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The Little Shop of Merry and Bright
Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26From the "Christmas book queen" (PEOPLE) comes a charming wintertime tale about a young woman who is given a chance to right a wrong…but at what cost?
Three years ago, Casey declined her then-boyfriend’s marriage proposal . . . and it went viral. Her face became a meme. After years of dealing with the backlash online, Casey now leads a quiet life, working as a stock replenisher for a family-owned department store. No risk of public humiliation, and . . . no possibility of a boyfriend.
Until the night before Christmas, during a work shift, Casey notices a strange woman in the homeware department. But when the police arrive, the intruder is nowhere to be seen. It soon becomes clear that this woman, Margo, is the Spirit of Christmas Present, who has chosen to sit this holiday out.
Casey attempts to exorcize the spirit until finally Margo makes a she will use her powers to erase the meme that made Casey notorious. There’s just one catch. Casey must witness five of her alternate realities—in which the meme never happened—and if after all five she still wants it wiped, Margo will grant her wish. But what might Casey lose in the process? What if the life she's led has actually been brighter than she's ever let herself believe?
Three years ago, Casey declined her then-boyfriend’s marriage proposal . . . and it went viral. Her face became a meme. After years of dealing with the backlash online, Casey now leads a quiet life, working as a stock replenisher for a family-owned department store. No risk of public humiliation, and . . . no possibility of a boyfriend.
Until the night before Christmas, during a work shift, Casey notices a strange woman in the homeware department. But when the police arrive, the intruder is nowhere to be seen. It soon becomes clear that this woman, Margo, is the Spirit of Christmas Present, who has chosen to sit this holiday out.
Casey attempts to exorcize the spirit until finally Margo makes a she will use her powers to erase the meme that made Casey notorious. There’s just one catch. Casey must witness five of her alternate realities—in which the meme never happened—and if after all five she still wants it wiped, Margo will grant her wish. But what might Casey lose in the process? What if the life she's led has actually been brighter than she's ever let herself believe?
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Jenny Bayliss
7 books1,746 followersJenny Bayliss lives in a small seaside town in the UK with her husband, their children having left home for big adventures. After having been a professional cake-baker for many years, she went back to college at age thirty-nine to study part-time for a degree in Creative and Professional Writing. Bayliss likes long walks, baking days, stationery, and shamelessly wearing party dresses to the supermarket. The Twelve Dates of Christmas is her debut novel.
See also: Jenni Jennings
See also: Jenni Jennings
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 20, 2026
Happy Christmas in July! What a delightful, whimsical read! This is the first time Bayliss has ventured into magical realism, and I absolutely adored her take on the sassy Ghost of Christmas Present, Margo.
I honestly think I loved Casey and Margo's friendship even more than the romance itself—which is saying something, because Ajay was exactly the Prince Charming Casey deserved. One of the things Bayliss does best is create a cast of characters you can't help but fall in love with, and this novel is no exception. Nigel and Vern were delightful, and I especially enjoyed watching both Casey and her brother Nate grow and heal throughout the story.
As always, Bayliss's descriptions are so vivid and immersive that I could perfectly picture the charming English countryside she brought to life on the page.
Another magical Christmas read from my favorite festive author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I honestly think I loved Casey and Margo's friendship even more than the romance itself—which is saying something, because Ajay was exactly the Prince Charming Casey deserved. One of the things Bayliss does best is create a cast of characters you can't help but fall in love with, and this novel is no exception. Nigel and Vern were delightful, and I especially enjoyed watching both Casey and her brother Nate grow and heal throughout the story.
As always, Bayliss's descriptions are so vivid and immersive that I could perfectly picture the charming English countryside she brought to life on the page.
Another magical Christmas read from my favorite festive author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2026
This was a cute take on the Christmas Carol story we all know. Rather than being the misanthrope herself, the Ghost of Christmas Present encounters the main character Casey by accident as she is essentially going on strike from her work as a
Christmas spirit.
Casey is lying low working her job in a store after she went viral in all the wrong ways a few years previously. She’s become a meme after rejecting a marriage proposal and the public has sided with her ex and is against her. (I pictured her memes to be similar to “Karen” memes.)
I really liked the interplay between Casey and Margo the spirit. Margo even said a few lines from A Christmas Carol that I really enjoyed. I wish that there had been a little more from the glimpses into the other lives but the book was a really interesting look at the lasting effects from such minor changes.
The romance was fine; I liked that Ajay was honest with Casey and understood her insecurities.
I also loved the family owned department store! It seemed like such a lovely place. There weren’t as many Christmassy elements to the plot though. This is more of a character driven story. I did enjoy what Christmassy elements there were though. And I liked the depiction of the small town in England and the British phrases and customs.
Overall an enjoyable festive read. That cover is adorable too!
Thank you to the publisher, G P Putnam’s Sons, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Christmas spirit.
Casey is lying low working her job in a store after she went viral in all the wrong ways a few years previously. She’s become a meme after rejecting a marriage proposal and the public has sided with her ex and is against her. (I pictured her memes to be similar to “Karen” memes.)
I really liked the interplay between Casey and Margo the spirit. Margo even said a few lines from A Christmas Carol that I really enjoyed. I wish that there had been a little more from the glimpses into the other lives but the book was a really interesting look at the lasting effects from such minor changes.
The romance was fine; I liked that Ajay was honest with Casey and understood her insecurities.
I also loved the family owned department store! It seemed like such a lovely place. There weren’t as many Christmassy elements to the plot though. This is more of a character driven story. I did enjoy what Christmassy elements there were though. And I liked the depiction of the small town in England and the British phrases and customs.
Overall an enjoyable festive read. That cover is adorable too!
Thank you to the publisher, G P Putnam’s Sons, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, G. P. Putnam’s Sons Publishers, and Jenny Bayliss for the electronic advanced reader’s copy of The Little Shop of Merry and Bright in exchange for my honest review.
Jenny Bayliss is known for her inviting Christmas books. She is a master of this genre and one of my go-to authors when I want to laugh out loud while visiting a small, festive village in the United Kingdom at Christmastime. Her newest novel maintains her reign as the queen of cozy Christmases! Fans of Emily Stone and Sarah Morgan will love Jenny Bayliss’ newest novel, The Little Shop of Merry and Bright.
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright offers a contemporary spin on The Christmas Carol. We meet Casey, who, three years ago, rejected a marriage proposal from her then-boyfriend. A video of the rejection went viral, creating years of havoc for Casey. She now leads a quiet life, stocking a family-owned department store. Casey is working one night during the Christmas shopping season when she meets Margo, the spirit of Christmas Present. Casey pleads for her to erase the video and Margo agrees with one stipulation - Casey must witness five alternate realities.
This is an enchanting Christmas read that will have you laughing out loud throughout the book. Margo is lovably eccentric with a larger-than-life personality. You will find yourself rooting for Casey, but may be surprised when you find yourself crossing your fingers for Margo as well. Jenny Bayliss is known for crafting multi-dimensional characters outside of the protagonist and antagonist and this book is no different. She weaves strong themes of friendship and families throughout her novels and continues to do so in The Little Shop of Merry and Bright.
Readers will appreciate this novel for it’s cozy Christmas vibes, hilarious and eccentric Margo,
relatability of characters along with their individual arcs, and of course the journey of Casey and Ajay’s relationship.
Jenny Bayliss is known for her inviting Christmas books. She is a master of this genre and one of my go-to authors when I want to laugh out loud while visiting a small, festive village in the United Kingdom at Christmastime. Her newest novel maintains her reign as the queen of cozy Christmases! Fans of Emily Stone and Sarah Morgan will love Jenny Bayliss’ newest novel, The Little Shop of Merry and Bright.
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright offers a contemporary spin on The Christmas Carol. We meet Casey, who, three years ago, rejected a marriage proposal from her then-boyfriend. A video of the rejection went viral, creating years of havoc for Casey. She now leads a quiet life, stocking a family-owned department store. Casey is working one night during the Christmas shopping season when she meets Margo, the spirit of Christmas Present. Casey pleads for her to erase the video and Margo agrees with one stipulation - Casey must witness five alternate realities.
This is an enchanting Christmas read that will have you laughing out loud throughout the book. Margo is lovably eccentric with a larger-than-life personality. You will find yourself rooting for Casey, but may be surprised when you find yourself crossing your fingers for Margo as well. Jenny Bayliss is known for crafting multi-dimensional characters outside of the protagonist and antagonist and this book is no different. She weaves strong themes of friendship and families throughout her novels and continues to do so in The Little Shop of Merry and Bright.
Readers will appreciate this novel for it’s cozy Christmas vibes, hilarious and eccentric Margo,
relatability of characters along with their individual arcs, and of course the journey of Casey and Ajay’s relationship.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh, Jenny Bayliss!! You’ve just send my heart through ALL of the possible emotions available! Having just finished her latest masterpiece, the Little Shop of Merry and Bright, I am just sitting in my feeling and one of the best book hangovers of my life. I want to move to Weaverston and become friends with all of Casey’s gang (and to sneak into her work and spell out as many cheeky anagrams as I can without getting caught).
Bayliss has been known to pen some holiday tales that really struck chords in me, but this one hit differently, but still was refreshingly new, relevant, and Hilarious. I know that most of us have either been Casey or have known someone like her.
Casey is a typical, motivated young person, with big dreams and is trying desperately to make them come true. Life then lifes hard on her, and she becomes the butt of a viral joke. Her solution was, like most people: avoid the spotlight, and hope that it will pass as quickly as possible.
She is still avoiding the spotlight, years later, when she bumps into a little magical realism at work. She stumbles upon the Spirit of Christmas Present, or as she prefers to be called: Margo. Casey tries to figure out if striking up a deal with Margo for a wish is a good idea or not. Little does she know that Margo will require a few strings attached to that wish that may make Casey do some serious soul-searching.
You will want to pick up a box of these and give them as holiday gifts to everyone on your gift list!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this amazing digital ARC!!
Bayliss has been known to pen some holiday tales that really struck chords in me, but this one hit differently, but still was refreshingly new, relevant, and Hilarious. I know that most of us have either been Casey or have known someone like her.
Casey is a typical, motivated young person, with big dreams and is trying desperately to make them come true. Life then lifes hard on her, and she becomes the butt of a viral joke. Her solution was, like most people: avoid the spotlight, and hope that it will pass as quickly as possible.
She is still avoiding the spotlight, years later, when she bumps into a little magical realism at work. She stumbles upon the Spirit of Christmas Present, or as she prefers to be called: Margo. Casey tries to figure out if striking up a deal with Margo for a wish is a good idea or not. Little does she know that Margo will require a few strings attached to that wish that may make Casey do some serious soul-searching.
You will want to pick up a box of these and give them as holiday gifts to everyone on your gift list!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for this amazing digital ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is a Christmas romance with a little Christmas Carol-esque haunting. Casey Smith became a meme 2 years ago and it basically ran her out of her own life. This Christmas season, she is in the department store she works restocking merchandise and comes across Margo, the ghost of Christmas present. Margo tells Casey she will make it so the meme never happened if she will let her stay in the department store, because she needs a year off. Casey agrees, but once Margo starts showing her what her world would look like without the meme, Casey wonders if that is truly what she wants?
This book is fun with a little bit of a paranormal element! I LOVED Margo, she added so much fun and pizzaz to this story! Casey was going through things and I appreciated her growth as a character, but at times it was painful and felt like she would never learn. Ajay as Casey's love interest was wonderful- I loved how he seemed to fall for her instantly even though she had boundaries and doubted herself. The supporting cast of characters is **chef's kiss**. Nigel, Vern, Nate, Sylvie, Ken and Jared make this book special. There is an element of found family that brings the Christmas cozy.
I recommend this cozy Christmas book if you are a fan of A Christmas Carol and appreciate found family! Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is fun with a little bit of a paranormal element! I LOVED Margo, she added so much fun and pizzaz to this story! Casey was going through things and I appreciated her growth as a character, but at times it was painful and felt like she would never learn. Ajay as Casey's love interest was wonderful- I loved how he seemed to fall for her instantly even though she had boundaries and doubted herself. The supporting cast of characters is **chef's kiss**. Nigel, Vern, Nate, Sylvie, Ken and Jared make this book special. There is an element of found family that brings the Christmas cozy.
I recommend this cozy Christmas book if you are a fan of A Christmas Carol and appreciate found family! Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGally for the ARC of this book!
I love Jenny Bayliss Holiday books, they always get me into the Holiday Spirit. It felt odd reading it in the middle of the summer, but the book and the takeaway themes were still just as lovely.
I did think the book was a little slow to start, but once all the characters were properly introduced, the story unfolded nicely and with a nice cadence.
I love a modern retelling of a Christmas Story, especially with a Ghost of Christmas Present who is having what can only be described as a mid life crisis.
As the book progresses, you find yourself rooting for both of our FMCs. I so desperately wanted them to figure out their stuff and find their own versions of HEA.
The supporting cast of characters in this book are infinitely lovable as well. And the surprise around Nigel in the end is just so on point!
Jenny Bayliss does a beautiful job of creating a cozy and heartfelt Christmas tale, while incorporating themes of kindness, inclusivity, tolerance, second chances and love from family, genetic and found.
I think readers will love this story about finding yourself and your dream life through introspection and having a supportive cast of family and friend around you to catch you if you stumble.
I love Jenny Bayliss Holiday books, they always get me into the Holiday Spirit. It felt odd reading it in the middle of the summer, but the book and the takeaway themes were still just as lovely.
I did think the book was a little slow to start, but once all the characters were properly introduced, the story unfolded nicely and with a nice cadence.
I love a modern retelling of a Christmas Story, especially with a Ghost of Christmas Present who is having what can only be described as a mid life crisis.
As the book progresses, you find yourself rooting for both of our FMCs. I so desperately wanted them to figure out their stuff and find their own versions of HEA.
The supporting cast of characters in this book are infinitely lovable as well. And the surprise around Nigel in the end is just so on point!
Jenny Bayliss does a beautiful job of creating a cozy and heartfelt Christmas tale, while incorporating themes of kindness, inclusivity, tolerance, second chances and love from family, genetic and found.
I think readers will love this story about finding yourself and your dream life through introspection and having a supportive cast of family and friend around you to catch you if you stumble.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright by Jenny Bayliss
Genre: Holiday Romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 0/5 🌶️ 🧼
Summary: Casey was the center of a circulating meme and had to go into hiding because of it. When she meets the Spirit of Christmas Present, she’s offered the chance to erase that moment forever but first she must experience five alternate versions of her life where it never happened. Along the way, she’s forced to question whether changing the past would actually lead to a better future, or if the life she’s built is worth embracing after all.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! It’s a fresh spin on A Christmas Carol. I love how it focuses on just one of the “ghosts”.
The humor was exactly my style… dry, witty, and full of clever dialogue. The banter between the characters was definitely one of the highlights for me.
The romance, however, felt a little inconsistent. Some of the conversations flowed naturally, while others felt a bit forced, which made it harder for me to fully connect with that aspect of the story.
Overall, I liked how this went beyond the typical Christmas novel. It has plenty of depth and layers that kept me invested, and I had a great time with it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy so I may share feedback.
Genre: Holiday Romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Spice: 0/5 🌶️ 🧼
Summary: Casey was the center of a circulating meme and had to go into hiding because of it. When she meets the Spirit of Christmas Present, she’s offered the chance to erase that moment forever but first she must experience five alternate versions of her life where it never happened. Along the way, she’s forced to question whether changing the past would actually lead to a better future, or if the life she’s built is worth embracing after all.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! It’s a fresh spin on A Christmas Carol. I love how it focuses on just one of the “ghosts”.
The humor was exactly my style… dry, witty, and full of clever dialogue. The banter between the characters was definitely one of the highlights for me.
The romance, however, felt a little inconsistent. Some of the conversations flowed naturally, while others felt a bit forced, which made it harder for me to fully connect with that aspect of the story.
Overall, I liked how this went beyond the typical Christmas novel. It has plenty of depth and layers that kept me invested, and I had a great time with it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy so I may share feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I do not even know where to begin expressing my absolute OBSESSION with this book. I never, ever have to worry about a Jenny Bayliss book leaving me disappointed, but this book was a grand slam, over the fences, knocked it out of the park HOME RUN. I got the approval at 11:34 PM and immediately started the book, at 3:52 AM I reached the end and wiped my tears, knowing I will likely never get this feeling from a book again. The characters were so vivid and nuanced and so well thought out. The story was perfection and appealed to every single emotion I have. This book is so much more than just a "story to read" it is a whole experience and is just so timely for the world today. Jenny's writing is witty, smart, full of emotion, inclusive, and holds so much depth.
I cannot believe I blasted through the book in 4 hours, I just could not put it down. Now to re-read this book until the end of time!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early - it is so much more of a gift than you could ever know!
I cannot believe I blasted through the book in 4 hours, I just could not put it down. Now to re-read this book until the end of time!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book early - it is so much more of a gift than you could ever know!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another Jenny Bliss Christmas book? Sign me up! Thanks to NetGalley I was able to read an advanced e book copy of The Little Shop of Merry and Bright. Casey is a department store restocker and works most nights. She likes it because she can hide from people and her past. An ex who went viral and ruined her life. But when Casey meets Margo one night at work, all things start to change. Margo is a ghost of Christmas, yes one of those ghosts. These two bond and Margo humorously shows Casey to not take life so seriously. Casey wants nothing more than to go back and change her past. But with Margo by her side, she realizes that she is strong, capable, and ready to love again. This story had a lot of heart, a lot of humor, and a great cast of characters. Even though I am not a fan of fantasy, this one warmed my heart and got me ready for hot chocolate and Christmas shopping. I now want to go back and read some other Jenny Bliss books that I have not read, because I really like the worlds that she creates.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Casey Smith has a lot on her plate. She is hiding from the world by working the night shift at the Coopers & Co. department store, has a brother who is overprotective to the point of being a “control freak,” and has chronic writer’s block. And oh yeah, she is also a meme that promises to never fade away.
Then, as if her life is not difficult enough, the Spirit of Christmas Present, Margo, decides to go rogue by taking a holiday at the department store. When Casey tries to get Margo to leave, Margo agrees to give Casey her wish – with conditions.
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is a modern twist on the Christmas Carol trope. Author Bayliss tells a story that could be cute and shallow but accomplishes the opposite by including real life problems, full dimensional characters, and consequences. There are also deep observations expressed throughout the book, in keeping with the original intent of A Christmas Carol. Read this book for a holiday story about love, friends, and life – lost and found.
Thank you to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Then, as if her life is not difficult enough, the Spirit of Christmas Present, Margo, decides to go rogue by taking a holiday at the department store. When Casey tries to get Margo to leave, Margo agrees to give Casey her wish – with conditions.
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is a modern twist on the Christmas Carol trope. Author Bayliss tells a story that could be cute and shallow but accomplishes the opposite by including real life problems, full dimensional characters, and consequences. There are also deep observations expressed throughout the book, in keeping with the original intent of A Christmas Carol. Read this book for a holiday story about love, friends, and life – lost and found.
Thank you to NetGalley and G. P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher, Jenny Bayliss, and Netgalley for this e-arc.
If you're a Christmas book lover, like me, you've likely read Jenny Bayliss before. She knows how to write a good Christmas read, that's for sure and this one was no different.
I feel like it was kind of a modern mash-up of A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful life.
Casey is doing her best to live a quiet life post her viral moment where she rejected her fiancé's proposal. After her life became a meme, she just wants to disappear.
A mysterious woman comes to her job and she finds she is a spirit of Christmas present and Casey sees an opportunity to undo one of her worst moments. After seeing some different ways her life could have gone, without her viral moment, if Casey still wants it erased, the spirit will help her.
Cozy, lighthearted and a little emotional (which is what I have come to expect from Jenny Bayliss) this is one for your Christmas TBR for sure.
If you're a Christmas book lover, like me, you've likely read Jenny Bayliss before. She knows how to write a good Christmas read, that's for sure and this one was no different.
I feel like it was kind of a modern mash-up of A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful life.
Casey is doing her best to live a quiet life post her viral moment where she rejected her fiancé's proposal. After her life became a meme, she just wants to disappear.
A mysterious woman comes to her job and she finds she is a spirit of Christmas present and Casey sees an opportunity to undo one of her worst moments. After seeing some different ways her life could have gone, without her viral moment, if Casey still wants it erased, the spirit will help her.
Cozy, lighthearted and a little emotional (which is what I have come to expect from Jenny Bayliss) this is one for your Christmas TBR for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you're looking for the book that will officially kick off your Christmas reading season, this is it. The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is a charming feel-good read, filled with heart, humor, and just the right touch of magic.
Casey is trying to escape the shadow of a viral internet moment when she meets the unforgettable Margo (the Spirit of Christmas Present) and honestly, Margo completely stole the show for me. She's hilarious, chaotic, and brings so much warmth to the story.
With cozy department store vibes, a sweet romance, and a heartfelt message about letting go of the stories that hold us back, this is a festive, feel-good read that left me smiling long after I finished. If holiday books are your thing, don't miss this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 22, 2026
#TheLittleShopofMerryandBright #NetGalley
Casey is trying to escape the shadow of a viral internet moment when she meets the unforgettable Margo (the Spirit of Christmas Present) and honestly, Margo completely stole the show for me. She's hilarious, chaotic, and brings so much warmth to the story.
With cozy department store vibes, a sweet romance, and a heartfelt message about letting go of the stories that hold us back, this is a festive, feel-good read that left me smiling long after I finished. If holiday books are your thing, don't miss this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the eARC!
Pub. date: Sep. 22, 2026
#TheLittleShopofMerryandBright #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Summer in ARC reading means you read a lot of Christmas books by the pool and I love it.
For a sweet holiday parallel-timeline romance, this packs in a lot of depth that you really don't expect. Yes, there is a Ghost of Christmas Present having an identity crisis. Yes, the main character's ex-boyfriend is now a semi-famous reality show star. Yes, it is suggested later that another character may be a guardian angel and it is literally never spoken of or delved into again. But combined with all that is a very real story about grief and managing that from many different angles as well as a deep-dive into why living with regret poisons your present.
Honestly, this was great - both sweet and fun - and I'm thrilled to have read it in mid-July.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
For a sweet holiday parallel-timeline romance, this packs in a lot of depth that you really don't expect. Yes, there is a Ghost of Christmas Present having an identity crisis. Yes, the main character's ex-boyfriend is now a semi-famous reality show star. Yes, it is suggested later that another character may be a guardian angel and it is literally never spoken of or delved into again. But combined with all that is a very real story about grief and managing that from many different angles as well as a deep-dive into why living with regret poisons your present.
Honestly, this was great - both sweet and fun - and I'm thrilled to have read it in mid-July.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
I absolutely adore magical realism, and Jenny Bayliss uses it brilliantly in The Little Shop of Merry & Bright to explore the beauty of new beginnings, the comfort of found family, and the grace of moving through loss.
Casey and Ajay have a beautiful connection that delivers the perfect mix of sweet romance and spicy chemistry. What really makes this book shine, though, is the supporting cast. They bring so much fun and vibrancy to the pages, perfectly balancing the story's emotional weight. This book is a warm hug with a lot of heart, and it is easily one of my favorite reads of the year!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
Casey and Ajay have a beautiful connection that delivers the perfect mix of sweet romance and spicy chemistry. What really makes this book shine, though, is the supporting cast. They bring so much fun and vibrancy to the pages, perfectly balancing the story's emotional weight. This book is a warm hug with a lot of heart, and it is easily one of my favorite reads of the year!
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was by far my favorite Jenny Bayliss novel! At this point, I think I am a sucker for A Christmas Carol retelling. I just love the substance it brings into a cute, Christmas romance. Did I absolutely adore the couple? No, not one of my favorites. However, I did thoroughly enjoy the romance. It did its trick for a seasonal read. Jenny Bayliss and her humor bleeds through!
Thank you NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, & Jenny Bayliss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is released on September 22, 2026!
Thank you NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, & Jenny Bayliss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is released on September 22, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. Her books have a slight tendency towards old movie "we can put on a play in the old barn" type of energy, but they're also very funny and sad. The mix of pathos and screwball comedy works.
This one had some great visuals, too. Margo in the closed department store, trailing Big Food out of her long coat was just .
I will always stop to pick up a Jenny Bayliss book.
This one had some great visuals, too. Margo in the closed department store, trailing Big Food out of her long coat was just .
I will always stop to pick up a Jenny Bayliss book.
July 25, 2026
Three years ago, Casey’s boyfriend unexpectedly proposed and a photo of her look of disgust as she turned him down became a viral meme that continues to pop up every Christmas. She’s since left London and is now working at a department store as a night clerk when one evening her store is visited by Margo, a ghost of Christmas present who has decided to hide out at the store and skip her job this Christmas. Casey agrees to let her stay under one condition: Margo must erase the meme from existence. Margo agrees, but tells Casey that she must first glimpse her life five times to see what it could be like if the meme never happened. This is a sweet, cozy Christmas book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
July 26, 2026Decided to use this as my Christmas in July pick. I wanted to like this book more than I did. The plot revolves around Casey whose life was upended by a marriage proposal that turned into a viral meme. While trying to lay low some time later, she encounters a spirit who offers to erase that for her. Casey was a good character, but the plot was just a bit slow for me.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
June 26, 2026
3.5 stars. This story was different from my usual, I typically don’t go for “spirits”. However, Margo was delightful and the message was a good one! Cute rom com with lovable characters. Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute little holiday read that I probably would have liked more during the actual Christmas season. Overall, fine. 🤷♀️
This was a cute little holiday read that I probably would have liked more during the actual Christmas season. Overall, fine. 🤷♀️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Publishing for approving this ARC. I was definitely on a roll reading upcoming holiday romances and this one was a joy to read. The story has the A Christmas Carol vibe I was expecting and I loved it! Casey went internet viral many years ago when she declined a proposal from an ex boyfriend and has been dealing with the repercussions ever since. Enter Margo, my absolute favorite character in this story! She is endearing and such a hoot! The banter and relationship with Casey and Margo was great and definitely think Margo is a vibe!
The overall theme of the story is do you let the narrative control you or do you control the narrative in your life. Up to now, Casey has let the narrative control her, will she ever learn to take back control? Read the story to find out! It's worth it!
The overall theme of the story is do you let the narrative control you or do you control the narrative in your life. Up to now, Casey has let the narrative control her, will she ever learn to take back control? Read the story to find out! It's worth it!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Received an advance copy of this book through Goodreads giveaway.
The storyline held my attention throughout from the first page to the last.
The storyline held my attention throughout from the first page to the last.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I so look forward each year to Jenny Bayliss’ latest holiday tale! I loved the characters in the Little Shop of Merry and Bright. While the story was not my favorite of her stories, I nonetheless enjoyed reading it, and other fans of Ms. Bayliss will not want to miss this latest merry tale.
A special mention of the beautiful cover!
Many thanks to NetGalley and to G. P. Putnam’s for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.
A special mention of the beautiful cover!
Many thanks to NetGalley and to G. P. Putnam’s for the privilege of a complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Publishers and Jenny Bayliss for the electronic advanced readers copy of The Little Shop of Merry & Bright. All thoughts in this review are my own.
The Little Shop of Merry & Bright is a holiday must read this season. Jenny Bayliss delivers a contemporary spin on A Christmas Carol that is fun, heartwarming, and so relevant to the world we live in. The story follows Casey, who three years ago declined her then boyfriend’s marriage proposal and went viral. After years of dealing with the backlash online, she now lives a quiet life working the night shift as a stock replenisher at Coopers & Co., a small family run department store in the town of Weaverston, England. One night while working during the holiday season she meets Margo, the Spirit of Christmas Present. Casey begs Margo to delete the video and Margo agrees but there’s a catch. Casey must visit five of her alternate realities and if after she still wants it wiped, Margo will grant her wish. What if everything Casey wants is waiting for her in the life she already has?
Jenny Bayliss has once again delivered a fabulous holiday story both hilarious and heartfelt. Margo is an absolute STAR and I loved the sweet romance between Casey and Ajay. The supporting cast of characters were equally delightful and relatable. Filled with love, family, friendship and Jenny’s Christmas magic. Absolutely enchanting!
The Little Shop of Merry & Bright is a holiday must read this season. Jenny Bayliss delivers a contemporary spin on A Christmas Carol that is fun, heartwarming, and so relevant to the world we live in. The story follows Casey, who three years ago declined her then boyfriend’s marriage proposal and went viral. After years of dealing with the backlash online, she now lives a quiet life working the night shift as a stock replenisher at Coopers & Co., a small family run department store in the town of Weaverston, England. One night while working during the holiday season she meets Margo, the Spirit of Christmas Present. Casey begs Margo to delete the video and Margo agrees but there’s a catch. Casey must visit five of her alternate realities and if after she still wants it wiped, Margo will grant her wish. What if everything Casey wants is waiting for her in the life she already has?
Jenny Bayliss has once again delivered a fabulous holiday story both hilarious and heartfelt. Margo is an absolute STAR and I loved the sweet romance between Casey and Ajay. The supporting cast of characters were equally delightful and relatable. Filled with love, family, friendship and Jenny’s Christmas magic. Absolutely enchanting!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is a charming modern take on A Christmas Carol set in a British department store. It's festive and jolly and funny while focusing on wonderfully layered and complexly human characters.
Jenny Bayliss is my absolute favorite author for Christmas fiction and The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is her best yet.
Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons for the galley copy.
Jenny Bayliss is my absolute favorite author for Christmas fiction and The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is her best yet.
Thank you G.P. Putnam's Sons for the galley copy.
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