What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Being Merry
I never thought I’d be stuffing stockings and suitcases on Christmas Eve, but escaping my marriage couldn’t wait until after the holiday.
Now, a year later, my divorce is nearly finalized, my kids are healing, and we’re piecing together a new life in the small town of Winterberry Junction. Life is good until Dax Nicholas, the man who witnessed my lowest moment, starts showing up in ways I never expected. From holiday prep to picking up pieces of me I thought were lost, he's my personal Santa's elf.
When he teases that I’d look better tangled in his sheets than in Christmas lights, I don’t have the willpower to disagree.
Romance may be low on my wish list, but I’m not blind to the way Dax makes me believe love could find me again.
Too bad the lifelong bachelor with the easy smile and restless spirit has no plans for forever…
Now, a year later, my divorce is nearly finalized, my kids are healing, and we’re piecing together a new life in the small town of Winterberry Junction. Life is good until Dax Nicholas, the man who witnessed my lowest moment, starts showing up in ways I never expected. From holiday prep to picking up pieces of me I thought were lost, he's my personal Santa's elf.
When he teases that I’d look better tangled in his sheets than in Christmas lights, I don’t have the willpower to disagree.
Romance may be low on my wish list, but I’m not blind to the way Dax makes me believe love could find me again.
Too bad the lifelong bachelor with the easy smile and restless spirit has no plans for forever…
- GenresChristmas
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
23 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 31, 2025
Thank you Taylor Delong for the ARC and the opportunity to read this sweet story early!
The Art of Being Merry by Taylor Delong was such a fun, festive read! I loved the Christmas crazy setting, it really put me in the holiday spirit. The chemistry between the characters felt genuine and sweet, and I found myself rooting for them the whole time. A cozy, feel-good story that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little romance wrapped up in holiday magic.
The Art of Being Merry by Taylor Delong was such a fun, festive read! I loved the Christmas crazy setting, it really put me in the holiday spirit. The chemistry between the characters felt genuine and sweet, and I found myself rooting for them the whole time. A cozy, feel-good story that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little romance wrapped up in holiday magic.
November 7, 2025
ARC Review~
Taylor Delong has delivered yet another absolutely charming and heartwarming hit with The Art of Being Merry! For anyone who loves a good holiday romance, this book wraps you up in the cozy Christmas spirit One of the strongest points of this novel is the terrific character development. You genuinely watch the main characters grow and make their happy ending.
But let's be honest—the showstopper here is the male lead. Dax Nicholas has officially stolen my heart! He is an amazing book boyfriend, and the love he has for Clem and her two boys is everything I want. The way he steps up and loves their little family unit is truly a beautiful thing to read.
And for those who enjoy a bit of sizzle with their sweet, the book delivers a good amount of spice that perfectly complements the emotional depth of the relationship.
A special shout-out must go to Atlas, who is an absolute gem and easily my favorite side character—his scenes are a delight.
If you’re a fan of Taylor Delong, you'll find that this book maintains the high quality and heart you’ve come to expect. You clearly know that Delong rarely misses, and The Art of Being Merry is further proof that every book by this author is an absolute treat. It’s the perfect novel to curl up with when you need a dose of small-town magic, emotional connection, and holiday romance. Highly recommended!
Taylor Delong has delivered yet another absolutely charming and heartwarming hit with The Art of Being Merry! For anyone who loves a good holiday romance, this book wraps you up in the cozy Christmas spirit One of the strongest points of this novel is the terrific character development. You genuinely watch the main characters grow and make their happy ending.
But let's be honest—the showstopper here is the male lead. Dax Nicholas has officially stolen my heart! He is an amazing book boyfriend, and the love he has for Clem and her two boys is everything I want. The way he steps up and loves their little family unit is truly a beautiful thing to read.
And for those who enjoy a bit of sizzle with their sweet, the book delivers a good amount of spice that perfectly complements the emotional depth of the relationship.
A special shout-out must go to Atlas, who is an absolute gem and easily my favorite side character—his scenes are a delight.
If you’re a fan of Taylor Delong, you'll find that this book maintains the high quality and heart you’ve come to expect. You clearly know that Delong rarely misses, and The Art of Being Merry is further proof that every book by this author is an absolute treat. It’s the perfect novel to curl up with when you need a dose of small-town magic, emotional connection, and holiday romance. Highly recommended!
November 7, 2025
I love a good Christmas romance! Add in the little kids and the funcle and I have a trifecta of goodness. When Clementine first brought her boys to Winterberry Junction, she needed a safe space to land after finding out some truths about her husband. A year later, she's settled into a rental with Atlas and Jace. Dax is the funcle, the happy go lucky bachelor who still lives in his parents's basement. His reasoning sounds sane enough...when he moves, he wants it to be a permanent place. Dax soon finds himself volunteering to babysit, finding Christmas trees, and other things so that he can spend time with Clem. Their relationship goes from friends to FWB to lovers to HEA.
I loved how dedicated Dax became to making sure Clem and the boys were safe and cared for. He may have been afraid of commitment all these years, but meeting Clem and her boys was probably what he was waiting for. If you love found family, forever bachelor, small town, holiday, single mom tropes, this book is for you!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
I loved how dedicated Dax became to making sure Clem and the boys were safe and cared for. He may have been afraid of commitment all these years, but meeting Clem and her boys was probably what he was waiting for. If you love found family, forever bachelor, small town, holiday, single mom tropes, this book is for you!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
December 25, 2025
The Art of Being Merry left me merry and full of hope and joy. I fell in love with Winterberry Junction when I read the first book, A Merry Rescue. The holiday themed small town gets even better in this book. Fall into the book and enjoy a parade, fantastic decorations, and the feeling of the Christmas season.
Much of the Christmas Wonderland is thanks to Clementine. Her artistic talents create a Main Street I want to find and sit it awe. Seeing it through her son's eyes was majestic. Her son, Atlas reminded me of the wonders of Christmas, of family and love. I want to eat pancakes and marvel over her North Pole village.
The Art of Being Merry is a wonderful romance. Clementine fled to Winterberry Junction with her boys trying to make a new life. She was not looking for romance. Dax definitely wasn't looking for anything. lots of drama, Lots of laughs, and lots of family dynamics added up a to very enjoyable holiday romance between them. I haven't upwrapped a single present but I already counting down to book three.
Much of the Christmas Wonderland is thanks to Clementine. Her artistic talents create a Main Street I want to find and sit it awe. Seeing it through her son's eyes was majestic. Her son, Atlas reminded me of the wonders of Christmas, of family and love. I want to eat pancakes and marvel over her North Pole village.
The Art of Being Merry is a wonderful romance. Clementine fled to Winterberry Junction with her boys trying to make a new life. She was not looking for romance. Dax definitely wasn't looking for anything. lots of drama, Lots of laughs, and lots of family dynamics added up a to very enjoyable holiday romance between them. I haven't upwrapped a single present but I already counting down to book three.
November 7, 2025
Arc Review- Thank you Taylor Delong for the opportunity to review this book!
It seems that the somewhat firey Clem is down on her luck, however, everything turns around when faced with Dax Nicholas! I am so pleased with how this story developed. The characters were relatable, Dax was charming, and it is the perfect holiday romance everyone needs to read. The writing is appropriate for the story; the vivid descriptions really throw you into the scene. I gave this one a five star review since it hit all the marks on what a well-written holiday romance should be. Dax is endearing and sincerely cares about Clem and her boys from the very beginning. The children are also enamored with the Christmas-themed town and all the northern charm. Finally, a breath of fresh air! I loved the story so much that I am waiting to devour the next book that Taylor Delong writes! Winterberry Junction has small-town charm, and is where every person wishes to live!
It seems that the somewhat firey Clem is down on her luck, however, everything turns around when faced with Dax Nicholas! I am so pleased with how this story developed. The characters were relatable, Dax was charming, and it is the perfect holiday romance everyone needs to read. The writing is appropriate for the story; the vivid descriptions really throw you into the scene. I gave this one a five star review since it hit all the marks on what a well-written holiday romance should be. Dax is endearing and sincerely cares about Clem and her boys from the very beginning. The children are also enamored with the Christmas-themed town and all the northern charm. Finally, a breath of fresh air! I loved the story so much that I am waiting to devour the next book that Taylor Delong writes! Winterberry Junction has small-town charm, and is where every person wishes to live!
November 21, 2025
I LOVED being back in Winterberry Junction. I love all of the characters. I wish this series could be a mini Christmas Hallmark series. Season One being about A Not So Merry Rescue and Season Two about The Art Of Being Merry.
Clementine is Willa’s twin sister. Dax is the brother to Beck. I love how close the families are. Clementine has had a hard year with the divorce she just went through. She definitely needed the change of scenery. I love the relationship between the sisters. Dax shows Clem that she can believe in love again. Clem absolutely deserves to be loved but so does Dax.
The Art of Being Merry is the perfect and cozy read for the Holiday Season.
I loved how well Dax got along with Clems boys. It’s always wonderful having someone who cares about you but it’s even more special when that someone can get along well with your kids. This was such a perfect read! It’s one I will definitely read over.
Clementine is Willa’s twin sister. Dax is the brother to Beck. I love how close the families are. Clementine has had a hard year with the divorce she just went through. She definitely needed the change of scenery. I love the relationship between the sisters. Dax shows Clem that she can believe in love again. Clem absolutely deserves to be loved but so does Dax.
The Art of Being Merry is the perfect and cozy read for the Holiday Season.
I loved how well Dax got along with Clems boys. It’s always wonderful having someone who cares about you but it’s even more special when that someone can get along well with your kids. This was such a perfect read! It’s one I will definitely read over.
November 4, 2025
Dax Nicholas is such an amazing character. I so enjoyed watching him see himself differently. Seeing Clem’s struggles that were missed by others. The coffee delivery alone had me swooning! He is a unicorn and I enjoyed every moment!
Clem is a force. I loved her personality, her strength and her unwillingness to ignore the hard topics. Not often enough do I read a book where the couple has an issue but instead of letting it fester, one of them decides to be an adult and address it head on. Don’t even get me started on her kids. They were so stinking cute!! Atlas is hilarious and I wonder if his important wish was for his mom.
Revisiting the small town of Winterberry Junction was so fun. I loved the family events, the descriptions and all the warmth that comes from a small town romance.
Clem is a force. I loved her personality, her strength and her unwillingness to ignore the hard topics. Not often enough do I read a book where the couple has an issue but instead of letting it fester, one of them decides to be an adult and address it head on. Don’t even get me started on her kids. They were so stinking cute!! Atlas is hilarious and I wonder if his important wish was for his mom.
Revisiting the small town of Winterberry Junction was so fun. I loved the family events, the descriptions and all the warmth that comes from a small town romance.
November 3, 2025
Thank you Taylor Delong for allowing me to ARC read for you! I absolutely adore this book & the characters! Dax is so dreamy and everything I think we all have dreamt about once or twice. The perfect cozy starting over romance to get your Christmas spirit started!
This was a true starting-over story that also gives you all the cozy feels of Christmas!
Clem packs up her 2 boys on Christmas Eve and leaves her cheating husband and North Carolina behind. Starting over in the small Christmas town of Winterberry Junction isn’t going to be easy. Unless there is a single hunk of a Christmas loving man who just happens to be her sister’s brother-in-law. Can she let her past be the past?
This was a true starting-over story that also gives you all the cozy feels of Christmas!
Clem packs up her 2 boys on Christmas Eve and leaves her cheating husband and North Carolina behind. Starting over in the small Christmas town of Winterberry Junction isn’t going to be easy. Unless there is a single hunk of a Christmas loving man who just happens to be her sister’s brother-in-law. Can she let her past be the past?
November 8, 2025
I am so grateful to have received an ARC copy of this book.The Art of Being Merry is another cozy "Hallmark-esque" Winterberry Junction story. Dax is such a sweet guy (a change from when you first meet him in A Not So Merry Rescue). Clem has the cutest little boys and Dax is a sweetheart to them as well. It was also great to get to see more of Willa and Beckett again. They were also the sweetest couple. I just love all of Taylor's ideas with her cute little Christmas themed town with all the festive residents. This is definitely a great read if you want a cozy romance while getting in the Christmas spirit.
November 7, 2025
The Christmas Magic You've Been Missing! 🎄
I admit I haven't felt the Christmas spirit as of late. This book brought all those feelings rushing back with laughter and tears and everything in-between. Dax and Clem are the easiest couple to root for, and the kids are total scene-stealers.
Seriously, if you need that holiday spark, pick this up.
Winterberry Junction sounds like the most magical place on earth and I wish it were real.
Five stars!
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I admit I haven't felt the Christmas spirit as of late. This book brought all those feelings rushing back with laughter and tears and everything in-between. Dax and Clem are the easiest couple to root for, and the kids are total scene-stealers.
Seriously, if you need that holiday spark, pick this up.
Winterberry Junction sounds like the most magical place on earth and I wish it were real.
Five stars!
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 8, 2025
For anyone who loves a cozy holiday romance, this is the perfect book to curl up with! It is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.
Dax, the charming and sweet man, who happens to live in his parents’ basement. The way he cares about Clem and her boys is so heartwarming. From helping to find a Christmas tree, to offering to watch the kids, he was a walking green flag.
Clem, she is a pillar of strength. From rebuilding her life after her divorce, to raising her kids, she deserves the happiness she finds with Dax.
Dax, the charming and sweet man, who happens to live in his parents’ basement. The way he cares about Clem and her boys is so heartwarming. From helping to find a Christmas tree, to offering to watch the kids, he was a walking green flag.
Clem, she is a pillar of strength. From rebuilding her life after her divorce, to raising her kids, she deserves the happiness she finds with Dax.
November 13, 2025
Sweet festive read, reminded me of romance wrapped up in holiday magic... just like a Hallmark movie.
There was great chemistry between dax and Clem.
I really enjoyed Dax's character development and how he was there for Atlas and Jace as well as Clem.
In the end they had a wonderful family connection.
Cute read to start the Christmas season.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.
There was great chemistry between dax and Clem.
I really enjoyed Dax's character development and how he was there for Atlas and Jace as well as Clem.
In the end they had a wonderful family connection.
Cute read to start the Christmas season.
I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review.
December 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a cute holiday romance. I liked that Clem got her independence back while relying on her family and friends. He looks like James Roday Rodriguez!
Tropes:
Single Mom
Forever Bachelor
Friends to Lovers
Holiday Romance
Small Town
Remarks:
When Dax finally saw Clementine, he couldn’t look away.
Clementine learned what it meant to have a partner.
Dax was finally able to find his reason to slow down.
This was a cute holiday romance. I liked that Clem got her independence back while relying on her family and friends. He looks like James Roday Rodriguez!
Tropes:
Single Mom
Forever Bachelor
Friends to Lovers
Holiday Romance
Small Town
Remarks:
When Dax finally saw Clementine, he couldn’t look away.
Clementine learned what it meant to have a partner.
Dax was finally able to find his reason to slow down.
November 2, 2025
This is a fun and cozy book for the holiday season. The setting is perfect for Christmas and I just loved Dax. Even though he said he's a permanent bachelor the way he cared showed a different side to him. He was such a supportive friend and did what he could to help. I was cheering for all of these characters throughout reading this book. This is such a magical holiday story.
November 9, 2025
This is the perfect cute holiday read. As the season gets colder, its perfect to curl up next to the fire and read. The story of Dax and Clem is perfect. Can Dax help Clem find love again while helping her care for her boys? Dax is the perfect man to help with holiday cheer and finding happiness again. I love this series and will defiantly reread again.
November 7, 2025
A Winterberry Junction Christmas is the perfect Christmas setting for new opportunities! Dax and Clem’s story is is uplifting and the classic Christmas romance, predictable but if you love Christmas romances, it’s perfect. Hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
November 11, 2025
This is a wonderful cozy feel good romance with the beautiful holiday setting. I found the characters to be easy going characters that had sizzling chemistry between them. You cann’t help but cheer for them to be together. Perfect read for cozying up by a fire for sweet holiday romance.
November 11, 2025
I love this small town romance story, definitely a hallmark movie in a book. Falling in love with Dax and Clem is so easy. Winterberry Junction is such a cute place! Definitely grab this for your hoilday read!
November 13, 2025
good
Such a good Christmas story. This was my first Taylor Delong book. I love how clementine and Dax started at fwb then it turned into a full blown relationship. It was amazing when they admitted their feelings
Such a good Christmas story. This was my first Taylor Delong book. I love how clementine and Dax started at fwb then it turned into a full blown relationship. It was amazing when they admitted their feelings
November 14, 2025
Dax and Clem’s story is so sweet. It reminds me of a good hallmark movie with a little bit of spice😉. I won’t give to much away but Dax is the perfect book boyfriend and Clem is a loving stubborn woman. The perfect book to read during the holiday season.
November 7, 2025
This is a cute holiday romance finding love after a marriage fails. A definite must read in my opinion. The magic that comes alive in this book.
November 7, 2025
This is such a prefect, feel good christmas story.
Dax didn’t think he was the settling down kind of guy, but oh was he wrong . He just hadn’t found the right person until Clem came along. He steps up in so many different ways for her and her boys without realizing it.
Dax didn’t think he was the settling down kind of guy, but oh was he wrong . He just hadn’t found the right person until Clem came along. He steps up in so many different ways for her and her boys without realizing it.
December 7, 2025
Oh my stars!! I was so excited to be back in Winterberry Junction and boy did it not disappoint!! The Art of Being Merry was the second book in Taylor’s Winterberry Junction series. It can be read as a stand-alone but if you love holiday romances, definitely check out the first one!! It was full of holiday magic, sweet nothings, and so much swoon!!
Clementine was trying to get her life back on track while waiting on her divorce to be finalized. Settling down in Winterberry Junction seemed to be just what her and her boys needed. That was until Dax slowly became more than they were both willing to admit.
Oh Dax!!! He was such an amazing person. I loved watching him with the boys and how he took care of Clementine!! Loved how the holiday spirit was mixed in with the spice! Clementine was such an amazing mother raising two sweet boys! They really gave the book a little extra! It was a perfect book to kick off the holiday season!
Clementine was trying to get her life back on track while waiting on her divorce to be finalized. Settling down in Winterberry Junction seemed to be just what her and her boys needed. That was until Dax slowly became more than they were both willing to admit.
Oh Dax!!! He was such an amazing person. I loved watching him with the boys and how he took care of Clementine!! Loved how the holiday spirit was mixed in with the spice! Clementine was such an amazing mother raising two sweet boys! They really gave the book a little extra! It was a perfect book to kick off the holiday season!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews