Mary Kay Andrews delivers with this Christmas story. Her amazing blend of characters, atmosphere, pets and Christmas with a good dose of cocoa within a neighborhood of New York gave me the warmest feeling even if my toes are still chilly from the winter weather of selling Christmas trees with the brother and sister Tollivers. A Christmas story for any time of the year but this goes on my repeat list. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this book; this is my honest opinion.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas has a little bit of everything to put you in a festive mood and reaching for some hot chocolate. We have a brother & sister trying to save their family Christmas farm, a rival family selling trees on the same block, a single dad with a cute kid who falls at first sight, a grumpy old man who keeps to himself but who everyone knows and a community that comes together when you need them the most. Even though it’s set in New York City, the neighbourhood has a small town feel and the characters each bring a quirkiness to the story.

Since it is a novella, the romance moves pretty fast (a little too fast for us) and we were missing a bit of the pining and build-up. The overall story was cute and reminded us of a Hallmark Christmas movie and we definitely love that!

Read if you like:
▪️Christmas in NYC
▪️Saving a small business
▪️Found family
▪️Hallmark movie vibes
▪️Single dad
▪️Holiday reads

I'm not one to rush the seasons, especially Christmas, preferring to enjoy them as they come. But this year, the August heat here was particularly gross, with heat advisories almost daily. So I welcomed the chance to read something to take my mind to a different climate. Set in New York City in December, this was a nice way to at least mentally jump into thoughts of boots and sweaters and all things Christmas. And I know I can count on Mary Kay Andrews for a charming and entertaining read, usually with a touch of mystery thrown in. This book was no exception as a brother and sister, who don't really know each other all that well as adults, meet up in NYC to set up their tree lot to sell Christmas trees grown on their family farm in North Carolina. While it's been an annual event for years, it's the first time since childhood for the sister, Kerry, to go. Some recent big life changes have left her in limbo just a bit, so she steps in to help the family and to hopefully get some perspective to plan what her next steps will be. It's just the kind of book I like to read around the holidays - light, fun, nothing overly dramatic but still held my interest all the way through. And there was a nice little call back to The Santa Suit, which I read last year.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS is the perfect cozy holiday read. It takes a rural tree farm into Greenwich Village, throws in the requisite cast of charming characters, and ties it all up with a sweet, romantic bow.

I likes this one a lot. It was low stress while still keeping me engaged and wanting to know what was happening next. The Tolliver family is funny and flawed, and Kerry Tolliver is a delightful protagonist.

If you're looking for a quick, happy read, pick up BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS.

This is a wonderful Christmas story. It’s set in New York City where a North Carolinian brother and sister are selling their homegrown Christmas trees. The neighborhood is friendly, there’s a little boy who cares about everyone, an older man who no one knows a lot about. And everything meshes into a perfect Christmas story. Read and relax.

At a transition point in her life, Kerry reluctantly answers the call when her family's Christmas Tree Lot needs her help. She finds herself freezing and living with her grumpy brother in a trailer lovingly referred to as Spammy. While working to unload the stock on the lot, Kerry begins to build connections with the neighborhood's residents and finds her creativity again. From these neighbors, Kerry finds a new group of friends, amongst them is Patrick, a single dad who she shares an undeniable chemistry with, and Heinz, a secretive elderly man who brings the group together when he goes missing before Christmas.

Full of snow, self-discovery, and Christmas trees, this book will not disappoint!

My first Christmas book of 2023 (and it is 98 degrees outside). Bright Lights, Big Christmas is the perfect Christmas book. Mary Kay Andrews set the bar high with each book and she leaped over that bar with this book.

The family business of selling Christmas trees brings Kerry to New York where she connects with an amazing neighborhood. In that neighborhood, she connects with a divorced dad with a young son. The flirting was fun and the way she took that young boy under her wing made her a wonderful person. She gave young Austin the ability to be himself and gave him the attention he craves. Her relationship with Patrick, the dad, seemed to move a little quick for me but it is true that when you know who is right for you, you know.

My favorite character is Heinz (what a fun name). His story is wonderful, and I love that it took almost the entire book before the rest of his story was told. He connected with so many people in the neighborhood, but no one really knew him or his story. Kerry was the person that went above and beyond to help him and she did not give up on that, in exchange for that he gave her the self-assurance she needed to step out of her own way and see what her future could be.

Mary Kay Andrews wrote another book that I could not put down. No matter what the weather is outside, cozy up and pick up this book. I recommend it.

If you love watching holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel, you'll love this book! Another fun read by Mary Kay Andrews.

Aaahhhhh, another wonderful story with a cast of great characters by Mary Kay Andrews. This is just what I hope for when I settle in to read one of her books. Bring a young sister and brother from the mountains of North Carolina to NYC to sell Christmas trees, a divorced father and son who live in the building behind their Christmas tree lot, an old man with a long history, a dog named Queenie, mix them all together with the other people who live in this neighborhood, and you get this fantastic story. There is so much heart in this book and I loved this Christmas story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The New York City atmosphere, family, and Christmas joy in Bright Lights, Big City will fill your soul with the spirit of the holiday, anytime of year. Andrews writes with heart, as well as her signature humor, in her story of Kerry, a young woman who joins her brother to sell her family's Christmas trees from a stand in Manhattan.

I love a deeply developed ensemble cast of characters, and this book has exactly that and more. Kerry meets a set of New York residents who become part of her life in this neighborhood, and she gets to know her brother, Murphy better. The vintage camper, Spammy, that she lives in with Murphy while selling trees, is so central to the story that it feels like a character as well.

All of my senses were enticed by this delightful book. I experienced the smells and tastes of food and North Carolina grown Christmas trees, the sights of the art, city streets, and decor, and sounds of a neighborhood getting ready for Christmas. Most importantly, I felt the emotions and connections of Kerry and the other characters to the city and each other amid the Bright Lights and Big Christmas.

Okay this book is actually so good! I'm not a super big Christmas-Hallmark movie-watcher but I actually found the cliché so charming in a book.

The characters are perfectly likeable and they are easy to root for as they rally together to save the Christmas Tree Stand and overflow Christmas spirit to their neighborhood.

This is absolutely one that you'll want to pick up this holiday season. About halfway through, I opened up my phone and started my Christmas gift list for my friends and family this year. It successfully got me in the Christmas spirit!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review. I seriously might pick this back up at the end of November to read again!

The Tolliver Family Farms of North Carolina had been selling Christmas trees every year in the West Village of New York City while the family lived in a cute, vintage camper called Spammy (as it looks like a canned meat tin). But this year, father Jock was recuperating from illness and son Murphy couldn't make the trip alone. Sister Kerry reluctantly agreed to help. She'd been recently laid off from her job at an ad agency in Charlotte and had to move back in with her mother, who was long divorced from Jock. Once in New York, Kerry meets the locals including the charming and newly divorced Patrick McCaleb and his adorable six-year-old son, Austin. Like Murphy, who everyone seemed to know, Kerry is befriended by an eclectic group of neighbors including Heinz, a grumpy old man who is a bit of a mystery. A budding romance with Patrick has Kerry rethinking her life and what her next steps should be after all the trees are sold.

If you're looking for a sweet book with a nice holiday backdrop, look no further than 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 by the always delightful Mary Kay Andrews. In 2021, I was enchanted by Andrews' 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎 𝑆𝑢𝑖𝑡, and I was happy to see there was a reference to its storyline in this book. As much as I enjoyed her last holiday-themed book, I found this new one to be even more satisfying. I loved the New York City setting and the endearing cast of characters. I find it essential to alternate reading emotionally draining books with joyful ones. If you are the same way, I highly recommend adding this book to your list. It brought a big smile to my face.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a cute, Hallmark-worthy, sweet romance with a cast of characters that runs the gamut from a precocious little boy and curmudgeonly, eccentric old man to a burly, Southern mountain man, a wide swath of quirky NYC denizens, and the adorable, kind couple at the center of it all.

At its heart, this is the story of chosen family in a quaint West Village neighborhood that annually welcomes the Tolliver family when they set up their Christmas tree stand. Since patriarch Jock has suffered a heart attack, recently-unemployed art director Kerry is roped into taking her father’s place with her older brother Murphy. What starts out as begrudging acceptance turns into a life-changing experience as she befriends 5-year-old Austin and starts to fall for his kind and handsome dad Patrick. While not interacting with customers, she’s busy rediscovering her creative side by fashioning elaborate wreaths and illustrating a story imagined by Austin. Aiding in the process is the mysterious Heinz who appears daily to offer constructive criticism of her drawings and add his own artistic touches. As weeks pass, Kerry begins to feel more and more like she may have found a place she belongs. Will she be brave enough to open her heart and trust in her art?

Although most of the action centers around the corner Christmas tree lot and the rundown, vintage camper she and Murphy use as their temporary housing, it’s Heinz’s story that really grabbed my attention. When he falls ill and fails to show up for a few days, Kerry searches the neighborhood trying to find this man who is either homeless or just really good at hiding. When he is found, the story that unfolds is heartbreaking, fascinating and ultimately redemptive. It’s a capsule in time that, in my opinion, overshadows the central love story.

If you’re looking for a Christmas romance that warms your heart and leaves you yearning to be warmly embraced by family, both by blood and by choice, consider this novel. You won’t be disappointed.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin’s press. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Man, did I need this book! I had been in a reading rut, only reading a chapter or two a day and struggling to get through other books that normally I’d never have problems getting through. Once I dived into Bright Lights, Big Christmas, I flew through it. It was just what I needed to get me back on track to reading as a form of relaxation.

Kerry’s life is at a crossroads after being fired from her job. She lives in North Carolina with her mom since losing her job, and doesn’t know which way to take her career. She grew up on a Christmas tree farm until her parents divorced when she was under 10. Her dad has had a heart attack, her mother is nursing him, and her brother needs help running the Christmas tree lot in New York City. The farm suffered great losses due to weather conditions, so it’s make-or-break season for the business.

Kerry drives the dilapidated old camper, nicknamed Spammy and seen on the cover of the book, and prepares for a month living in a camper, taking showers every few days through the kindness of people in the neighborhood where they set up, and dealing with her crusty, rough-around the edges brother.

Once set up in the neighborhood where her family has been selling Christmas trees for decades. She meets many people in the neighborhood who have been buying trees from them for years, and all seems to be okay until another Christmas tree stand pops up across the street, undercutting prices and taking away business.

There are several people in the neighborhood who become a big part of Kerry’s life: Heinz, an elderly man who walks through the neighborhood every day and critiques Kerry’s drawing skills (she’s a freelance artist), and Patrick, a recently divorced father to a 6-year-old who just loves the Christmas tree lot and Kerry’s drawings. Father and son stop by often and Kerry, with Heinz’s help, creates a storybook for the little boy. And there happens to be a little spark between Patrick and Kerry, too, which helps the situation.

Seriously, if you need a light romance Christmas read, this is the book for you. It did wonders for me. I knew I wasn’t expecting great literature, but what I got was a great contemporary story with feel-good emotions.

What fun!

I really love Mark Kay Andrews' books, especially her Christmas books. Like the others, this is lighthearted, warm, has interesting characters and plot, and, all-in-all a super fun book! As a plus, there were interesting factoids about the growing and selling of Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery. Download this today to your kindle, read it once now and another time just before Christmas!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-limited e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Kerry’s dad has had a health scare and he cannot go up to NYC to sell their Christmas trees this year. So, Kerry must drive their old RV up and help her crusty older brother. Kerry thought her days would be full of selling trees and other mundane details. She never dreamed how the Christmas spirit would surround her and the whole neighborhood.

No one can transport me quite like Mary Kay Andrews. She always has the best characters! I know everyone of them…and I grant you…you do too. I could just picture Kerry, Queenie and of course the old RV.

This is a tale you do not want to miss. It is heartwarming and uplifting, especially when Kerry pulls the neighborhood together to help one of their own…and no you do not want to miss this ornery old coot!

This story is narrated by Kathleen McInerney and she is excellent. As most of y’all know, a trigger for me is the way a child’s voice is portrayed. Kathleen pulls it off expertly!

Need a fantastic Christmas book to get you in the spirit…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I rethink novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was a quick and delightful holiday read. I loved the NYC setting. You could feel the magic of the season with the Christmas tree stand. I absolutely adored the little community that surrounded it and the found family within it. It was all so heartwarming. I enjoyed the Tolliver family and relationship growth throughout the book. It was really sweet. I would have loved just a tiny bit more depth/romance between Kerry and Patrick making that HEA that we all know and love that much better. Austin was adorable and Heinz was so endearing. Loved what they brought to the story. This was a great read to get me into the holiday spirit.

This was such a cute book! While the book setting was repetitive, it seemed that every day brought new challenges/adventures and I found myself invested in the characters. I would highly recommend this book to my friends!

The queen of summer and holiday delights, Mary Kay Andrews, returns following The Homewreckers (5 stars) with her latest fun novella, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS —assured to get you in the festive spirit for the upcoming holidays!

MKA cleverly brings small-town charm, wit, sass, and endearing characters to the big city for a magical story of nostalgia, romance, miracles, community, and second chances.

Often, you must step out of your comfort zone to find the unexpected in the unlikeliest places. BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CHRISTMAS would make for a fun Hallmark Christmas show!

The Tollivers have been growing Christmas trees in the mountains of western North Carolina for four generations. Not only do they sell them locally, but they also set up a Christmas tree stand in New York every year after Thanksgiving.

This year, there will be a change.

Kerry Clare Tolliver (34) has received the news from her mom Birdie she must go to New York with her mountain brother, Murphy (39), to sell trees since Jock, the dad, is recovering from heart surgery. The mom must stay there to care for him since his young wife left him. They need the sales in New York to float their business, with the dad being out of work for a while.

Kerry's mom and dad divorced years earlier, and she moved to Charlotte, NC, to live in the city with her mom while Murphy stayed at the farm like a grisly mountain man.

Kerry had graduated from art school in Savannah, and her job at the Charlotte ad agency had merged with another prominent firm in Atlanta, leaving her without a job. She recently gave up her loft and moved back home, taking on some online line freelance work. She is waiting for her next opportunity in her field.

The last thing she wants is to travel with her brother from NC to New York City in a truck that pulls a vintage trailer (Spammy, a family heirloom) and dog Queenie. They must sleep in the small trailer, use the bathroom facilities, take showers at restaurants and bakeries, and eat there.

The Tolliver Family Christmas Trees: Farm fresh since 1954. They finally arrive with lots of problems and challenges; however, in the process, Kerry meets Patrick (Mercedes Man) and his lovable son, Austin, as well as an entire community of business owners and new friends who take them under their wing.

Austin is a big helper to Kerry, and she falls for him and his dad. She finds she likes this more than she thought and dreads when it is almost time to leave.

MKA pulls out all the stops, bringing the supporting cast of young and old characters with special friends for a memorable and dazzling festive Christmas.

Heartwarming and enchanting, full of heart and humor! This is what Christmas is all about! The author brilliantly celebrates the true meaning of the holidays and the extended community spirit that binds us all.

As a NC native, I LOVED BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS. I adored Kerry and all the characters for a spectacular Christmas holiday read. It's my FAVORITE holiday read! I miss all the NC wintery Christmas tree stands and farms,, a former favorite family tradition the day after Thanksgiving with my sons. Being in South Florida for 20 years, unfortunately, it is not the same.

It would not be summer or Christmas without the loveable, funny, and talented MKA! A longtime fan of MKA, I have read all her books, and each one is a treasured gem. You will laugh out loud and always learn something in the process.

There is nothing more special than Christmas in New York. I love the small-town characters embraced in the city for a magical Christmas of second chances!

I read the e-book and paperback versions and listened to the AUDIOBOOK narrated by one of my favorites, Kathleen McInerney, giving an outstanding award-winning performance for all voices! I listened in one sitting—I highly recommend the audio!

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS is perfect for fans of authors Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Viola Shipman! Be sure to put this gem on your Christmas list! Ideal for book clubs and holiday gifts.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for a gifted ARC and ALC via Netgalley and a beautiful paperback copy for an honest opinion. #SMPInfluencers

Blog Review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Sept 26, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
Sept 2023 Must-Read Books

This is my first holiday read and it was a wonderful one to start with! You know, I almost delayed it just because I love a good MKA Christmas book, I almost saved it. But I thought I deserved a treat right now and I’m glad I enjoyed it now. It’s heartwarming as can be.

It’s about the Tolliver family and their Christmas tree farm. Kerry and her brother, who aren’t especially close, get roped into going to NYC together to sell the family Christmas trees this year.
Right off the bat, I liked that because I knew this story would also involve Kerry and her brother spending time together and growing closer.

While selling their trees, Kerry meets a man and his sweet little boy. She also meets a cranky old man.

Between the found family, the cute dog, the wonderful Christmas vibes and the setting, this is just everything you can ask for in a good holiday story. There’s love, there’s friendship, there’s family, second chances, new possibilities, it’s a wonderful time. There’s even a fun reference to her previous holiday book The Santa Suit.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley and I loved it!