering five-star magic. I’ve come to adore our Mermaid, Dragon, and Phoenix—but finally, Merry, everyone’s favorite Unicorn and the rainbow of our hearts, gets the sunshine she deserves!
Dianne Oren has such a gift for blending humor, warmth, and heart. Every page feels like coming home to characters you love and cheering for them all over again. A perfect mix of sweet, funny, and full of heart—this was a 5-star read in a 5-star series! 🌈💖
The San Francisco Hearts series just keeps delivering five-star magic. I’ve come to adore our Mermaid, Dragon, and Phoenix—but finally, Merry, everyone’s favorite Unicorn and the rainbow of our hearts, gets the sunshine she deserves!
Dianne Oren has such a gift for blending humor, warmth, and heart. Every page feels like coming home to characters you love and cheering for them all over again. A perfect mix of sweet, funny, and full of heart—this was a 5-star read in a 5-star series! 🌈💖
November 13, 2025
Merry is a bright, happy girl who loves to bake. She always sees the good in people and the bright fun side of life. Bright is a police officer who keeps to himself and has a hard time dealing with his past. He tends to not see the bright side of life. Their paths cross and Christmas magic begins.
I highly recommend this fun read. You will love it! And if this author is new to you definitely check out her other books. You will not be disappointed!!
I highly recommend this fun read. You will love it! And if this author is new to you definitely check out her other books. You will not be disappointed!!
November 17, 2025
Oh this book was such a bittersweet read! I was excited for our unicorn to finally get her own story, but I knew it meant the end of the series! I can’t tell you exactly what it is, but Merry is so relatable! I love her relationship with Nonno and her cousins. And as always, the friendship between Merry, Marina, Ashley and Scarlet is what dreams are made of! What an amazing way to send off our favorite San Franciscans! The 2 bonus chapters were the icing on the Santa Cop cookie!
November 6, 2025
Gosh … how do I begin to review this last book in this delightful and charming series? It’s FINALLY Merry’s turn to find “her person”. Yep. He’s a hottie too!! Woohoo!! So many things to love about this book, from the swoons to the laughs and the caring shown by so many. I’ll not share any spoilers but you will love the conclusion here. Looking forward to a new series and new characters in 2026 from this author. Let’s go to Texas!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews