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.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. I was transformed to
NYC at Christmas. I loved the story of the tree farm, the selling of trees…it was such a cute holiday story!

Delightful novel set on the streets of New York. I loved this feel good book which features a close knit neighborhood in New York. Kerry goes to NY with her brother to help with the family Christmas tree business. They must stay in a camper next to the Christmas tree stand. It is not the nicest camper and does give us some humor.

The neighborhood is filled with interesting characters which add to the story. There is a child and his father that Kerry becomes close to and we feel romance in the air. There is also Heinz which is an older gentleman that adds to the story and the friendship circle.

Meanwhile, Kerry is at a crossroads in her life. She is a graphic designer who recently found herself out of a job and moving back home. She does not usually help with the tree stand but has memories of it from childhood. Her journey to NY is the backdrop for her rethinking her life. Maybe some change is in the air?

I wasn't sure how this setting would work but the author gave us a cozy neighborhood in the middle of New York. One could not help falling for the setting and the characters. Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review this book. I recommend to anyone who likes holiday, romance, second chance and found family stories!

Mary Kay Andrews has once again written a heart warming Christmas story. I loved everything about this book. It was everything you need in a Christmas story. I felt like I was right there in the Christmas Tree stand seeing the twinkling lights. I enjoyed how the characters developed. The narration was great!

I normally do not gravitate towards cute Christmas reads, but I’m glad I did. This book did not disappoint!

The Tolliver family has been selling their Christmas trees in Abington Square for decades. This year, however, it’s up to brother and sister (Murphy and Kerry) to save the farm and sell all the trees. They live in an adorable camper named Spammy and befriend the whole neighborhood, including the grumpy old man that is a mystery to everyone. An adorable 6 year old boy brings everyone together and of course we get our HEA.

This book was full of descriptions and details that really made the reader feel like they were in New York during Christmas. It was a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book.

This took me a little longer to read then usual due to it not being my normal genre. There were a few times I found myself thinking “this is too good to be true.” It was almost too cute or too sweet at times, but I imagine a cozy Christmas read is supposed to be like that.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, light-hearted Christmas story that will leave you smiling! Kerry and Murphy head north to NYC to sell Christmas trees from their father’s tree farm to the residents of New York. The same place the family has been selling for years. Along the way, the two create a found family from the neighborhood as well as some encroachers that are trying to steal business from the family. This is a true multi-level feel good Christmas story, but I believe Spammy may actually have stolen the show in this one. Grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for this one.

I was provided a free advanced copy of this book from @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
At a crossroads in life Kerry agrees to leave the family Christmas tree farm in North Carolina for New York City to help her brother sell their trees in the city! They share a small run down camper, and set up on a small park for a month. During that time she realizes the family atmosphere and comradery among those in the neighborhood.ake it a comfortable place in the midst of the cold! When an older gentleman in the community goes missing, she helps her new friends find him!
Overall it is a cute, feel good story. I struggled with the relationship in the story as it seemed a bit awkward at times. I didn't see the chemistry. 🤷🏻‍♀️ But the rest of the story was enjoyable. As a southerner it gave you a different view of the stereotypical unfriendly New Yorker. 🤣
Because I'm late, this one is already published, so if you're a fan of warm Christmas stories look for this one!
#NetGalley #BrightLightsBigChristmas

This book was really difficult to get into. Most of the time I could not keep up with what was going on with the characters or the storyline, perhaps it was me. Disappointed as I usually super love this author and everything they put out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.