Marjorie & Me

by Melissa Grace

Kat Simon’s life revolves around the ones she gets paid to chronicle on the radio every weekday morning, those embedded within the treasures she finds at her favorite antique shop, Whimsy and Wu, and the ones in her head that tell her she’s not good enough. But when she thrifts a gorgeous vase that turns out to be an urn occupied by the spirit of former southern socialite, Marjorie Lockwood, Kat gets a bigger story than she bargained for.



Marjorie is bold, confident, and self-assured—everything Kat isn’t. Unable to keep her judgments to herself, Marjorie decides to help Kat understand why her dating life is a disaster. Meanwhile, Kat is determined to help Marjorie figure out what unfinished business is keeping her from going into the light, so they can both finally rest in peace. What ensues is a journey of hilarious hijinks (how does one excuse bringing an urn everywhere they go without raising suspicion?) and profound self discovery. Marjorie & Me is a delightfully funny and heartwarming story about the magical bonds that exist between women and the transcendent power of unconditional love.

Genres: Magical Realism, Humor, Friends To Lovers, Paranormal, Romance

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Melissa Grace is the author of the Midnight in Dallas romcom series, and her freelance work has been featured in publications like Medium, Thought Catalog, and The Mighty. She resides just outside of Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and many fur children. When she’s not writing, she can often be found reading or curled up in her bed with snacks like a trash panda, avoiding simple tasks because of her anxiety.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever finished a book and found yourself completely at a loss for words—not because it was disappointing, but because it was absolute perfection? That’s exactly how Marjorie & Me left me feeling. When I turned the last page, I just sat there, not ready to let go. I was heartbroken that it was over, but so grateful for the experience of such a beautiful story.
Reading it felt like watching a perfectly crafted TV show—so vivid, so emotionally rich, and so well-executed. If you're drawn to stories with ghosts, deep friendship, and love, I can’t recommend this one enough. Please pick it up—you won’t regret it.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marjorie & Me is my first read by Melissa Grace. The premise grabbed my attention, and once I started reading, I was immediately drawn in. This novel is an unexpected delight. It's a romantic comedy with a paranormal twist and a bit of southern flair, but mostly a lot of heart.
The setting is middle Tennessee, in and around Nashville. Our main character is a radio co-host of a morning show who has a love of antiques. After a particularly embarrassing breakup, she self-soothes by stopping at her favorite shop. There, she picks up a lovely urn that happens to have a ghost attached to it.
I will not recap the plot but suffice it to say that hilarity ensues. In addition, there is character growth and the development of lovely relationships. Marjorie & Me explores the process of learning to love oneself, flaws and all, and allowing vulnerability to accept love from others. There are also beautiful examples of women supporting one another and lifting each other up through adversity, insecurity, self-doubt, and trust issues. This is a story of healing, learning, and finding joy in living. It is a beautiful account of love in a variety of forms: romantic, parent-child, and friendship. The author teaches us about unconditional love, healthy heteroromantic relationships, and the importance of found family. I am better for having read this novel.
PS. I mistakenly thought I was picking up a sapphic novel. This is not that, but it is a great story with a lovely hetero main romance and closed-door spice. It also includes queer rep. It is well-written and lovely, and I recommend it for all readers.
#birep #gayrep #heteromaincharacters #friendstolovers #radioshowhosts #paranormal #ghost #foundfamily #womensupportingwomen #funny #wittybanter #HEA #epilogue #closeddoorspice #fallseason #catnamedDelilah #mainsage30's #Tennessee #Nashville
I received a free ARC from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! It’s the first book after Melissa’s Midnight in Dallas series and it was so good! Melissa’s writing feels like coming home. She’s able to balance the humor and the heartache that we all deal with in a daily basis in such a beautiful ways. This one really highlights finding friends in UNEXPECTED places at the exact right time that you need them. Kat and Marjorie are my new favorite duo!!

I loved Kat so much! I loved that she found a ghostie bestie in an urn at her friend’s thrift store and ran with it. I loved that she was just looking for love!!!! And found it in SO MANY WAYS throughout the book. Seeing her and Marjorie both work through things that were holding them back was so beautiful. And really their story was my favorite part of the whole book! I of course loved seeing Kat find her person!! But I also REALLY loved Kat and Marjorie find each other.

I am a SUCKER for a good epilogue okay, and this one was PERFECT. It really brought everything together for me and it was just so GOOD!

Thank you so much to Pen Pal PR and Melissa Grace for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars!

This is a wonderful story! So good. I didn’t want to get to the end because I knew what HAD to happen and I wasn’t ready.

There is a romance in this story for Kat, but ultimately the focus is on the relationship between Kat and Marjorie. Their bond in such a short time is so beautiful. Marjorie is there for Kat when she needs it. There’s emotion, slight angst and humor-especially from Marjorie.

This is an all around heartwarming, feel good story. I definitely recommend it!

Thank you to the author and Pen Pal PR for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Hannah Boyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, yes I am EMOTIONAL rn (in all the right ways).
Marjorie & me is a gorgeous story of self-discovery, female friendship and learning how to live with loss.

Kat is a radio show host, with a rather tragic love life. She’s (rightly) traumatised by her family history, when an unexpected friend (Marjorie, a ghost) arrives to cause some mayhem, and to help her find love.

I think we all know by now how much I hate a miscommunication trope BUT as an anxious girly I was like yeah okay I get it. Kat is realistically one of the MCs i think I’ve ever related to the most in that sense. AND the miscommunication was actually addressed which i feel is so rare to see in romance?? The acknowledgment that nothing is ever perfect, but that we can make changes to make things better.

I loved Marjorie, I wish she was my hype woman like she was for Kat tbh. Her whole story made me 🥹🥹
I really really loved how Marjorie & Kat’s friendship was actually the biggest focus of the story, though. Friendships are, and can be, just as important as romantic relationships and I don’t think that’s always acknowledged enough in these kind of books!! I’ll be thinking about this book for a very long time ❤️

[Jade Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* (rounded up on here)

What a privilege to read this early. I both laughed and cried.

When I began reading, I will admit the novel started to feel a bit like First Time Caller by BK Borison, and I was a little worried I was in for something extremely similar. However, there is a very unique side to this story, one that brought with it a lot of emotion, and while there are certainly some similarities, for me it is the friendship between the main female characters that makes this book special.

In this story we follow Kat, who works for a radio show, co-hosting a show with friends Becca and Jude, led by a guy named Eddie. Unexpectedly, Kat becomes friends with the ghost of a lady called Marjorie. Kat seeks help with dating, while Marjorie enlists Kat’s help to help her find out how to move on to the after life.

The relationship between our two female main characters is written beautifully and I also enjoyed the romance aspect the plot of this novel has to offer too.

If you like the idea of First Time Caller with a supernatural twist, I think you’ll enjoy this one!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight!

[Gabrielle B Prevette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally left me in tears. So many emotions felt while reading this book. Based in Nashville, Kat is a host on a radio show in Nashville. Her luck in the dating world has taken a downhill turn and she needs any help she can get to find Mr. right.
This book is an easy read and there were twists and turns that I didn’t anticipate.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how the author went into detail on the characters relationships with one another and the growth with some of them. Also, where can I find a Marjorie because she is absolutely amazing! And how the plot was written made it so much better to read because you got a little bit of Marjorie’s problems, then a bit of Kat’s.👻♥️💕

[Kristen Tomlinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUYS! I read this book in one sitting because it was SO good. I really enjoyed the friendship being the main focus with a little romance on the side. Plus, how can you not love a sassy ghost as a BFF? Melissa Grace absolutely crushed it yet again. I highly recommend this one for anyone who is looking for a truly feel good read!

[Alicia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh my side sore only to have me in tears for the last few chapters. I absolutely loved it!

If you need something heart warming and light with just the right amount of depth and love (of many different kinds), then this is the right book for you. It made me think a lot about my own relationships and what really matters at the end of the day. It's sweet when it needs to be, with just the right amount of salty to keep you on your toes, and I'm not just talking about Marjorie (hehehe, you'll see what I mean when you read it)!

[Ally Cutroni · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was written beautifully. it captures the meaning of unconditional friendships/relationships as well as facing things from your past head on. i laughed & i cried to this wonderful book!

[Abigail M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

— ARC provided in exchange for an honest review — I absolutely loved Marjorie & Me! I highly recommend as a sweet story with lovable characters, an important message and a touch of ghostly energy. There is a great focus on the importance of friendships and this is a love story, but in a way you may not expect. This novel made me shed a few tears, along with laugh out loud on multiple occasions. Marjorie’s southern charm, wit and sass had me fondly reminiscing about some of the women in my own life! There are great life lessons and reminders shared through Marjorie, Kat and their experiences. I am so thankful to Melissa Grace for sharing this story and for the opportunity to be part of the ARC team!

[Cassie O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I wanted and more. Kat ends up meeting Marjorie, a woman who died 9 years prior, after she buys her urn at a thrift shop, and the two begin a reluctant relationship to help one another. Kat is bold and funny, a tattooed, sweary queen sick of the dating scene. Marjorie is a buttoned-up socialite who spent her life doing what others thought she should do, not what she wanted. While their antics cause problems throughout the novel (broken glass at a dinner, cold spots, reactions, etc), Marjorie and Kat really end up wanting what's best for each other.

This book had be cackling out loud, kicking my feet, smiling at my Kindle, and absolutely bawling my eyes out in heartfelt care. I cannot recommend this novel more highly.

Spice rating: 2/5 - less focus on her romance, more on her relationships
Overall rating: 5/5

[Lauren Thoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just absolutely blazed through this wonderful standalone novel from Melissa Grace in a single sitting. It’s got so many things I adore in a story: a delightful protagonist with a great sense of humor, a swoony romance crafted entirely from green flags, a wonderful group of ride-or-die friends, and the sassiest ghost this side of the afterlife. I laughed and sighed and gasped and basically felt ALL the things, and will now be throwing this book at everyone I know for the foreseeable future because it’s exactly the blend of hope and humor and heart that I need right now, and I doubt I’m alone in that.

[Kerry | KerryGetsLiterary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempted to take notes while reading & then was so obsessed that I actually forgot about doing that & ignored my phone! 😱

I laughed no less than 47 times reading this book & read it in two sittings & highlighted several quotes.

This is the type of experience I crave while reading. Where I'm hooked from page 1, completely invested in the characters' lives & stories, & I fall in love with them (even if they are a ghost). I adore every single character in this book (except Todd, IYKYK) & their sense of family & love is a joy to read. Kat's friends & co-workers are the type of people I wish were real so I could know them, too. The character development for both Kat & Marjorie were so well done, & their growth is beautiful. Watching Kat doubt herself over & over to finally learning her worth felt triumphant, & it was an honor to witness Marjorie figure out her unfinished business. Who would have guessed that a sassy 65 year old ghost would be my favorite character? Other than Delilah the cat, of course. This book shows that we are constantly learning, evolving, improving, at all ages & stages. It made me hope that there really is something after this life.

While there is also a romance & I knew from the start who the love interest was, the real story is Marjorie & Kat's relationship. What a beautiful friendship they create, & I love to see friendships form across generations. Melissa weaves in separate plotlines beautifully, & the entire story feels cohesive & purposeful.

Marjorie & Me as a whole is also a realistic representation of grief. One minute you think you're okay, the next you're sobbing. One minute you're laughing, the next you're feeling guilty for smiling. You're exhausted but have to keep going. It's a cathartic read.

Side note: I was texting @plantnannyreads while reading & she & I both read Marjorie's voice in our brains with a coastal grandma transatlantic accent. 😂

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 obviously. I was obsessed & could not put it down. Loved so so much. Out TODAY! Go read it!

[Jill Pierson-Kennard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an e-copy for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and was laughing out loud in the first chapter. Kat has been down on her luck with dating. She bought a vessel that contained ashes. These ashes were Marjorie’s. Kat worked in radio on a morning show. One morning she was on the show and a caller called in and discussed how bad his date was the night before. The caller was going to text his date and say he didn’t want to go out with her again. Kat got the text on air. The other hosts of the radio show decided that Kat should participate in a dating segment and that they could help her find the right one for her. Kat was the only person that could see Marjorie. She had to take Marjorie’s ashes with her for her sprit to come along. The story alternates between Kat’s dating, her fun relationship with Marjorie, and getting Marjorie to cross over. Marjorie and Kat become very close. Kat brings her on all of her bad dates for the radio show. In the end, Kat and one of the other hosts connected with each other and began dating. They got married and had a daughter that they named Marjorie. Marjorie’s spirt eventually crossed over. I really enjoyed this book and found myself laughing out loud many times. The characters were well developed and interesting.

[Karen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful workplace romance but at its heart, it’s a story of friendship with a dose of sweet, paranormal magic. Kat struggles to find the confidence in herself to keep a relationship, and finds an unlikely confidant friend that’s was socialite…and a ghost. Helping Marjorie with unfinished business, Marjorie reciprocates by helping Kat with being self assured enough to begin and keep a relationship with her co-worker Jude. There is humor sprinkled in with the deep emotional messages that kept this a cute rom-com with an even cuter happily ever after. I just feel lighter and better after reading this—I want to hug the ones I hold close, I want to believe in my self a little bit more and I want to thank the friends who have stayed by my side. 4.25 stars
Thanks to the author and PenPalPR for the eARC.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Pen Pal PR for helping me discover this ARC and with being gracious enough to allow me to read this book.

As a Mortician, anything involving any aspect of my job I am instantly going to gravitate towards, and the icing on top of this cake was not only was this such beautiful story, but I can now say this will be recommended to some of those I come across who need that feel good story when they are grieving anything, not just a loss.

This story follows Kat, a radio show co-host who can’t get past 3 dates in her love life, her family past that haunts her, and her journey meeting an unlikely friend who is super sassy and also a ghost. The friendship that transpired and the self discovery made this a cozy and relatable read for me. I do think there is so much good representation in this book for those who are in end of life care and their everyday life that many who have had loved ones in hospice care would love to see MORE of those kind of caring and selfless people and that touches me to see it so beautifully written in this book.

Another thing that drew me to this was naming Kat’s Cat Delilah cause I know I speak for many when I say her calming voice and eloquent nature has been there for those when we needed her most so thank you for her representation in a story that it works just as beautifully.

I think anyone who is going through any loss or longs for having just one more day with someone you have lost, both living or dead should seriously give this book a read. It hits every feel good string in your body, and every emotion that makes you really root for these characters and their outcomes.
Can’t express enough how happy this book fell into my lap, and I can’t wait to get copies to share with people I think it will touch.

[Sara D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marjorie and Me is a beautiful story of love, self-discovery, loss and friendship. Kat is a host of a morning radio show who is struggling with dating and is being set up on dates by her cohosts. Marjorie (a ghost) comes into her life unexpectedly but at just the right moment - to help guide her on her quest to find love. Kat in turn is determined to help Marjorie discover and complete her unfinished business on earth. They gain much more from each other - unconditional love, support and healing of the past.

The main focus of the book was on Marjorie and Kats friendship and it was so much fun to read! The characters are lovable, Kat’s self-doubt and anxieties are relatable and you will be rooting for both of them the entire time. Everyone needs a friend like Marjorie in their life!

I laughed, I cried, and I smiled the whole time. A heart-warming, funny and unexpected story that I absolutely loved! Thank you Pen Pal PR and Melissa Grace for this ARC read!

Release Date: August 19

[Kenzie Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚱️emotional support ghost
⚱️women supporting women
⚱️unconditional love

This book was FUN, humorous, and tells a story of unconditional love. Marjorie is a woman we all need in our life! She’s a strong, brave, fierce woman. All traits seen to rub off on the lovely Kat. Kat is a character we can all cheer for and admire the support she has created in her life after overcoming so much.

I’ve never finished a book with such a jovial and positive ending. Marjorie and Me has me emotional in all the right ways and I found it to be just what I needed to read. Melissa Grace has yet to disappoint me!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been quite a while since a book has made me cry, but OH did Melissa Grace change that! What an absolutely beautiful story.

We follow our FMC, Kat, who is a single woman in her mid - late 30s struggling with her sense of self worth, abandonment issues and just all the feel that come along with having been through some stuff in life. I truly may not have ever related to a character more. I think on some level, everyone can relate to Kat. Which made me connect with this story even more.

Then we have our sassy southern ghosty gal, Marjorie. She is just what Kat needs with her tornado like personality, confidence, and motherly love. In turn, Kat is just what she needs. And no, not only to help figure out what her unfinished business is. This story is so much more than that or even a romance (but yes, we do get cute love interests and funny AF side characters). This is a story about healing and friendship. GAH, it's just so fantastic. I loved every second. Once again, Melissa, you hit it out of the park!

[Marisha (MarishaReadsALot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to author Melissa Grace for the gifted ARC!

I don't know that I've ever been so in love with characters in a book as I was with Marjorie & Kat... and Dennis and Jude! At its core, this is a book about love, but in all of its forms. I laughed out loud, I cried, and I swooned.

I've typed, erased, re-typed, etc. so many times when trying to write this review because I just can't eloquently put into words all the things I loved about this book. I think it's fair to say it has that certain "je ne sais quois." It's clear that Melissa Grace put a whole bunch of heart and soul into it, and it was truly a pleasure to read.

One of the things I loved most was that Marjorie was so witty, sassy, and fiercely protective, she made me wish I had my very own ghost. I may have to go thrift shopping soon...

I will end with some advice: make sure you have plenty of tissues handy!

[thriftlibreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For a moment, we are suspended in time, just two girls having fun.”

Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity for Majorie & Me! Katherine(FMC) is a radio talk show host that comes into contact with Marjorie, the ghost of a southern socialite. After buying a pretty antique piece, Kat arrives home to discover she actually purchased an urn and it came with a ghost! Marjorie comes off as a bit judgmental but soon warms up to Kat and her cat, Delilah. Kat’s dating life hasn’t been the best and with Marjorie’s help, she’s agreed to a series of blind dates to gain content for her radio show. She embarks on dates with Marjorie at her side. Soon she realizes what she’s been looking for, has been in front of her this whole time. Thanks to Marjorie’s help, Kat takes a chance on Jude(MMC). From here we go through the ups and downs of their dating relationship. We further explore Kat’s trauma and what’s led to her deep insecurities when it comes to dating and relationships in general. All the while trying to figure out how to get Marjorie “into the light” she and Kat set off on meeting people from Marjorie’s life to see if they are part of her unfinished business keeping her earth side. We learn about Marjorie and her love struggles while she was alive. Eventually reconnecting her to an old love of hers. I absolutely loved the bond between Kat and Marjorie, I ended up in tears during the final chapters as their story was wrapping up. I found myself connecting with some of the insecurities Kat showcases, and I loved how vulnerable she was willing to be. Don’t forget to purchase a copy on August 19th!

[April | Aprilsbooknook_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Kat accidentally inherits a ghost stuck in limbo, she makes it her mission to help Marjorie cross over to the other side.

What happens next is a whirlwind of chaos, crazy dating antics and a friendship that lasts a lifetime. 🥹

Marjorie and Kat build the most unlikely friendship and my heart absolutely ached with bittersweetness when it was Majories time to go.

I just think you need to read this story. It's so beautiful in all the ways.

and yes, Kat finds her HEA 🤍

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words that accurately convey my love and appreciation for this book. The way Melissa spun this plot was perfection. This book has it all…a little romance, a little friendship, and a whole lot of heart and humor.

Marjorie is a an old lady ghost that only Kat can see and hear when she purchases Marjorie’s urn from an antique store. Marjorie is a hoot and speaks her mind, and the relationship that forms between her and Kat shows us the power of unconditional love. Marjorie being like the mother Kat lost, and Kat being the daughter Marjorie never had.

Kat is a host on a radio show, and when she gets “dumped on air,” they decide to set Kat up on some dates with listeners. Want to know my favorite part?? Marjorie goes with her to help coach her, but what ends up happening is that Marjorie truly gets Kat to see her own self worth, and that she is enough 🥹.

There are so many sweet, tender moments in this book, but also a lot of shenanigans with Kat & Marjorie. You do not want to miss out on this one, so preorder your copy today! It was such a fun and meaningful story that I highly recommend. It will definitely be a top favorite this year, and Marjorie will go down as a character I will always remember ❤️.

[Ashley Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marjorie & Me is one of the BEST books I've ever read. It's also such a different kind of book.

When I found this book on Instagram I was intrigued just by the tropes. I knew from the start it would be different. (in a good way). The only part of this book I hated was that it couldn't go on forever. I think I could read Marjorie's sassy mouth all day long. Kat's charcter development *slammm freaking dunk*.

I dont think I've ever laughed so hard reading a book before. It was exactly what I needed.

If you were to ever take any of my book reccomendations let this be one of them!

thank you so much Pen Pal PR & Melissa Grace for the ARC. 🩷

[Readwithsamijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I laughed! and i mean laughed. Honestly this story had me with its warmth and banter and not ashamed to say almost a little tear too.

I definitely recommend this book if you love things like ghost whisperer and also maybe always wanted to see a little character growth in Emily Gilmore from Gilmore girls.

Solid build up with a cute cinnamon roll guy and a girl who finally learns she is deserving of love

I had my moments of frustration with her self sabotaging but it was also so nice to recognise things that I have done myself and though after why can I give a fictional character a break but not myself.

So yeah also unexpectedly thought provoking too.

With a huge big thanks and warm hug to Melissa Grace and penpal pr for the advanced copy.

[Sara (sarasbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely heartwarming and captivating story! Marjorie and Me beautifully blends the worlds of the living and the spirit, with a friendship that transcends time. Watching a person and a ghost help each other heal, grow, and find peace was such a unique and touching experience. Keep tissues near by there were parts that made me cry.

If you’re a fan of the show Ghost Whisperer, this book is definitely for you, it’s got that same emotional pull, mystery, and hint of the supernatural that keeps you hooked until the very last page. 💕📚👻

Thank you to Melissa Grace and Penpal PR for this ARC

[Reganne Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? It had me laughing, crying, giddy, sad…what a range of emotions it evoked. I can honestly say the tropes fit perfectly. Marjorie and Kat are a great duo for some witty banter to heartbreaking, raw conversations. This is one of the books I’ll forever wish to read again for the first time!