Mary Kay Andrews is the queen of cozy heartwarming holiday reads. Bright Lights, Big Christmas was no exception. Family reconnection, self-rediscovery, and found family are at the center of this story that centers around a Christmas Tree Stand during the holiday season in the quaintest little New York neighborhood. I adored the development of the unlikely friendship between a grouchy, misunderstood old man, a young woman from the mountains, and a little boy with the greatest imagination. I found myself sighing in pure contentment sever times. This story is like a cup of cocoa wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold winter day type of hug for your soul. 🥰

This was so fun and sweet. Love a found family in a close neighborhood. The city tree farm was so charming. So many issues and loved all the different neighbors and the romances. Especially loved the grumpy old man.

I typically love Mary Kay Andrews, but this one just didn’t quite work for me. The plot felt very slow—nothing ever really happened—and the romance seemed forced and lackluster. It also felt too much like a Hallmark movie from the minor conflict to the wise older character to the overly idealistic ending. That said, the setting was the story’s saving grace; a Christmas tree stand in NYC during December felt truly magical. I also appreciated the sibling dynamic between Kerry and Murphy, and the short chapters were a nice touch. Overall, if you're looking for a quick, feel-good read to wrap up the holiday season, this one might be just what you need!

This story was a bit slow for me. I feel like it could've been shorter, but I really loved the characters. I think it dragged on about selling trees/sleeping shifts and could've used a bit more story development.

Ahhh, I am not sure what it was with this book, but I had to keep coming back to finally finish it.

It was good, don't get me wrong, I just wasn't interested, so to say.

The story was cute and cozy. It just sort of felt like a chore to read, but then overall, I liked it.

If you are a hallmark, Christmas loving person, you'd no doubt enjoy this one.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is the perfect book for relaxing during the holidays. The female protagonist joins her grumpy brother in their trailer to go to New York City to sell Christmas trees in the city as her brother and dad have done for years. They live in the trailer during selling season and interact with all of the neighborhood characters. It’s also a cute love story.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was also gifted the audio version. This was such a cute romantic story. It is perfect for. CHRISTMAS time!
The characters were all likeable. I could not put it down. I would read from this author again!. The cover is so cute!

When Kerry is tasked with joining her brother in NYC to sell Christmas trees, she has no idea the bonds she’ll form with the people in the neighborhood. When one falls ill after all the trees have sold, they band together to help him. A sweet tale of a community coming together during the Christmas season with a side of a love story.

A light, sweet holiday read! While the book was jolly and cute, I found myself wanting a bit more depth from the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.

This book was perfect for this time of the year. It had a litle bit of everything especially the holiday spirit. This author never disappoints and I look forward to reading more from her.

This was such a heartwarming and cozy read. It got me into the Christmas spirit as such the kind where Christmas isn’t material it’s about love and family. I loved reading about the Tolliver’s and the friends they made during the season. Heinz was such a grump but is definitely a real softie and reminded me a lot of my own grandpa so I’m biased when I say he was my favorite character.

*I received a free ARC from NetGalley*

Another perfect cozy Christmas story full of found family, adventure, and lots of love. This story was absolutely adorable. A family farm sets up an annual Christmas tree shop in NYC. There is hijinks from the competition, lovely neighbors, holiday parties, and the best (most unrealistic) view of living in New York. Completely adorable.

4/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

Perfect for the holiday season - love, family, friendship and all the true meanings of the season. Cozy like a Hallmark movie.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I usually love Christmas stories but this book was a little hard for me to get into. It felt slow and it was hard for me to finish and get into. It was just okay for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

Meh… I wanted to love this so badly. The premise had so much promise… small town Christmas tree farmer girl heads to NYC to sell her trees street side and save her family business while falling in love and creating a found family?! Yes! I would have loved that. Unfortunately there was really no premise or plot to this entire story and I had a hard time reading it, thank god for the audio. I feel like there were too many storylines the author was trying to use and none of them connected or made sense, plus the romance was really not existent or believable after three weeks. This was a miss for me.

This was a cute and wholesome read. The author did a great job of developing the secondary characters. I adored them. I also enjoyed the small romance between Kerry and Patrick, but felt that it was a tad undeveloped.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews is a heartwarming holiday romance filled with charm, humor, and a touch of mystery. The story follows Kerry Tolliver, who leaves her family’s Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to help her brother sell trees in New York City. As she settles into the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village, Kerry forms close bonds with her quirky neighbors and gets involved in a missing person’s case, all while navigating her growing feelings for Patrick, a single dad.

Kerry’s compassionate nature and determination to follow her passion make her an endearing protagonist, and her romance with Patrick is sweet and believable. The book is filled with festive cheer, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughs, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. If you're looking for a feel-good story that leaves you smiling, Bright Lights, Big Christmas will hit the mark.

This book was incredibly heartwarming and full of humor, love and the magic of Christmastime. I loved the mix of characters who made up this neighborhood block in NYC, especially little 6-year old Austin. As someone who grew up spending time at her grandparent’s tree farm as a kid, this story was so nostalgic for me and brought back so many good memories. This is a delightful addition to any holiday reading list.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

A delightful holiday novella that embodies the warmth and magic of the season.

The story follows Kerry Tolliver as she departs her family's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to assist her brother in selling trees in New York City.

Amidst the bustling city, Kerry forges connections with charming neighbors and navigates a budding romance with a single dad, Patrick.

Each character is distinct and well-developed, contributing to the sense of community and warmth that defines the novella. Their individual stories and personalities add depth to the narrative, making it more relatable and engaging. The gradual unfolding of relationships and personal growth throughout the book makes the character development both realistic and heartwarming.

Overall, the story is brimming with humor, heartwarming moments, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. It's an ideal read for anyone eager to embrace the holiday spirit.

🎧 Kathleen McInerney’s warm and engaging narration breathes life into the story.

McInerney’s talent in conveying the characters’ emotions and the festive atmosphere of the holiday season adds considerable depth to the narrative.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And thank you to @macmillan.audio for a free download of the audiobook.

A Festive and Heartwarming Christmas Tale

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a delightful holiday romance that captures the magic of the season. Mary Kay Andrews has once again crafted a charming story filled with heartwarming characters and festive cheer.

Kerry Tolliver, a talented artist, is thrust into the role of family caretaker as she travels to New York City to help her brother run their annual Christmas tree stand. In the bustling West Village, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a handsome neighbor with a mysterious past.

The novel beautifully blends the cozy charm of a small-town Christmas with the excitement of the big city. Andrews's vivid descriptions of the holiday season create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The characters are endearing and relatable, and their interactions spark both humor and heartfelt moments.

The audiobook narration by Kathleen McInerney is excellent, bringing the story to life with her expressive voice and perfect pacing.

Overall, Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will leave you feeling festive and uplifted.

4 stars

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Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint! This one was a great Christmas themed book. Perfect for this time of year! The characters are very likeable and realistic. The setting was fun. It was just a great feel good story.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.