Rating: 4.5

When I saw this story on NetGalley's Read Now section, I was excited to read it as Mary Kay Andrews is one of my Automatically Read & Buy Authors – and you're telling me I can read one before it comes out?! While Romance isn't my go-to genre, when it's done as tastefully as this, you can't help but love it. Now don't get me wrong, I thought I would read this months ago during Christmas, but life just got too hectic, so what's wrong with a little "Christmas in July" reading!

The Tolliver Family Tree Stand is a staple in the NYC neighborhood every year when the family brings their Christmas trees all the way from North Carolina. Murphy Tolliver and his dog Queenie have been going for years with his father, but this year, when his father falls ill, his sister Kerry joins to help make this year fruitful for them. If they can't sell all the trees they need to, this may be their last Christmas in the city. Armed with their beautiful trees, Kerry's masterful skills at creating and decorating wreaths, and their classic camper Spammy in tow, these two siblings head off to the city.

As the weeks to Christmas pass by, the local neighborhood really becomes their home. Heinz is their wonderful older neighbor who has more to his story than anyone quite knows (and shares in Kerry's creativity in crafting a kids' book), Patrick is the divorced father to little 6-year-old Austin (this is a romance novel, after all!), and the local shop owners all take care of this family and truly are a small town. The question becomes, though, will the Tolliver family be able to continue doing what they do best in the next holiday season? Can they survive this year and make enough profit to save the family farm? Will Kerry find love and friendship (p.s. this is obviously a yes!)?

I will ALWAYS pick up Mary Kay Andrews books because they never fail to put smiles on my face, and this was no exception. This book was like a Hallmark movie in waiting, and I could picture this being picked up and made into a movie if Hallmark knew what was good for them! Honestly, I want to see it, and I'm not a big Hallmark movie person. I was able to picture everything from the family camper to the children's book Kerry and Heinz create, to sweet little Queenie becoming friends with everyone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mary Kay Andrews, in collaboration with St. Martin's Press, for providing me with a copy so that I could provide an honest review prior to the publish date (despite my inability to publish this review prior to release)!

Thanks to Netgalley for the E-ARC. Nothing better than Christmas in July. I loved the story of Kerry and Patrick but this was much more than that it was about family and found family and a what happens when a whole community comes together. This was short and sweet and took a few hours to read and I enjoyed every minute of it.

This book was a perfect holiday story! I loved the characters and there was a great immersive experience. The writing was engaging and this was a perfect holiday romance.

"Bright Lights, Big Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews is a delightful and heartwarming holiday read that blends the charm of small-town life with the hustle and bustle of New York City. Mary Kay Andrews' vivid descriptions bring both the cozy farm and the vibrant city to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. The novel’s humor and romance are perfectly balanced, creating a feel-good read that is both hilarious and heartwarming. However, some readers might find the plot predictable, with familiar holiday romance tropes. Despite this, the book’s charm and engaging characters make it a delightful read that captures the spirit of Christmas. In conclusion, "Bright Lights, Big Christmas" is a sparkling gem of a novel that delivers everything fans of Mary Kay Andrews adore. It’s the perfect read to get into the festive spirit!

This is a fun, quirky book that brings a small-town feel to New York City. You will love getting to know these characters!

Everything you need and want in a holiday story! Lovable characters, unforgettable emotions and settings that are perfect to experiencing all that the Christmas holiday has to offer. This author's engaging writing style did not disappoint. Loved it.

What a delightful Christmas book! I love Mary Kay Andrews books and this one is no exception. I really rooted for the main character and wanted things to work out for her. I love all the side characters too (especially between Kerry and her brother) and the "character" of the camper. Loved this short but wonderful book!

Loved this one especially since it takes place at a Christmas tree farm in the NC mountains and the big city of New York! Really great and likable characters and the story was original to me! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Even though I read this book in May, I was immediately caught up in a New York City Christmas. The characters were so likable and I just feel like I could have a great conversation with them. As usual with Ms. Andrews books, the book was well-written and flowed very well. Christmas in NYC with just a little mystery and romance makes this is a book to love.

I've visited NYC during December and the book captured the feeling very well. I also appreciated the 'happy ending'. Overall, I enjoyed it a great deal.

I love love loved this Holiday Feel Good story!!!I

I read back when it came out and passed it along to many friends, who also loved it!

This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters and plot kept me interested. I would read another book by this author.

Such a great feel good Christmas story! From the setting to the characters and the whole plot this is the epitome of a Christmas novel. Quick easy read from beginning to end.

Thanks NetGalley for the complimentary ebook.

A nice holiday story with lots of feel-good moments. The cozy corner neighborhood atmosphere set smack-dab in the middle of a large metropolitan city lends a certain charm and comfortable appeal. The characters have an everyday folksy feel, like they're just people going about their lives and being kind to those around them simply because that's who they are. There's no ulterior motive, and genuine friendships are formed and cemented, bringing these temporary neighbors together as family year-round. An easy and contenting read, perfect for a casual Saturday at home in those weeks just before the busy holiday season starts.

Mary Kay Andrews's "Bright Lights, Big Christmas" captures the essence of what makes "cheesy" Christmas movies so irresistible and charming: Christmas tree farms, the bustling holiday spirit of New York City, a small town family-owned Christmas tree farm, and a festive romance plot that weaves together heartwarming traditions and unexpected adventures.

For nearly four decades, the Tolliver Family has journeyed to New York's West Village after Thanksgiving, bringing their fresh trees to eager customers. However, when Kerry, an artist, steps in to help her family after their father's hospitalization, she finds herself embarking on the annual trip in their beloved 1963 Shasta trailer, "Spammy." Joined by her brother Murphy and his faithful dog, Kerry immerses herself in the holiday hustle and bustle of NYC. As she navigates the busy streets and forms connections with the welcoming neighborhood residents, Kerry discovers the magic of being embraced as part of a community during the festive season.

This delightful tale is a sweet blend of romance and cozy mystery, offering readers a captivating escape into the joys of the holiday season. With endearing characters and a charming setting, "Bright Lights, Big Christmas" is sure to warm hearts and leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a very lighthearted holiday read. I wish I get to read it during, actually before, Christmas. I learned a little more about the Christmas tree business after reading the book. Since my family uses the same tree every year, I did not know much about Christmas trees. Kerry's journey to NYC is very interesting. She gets to know her family better, and the most lucky thing is get to meet the right people. I recommend this book to those who want more holiday spirit.

4.5 out of 5 stars
Received a free e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

Per the calendar, it's approaching summer. However, when in need of a good pick-me-up, my brain clings to Christmas. Digging into this novel was exactly what I was looking for. I've read another Mary Kay Andrews Christmas story titled The Santa Suit, and wasn't huge on it. That being said, I'm not looking for Shakespeare, so I was eager to dig into this one. Happy to say it was better than TSS. Not sure if it was the overall story, or the NYC location, but this felt like a cup of warm cocoa on a cold winter's night. MKA's writing style is all warmth and the easiness of it makes the story flow that before you know it, you're in the final chapters. Similar to a Debbie Macomber Christmas novel, but not as sappy, I was happy enough to spend the day pretending the temperature was cold instead of warm. Looking forward to other Christmas stories MKA has up her sleeve (not sure if she has one slated for 2024), and now I'm eager for Christmas. Only 7 more months and counting!

such a cute title! thank you to NetGalley for providing us the title ahead of the release date. We had an event with the author and having early access to this title was so helpful. The event was a huge success!

As always, Mary Kay Andrews manages to steal my heart with every single release of her novels!
Kerry is an artist and she is traveling to NYC to the same neighborhood as her family is always welcome to year after year, to stay with her brother and help run the family tree farm this Christmas.
I have NEVER been disappointed in a Mary Kay Andrews novel and this was no exception! This had the perfect setting, the perfect relationship dynamic between brother and sister, and there's even a dog in this one that just lights my soul on fire in the best way!

This was a cute, quick read. The camper, the setting, the wintery/Christmas theme--all *chefs kiss* great for a winter/cold weather read.

Loved this one! I always enjoy a good winter/Christmas book! I would recommend this book to others as it kept me reading till the end.