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Melody Bittersweet #3

Merry Spooky Love: The swoon-worthy paranormal Christmas romance from the bestselling author of One Day in December

Not yet published
Expected 8 Oct 26
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Brought to you by Penguin.

Melody Bittersweet’s Christmases are always more haunted than holly jolly, and this year is shaping up to be her most complicated yet.

When the town’s beloved Libertines department store faces closure following the death of its owner, Melody — inconveniently able to see ghosts — is the obvious person to call to try and save it. Teaming up with Fleur, the only heir determined to protect her family’s legacy, and one very determined ghost, Melody throws herself into the case.

Unfortunately, the job also reunites her with Fletcher her sceptical, infuriating, still-very-tempting on-off boyfriend. Fletcher doesn’t believe in ghosts — and as their undeniable chemistry starts to simmer, sparks fly and working together proves harder than either of them expected.

With Christmas fast approaching and Libertines’ future hanging in the balance, Melody must race to save the store, confront the ghosts of her past, and decide whether love is worth fighting for.

Josie Silver 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

Audible Audio

Expected publication October 8, 2026

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About the author

Josie Silver

9 books8,931 followers
Josie lives in a small English town with her husband, their two sons, plus a changing cast of cats, dogs and fish. She writes full-time in a studio at the bottom of the garden.

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5 stars
17 (35%)
4 stars
24 (50%)
3 stars
5 (10%)
2 stars
2 (4%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Martina.
386 reviews104 followers
May 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine the gifted ARC!

4.5 stars rounded up. I’m so sad to see this cozy ghost hunting series come to an end 😭 I somehow didn’t realize this was the final book until I finished it, and honestly I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Melody and the gang.

This series has been such a fun mix of cozy mystery, ghostly chaos, humor, with some tension and romance thrown in. It was exactly what I needed after a streak of pretty lackluster reads. Even if it did mean reading a Christmas book in May 🤣 I really enjoyed the mystery in this one and loved getting to spend more time with all of these kooky characters. Watching Melody juggle all the ghostly drama and her relationship struggles with Fletcher kept me hooked the whole time. I still wanted to shake Fletcher a little though because HOW are we this far in and you still don’t fully believe her?!

I thought this wrapped the series up really well overall, even though there were definitely a few things and character moments I would’ve loved to see explored more. Honestly, I would’ve happily kept reading more books in this world. I’ve gotten so attached to these characters and all their hijinks over the course of the series.

If you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery series with humor, heart, ghosts, and a bit of romance, definitely check these out! They’re perfect seasonal reads too!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Ann Hurt.
35 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2026
Josie Silver does it once again! First of all, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from her, which is quite different from some of my other favorite reads by her, but it's a delight! Each book from this series has been so beautifully balanced with mystery, found family, and, of course, a little romance! In the book, we follow the most adorable mix matched found family as they try and solve a new mystery with help from the dearly departed! This time around, we watched the crew help save the beloved Libertines department store, and it was so much fun, especially to feel transported to an English department store at Christmas time! I laughed, I cried, I swooned, the book was so unbelievably adorable as always, the banter and wit was chefs kiss, and was the perfect blend of Christmas and spooky vibes! There was so much growth and character development through this book, with every character that warmed my heart, the pacing was impeccible and truly felt like the perfect ending to this series! Thank you again, Dell Romance and Net Galley, for an ARC, truly a dream come true!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
589 reviews29 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 7, 2026
Thank you to Dell and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Is this the end of the series?

I need someone to tell me because the last 12% or so of this book felt like the end of a series and I don't think I'm ready to say goodbye to the Girls Ghostbusting Agency or Chapelwick or anybody yet and I actually shed a couple tears reading that epilogue.

This definitely isn't my favorite of the series (trilogy?), but it definitely improved as we got further along into the book. I was looking forward to reading a Christmas read (so what if it's May) and that really wasn't delivered to me until more than halfway book. But we eventually got there, so it worked out fine.

I enjoyed this installment's mystery, though I do wish we'd gotten just the teensiest bigger bow on the ending and what happened with the Libertine family. This book is much more about family relationships, I'd say, than that central mystery. The Libertine's are the central focus, yes, but Melody and her mom have frequent conflict and then there's some stuff going on with Fletch's family as well, all of which I enjoyed. Reading the Libertine ghosts pass over unexpectedly got me to cry as well.

Fletch, though, I'm still not the biggest fan of. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way and that was compounded for me in this book. I just don't like how he treats Melody a lot of the time. He redeemed himself a tiny bit towards the end, but I just don't care for him as a love interest or a character. I'd still prefer to see Melody with that ghost from the first book. To show how much I don't like Fletch and Melody together: Marina gets a love interest in this book and I was immediately invested in and rooting for that relationship more, even though it happens in the background and we don't even know it's happening until the 70% mark.

But I came here for a cozy romp with some of characters I've come to love and that's what I got, with added Christmas cheer. If this is the last book (I hope not!), I'm happy where everyone's ended up. I'm happy to wave them all off into the sunset.
Profile Image for Kate Laycoax .
1,627 reviews18 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 15, 2026
This was such a fun return to this cozy, paranormal rom com world. I really enjoyed the first two books in the series, and this one was definitely filled with the same charming mix of romance, humor, and ghostly chaos that I really love.

The ghost hunting element continues to be one of my favorite parts because it’s such a cool, playful concept, especially wrapped up in a festive, holiday setting. The storyline centered around saving the beloved Libertines department store added a nice emotional depth to it, and I loved the sense of community and history tied into it. Even though this book was filled with spooky antics, I appreciated this more warm and feeling aspect.

I do think there were definitely moments where it felt like a lot was going on at once. Between the ghosts, the romance, the family drama, and the ticking clock, things could get a little hard to follow at times. But it didn’t take away too much from the experience and it still felt like a light, enjoyable read.

This is exactly the kind of book I’d reach for during the holiday season when I want something cute, a little magical, and full of escapism. I highly recommend this and the other books in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Josie Silver, and Ballantine/Dell for the eARC of this book.
Profile Image for Beth Gerson.
99 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 27, 2026
Merry Spooky Love fully leans into its delightfully silly premise, and at this point in the series, that’s part of the charm. This is my third time reading about Melody and her ghost-talking escapades, thanks again to NetGalley, and I’ve grown attached to these characters. The setting this time around, a grand, slightly magical department store at Christmas, gave major Harrod’s energy and was such a standout. The descriptions brought everything to life in a way that felt festive and immersive without being over the top.

What really made this one satisfying was seeing some long-building threads finally come together. A romance that’s been simmering since book one gets its moment, and the family dynamics that have felt tense and complicated start to settle into something warmer and more hopeful. It all lands in a way that feels earned. If you’re already invested in this series, this is a cozy, heartfelt continuation that delivers on the emotional payoff, with just the right mix of romance, ghosts, and holiday atmosphere.

I received an ARC from NetGalley
Profile Image for Vanessa.
630 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 5, 2026
This is very cute. It has early Charlaine Harris vibes. If you enjoy her early series, this trio of books might be what you are looking for. They are a mix of cozy mystery, fantasy, and romance.

Melody can see ghosts. She helps to solve their mysteries and problems so that they can move on to whatever comes after being ghosts. There is a reporter that Melody and her family have a feud with. He doesn't believe in ghosts, or anything intangible, so he believes they are all charlatans. There is an awful ex-boyfriend who tries to insert himself into every case and solve it first, while also acting like a pompous ass and filming a local tv show. Melody and her friends drive around town in what I imagine in my head is the equivalent of the Scooby-do Mystery Machine. While there is a dog, it definitely does not talk.

It's pretty camp. But the characters are loveable and the stories are fun. The pace is fast. I read all 3 of these, and they kept me engaged. I think it's really the characters. Definitely recommend if you like this genre.
144 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 7, 2026
A big thank you to Netgalley for this ARC of 'Merry Spooky Love' by Josie Silver. This holiday romance is the third book in the Melody Bittesweet series. Melody Bittersweet, ghostbuster extraordinaire, is back and trying to save Libertines department store after owner Lucy's Libertine passes away. Lucy hasn't quite made it to the light yet. Instead, she is haunting Libertines, or more accurately, haunting her heirs, who want to sell her store. One of the heirs, Fleur wants to keep the family business alive and running teams up with Melody. This book leans on the rom-com energy and has a nostalgic holiday feel. The small town charm adds to the coziness. There is a romance as well, Melody and Fletcher, whose relationship is the books emotional center. This book also focuses on themes; family legacy and memories. This book will make you smile and I think most people will greatly enjoy it!!

4 stars
Profile Image for Gretchen.
98 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 31, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.

3 stars

Well, this book is #3 in a series and unfortunately, I have not read the first two books, so my impressions may be a little off.
The story in this book is an unusual genre-bending mix of cozy mystery, paranormal, and romance. While the romance isn’t a main storyline, it is a little spicier than I would have guessed it would be. I found the romance parts to be the best-written sections and the easiest to follow. The rest of the book felt confusing - a lot of names - a lot of people, ghosts, and even a car, all with names. Either the writing is chaotic or the author was trying to portray chaos, but it felt like too choppy at times.
Overall, the story was middle of the road on the enjoyment scale, thus 3 stars.
Profile Image for Alex Grathen.
151 reviews
April 5, 2026
4⭐️

“Merry Spooky Love” is an enjoyable continuation of the Melody Bittersweet novels. It is seemingly the conclusion, and yes any loose ends have been resolved, but I think the nature of the plot leaves the door open for Melody and the gang to return in the future.

This time, the team is tasked by the late Lucy Libertine to save the local department store that is near and dear to the town’s heart and pulls on the nostalgia heartstrings.

Often, I have been complaining that books dropping lately have been needlessly too long and this one left me fulfilled and captivated and did so in a mere 288 pages.

If you liked the last two, I imagine you will also find the third installment to your liking.



Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books | Random House publishing for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
231 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 26, 2026
Merry Spooky Love was just as kooky and lovable as the other two Bittersweet books, but has a little something extra to really pack a punch! I felt like all of the relationships evolved throughout this series and I loved it!

Merry Spooky Love adds some Christmas cheer to the rag tag bunch of the Girl's Ghostbusting Agency. I love Melody and how honest she is- especially the way she owns up to her feelings and mistakes. I loved reading how her and Fletch's relationship changes. Fletcher Gunn is a flawed, but swoon worthy MMC. The found family aspect as well as the Bewitched- esque relationship with her grandmother and mother just make this book so special and fun!

I highly recommend this book and hope that you enjoy the Bittersweets as much as I have!

Thank you Dell and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1,958 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 26, 2026
I loved this book! I didn’t notice it was a series and now I am going to have to find the other books because I’m intrigued by the characters. I like to read Christmas timed books to get me in the spirit, pun not intended but enjoyed. Honestly, this book is not just for Christmas. When a ghost hunting business, lead by Melody Bittersweet, is employed to help save a business from being sold, another ghost hunter, Leo, is hired by the rest of the sibling owners. The leaders of both groups just happen to be former lovers. And don’t forget the reporter who is involved is Melody’s current love interest. There’s so much fun, humor, friendship, family and love that this book will keep you reading. I couldn’t stop smiling at the end.
Profile Image for Emily.
22 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2026
I have read this entire series and I really enjoyed getting to see these characters develop more in this story. I am slightly afraid that this is the end of the series, but I hope not. It definitely could keep going.I just enjoy these characters so much. I need to have champagne with Gran as we do yoga. There was less slapstick and more emotions in this book than the previous ones but I definitely still laughed out loud a few times. If you love quirky ensembles and a little bit of mystery, you will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Natalie.
905 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 8, 2026
4.5 stars
It’s bittersweet that this is the final of the series. I loved Melody and her gang. Lots of loose ends are tied up, especially with the burgeoning relationship between Melody and Fletch (oh they had such a smoking hot chemistry) and the problem of Fletch being a disbeliever. I loved where all the characters ended up (loved Marina's arc). The vibes made up for any shortcomings. I breezed right through this book and as it was just such a fun read and was just the tonic after struggling with another book.
Profile Image for Barbara Pellichero .
80 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Merry Spooky Love by Josie Silver.

This was such a fun, cozy read. The characters had so much personality and charm, and their dynamic made the story really enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the blend of a light mystery with a festive Christmas atmosphere, it struck a nice balance between intrigue and warmth. The romance felt natural and satisfying, and I found myself genuinely rooting for them.

Overall, a delightful, feel-good read that has me excited to pick up more from this author.
Profile Image for Jess.
32 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 30, 2026
I think this is my favorite in the series so far! I just love how quirky and fun this series is. The characters are well formed and celebrated for their eccentricities and I feel very invested in their individual stories. The character growth and relationship growth in this one made me feel like my investment in the series has been worth it. I will say, the ghostbusting plot is somewhat predictable (of course they’re going to save the day!) but I liked the setting of this one and there’s always a bit of a twist that keeps it interesting!
56 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book as much as the last in the Melody Bittersweet series!

There were multiple mysteries to solve in this cozy paranormal romance: how to keep Libertine from being sold, who’s the lost Libertine heir, and who’s Fletcher’s father?

Melody was as chaotic as ever, but she and her ghost-seeing abilities always come through. I was so happy she finally got her happy ending (and so did Marina and Artie!).

This world is always fun to dive into, as Melody does nothing by halves!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC!
Profile Image for BookishKB.
1,221 reviews328 followers
May 15, 2026
🎄👻 Merry Spooky Love by Josie Silver 👻🎄

Aw, this was such a cozy paranormal romcom! I didn’t even realize it was part of a series until like 25% in! I was able to continue with the book no problem!

I only wish this series had audiobooks! Either way, I will be reading the whole series!

🎅🏽 What to Expect
• Ghost hunter FMC
• Haunted store
• Small town
• Family legacy
• Paranormal 👻
• Christmas rom com
• Second chance romance
_ _ _

⭐️ Final Score: 4.5 ⭐️
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine | Dell and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

Profile Image for BHK.
788 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 4, 2026
This book was such a fun and cozy surprise! Merry Spooky Love by Josie Silver totally had a chaotic holiday and ghost hunting vibe, and I was here for it. Melody is my favorite and such a lovable mess. This book is definitely a mix of spooky, romantic, and heartfelt. Super easy to read, a little chaotic, but in a cozy and bingeable way! Perfect if you want something festive with a paranormal twist and a bit of drama.
Profile Image for Kristen McDaniel.
88 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 12, 2026
I received an ARC for Merry Spooky Love by Josie Silver from NetGalley. Gosh, I love this series so much. I would read ten more of the Melody series if I could. It’s so funny, quirky, and entertaining. Good love stories, always, but still such a quick GOOD read. Josie Silver is a five star writer regardless but this series is just *chefs kiss* Read it. Read all of this series. Thank me later. Five solid stars. Thank YOU for the ARC!
Profile Image for Corey.
502 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2026
I somehow missed the release of the second book in the series and received the third as an ARC and went ahead and read it. There were obviously a few things I missed by skipping the second book, but it still read wonderfully. I enjoy Josie Silver’s writing style so much and I love the characters in this series. The ending was great- multiple happily ever afters. I am confused about how the Agency got paid for this ghost job though. 🤔
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
179 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 4, 2026
3.5 - Merry Spooky Love is the third book in the series and I’ve been lucky enough to arc read all of them and personally for me this one just didn’t hit the mark like the others.

The other 2 books really revolved around the ghost storyline whereas Merry Spooky Love just didn’t. It was there but I felt like Josie Silver should have touched on it more considering the FMC Melody can talk and see ghosts.

There’s one particular plot line from this book that surprised me between some main side characters but me with the way it was written you would have thought that they were the main characters at some point.

If you are a fan of Ghost Whisperer, Merry Spooky Love is the book for you.

Thank you to Ballantine | Dell, Josie Silver and netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review
503 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 14, 2026
This book was exactly what I hoped it would be, a sweet, slightly kooky, and heartfelt romance with ghosts and a mystery, all tied up with a Christmas bow. I am a fan of this author and I believe this is the third and final book of this series. This will delight readers who have already been part of this series and I also think it could be read as a stand-alone. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
38 reviews
April 10, 2026
I was so happy to get an advanced copy of the third in this surprisingly heartfelt holiday romance. I went into these books blind and I am so impressed by them! It is not a storyline i thought I would enjoy, but I ate it up! I loved this ending and the closure it gave all of the characters. I wish it didn’t have to end.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,381 reviews142 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 26, 2026
I received a free copy of, Merry Spooky Love, by Josie Silver, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the Melody Bittersweet series. This book had way to much going on, too much sex, ghost, swearing, and confusion. I found the characters to be immature.
Profile Image for Elle.
324 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 2, 2026
I mean… the best way I can describe my thoughts towards this book is like. Apathetic??? Didn’t particularly care for the MCs or the plot. Actively disliked Leo’s relationship with * though. It made me feel icky. Writing was whatever.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ellen.
922 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 5, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book "Merry Spooky Love" and all opinions expressed are my own. One of my go to authors. Here we have the third Melody Bittersweet book. The first book I loved and the second was ok. This one, also ok. It seems like it is just stretching the story. I'm not a fan of series books.
Profile Image for Brittany.
75 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 2, 2026
A perfect conclusion to an excellent series. I have loved all of the Melody Bittersweet novels and am so sad this will be the last.

The characters underwent a tremendous amount of growth, more so than any of the previous novels. The conflict here was also much more intense and emotionally charged than previously, which really drew me in. Thankfully the authors comedic signature is present throughout. I was so happy with how things wrapped up in this series and will highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
Profile Image for Rachel Stansel.
1,479 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 31, 2026
Such a wonderful end to this trilogy. The characters are so lovely and the dialogue funny and witty. I am so sad to see them go and hope for more stories in this series!!

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Kels Buchholz.
63 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 25, 2026
Even though it's a Christmas book, I had to read it immediately (in April). I enjoyed it so so much! I'm so sad we won't get anymore Melody Bittersweet or the rest of the gang after this book! This story had me laughing, smiling, and crying!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews