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Coming Home to Merriment Bay

Wedding Bells in Merriment Bay

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Change is in the air as wedding bells ring out in Merriment Bay.

Cat’s determined to propose to Amias. Well, it is a leap year so it’s fine for women to do the asking, and besides, it took him eighteen years to tell her how he felt. She’s not going to wait for him to pop the question. All she needs to do is find the perfect time and place.

Kyra’s fallen for Francis Raine, who seems happy to flirt and exchange banter but hasn’t actually asked her out. Does he reciprocate her feelings, or is he this way with every girl he meets? There’s only one way to find out. She’ll ask him on a date … as soon as he returns to Merriment Bay.

Mary’s leaving Devon Villa after a lifetime spent in the house. She’s never lived alone so it’s both an exciting and a terrifying prospect. But change is good, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s time she tried a few other new things too.

The Devon women want to move on to the next chapters in their lives. And as Viola Devon used to say before she died, “The only one who can write your own life story as you want it, is you.” Although Viola’s didn’t work out too well. Will Cat, Kyra, and Mary have better luck with theirs?

This is book three in the Merriment Bay series. It can be read as a standalone but you would enjoy it more if you read the other two books in this series first. The Merriment Bay series is interlinked with the Wyntersleap series and several characters appear in both series.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2020

306 people are currently reading
122 people want to read

About the author

Emily Harvale

77 books222 followers
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

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5 stars
506 (60%)
4 stars
225 (26%)
3 stars
83 (9%)
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24 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Berit☀️✨ .
2,095 reviews15.7k followers
July 28, 2020
What a wonderful ending to these two interconnecting series! Emily Harvale once again you have broken my heart by ending A Series far too soon for me! I read the latest books in both the Wynterleap series and this one back to back. Both Series are interconnected with many characters crossing over into both, I really love how Emily does this. Both series can be read independently, but I strongly encourage you to read both in tandem. They are both wonderful series filled with charming characters and delightful settings.

Will Cat and Amias finally tied the knot? This is a romance 18 years in the making and I have to say the grand finale was quite the show! Cat’s mom meets a new man and I think she’s finally found a good one. Now that Kyra is single will she and Francis get together? All these questions will be answered and so much more! Love this little town by the sea and these characters that feel like friends. Looking forward to what Emily has in store for us next.

This book in emojis 🎈 👰🏼 ⛵️ ☕️ 💕

*** Big thank you to Emily Harvale for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,960 reviews225 followers
July 26, 2020
Love is still very much in the air in Merriment Bay. Wherever you go and whichever character the story turns to, it is there. You can’t help but get caught up in all of the wonderful romance that fills this book to the brim.

Olivia and Mary, the older characters in this story, are ones that I have never fully warmed to but in this one we see a different side to them, more so Olivia. Mary still seems to find it hard to fully not have digs at her daughter and Amias but she is getting better. She certainly keeps things interesting.

I like that we get to see more of Kyra and Francis, both who I like. The age gap between these two did worry me slightly in the previous novels but it works so well and I couldn’t help cheering for them hoping and that they would finally get together. Cat and Amias, I absolutely adore and something that Amias does for Cat, well it had my heart melting and wondering why men can’t all be as romantic as he is.

Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay was a gorgeous, romantic read that proves romance is far from dead, well in the fiction world anyways. It is wonderful escapism that I always end up reading far too quickly as the author knows how to capture my heart and mind. Another of the author’s books that I absolutely adored.

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Reads for an invite to be on the tour and for a readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Profile Image for Rajiv.
982 reviews72 followers
July 25, 2020

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Emily Harvale is becoming one of my favorite authors. I recently read “A Wedding at Wynter House” and enjoyed it. “Wedding Bells in Merriment Bay” turned out to be entertaining as well! The author has a wonderful way of writing feel good romance that just puts a smile on your face. The highlight of the stories are the characters and their relationships.

I loved the two main characters, Cat and Amias. They are fun, feisty and adorable together. Even though I have not read the previous books in this series, I fell in love with these two. Kyra is a fireball. I can’t believe she is only 18 because she is so mature for her age. I just loved how straight forward and mature she is. She knows what she wants and doesn’t beat around the bush. It was fun to see her confront Cat and Amias about their relationship and how to take it forward. Moreover, I really liked her relation with Francis and how she tries to figure him out.

Mary is a very interesting character as well, but not a memorable as Olivia. I really liked her conversations with Daniel, but felt she was not prominent in the story. I would have liked if we had seen more of her. Also, now that I know the characters from the Wyntersleap series, I loved their appearances. It was so nice to see Rafe, Neva, Jo and Olivia make an appearance. I think Olivia is one of my favorite characters in the whole series.

Overall, “Wedding Bells in Merriment Bay” is like tasting cotton candy when you go to the Fair. It just melts all your trouble away and makes you feel good.
Profile Image for B.R. Maycock.
Author 7 books69 followers
August 3, 2020
Yes, I’m back, but also back is a read by the author of so many heart warming cosy reads and series, and this book is no exception. Just two days ago I spoke of the Wyntersleaps series, having reviewed book 3, and wished I could be a bit more caught up. Luckily, this amazing author and blog tour host have ensured that by being on both blog tours- I kind of am!! (This is a hint to get reading both series!!)

In this installment we’re again all about the weddings and marriages. I’ll admit, to some there will be possibly a few too many speaking, worrying and mulling over proposals and weddings, but for most, and especially all enjoying the series, it was welcome.

The settings, as ever, were fantastic, and in particular the events gave off magic and sparkle. I was thrilled I got to know more characters and that some redeemed themselves in my eyes. There wasn’t quite as much drama (with a body in a previous installment, it was difficult to arrive anywhere more explosive!), it was more dialogue, but with that great touch of humor added in places.

All in all so enjoyable and very much recommend as a pair of series. Thanks so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating:4.5/5

Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews70 followers
February 6, 2022
This is book three in the Merriment Bay series, the final book to the series. I have absolutely loved and enjoyed every second of this, the whole series has been an absolute delight of a story.

So first thing I’m going to say on this review, is that was a lot of weddings, I’ve very much got the wedding blues now, lol. This was the perfect end to the series, getting to see some of the characters married off, Rafe/Neve, Gavin/Judith, Alnwick/Annie and of course Amias/Cat, although real shame to not see Adam get a wedding within the series, I had a soft spot for him, the lovable brother of Rafe.

Anyway as always, there was lots going on in this book, not just weddings lol, all of the usual drama and entertainment that I’ve come to expect from this series since I first began it.

I’ve loved all of the characters, impossible to pick a favourite, they are all unique and wonderful in their own way. I can’t recommend this series enough, has been such a joy to read, will certainly miss all of the characters that I’ve come to know so well from both the Merriment Bay series and that of the interlinked Wyntersleap series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews56 followers
July 25, 2020
It's only fairly recently that I discovered how flipping fantastic an author Emily Harvale is. Since then I have tried to keep pace with her new releases whilst trying to catch up with her back catalogue. I haven't quite managed it yet but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for 'Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay' and it certainly sounded like another amazing read from Emily. I wasn't wrong either because 'Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay' was an amazing read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I can honestly say that there was not one character that I disliked in this book. That said, there were occasionally times when I wanted to shake certain characters by the shoulders for not seeing what was directly in front of them. It didn't take me long to feel as though I had reunited with old friends, which is how I view the characters, who live in Merriment Bay. The characters were described so realistically and vividly that they seemed to spring to life, jump off the page and they seemed just as real as you and I.
Oh my word, the synopsis for 'Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay' was enough to grab my attention and the story within the pages of the book was simply a delight to read. To say that I found this book to be addictive reading seems a massive understatement. In fact I didn't put this book down at all from start to finish and I managed to finish the book in one reading binge. I loved the characters of the three main ladies so much that I didn't dare put the book to one side for any length of time for fear of missing out on something. I had a desperate need to know what fate had in store for them and so the pages turned increasingly quickly the further into the story I read. All too quickly I reached the end of the story and I had to bid farewell to the delight that is Merriment Bay.
'Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay' is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Emily's books. She has a way of creating delightful characters, who are impossible to dislike. Emily has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Emily's books feels more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. Emily has a way of making you feel as though you are part of the story yourself. That's how I felt at any rate. I was gripped by this story from start to finish and on the edge of my seat for most of the book.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Wedding Bells In Merriment Bay' and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will most definitely be reading more of Emily's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Chelle W (teaandplottwists).
452 reviews18 followers
July 26, 2020
We’re back in Merriment Bay with Cat, Kyra and Mary Devon. Cat is getting frustrated….despite the fact that her and Amias haven’t been together long they’ve been in love for 18 years; and everyone is getting engaged and married before them! Getting desperate she considers proposing herself but just needs to find the right time…..

Kyra realises that she’s fallen in love with Francis, but he doesn’t seem to take the news that she’s newly single well. Confused by this, Kyra plays it cool but then realises she might have to be the one to make a move if their friendship is ever likely to develop…..

Mary is looking forward to the future. Sad to be leaving her home Devon House, but excited to see what comes next; she visits a newly available bungalow but may get more than she bargained for….

I love Emily’s stories and I love Merriment Bay! This really is a feel-good, make you smile sort of book that you won’t want to put down. There is a ton of happiness, wonderful news, engagements and weddings in this….plenty to uplift you on your most miserable day. I adore the characters in this, and having read the previous books I was thrilled to see what comes next for these wonderful people.

Merriment Bay is such a beautiful place and I love the setting of the wedding in this (but to find out who gets married, you’ll have to read!) The proposal that comes is fantastic, and it’s just so lovely to see so many wonderful things happening to people – there was absolutely no negativity here!

As the series crosses with the Wynstersleap series, it’s fab to check in with a few of those characters; one of my favourites being little feisty 9 year old Sasha who is hilarious! We also spend plenty of time and celebrate with the Wynter’s too.

Overall, this is 100% an uplifting, feel good and heartwarming read. If you’re feeling down and need a pick me up, then this will be for you. You can’t help but smile and be happy for the Devon women when you read this! Although you might be able to read this as a standalone I would definitely suggest reading the rest of the series, so you can get to know the characters properly and their back stories (plus the books are fab!)

If you’re looking for a lovely, relatively short, easy and enjoyable, heartwarming read that will make your heart melt and put a big smile on your face, then check this out! Highly recommend by me. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,360 reviews570 followers
June 14, 2020
What an absolutely wonderful way to finish this epic series (or whatever the plural for series is). As not only does it provide a fitting finale for the whole Devon family, but even was some more of the Wynter family that really made me happy too.

Oh and there is a big romantic gesture in this book that had me thinking that maybe Holly Martin is no longer the queen big romantic gestures, as this one that Emily Harvale wrote is right up there and had me almost in tears of happiness - it was just perfection.

Throughout this final book we have the will they - won't they as to whether Cat and Amias will actually get engaged. Just because Wedding Bells is in the title you can't assume anything, for Wyntersleap and Merriment Bay is overwhelmed with couples in love and on the verge of marriage!

Word's can't express how happy this book made me, it is Emily Harvale at her very best, well rounded and believable characters, romance, relationships, and just a way of drawing you into the story so that you have to read as much as you can in one sitting. In fact had it not been for some thunder, making me go indoors, I would have probably read this one sitting in the garden!

This is a fabulous feel good read, that fans of the author or this series will absolutely adore. And if you have never read an Emily Harvale book, then I'd suggest this series is a great place to start, but perhaps with the first book, as you don't want to miss out any of the fabulousness that is packed into these books!

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kel.
597 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2020
This week I have binge read Emily Harvale and loved it, I love the characters in the Merriment Bay and Wyntersleap series and the crossover has been really well written with exact wording mirroring on a couple of occasions.

If you are looking for a light hearted read then I recommend this series and it can be read as a standalone series or alongside the Wyntersleap books. Emily has a wonderful way with words that make you smile as you read, she writes with passion for her characters and uses little details to add that little bit extra which helps you visualise what she is describing and the feelings and emotions she is conveying in her characters.

In this story we spend more time with Cat & Kyra as they both fall in love and pack up their old lives. Mary is considering selling Devon Villa and finding herself somewhere else to settle and forge a new path for herself with Cat & Kyra now back in her life.

I feel I have gotten to know these characters and have loved reading about them and their adventures. A highly enjoyable series and I am already excited to read what Emily releases next.
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,443 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2020
This felt like the final episode in the Merriment Bay series, with loose ends being tied up, relationships settled and lots and lots of romance. Nevertheless, there were also some new courses set and a new relationship or two introduced so it didn't feel like an ending, but rather a staging post before new adventures. I am sorry that the series has come to an end, but found the final instalment to be as heartwarming and satisfying as ever.

Cat and Amias took centre stage once again but of course at first, there was a bit of a case of non-communication between themselves. As ever, Kyra felt like the most mature person in the family. I have enjoyed the overlap with the Wyntersleap series and to revisit some of their big moments but from other characters' perspectives. Merriment Bay has been a lovely creation and I am looking forward to seeing where Emily Harvale goes next!

In short: Wedding bells ring out.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.
Profile Image for Lucy Mitchell.
Author 5 books51 followers
July 30, 2020
A lovely book!

I am such a fan of this author. I only discovered her recently but I am obsessed with her romances.

In this book I got to understand Cat and Amias more and my goodness what an emotional journey Emily Harvale took me on! My poor tissue box has not recovered.

I like the realistic characters that Emily creates. Love doesn't come easy for them which is very much real life but they all battle through their pain, support each other and come out the other side.

I enjoyed Kyra's trials and tribulations with Francis and I thought she had a lovely relationship with Cat, her mum.

There is a grand romantic gesture in this book and this has to be one of my all time favourites.
It was a great end to a series of books filled with good helpings of romance, some big spoonfuls of uplifting moments, a generous sprinkling of heart racing kisses and a lot of family humour. I'm now hooked!
Profile Image for Between The Pages (Gemma M) .
1,358 reviews30 followers
July 10, 2020
I’ve read a lot by Emily Harvale and I love them. They’re shortish stories that you can just lose yourself into. Cute little towns with great communities full of stories. This was no different. This is book three in the Merriment Bay series but reads well as a standalone.
This book is full of romance, proposals, marriages and babies. All of it! We get several happy endings in this story instead of one. There may be a lot going on in Merriment Bay but they’re not all trying to beat each other or battle it out. They’re all supporting each other and just want their happy endings. I’ve fallen in love with Merriment Bay. Full of happy stories, friendship, family and love.
A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend. They’re all stories that make you smile and feel like your part of the town and the characters are your friends. Beautiful.
Profile Image for Julie.
Author 5 books228 followers
July 29, 2020
I love the way in which EmilyHarvale has expertly woven together all the threads from both series.Although each series is independent the do overlap so I would recommend reading both to get maximum benefit. Of course, we are all hoping for a happy ending and in this book you get several - I did think towards the end it should have been called 'Four weddings and a baby' but as always with this series there are shocks and surprises in store. I read this in one sitting in the garden and it was a perfect feel-good end to the series.
Profile Image for Mellie Meercat.
45 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2020
Another encaptivating chapter in the Merriment Bay series. Everyone is getting married but not Cat. Surely if the love of your life has wanted you for 18 years they would want to propose straight away? Or has she got it all wrong? This is a lovely uplifting novel and I really cannot wait to read the next in the series.
92 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2020
Brlliant

Another fabulous book from Emily. Loved all the characters who you get to know so well they become like family. Made me laugh and cry in places but it was a really good story as are all her books. Was sorry it ended but really please with the outcome. It kept me enthralled all the way through.
Profile Image for Helen Gaye Brewster.
210 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2020
I’ve read all the Wyntersleap and Merriment Bay books, and this is my favorite. It ties up loose ends and lets us peek a bit into the future. I love that the three families, the Devons, the Wells, and the Wynters are all part of the story. My favorite genre is feel-good, happy ending romances and this is one of the best.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
491 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2021
Wedding season is in full swing in Merriment Bay. It seems like every time Cat turns around someone else is getting engaged or getting ready to get married. But why isn’t it her turn, it’s all she can think about and why won’t Amias propose to her? Of course Cat wants nothing better than to become Mrs Wells. I love these books I read them so fast but they draw you in with each story line.
22 reviews
June 10, 2020
FANTASTIC

What a fantastic end to a fantastic series of books. I have never loved or cried as much as I have over these books. I am sorry that the series as come to an end, but can't wait for Emily's next book.😅
7 reviews
June 18, 2020
Happy Endings

A very easy read as all of Emily's books full of the ups and downs of love! Thoroughly enjoyed the Merriment series and was left with a feeling of happiness as Car eventually married the love of her life!!
29 reviews
June 9, 2020
Just perfect.....

What can I say...once again Emily nailed it !! I have loved the whole wyntersleap/merriment bay series. Just the perfect summer read.
Profile Image for Angie S.
214 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2020
Lovely read

Great end to a lovely series of books the confusion between the main characters was good to read from the both of them and I'm really pleased they got their HEA
Profile Image for Pat Langhelt.
1,107 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2020
What a fantastic ending to the series I loved it xx
26 reviews
June 16, 2020
Another beautiful book you just can’t put the book down as soon as you open and start reading them.
6 reviews
July 15, 2020
Not great book overall but aptly named

No real plot just a bit of a ramble also how many times did the word facetious come up in first few pages!
12 reviews
September 10, 2020
Perfect proposal

I truly enjoyed reading the whole series, but this one was by far the most romantic. I loved the story of Cat's and Amias' reunion and how their story unfolds.
237 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2020
Very enjoyable reading

Glad to read happy beginning for everyone,. Very enjoyable stories of mixed adventures entertwining.Would recommend reading entire series all sets 😘⛪🏘🎉🚼🚼🚼😍
24 reviews
October 15, 2020
Brilliant

Another brilliant story by Emily I can’t wait to read the next book with Cat and Amias in, and wynter house series starting wonderful thank you thank you
358 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
Another lovely ending

Great as expected and a nice end to the series of books. Enjoyable and easy reading. Enjoyed the characters too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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