This is such a heartwarming holiday read involving found family. 

The Tolliver family grow Christmas trees in North Carolina. Every year they come to the West Village of New York City to run their Christmas tree stand. 

This year Kerry came to help her brother Murphy run the stand since their dad had a heart attack. She comes to realize how close knit and welcoming the neighborhood is.
She becomes very close with Patrick and his son Austin and many others on the street.

You really see Kerry find her place and belonging. It is such a wonderful story! This will start to get you in the holiday feelings.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. What a sweet holiday romance with a HEA! Every character from Murphy to Heinz was amazing! I cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin Press for an ARC of Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews.

The Tollivers have been growing Christmas trees in the mountains of Western North Carolina for four generations. Due to Jock Tolliver being sick this year, his daughter had to take his place at the Tolliver Christmas tree stand along with her brother, Murphy, in New York. There was a late freeze in May that wiped out a quarter of the farm's trees. The Tollivers knew that the locals would not pay premium prices to make up for their loss. The New York trip normally accounts for 75% of the farm's revenue. So, this was a very important trip that the farm could not miss out on.

Kerry and Murphy stayed in their family's vintage 15 foot travel trailer that they had nicknamed Spammy. They parked on the street in New York right in front of their tree stand. The toilet didn't work and it didn't have a shower. So, they had to depend on the local businesses and neighbors to use the bathroom, take showers and do the laundry.

Even though Kerry didn't want to make the trip, when she got there she began to make friends with the locals. The strange old man Heinz who walks by everyday. The divorced father and son who lives in the building that looks down on the tree stand.

This book brings all of these characters together like a family. They truly needed each other and didn't even know it

If you are looking to read a warm feeling holiday book this season, you will absolutely love this book.

“Bright Lights, Big Christmas” by Mary Kay Andrews
Family, Friends, Love, Family, & Christmas
This was a sweet clean story of making new friends and forging new paths into the future. For me, I think Austin, the six-year-old is the ‘STAR’ in this story. Although, we all know Kerry has star billing in the book’s description. In any case, this book is loaded with a great cast of characters. And, I am sure you will enjoy meeting, each and every one of them. (I know I dd.) I wonder who your star character will be. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

Mary Kay has done it again. Her holiday books are on my Christmas Reading List every year and this one will be no exception. Set on a Christmas Tree Lot in New York city, this one brings all the magic of the city and the holiday together.

For the first time since she was a child, Kerry must join her brother in New York to man the lot where they sell the trees from the family farm in North Carolina. Andrews makes you feel like you are there with the siblings in their corner lot, smelling of pine and city streets. There is everything you need for Christmas, crafts, friendship, community and twinkle lights.

I am so glad I was able to get an ARC from NetGalley so I could read it before i even came out. I will be reading it again as we get closer to the holiday season. Check out all the books on my holiday reading list here.

This book gave me all the feels! It’s more than a festive Christmas book! It’s a story about family, obligation, generosity, reconciliation, new opportunities & compassion.

Living in NC, I frequently drive by the Christmas tree farms that line the mountain highway. I imagine there are family businesses making plans right now to set up shop in NYC just like the Tolliver family in Bright Lights, Big Christmas.

This was such a cozy read that drives the Christmas spirit and brings people together. I loved the genuine connections Kerry makes with her northern neighbors through her caring disposition. Even though she’s been down on her luck, she manages to remain positive to save her family’s business.

If you're in a festive mood and are looking for a sweet Christmas story, Bright Lights, Big Christmas is one that will give you all the warm and fuzzies.

I actually started reading this mere days after my father passed away, not sure if I could read something about Christmas so soon after his passing. I fully expected to say, not right now and read it in a few more weeks, but I found myself drawn into the story and in a way, comforted by it. We might be in the middle of a heat wave, but Bright Lights, Big Christmas put me in the festive spirit and ready for all the cozy winter vibes.

Thank you, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was a quick, sweet read just like always from the author. I wanted a quick read while on an airplane ride and I almost made it through the whole book in 3 hours. The side story with Heinz was my favorite part of this book. A very heart-warming, feel-good holiday read.

Such a lovely Christmas story! Mary Kay Andrews takes us from the mountains of North Carolina to New York City where the Tolliver family sells their Christmas trees. In this uplifting tale, we meet the people of this close knit neighborhood who welcome the Tollivers each year. This year there is a hint of romance in the winter air, along with Christmas cheer. If you need a feel good story, especially in this summer heat, this is for you! Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Adorable and fluffy Christmas book that fans of Mary Kay Andrews will love. The MC's brother was a bit much (such a jerk!) but I enjoyed it!

Christmas came early. I loved this Christmas book! I could see it being a Hallmark movie. I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the NYC at Christmas vibes. Very cute and cozy as per all Mary Kay Andrews’ books. Add it to your Christmas list!

Thanks NetGalley for the e-arc!

Bright Lights,Big Christmas is a wonderful and heartwarming story by Mary Kay Andrews!You will enjoy reading this with a cup of hot chocolate and your fuzzy socks.Kerry Tolliver and her brother plus his dog Queenie sell Christmas trees from their family farm in North Carolina.They truck the trees to New York City where they sell them to cash flow the rest of their year.Kerrie stays in a vintage camper by their tree lot and deals with the problems of retailing the trees and getting along with the people in their neighborhood.One special person is Patrick a single dad with a lovable little son.named Austin.Have fun reading this novella,Thank you Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this lovely book!

This was a cute and fun holiday read set in NYC for the most part.

Murphy and Kerry are selling Christmas Trees from their fathers tree farm. Usually, it is Murph and his dad, but due to health issues, Kerry is helping out since she is in between jobs.

This story has lovable characters even the cranky one will steal your heart! Clean romance and some drama makes for a great story! Just the story I needed!

I absolutely love MKA. This book is no exception. The relationships, the camper, the tree lot, the mysterious artist... all the love wrapped up with a nice homemade bow :). A wonderful Christmas book.

I have always enjoyed books by MaryKay Andrews and was pleased to receive a copy of Bright Lights, Big Christmas. I enjoyed and cared about the characters in the book and enjoyed the story very much. I was disappointed when it ended. The style of writing made me feel as if I was with Kerry and Murphy selling Christmas trees in cold blustery New York. I read this book during the hottest week of summer. I would recommend this book to those that enjoy "sweet Hallmark Christmas movie" books.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review your book.

Edit: Sept 6, 2023-- I am changing my rating to a 4. I can't stop thinking about the characters and wish the story didn't end. Thanks again for the opportunity to read this book in advance.

I do love a Christmas thing - Hallmark movie, yes! Christmas in July, yes! Contemporary Romance set at Christmas time, you bet! And I go in with expectations for sure. To be clear, I don’t mind the cliches; they are part of what I love. The really cool thing about Mary Kay Andrews’ Bright Lights Big Christmas is that she exceeds all of the Christmas genre expectations.

Kerry Tolliver has been hiding out at her family’s farm in North Carolina since she lost her job and has zero desire to travel with her brother gruff Murphy to sell Christmas trees in New York City. She has to live in a broken down travel trailer using the bathrooms of nearby businesses and apartments. But her dad is recovering from a health event, and she just can’t say no to her mom.

Cue the lovely corner tree lot, the handsome nearby apartment dweller, the helpful community of neighbors, an adorable little boy, and a mysterious artist. Let the magic begin. I love how the relationships develop between Kerry and the others. Seeing her creativity inspired through wreath making and illustrating is a delight. And while it is a lovely romance, the romance is not necessarily front and center. Kerry finding herself, learning to love her December neighbors, and trusting her instincts are. An intriguing mystery surrounding Heinz - who shows up to help Kerry rediscover her art - develops. (I confess, a small part of me wanted him to be Santa.) Along the way, Christmas is a delightful part of the setting.

So. If you love all things Christmas, this book is for you (maybe I’ll spend a December in NYC sometime?). If you are worried that this book will be formulaic and not transcend Christmas, do not. This book is for you. If you are facing change, if you want a burst of courage to pursue your dreams, if you love to watch friendships develop and love a neighborhood as a character, this book is for you. I am not as familiar with Andrews’ work as I intend to become.

Family is what you make it. Jock Tolliver and his son, Murphy, have been hauling Christmas trees from North Carolina to New York City for years. They have their established location, the neighbors all know them, and all is well - until it isn't. Jock has a heart attack and can't go. Murphy can't do the job by himself, so Kerry agrees to go with her brother and sell trees. They are already at least a week behind. When they arrive in the city, they discover rivals have set up across the street from them. The Tolliver trees aren't selling fast enough to pay for the trip. What to do? Kerry decides to take matters into her own hands and starts making and selling wreaths and swags and other Christmas items made from the discards of the well-trimmed trees. Success is on the horizon.

Then a gentleman in the neighborhood goes missing, Murphy has to go back to North Carolina for more trees and Kerry has a dilemma on her hands. One of the newer neighbors is Patrick, single dad, raising his son, Austin, part of the time. Austin, age seven, starts helping at the tree stand and his irresistible looks and sales pitch do the job. In true Mary Kay Andrews Christmas stories, happiness is just around the corner.

(3.5 Stars) Mary Kay Andrews is a name I recognize but I have never read one of her books. Why not start with a holiday romance. The blurb gives the basic set up. Because her father has a heart attack Kerry Tolliver agrees to go to NYC with her older brother to sell Christmas trees. Her family has the largest tree farm in NC. The NYC sells get higher prices and account for a lot of the farm revenue. She is a graphic artist and doesn’t normally work for the family farm. Once in NYC she become part of the neighborhood around her. She and her brother live in a small trailer but surrounding neighbors open their homes or work place for food, bathrooms and even a hot shower. She befriends an older man who critics her sketching and a father Patrick and his son. She also uses her artistic talents to create wreaths and center pieces to sell.

Love is in the air, as is a sense of community. This is a sweet women’s fiction with with a romance. I would have enjoyed more scenes of her and Patrick together but as this isn’t marketed as a romance I won’t criticize for that. I thought this was fluffy and enjoyable. It is filled with kindness but it didn't make me jump to read the authors catalog of books. The book is clean with kissing only. If you’re a fan of the author you will enjoy this holiday story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC and I’m leaving an honest review.

Mary Kay Andrews’ latest Christmas novel, ‘Bright Lights, Big Christmas,’ is a heartwarming holiday read that captures the essence of the season. Andrews’ skill in character development shines through as she introduces us to Kerry Tolliver, a relatable protagonist who finds herself back at her family’s Christmas tree farm during a time of need.

The story beautifully unfolds as Kerry embarks on a journey to New York City, towing the family’s vintage travel trailer – a setting that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Andrews paints a vivid picture of Kerry’s encounters with the charming local businesses and residents, each contributing to the story’s heartwarming atmosphere.

One of the standout features of the book is the sense of community that permeates the bustling city. Despite the urban setting, it feels like a close-knit small town where kindness and goodwill prevail. As Kerry’s relationships with her fellow New Yorkers deepen, readers will be enchanted by the bonds that form and the genuine care they share for one another.

Romance weaves its way into the narrative, adding an extra layer of warmth and intrigue. Kerry’s emotional journey and the decisions she faces as her month in New York draws to a close keep the reader engaged until the very end.

In ‘Bright Lights, Big Christmas,’ Mary Kay Andrews crafts a memorable story filled with the true spirit of Christmas. This book is a delightful choice for readers who seek heartwarming tales that capture the magic of the season and the power of community. It’s a must-read that will leave you with a cozy feeling, perfect for enjoying by the holiday fireside.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).

It's that time of year again where the Tolliver family loads up and heads to New York City to sell their family farm Christmas trees. This year Kerry Tolliver has to tag along with her brother, Murphy, due to their father not being in the best health. Neither of the siblings are too keen on working together but Kerry is determined to make the best of it.

This was a warm and cozy Christmas read. It has a little bit of romance and some found family elements. It is a perfect feel good Christmas story. If you are a fan of Mary Kay Andrews, you'll love this one, and if you have never read from her, give this one a try! I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher (St. Martin's Press/Macmillian Audio) for the allowing me access to an early copy/recording of this story. All opinions are my own.