The Little Shop of Merry and Bright

Quotes

One of She Reads Romance’s Best New Christmas Romance Books of 2026

"Jenny Bayliss has built a reputation for cozy holiday romances, and this contemporary spin on A Christmas Carol immediately caught my attention. The idea of seeing alternate versions of your life and questioning whether everything you've wanted has been in front of you all along sounds both festive and surprisingly thought-provoking. This stands out for its magical premise and Christmas charm. Perfect if you enjoy holiday romances with a touch of whimsy." —She Reads Romance

"The Little Shop of Merry and Bright] 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." —Red Carpet Crash

"Bayliss is known for her charming British Christmas romances (I’ll Be Home for Christmas), and this twist on the familiar “Christmas Carol” story by Charles Dickens is no different.” —Library Journal

"A contemporary rom-com twist on A Christmas Carol. . . . Good fun." —Publishers Weekly

"The Little Shop of Merry and Bright has it all—a fun concept, gorgeous romance and characters you can’t help but love. Warm, funny, totally charming - this book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Do yourself a favour and pick it up this Christmas." —Emily Stone, author of Always, In December

"This delightful spin on a beloved holiday classic somehow manages to evoke nostalgia while feeling absolutely of the moment. Funny, tender, and as warm as a crackling fire in December, Jenny Bayliss has written another holiday essential. Merry and Bright indeed!" —Matthew Norman, author of Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

"The Queen of Christmas books does it again! Bayliss writes the most delightful holiday romances. Brimming with hope, big-hearted and humorous characters, and a feel-good romance, The Little Shop of Merry and Bright has everything you need for all things cozy and festive—with a heaping dash of holiday magic!" —Lauren Kung Jessen, USA Today bestselling author of The Santa Claus Con

"I am in love with this book. The Little Shop of Merry and Bright is everything I want in a Christmas romance. Hilarious and heartwarming; an utterly magical novel that will comfort you and remind you life is worth living. Easily my favorite take on A Christmas Carol! This sparkle of magic confirms that it’s not Christmas without Jenny Bayliss." —Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of Make You Mine This Christmas and Under the Mistletoe with You

"The Little Shop of Merry and Bright by Jenny Bayliss has to be one of my favourite Christmas reads ever. It's so festive and a little bit magical, with a plot that hooked me in, a whole lot of emotion and a gorgeous love story. I read it and felt so uplifted and refreshed and ready for Christmas. The wonderful heroine, Casey, has such a brilliant arc, and it has a cast of characters I wished were my friends. It's a perfect Christmas book. Honestly." —Cressida McLaughlin, author of The Secret Mistletoe Promise