I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

A feel good Christmas story that celebrates community and family above all. I has that cozy vibe that feels like the holidays, luckily it's still warm enough to read outside. All the characters are pretty lovable except the Brody's.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is the 2023 entry from Mary Kay Andrews to what has become an annual heartwarming Christmas story for the holidays. As always, Andrews delivers tons of Christmas cheer and a feel-good story to get your holiday "warm and fuzzy feelings" going into overdrive!

Christmas tree farms are a well=used holiday trope in the Hallmark movie tradition, and it is indeed charming and mood setting. The Tolliver family has opened a tree stand in the West Village of New York for decades, and they are in fact so well known that local restaurants and residents open their bathroom facilities to the family. Does such a hospitable, happy place exist in New York as the neighborhood portrayed here? I don't know, but I certainly would like to believe it is so.

Listening to the audio version of this took it from 4 stars to 5 for me. Kathleen McInerney is perfectly suited for this role. Her voice is just young enough, and full of hope and cheer. Her rendition of the little boy Austin makes you want to pinch Austin's cute cheeks, and the quavery voice of the old man makes you want to offer your arm for support.

In short, what I liked most about this book:
1. The narrator
2. The feel-good holiday factor
3. A romance without all the gory sexual details
4. A happy and hopeful ending, with a little surprise thrown in

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

s this story begins, it’s late fall, and with Christmas approaching it’s time for Kerry to leave their Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and drive their camper - which is on its last legs - up to Greenwich Village to help her brother with selling the trees, at the same spot they’ve sold them every year.

Her brother knows which neighbors are happy to help, especially as their camper’s not fully equipped - unless you don’t need to eat since the stove doesn’t work, and neither does the toilet. It doesn’t take long before she begins to meet and become friendly with the neighbors, and the shops who let her use their restrooms. She quickly makes friends with a father, Patrick, through his young son, Austin, who is writing a story, and she offers to help him with illustrations. When an older man happens by who gives her some tips, he continues stopping by daily to follow the progress. They work on this when she has time, until one day he doesn’t appear. As days pass, they all become worried about him, and ask around, without much success.

In the meantime, there is a new tree stand across the street from theirs, which seems to be trying to create a lot of problems for them.

Meanwhile, there is a slowly building connection forming between Patrick and Kerry, which she knows that it can’t possibly work since she is only there for a short time, and North Carolina is her home. Add in their need to find out what happened to the man who seems to have disappeared. No one seems to know where he lives, but they are determined to find out.

A simple, sweet story of the bonds we form when we least expect it and the lengths we will go to for those we care for.


Published: 26 Sep 2023

Many thanks for the ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press

I am a big fan of Mary Kay Andrews and this story did not disappoint! A fun holiday read. I thought it was a bit slow to start but once it got going it was great. Totally enjoyed the romance between Kerry and Patrick and all the friends Kerry made. Enjoyed the references to characters from The Santa Suit.

A sweet story for those in your life that need an uncomplicated, happy-ending. Unfortunately, I found this book to be just ok as I wished there was more character development and depth to the story.

Mary Kay Andrews never disappoints. The holiday books she has written are always heartwarming, and this one is no different. The Tolliver family had always sold Christmas trees in New York over the holidays. This year, a medical emergency gave them a late start. After becoming "redundant" at her job in Charlotte, Kerry found herself back home, and since her father was laid up, she had to go help her brother in New York sell trees. Money worries caused anxiety for the family, but Kerry found she could put her skills to use to increase sales. And no holiday story would be complete without a little romance...Kerry may need to open her heart to love. This story will put you in the Christmas spirit!

I loved this book. It has all the Christmas feels. Who knew that the big city could have a small town vibe all because of a Christmas tree lot? And a mysterious old gent who might be Santa?

I liked that the focus is on the main character figuring out her relationship with her brother and her career more than a typical Christmas instalove romance. The characters in the neighborhood were fun and supportive. I also loved the callback to The Santa Suit from a few years ago.

If you want one book to get you into a Christmas mood, this is the one for 2023.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I am required by federal law to disclose this.

This Mary Kay Andrews installment makes for a perfect Hallmark Christmas movie--I mean book!

In all seriousness, it has the classic elements of a feel good holiday tale. There's our heroine who returns to her small town (check), a strained familial relationship that improves throughout the story (check), and a cute single dad (check). The setting is a character in and of itself which is another classic component. I would have liked a bit more romance but that's just a personal preference of mine. This was a quick and easy read and would make for a great book to pick up and get yourself in the holiday spirit.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "bright lights, big christmas" and all opinions expressed are my own. I downloaded the book on kindle and then I decided to listen to the audio book. I enjoyed listening to this book. Christmas, New York, Romance, bad luck, good luck, it had it all. Heartwarming story just in time for the holidays!

What a wonderful feel=good holiday novel filled with city lights, warm characters, a little romance, and nostalgia. Andrews manages to bring all the wonderful sounds, sights, and smells of Christmas right into your reading space. By bringing back some characters from her last Christmas novel, THE SANTA SUIT, she manages to keep that story alive and kicking. I loved this little novel. It will get you where you want to be in regards to the holidays!

Birdie ( Roberta) and Jock, her ex- husband run a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina but sadly Jock, her ex husband had a heart attack, and the selling of Christmas trees was delayed a week. Murphy & Kerry, brother & sister start their journey to New York to run their tree stand in the West Village

I am loving the budding relationship between Kerry & Patrick. Austin is too cute, and Gretchen is on my nerves already. I loved this book so much. I highly recommend

When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.

In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family.

And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?

I adore this author and her whimsical take on cute Christmas stories. I loved The Santa Suit so much that when I saw this book on Netgalley, I didn't think twice and requested it. I can't wait to gift this book to my friends this holiday season.

A light, feel-good, closed door holiday romance about new love, found family, and doing what makes you happy.

Unemployed and unsure of her path, graphic designer Kerry Tolliver finds herself living in “Spammy” the camper and working at her family’s Christmas tree stand in New York City, filling in for her ill father. As the days tick by and the stand struggles financially, Kerry searches for ways to make the stand more profitable. While navigating the stresses of entrepreneurship, she finds herself becoming close to the members of the tight knit neighborhood where the tree stand is located. Kerry often relies on the neighbors kindness and generosity to keep herself clean and fed, and to keep the tree stand open for business. When an opportunity arises for her to return the favor she doesn’t hesitate to rise to the challenge.

This was a quick, idyllic, holiday read that is sure to please any Hallmark movie lover. The characters were generally kind and likable, there is a slight mystery behind one of the central characters, and beautiful holiday imagery flows throughout the work. You can’t help but root for Kerry and the success of the Tolliver’s Christmas tree stand. While it lacks a bit of depth, the work still manages to wholeheartedly capture the reader’s attention and simultaneously fill them with holiday spirit. A perfect, light, yuletide read for the upcoming Christmas season.

Thanks St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a very cute Christmas story. I liked that the storyline was realistic and could be relatable. The writing was good and easy to read. I flew through this one and would definitely recommend.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas, by Mary Kay Andrews, is a seasonally delightful Christmas rom-com that was a pleasure to read. This story takes place in a suburb, primarily a street corner in New York City where the Tolliver Tree Farm is set-up to sell their home-grown trees from the Tolliver Tree Farm in North Carolina.

This season, Kerry Tolliver is roped into aiding her brother Murphy, since her father is recovering from a heart attack. The conditions aren’t great, since they are forced to reside in an old, worn, but well-loved travel trailer without heat or running water in the winter months. Additionally, Kerry’s brother is reluctant to have her there and is resistant to giving her any leeway, despite her creative ideas for the business. Also, some mischievous competitors have set up shop across the street and are consistently up to no good. But Kerry is determined to make the best of it all and make as much money as possible to help her family’s farm.

I loved the young boy in this story and the older gentleman, and the addition of their side stories to the overarching plot. I also loved Kerry with her positive spirit and creative outlook. I didn’t care for the main male character and love interest, at times. He seemed quite presumptuous toward Kerry and especially quick to not only take an interest in her romantically, but also in demanding a kiss, and more, without even asking, even with his sleeping son in the room. Murphy, the gruff, recalcitrant brother, also wasn’t my favorite. He seemed filled with animosity for no reason at all.

I will say, this plot line reminds me a great deal of a movie I saw on the Hallmark channel in the past, so it makes me wonder if it was the inspiration for this story, or just a coincidence. Regardless, I really enjoyed Bright Lights, Big Christmas with it’s unique twist on the typical Christmas story. It was hope-filled, heartfelt and entertaining, while embracing the spirit of the season. It is definitely fun, feel-good seasonal read and one you’ll want to add to your list.

In this hectic world, I think we could all use a bit of cheer. If you’re looking to add a holiday book to your TBR list this season, Bright Lights, Big Christmas may be just what you’re looking for.

Kerry Tolliver is between jobs, living with her mother, and is now tasked with taking her ailing father’s place to help her brother sell the family’s Christmas trees in New York City. Staying in New York City before the holidays seems like a magical experience, but to Kerry it means residing in her family’s old, cold, bathroom-less trailer with a brother with whom she hasn’t really been all that close to. It’s definitely not ideal, but this venture is what makes the most money for the family’s Christmas tree farm.

As a reader who enjoys angst and a good helping of drama in her novels, I knew that going into a holiday read, I wasn’t going to be getting too much of that. That’s okay. With a holiday story, I believe that the majority of readers want that cozy, heartwarming, hopeful story, and that is what Bright Lights, Big Christmas delivers.

What I enjoyed most about this novel was the eclectic cast of characters. I cared about them, I rooted for them, and I wanted them to find happiness and love. Of course, the festive New York City setting added a nice touch as well.

* 4 Stars

This was so cute! It was like a hallmark movie in a book. Kerry Tolliver’s family has always sold Christmas trees in the West Village. Her dad had some health issues so she leaves her idyllic western North Carolina town to help her brother (who she doesn’t know well) sell Christmas trees to keep the family afloat. She recently was laid off her marketing job in Charlotte and feels in between in life. She realizes her family has a lot of connections to the sweet neighborhood where the tree lot is located.

Closed door romance with low stakes conflict. Super heartwarming! Read by a fire and it was such a treat. My first Mary Kay Andrews book but it won’t be my last.

Mary Kay Andrews has written the book of Christmas and the season! Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a story of hope, endurance, love and the family you make! As the city of New York gets ready for Christmas, the Tolliver Christmas Tree stand is open for business in Greenwich Village. Murphy and his dog Queenie need help this year, so Kerry is dragged along to help. The season is starting late for them, but with their little camper, they set up and start selling trees. Along the way, they meet the various people in the neighborhood, making friends and learning about each other and what they can sell. Kerry has ideas to help sell wreaths and sets up lights around the area. Murphy delivers the trees and helps people set them up. Together with the help of a surprising visiter (an influencer) the trees begin flying out of the lot.

I love the storyline. I loved the characters of Murphy, Kerry and Queenie and all the people in the neighborhood. While this book does have loose ties with some of the previous books, it is clearly a stand-alone. I look forward to each new Mary Kay Andrews book and LOVE the Christmas stories. Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a wonderful read with such hope and love.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Publication date: September 26, 2023

I’m a big Mary K Andrews fan and enjoy her light closed door romance books. This is the first holiday story I be read from her and I loved it!

Kerry Tolliver was let go from her Advertising Agency job and moved back with her mom to their North Carolina tree farm a few months ago. After her dad had a heart attack she is guilted into traveling with her brother Murphy to New York City to help run their Christmas Tree stand.

Kerry and her brother don’t really know each other that well. After their parents split up when they were younger, they didn’t spend much time with each other having each lived with a different parent. After Kerry went to college she stayed in the city and has lived and worked there until she was forced back home.

As Kerry and her brother get to know each other again, Murphy introduces her to all the quirky characters that live in the neighborhood they have set up their Christmas tree stall for years.

Kerry meets Heinz an older lonely gentleman that walks the neighborhood every day. She also meets Patrick and his young son who live nearby and visit daily as well.

As the weeks go by, Kerry and Patrick get to know each other and there is no denying their attraction but they can’t seem to get a proper date in between Patrick’s son and Kerry’s work.

They really come together when Heinz goes missing and the neighborhood realizes they don’t know as much about him as they thought. Will Kerry and Patrick find love? And will they locate Heinz before it’s too late?

This has a man called Ove vibes with a holiday and romance twist. Great writing and well developed characters in a feel good closed door holiday romance. This is a solid 4 star read for me!!

#NetGalley #brightlightsbigchristmas #marykandrews

4 1/2 stars

I've enjoyed all the Mary Kay Andrews books I've read in the past so I eagerly looked forward to reading this one. I was definitely not disappointed. Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a feel good book with a strong storyline about family and friendship and a little bit of romance blended in as well.

Our main character, Kerry is at a crossroads in her life when she joins her brother in New York City to sell Christmas trees for the family business. Since her father's recovering from a heart attack, her mother's caring for him (even though they're divorced) and she's in between jobs, Kerry didn't have much choice but to step in and help Murphy. But Murphy is cranky and determined that she doesn't have anything of value to add other than helping to drive the trailer they will sleep in up there and helping him make sales. So, when Kerry actually starts coming up with helpful suggestions on how to make more money and improve sales, Murphy is initially doubtful. But when Kerry actually starts increasing their sales, he has to take notice.

But it's not just the impact made on their Christmas tree sales, Kerry also meets and befriends many of the locals including an elderly man named Heinz and a young father named Patrick and his son, Austin. There are also many others that she befriends but those three have a special connection. While discovering that she really does like New York and is becoming attached to the people she's met, Kerry is also re-discovering he ability as an artist.

There are just so many sweet moments in this book. I really enjoyed seeing Kerry and Murphy re-discover their sibling relationship. Also, Kerry and Patrick's blooming romance is also pretty sweet as is her attachment to his son, Austin. The author does an excellent job of developing the characters to the point that you truly feel like you know them. In addition, the storyline flows smoothly. You know that there is always an end date for Kerry and Murphy's stay in New York City but when it arrives, you are anxious and don't want them to leave.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: This was a really well-narrated audiobook. I fell into the story and found it to be such an easy way to enjoy this book. It flowed smoothly and kept me pulled into the storyline until the very end. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to them and review them and the opinions contained within are my own.