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.

This book is a heartwarming story that was a joy to read. It has wonderful characters, drama, romance and the spirit of Christmas. It's a great book to read at Christmas time.
I received a complimentary copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and was not required to write a review.
All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars down to 3 Goodreads stars. I did not enjoy this as .much as I do most of the Mary Kay Andrews' books that I have read. I loved last year's Christmas book, The Santa suit and though this one was cute, overall, this one did not have the same feeling as her previous Christmas book. I continue to read more of her books and hope to find another one that I love as I did The Santa Suit and The High Tide Club.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is yet another perfectly delightful holiday story from the prolific southern author, Mary Kay Andrews. With ties to Tarburton, NC, as did her holiday story The Santa Suit, this tale tells of siblings Kerry and Murphy Tolliver as they load up a special cargo of their top of the line Fraser firs on a flatbed that Murphy will pull while his sister has the old family travel trailer, Spammy, hooked to the back of their dad’s truck to make their way to a special corner in Greenwich Village where they have set up the Tolliver Family Tree lot for decades.

It is usually Murphy and their dad, Jock, that make the trip but this year Kerry is helping out in the wake of their dad’s heart attack and bypass surgery. Since Kerry was downsized when her company was taken over by another, she has been home and at loose ends. This trip just might point her in the right direction.

As they set up in the super cold weather, Kerry begins making neighborhood friends, including those that feed them, those that allow them to use their shower, and those that allow them to do their laundry. But the most important friends Kerry makes are a young boy named Austin, his single dad Patrick, and the elusive elderly man, Heinz, who frequents their stand regularly and shares stories and artwork with Kerry and Austin.

This is just a thumbnail sketch of this well woven story. A little mystery, a bit of romance, and self discovery for Kerry make this an excellent read. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Loved this! Fun, festive, heartwarming, with great characters and some depth. Great holiday read! Will definitely be recommending for holiday reads!

Kerry Tolliver and her older brother, Murphy are headed to Greenwich Village to sell their Christmas trees since their father suffered a heart attack. It’s a Christmas tradition, going on for over thirty years and one that keeps the family farm afloat. She isn’t looking forward to living out of their rustic camper with no working bathroom, but she wants to help the family while she’s in between jobs. Kerry doesn’t count on becoming attached to the little, tight-knit community or falling in love, but these things happen when you least expect it.

This little corner of New York city came to life, bustling and charming. The Tolliver’s Christmas Tree stand sounded like a lovely oasis of pine and all things Christmassy in the middle of their little neighborhood. Kerry’s artistic knack stepped things up with twinkling lights and her handmade wreaths, which sounded gorgeous!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas was a heartwarming, low drama holiday story! Found family and choosing a life that makes you happy was at its center. This is the perfect must add read for the TBR for the winter/holiday season!

I alternately read and listened to Bright Lights, Big Christmas and I recommend either version. Kathleen McInerny brought the characters to life, her southern and New York accents sounded authentic, and her performance enhanced this lovely story immensely! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

I thought this was a really cute, quick read! It was heartwarming and almost made me wish for Christmas in October. I loved following Kerry and her time in New York City. I wish that the story line with her brother was explored further where they got to know each other more besides a new outfit and haircut. But overall this was a cozy read that will be perfect for winter. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

Since reading Mary Kay Andrews' The Santa Suit last year, I couldn't wait to get my hands on her latest, Bright Lights, Big Christmas!
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I'm the first to admit that romances, particularly holiday romances, are not always my go-to as I'm more on the Grinch side of holiday fare, however MKA is not to be missed!
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Kerry's family has a long history of being Christmas tree farmers. Every fall, they make the trek to sell their trees and accessories on the busy streets of New York City. When Kerry's father falls ill and her mom needs to stay behind to take care of him, Kerry and her gruff brother (& his sweet pup!), make the journey to sell trees on the family's behalf.
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We meet a quirky cast of neighbors, a sweet elderly friend and a kind-hearted-single father and his son---all of whom are leaving their mark on Kerry's heart.
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Mary Kay Andrews' describes Big Lights, Bright Christmas as a hot coca hug, and honestly, that's just what I needed this week. I absolutely adored every minute of this story!

This is my favorite of all the holiday books I’ve read so far, I think it’s one of the best books of this year.

Every year the Tolliver family goes to NYC from North Carolina to sell Christmas trees on a specific corner in Greenwich Village. They make enough money to support the business, to plant new trees and manage their property.

Usually her father and brother go, but this year Kerry is going because her father is sick and she’s back home after losing her advertising job. She is not looking forward to sleeping in the family trailer, Spammy, but knows she has no choice.

When they get to NYC, it’s a surprise to Kerry that her brother knows a lot of the people in the area very well. As she meets the residents of the nearby buildings, she makes friends with a boy named Austin and his father Patrick. They spend time together working on an illustrated story that Kerry illustrates. As she gets to know Patrick and the time to leave approaches, Kerry wonders what if maybe she doesn’t have to go back.

There’s much more to the story but no spoilers. I love the characters, they are so well done that I can see them in my mind perfectly. The plot is funny and sweet, and definitely brings out the holiday spirit.

I highly recommend this holiday romance, 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

Makes me so ready for Christmas! Mary Kay Andrews always crafts a terrific story but this one brings the magic of Christmas alive. Kerry goes from NC to NYC to help her brother sell Christmas trees from their tree farm. This is after she has lost her job and moved in with her mother. She is feeling pretty lost and even though she is a small-town girl, she finds a love for the city and some of the people in it. This is a great read. Will definitely get you in the feels!

Kerry Tolliver is forced to move back home after being made redundant at work and being dumped by her boyfriend. She gets roped into going to New York City for the holidays with her brother to help run the family Christmas tree business and live in a vintage camper with her brother. They set up their Christmas tree stand in Abingdon Square, which is apparently the cutest little NYC neighborhood, full of charming brownstones and cafes and the kindest neighbors.

I was absolutely enchanted by this book! I loved all the characters and their different stories. While parts could be a little unrealistic, this book gave off a sweet Christmas vibe that made it easy for me to suspend my disbelief. I’ll also add that this book gave major Taylor Swift vibes with the whole family Christmas tree farm and just overall charm. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel good novel to get them into the holiday spirit!

A sincere thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the electronic copy of Bright Lights, Big Christmas. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is like a warm cup of Christmas cheer. It left me feeling warm and hopeful. I loved Kerry, and found her down to earth and relatable. She moves from North Carolina to New York City to sell Christmas trees from her family’s farm for the holiday season. She meets the most charming neighborhood characters, including a sweet love interest and his adorable son and a mysterious elderly man.

This book was darling, and got me into the Christmas spirit. I’m not normally one who tolerates Christmas movies, but I loved how cozy this book was!

Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin’s for this electronic arc in exchange for an honest review.

A cute, festive holiday romance. When her father ends up hospitalized, Kerry Tolliver must step up and make the trip to sell Christmas Trees from her family’s farm in New York City with her brother. Along the way she meets neighbors who will become chosen family and change her life.

This story was really cute and an easy, enjoyable read. My main criticism is with the lack of chemistry between Kerry and Patrick. It just felt very forced to me. Otherwise I did enjoy this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a cute holiday romance.

Kerry Tolliver travels from her family's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to New York, along with her brother Murphy and his dog Queenie - all to sell trees in a holiday tree lot. Kerry, Murphy, and Queenie stay in a vintage camper they have nicknamed Spammy. Murphy, who does this each year, knows many people in the tree lot neighborhood. Kerry gets to know them too, and is especially drawn to single dad Patrick and his son Austin. She also meets an older man with a mysterious past, an artist, and when he goes missing, the search for him changes lives.

I wanted to read Bright Lights, Big Christmas because I love Mary Kay Andrews' books. Mentions of Christmas in New York City, a vintage travel trailer, and a dog all sweetened the read!

This is a delightful holiday read, with a heartwarming community in the big city, a sweet love story, and a light mystery as well. There is even a brief mention of characters from Mary Kay Andrews' The Santa Suit.

I really enjoyed this read, and recommend Bright Lights, Big Christmas for fans of women's fiction, Christmas in New York, and heartwarming holiday stories. Five enthusiastic stars for this novel!