In Bright Lights, Big Christmas, Kerry heads to NYC to help her brother Murph with the family Christmas tree stand because their father is ill. Begrudgingly she arrives to a stand that that has seen more profitable days and with good intention to turn it around. However, as luck would have it, obstacles begin to appear from basic living to competition. The surrounding businesses and neighbors offer relief and friendship. Insert a timely winter snow, goodwill, and a little romance and I have just wrapped up the perfect Christmas novel.

Mary Kay Andrews writes relatable characters and relationships that I care about. I was tickled to read a reference to a previous novel.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

I love Mary Kay Andrews’ books! I will admit, this one is not my favorite. That being said, I loved the hallmark-movie-like plot of the girl and her brother who’s family owns a Christmas tree farm come to NYC to sell trees, meets locals (including a handsome man of course…), and the storyline ensues. All of the characters were likable, and I felt like I could picture the street where they sell their trees! However, the romance fell a little flat for me… I think because it felt so rushed. Our FMC was only in NYC a few weeks total, and the time spent with the love interest felt minimal to support that plot point. Regardless, Mary Kay Andrews is still an automatic buy for me! I love her books and her characters!

This was a cute, fluffy Christmas read!

After her father suffers a heart attack, Kerry is sent to New York with her brother, Murray, to help her family's Christmas Tree stand sell their trees. Kerry begins to meet all of the people who can make Christmas magical, including single father, Patrick, with his son, Austin; and blustering old man, Heinz. When the tree selling season is over, Kerry is left to wonder if North Carolina or New York is really where her heart is.

I honestly couldn't tell you much that happened in this story. It felt like every chapter was mostly the same thing: sell trees, sleep in a ratty trailer, talk to people about making sales, deal with horrible brother. I wish there would have been a little more of a plot or more drama. The ending of the chapters also felt abrupt and off at times, which would throw me off.

I did enjoy Kerry's character progression and her thought processes and how she dealt with everything (such as sleeping in an old trailer with no heat/toilet). The relationship between Kerry/Austin/Heinz was absolutely adorable and made the book in my opinion.

Overall, wasn't my favorite but still a cute Christmas read!
This was my first book by Mary Andrews and I can't wait to pick up another!

Thank you to #NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an eARC of this book .All opinions are my own!

I love Mary Kay Andrews' books and this one did not disappoint! This is a wholesome Christmas time read - it has everything - a struggling family Christmas tree farm, romance, community and Christmas spirit.

I loved the dynamic between the brother sister duo from Tovieller Tree Farm. Murph and his younger sister, Kerry, didn't grow up together. After their parents divorced Murph lived with his father and ran the tree farm and Kerry moved with her Mom. Prior to the divorce, the family would travel to NYC for a month to sell their Christmas Trees.

This year, their father is sick and cannot make the trip so Kerry fills in after years of being away. She reconnects with her brother and the community around where their family tree stand is set up in NYC. She becomes part of their community and through all of this she finds her passion and a new direction for her life.

This was the perfect way to start my holiday reads this year.

Kerry Tolliver isn't really enthusiastic about going to New York City for the weeks leading up to Christmas. But her father's heart attack has put the family Christmas tree farm in peril--they've already lost a week of the lucrative short season and with her mother caring for her father, someone needs to help her mountain-man brother. Someone willing to share the tiny vintage camper they park alongside the Greenwich Village tree lot.

But Kerry soon finds herself drawn into the quirky neighborhood and its residents. Undeniably, divorced Patrick and his young son, Austin, are the most appealing, but the grouchy, seemingly unhoused Heinz, with his strong opinions about Kerry's art, is a close second. As Christmas quickly approaches, and the Tollivers face one setback after another (particularly at the hands of rival Christmas tree sellers), Kerry begins to dread leaving as much as she one dreaded coming.

Total escape reading, but with such wonderful characters and an impeccable setting (with more December snow than New York has seen recently, I wager), Bright Lights, Big Christmas is vintage MKA. Speaking of vintage, along with the trailer, there's some vintage clothing and decor. #BrightLightsBigChristmas #NetGalley

Any new novel by author Mary Kay Andrews is cause for excitement, but a holiday story is extra special and always magical. Bright Lights, Big Christmas is your perfect start to holiday reading.

Kerry Tolliver is from Tarburton, North Carolina (remember the Santa Suit?? Yay!) but until recently lived and worked in Charlotte. After her job was downsized, her co-worker boyfriend and all her work friends downsized her also and ghosted her. She eventually gave up and moved back home to her family’s Christmas tree farm. Not where she really wants to be, but no job means no money and she needs somewhere to stay while she figures out next steps. Figures out her life.

In the meantime, her mom does what moms do best and guilt trips her into going with her older brother Murphy to New York City for a couple of months to sell Christmas trees. It’s a family tradition. Or was a family tradition until her parents divorced. Kerry stayed with her mother, Murphy stayed with their father, Jock. For years now Murphy and Jock have made the trip. They need the money the sales in New York bring in, especially this year when the farm is struggling. So even though Jock’s had a heart attack and can’t go, it’s imperative they make those sales. Kerry is there, Kerry has nothing else to do, so Kerry must go.

She’s not happy about it. She has good memories from the trips the four of them made, but those memories are from long ago. Their little trailer Spammy (because it resembles a canned ham) used to be cozy but is now falling apart. No working bathroom, no heat except for a little space heater – and as she discovers when she ventures inside, no recent housekeeping. Her traveling companion isn’t ideal, either. Her brother is a very cranky, impatient man, often rude. They’ve never been close; he’s always acted as if she irritated him. So even though he needs the help he’s not happy about it either, and wants her to do what she’s told, stop complaining, don’t make any suggestions for Pete’s sake because what does she know about it. Doesn’t exactly sound like a dream vacation, does it?

They pull up to their usual spot in a little neighborhood where they always set up and a Mercedes is parked there for two days. Not a good start. Then it gets worse when the Brody brothers set up a cut-rate inferior quality lot right across the street from them. The trailer is dusty, musty, cold. If she leaves the lot for more than a few minutes Murphy is all over her and she has to count on the kindness of strangers to even take a shower. Wow. But Kerry has fortitude and stamina and digs deep to look on the bright side. She starts making wreaths to add to their product line, custom decorating trees . . . all while Murphy is grumbling about any time she spends away to get supplies or any money she spends to get them. This man needs an attitude adjustment.

But lots of funny little things start happening and this is where author Andrews does her thing and the magic begins. Their lot is not in the big, unfriendly, cold New York we usually think of. This is a microcosm, a little neighborhood with quirky, inquisitive, friendly people who are just, well, neighborly. Except of course for those Brody brothers whose competitive mischief is more like vandalism. This neighborhood is made up of a variety of diverse, interesting folks who have the holiday spirit, a sense of community and want to help Kerry and Murphy. She’s still cold most of the time, Murphy is often a disgruntled handful and sleeping comfort is non-existent, but Kerry is beginning to enjoy her daily interactions with the people she’s just met. Everybody in this little neighborhood knows Murphy and actually likes him. To say he becomes charming would be an overstatement, but he is different at times. He’s made arrangements for food and showers and Kerry falls into the routine.

And the inconsiderate Mercedes driver? Turns out he’s a very attractive, very nice, recently divorced man with a six-year-old son. Both father and son are smitten with Kerry from the start. She’s powerfully attracted to Patrick as well, and Austin is sweet, precocious and adorable. Everything about this place feels good, is starting to feel so comfortable, like home. Or a home she would like to have. Her good memories from the past are resurfacing and she’s making wonderful new memories. People who feel like old friends, not people she’s just met. Patrick and Austin, of course, but also Claudia and Taryn and Heinz, an old, mysterious man who is private and aloof, doesn’t hold back his opinions about Kerry’s artistic talent and many others – the draw to stay here is strong. But she can’t just set up an easel on the corner and start painting. Where will she live? Work? This is New York City after all.

In Bright Lights, Big Christmas Mary Kay Andrews does again what she does best: gives us a charming, enchanting well-written, perfectly paced, satisfying story. In her books things almost always work out, and that’s the beauty of it. You can’t predict how it’s going to happen but you get a warm feeling from the start that just continues until the last page, where you sigh contentedly, and then immediately look for another book from this fabulous author to soothe your heart.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Bright Lights, Big Christmas via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. A definite pleasure that I recommend. I leave this review voluntarily; all opinions are my own.

Oh how I wish I read this one closer to the holidays it was the perfect escape. Heartwarming and a little slow burn . I’m never disappointed in MKA.

Good sweet story. Murph and Kerry travel from their tree farm in NC to sell trees in NYC. As a camping family, I love Spammy. It's great that Spammy gets a happy ending. Love Kerry's creativity on the wreathed.s love how Heinz, Kerry and Austin all worked on a story together. Love that Kerry got her happily ever after.

Sweet love story about a girl from North Carolina in NYC to help her family - falling in love - finding herself and helping an old man find a reason to live.

Like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie. Great way to read yourself into the Christmas Spirit!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas, by Mary Kay Andrews, is a festive holiday treat that immerses you in the season. The art-theme adds a unique charm and suspense. However, I wish the romance had a bit more buildup in the beginning as the romance seemed to generate out of thin air. Despite that, the book is a delightful read that captures the essence of Christmas and brings a cozy, heartwarming glow to your holiday season.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas was a great read by Mary Kay Andrews. Kerry Tolliver leaves her family's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to head to New York City with her older brother to sell trees at the family stand. She is sharing a small vintage camper with her brother and experiencing Manhattan for the first time. She quickly becomes close with the neighbors near the stand. An elderly neighbor goes missing and she will do whatever is needed to find her new friend. She also grew close to Patrick, a single dad raising his son Austin. They all grow close. I loved reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.

I wish I could’ve read this book closer to the holiday, but I did enjoy it and it made me wish for the holiday season. A bit of a slow burn, but I think it will be a hit this Christmas!

Thanks to NetGalley & St Martins Press for the ARC!

I enjoyed this book. It held my interest from start to finish. It was a quick, Christmas read. It had a lot of interesting characters.

If you are looking for a delightful, heartwarming and sweet Christmas story, look no further than BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS by Mary Kay Andrews. I love this author’s stories and this one definitely did not disappoint. It is filled with wonderful characters, a festive setting and a story of family and romance that kept me engaged from beginning to end. For four generations, the Tolliver family has grown Christmas trees on their North Carolina tree farm. Each season, they transport them to their iconic tree stand in the West Village, NY. When the family patriarch, Jock, has a heart attack, daughter Kerry must accompany her estranged brother Murphy and his dog, Queenie, to New York to man the stand. The pair must share a tiny, run-down vintage camper and rely on the kindness of their village neighbors for facilities and meals. Kerry meets handsome divorced dad, Patrick and his adorable son, Austin. As the days pass, the chemistry between Kerry and Patrick grows, but can their relationship survive once Christmas Eve has passed? I truly enjoyed this charming and heartfelt holiday story and highly recommend it. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I needed an entertaining read and pulled this wonderful novella up on my Kindle and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Christmas stories always make me feel good and it's nice to read one before the hustle of the season. I really liked the characters in this story and how they epitomize that friends are the family you choose - that might even be a line in the book! I read it all in one sitting and recommend it for those that like a romantic story that doesn't get in its own way. A fun and quick read.

A delightful, heartwarming Christmas story that hits all the feels a reader wants in a Mary Kay Andrews holiday book. Kerry Tolliver and her brother Murphy travel from their Christmas tree farm in North Carolina for their yearly Christmas tree sale in New York. This year the pressure is on as their father’s health has put the importance of this year’s sales a priority. As they settle into Abingdon Square in Greenwich Village the neighborhood characters welcome them back and add a fun part to the story. Both the new and long-term relationships add to the overall enjoyment of the book. The book is a quick-read because it is such a joy to follow along with well-defined characters whose lives intertwine in a charming way. The addition of the old-man character, Heinz, and the young boy, Austin, play important parts in the overall story as we see a neighborhood come together and flow into a conclusion that is very endearing. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #BrightLightsBigChristmas

Kerry Tolliver has been tasked with helping run her family's Christmas tree stand after her father’s illness. She spends the next several weeks leading up to Christmas getting to know her estranged brother and the neighborhood of regulars who buy her family’s trees.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a stand-alone holiday fiction. There is a small reference to The Santa Suit, also by Mary Kay Andrews, but you do not need to read it to understand the plot of this book. While there is a romance subplot, I wouldn’t strictly categorize this as a romance book. There is also some mystery woven throughout the storyline.

The overall tone of the book is cozy. Are there some tense moments and conflict? Yes, but it aids in the overall mood and adds to the realism. Kerry is really the sole main character of the book. She’s getting to know her brother and making connections with new people. The relationship that she develops with Patrick is secondary to everything else.

I’ve enjoyed every book that I’ve read from Mary Kay Andrews and this one is no exception. This is my favorite holiday book so far this year.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press!

I was on vacation and flew through this book. I loved this holiday book because... New York, A Christmas tree stand, a good-looking man, a grumpy old man, a cute little boy... and the camper, Spammy! A great first holiday book of the year! Seriously, has Mary Kay Andrews ever written anything I didn't love?

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is another wonderful Christmas story by Mary Kay Andrews. I wait for Ms. Andrews Christmas stories and this one was worth the wait. This is a heartwarming story with wonderful characters you will love. This story is filled with friendship, family, self discovery and all the love and warmth of the Holiday Season. It is beautifully written and adorable. It will warm your heart, make you smile and maybe she’d a tear. An unforgettable holiday story by a very talented author. A MUST read for this Holiday Season!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Mary Kay Andrews for this wonderfully festive story to read and review. The opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley. #stmartinspress. #marykayandrews
#brightlightsbigchristmas. #arc. #christmasromance. #stmartinspressinfluencer

This is yet another Mary Kay Andrews Christmas winner! I was quickly pulled into a world where Kerry and her brother Murphy are tasked with driving from their Carolina homes to NYC to sell the family Christmas trees for the holiday season. Once there, Murphy greets old friends and since Kerry hasn’t been there since a child, she meets a whole cast of new friends who welcome her with open arms. I quickly fell in love with little Austin who lives in the building near where the tree stand is and also with Heinz, the slightly grumpy older man who is clearly more than he lets on. The story flows like water and sucks you in so easily that you feel like you are right there with everyone. There seemed to be happy endings in store for more than one of the characters and I can’t recommend this book enough! It was impossible to put down and a classic MKA story!