Book Review: ‘The Little Shop Of Merry And Bright: A Novel’ By Jenny Bayliss

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The book is in stores on Tuesday, September 22nd from Putnam. Click on the link to buy a copy. https://amzn.to/3UuUUAM

Casey Smith works in a shop at night, restocking the shelves. She lives near her brother and his two kids, and has some close friends. She was forced to move three years ago when a video of her turning down a proposal from Sam, a man she never wanted to marry, went viral, and memes were made. On this night she sees a strange woman in the store after hours, and it turns out she is the ghost of Christmas Present, Margo, and she is taking a break from her job and is shocked Casey can see her. She shows up every night, and the two become friends. Margo tells her she can change her life if she wants and shows her five different outcomes her life might have taken. Casey can then decide to pick one, and the memes and events of Sam would never have happened. Along the way, Casey meets Ajay, a cop, taking care of his teenage troubled nephew, and they fall for each other. She also has a chance to get back at Sam after all these years. Casey has a big decision to make about her life, and we get to follow along with it. This is a twist on a Christmas Carol and it is heartwarming and sweet. The characters, especially Margo, are fun to read, and the story will put a smile on your face by the time you finish reading. A perfect holiday read.