A must read! I was immediately drawn into the storyline. The short, well written chapters read easily. The characters are well developed and I very quickly became attached to all of them, albeit for different reasons. Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a pleasure to read. I flew through it. I loved the descriptions of the New York neighbourhood - its quaint eateries, shops and diversity of people. I highly recommend it. It’s truly a feel good story of an unlikely community coming together.
Thank You to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Mary Kay Andrews for the opportunity to enjoy this ARC.

It's Christmas in September! Or it will be once Bright Lights, Big Christmas, is published. A cute and cozy Christmas novella that would get even the grinch into the Christmas spirit, Kerry travels to New York with her brother, Murphy to set up and sell Christmas trees grown from their farm in NC. The Manhattan neighborhood is filled with unique and fun characters. The first half of the book seemed a bit repetitive.. wake up, walk dog, sell Christmas trees.. rinse and repeat. But when a quirky neighbor isn't seen for a while, things pick up, and the story gets more interesting. Also, I couldn't stand Murphy. I just don't get why he was so grumpy, and his behavior was frustrating. I enjoyed The Santa Suit also Andrews more, only because I believed the romance interest a bit more in that one, but this was just as festive and worth reading for those that love a good holiday novel to get them into the mood.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.

*****Publishing September 26, 2023*****

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kerry Tolliver was forced to move back home after being made redundant at work. Her family owns and operates a Christmas Tree farm in NC. Since her dad was hospitalized with a heart attack, she is expected to go to New York City to help sell Christmas Trees with her older brother, Murphy. Although she is not thrilled, she knows it’s important for business. By working the Christmas tree stand, she realizes how much her family means and is supported by the locals. Will this be the experience Kerry needs to figure out her life?

Mary Kay Andrews Christmas Novellas are so much fun to read, since they are entertaining, heartfelt, and have happy endings! I love how Mary Kay Andrews made a connection to The Santa Suit in this book! Definitely a page turner that should be added to your TBR list!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, I was provided an ARC of Big Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5⭐️

I went totally out of my comfort zone and read a Christmas book in August...during the hottest week of the year in Indiana. Bright Lights, Big Christmas was totally worth it...a huge, cozy hug of a book!

@marykayandrews is always my go-to author for light, fun, comfort reads and her latest fits the bill perfectly.

It's the delightful story of the Tolliver family, their Christmas tree stand, one adorable camper...and lots of Christmas magic! I loved the characters (minus the brother who I just couldn't get into and quickly tired of hearing about his sleeping needs), the sweet neighborhood setting, and the many connections made along the way. If you like hallmark movies in a book.. don't miss out on this little charmer!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas will leave you feeling like you've been snow kissed. Be sure to stick this in someone's stocking this year...it would make the perfect gift!

P.S. MKA, I think you now have a children's book to write❤️

Special thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ARC by one of my very favorites! It was wonderful!

https://instagram.com/trishas_bookshelf?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

What a cute holiday story about Kerry, a woman who is living at home again without a job, that is asked to go with her brother to NYC to sell Christmas trees in place of her father who has been sick. This book explores all kinds of relationships from sister and brother, a romance, and family that is chosen. I loved the characters and even though it was predictable it was still a very enjoyable read. I also liked the mention of the characters from her previous novel, the Santa Suit.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

Ok, this one definitely reads like a reverse Hallmark romance. Kerry is the daughter of a Christmas tree farmer who is summoned by her brother to go help him sell trees in New York City after their father has health issues. If they don’t sell enough trees, the farm will be shut down. Kerry’s family have been selling trees on the same block for the past forty years, and her brother’s livelihood depends on it.

Kerry and Murphy are stuck living on the street corner by their tree stand for the month. In the meantime, Kerry makes friends with the neighbors, including an old recluse, and finds a romantic interest and befriends his son.

This book is feel good and completely put me in the Christmas spirit, even when it’s 90 degrees outside! It also gave me an appreciation for the folks who travel from far and wide to put up tree stands in New York — what a job!

Highly recommend for those who are looking for an easy, heart warming, festive read. There was even a nice shout out to MKA’s last Christmas novel, which I loved!

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Mary Kay Andrews for the ARC.

CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH SECOND CHANCES

Mary Kay Andrews has given readers a delightful gift in the form of this story of a Christmas filled with second chances. Andrews introduces us to unforgettable characters, each needing a second chance. Kerry has driven one of the trucks and trailers loaded with Christmas trees from NC to NY where her brother and father always run a Christmas tree lot. This is a “make it or break it” year for them. Kerry needs a career jump-start and a love interest. Her brother needs a new attitude and a girlfriend. Patrick (the gorgeous guy who parked where they always put their lot and didn't move his car for days) needs a second chance at building a family for his precious son, Austin. Then, there is the elderly neighbor who comes by and offers advice on all things. When Kerry notices he is missing, she pulls out all the stops to find him. Everyone is stunned to learn the true identity of their friend! He was ready to give up on life, but Kerry convinced him to take a second chance. Andrews concludes this book on a high note with a small-town NC girl, Kerry, deciding that the bright lights and big Christmas she enjoyed in NY were the best and her future never looked brighter! This was a delightful Christmas book!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.

This was an adorable book! I finished it during one afternoon. It’s like a Christmas blanket disguised as a book. All the characters flowed very well together, even had a couple villains thrown into the mix. If you’re looking for an easy read to brighten your soul then I highly recommend this! Thank you so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, & Ms. Andrews for the chance to read in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This was such a cozy and sweet read. It was a nice break between the books I usually read :) If you just need a cute, lighthearted book to enjoy I would highly recommend this one!

I loved Bright Lights, Big Christmas so much thatI couldn't put it down. Read it in one sitting.The fun easy banter between the characters was a pleasure to read. With some light tie ins to The Santa Suit, thhhis book is a must read for Mary Kay Andrews and holiday fans alike.

Kerry Tolliver moved back in with her mom after losing her job. Her family owns a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and each year her brother Murphy and father Jock travel to a quaint New York neighborhood to sell their trees for the season. Unfortunately due to Jock’s recent medical scare, he cannot accompany Murphy to NY and, reluctantly, Kerry takes his place. After all, she grew up doing this with her parents.

Sleeping in an old camper named Spammy in 20 degree weather is definitely not glamorous but Kerry, Murphy and a father/son duo help them bring a bit of Christmas to people’s homes.

I have read a few Mary Kay novels so I think I’m safe saying she has a certain formula to her writing. It’s simple, enjoyable and with a definite Hallmark feel. I thought the addition of young Austin and Mr. Heinz was really cute and I was fond of the story they draw throughout the novel. But I actually thought Murphy was kind of a jerk! Overall it’s way too long with many short chapters. The story lacked that holiday spirit for me, missing that magic and cheer I was hoping for. Though the variety of different characters and found family made up for it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an early copy to review.

What an utterly delightful read this was! Murphy Tolliver and his father raise Christmas trees in the mountains of North Carolina and they take them to New York to sell just before the Christmas holidays. This year, Murphy's father has health issues and cannot go to New York, so Murphy's younger sister, Kerry, has been recruited to help out. This means Kerry has to drive her father's pick-up truck towing an old relic of a travel trailer that they will live in while they sell the trees. The trailer has been named "Spammy" and has certainly seen better days as it no longer has a working bathroom or a working kitchen. Lots of heart-warming, interesting and fun things happen in this quick easy read and it is one of those feel-good reads that you will not be able to quit thinking about.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of this wonderful heart-warming, feel-good reads that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I never miss a Mary Kay Andrews book and Bright Lights, Big Christmas did not disappoint. It was a light hearted story with the right amount of mystery and romance, that Mary Kay does so well.

The Tolliver family travels every December from the mountains of North Carolina to New York City to see their farms Christmas trees. This year looks a little bit different as Murphy's sister Kerry is brought in to help after their dad's health scare. Once they arrive in the city and settle in, Kerry starts to learn a lot more about her older brother and herself. Since she was fired she seems to be drifting along with no real sense of direction. Until she meets some of the neighbors and starts to develop strong friendships and relationships.

This story is heartfelt that leaves you feeling warm and cozy at the end. It is a quick, easy read, with the right amount of characters and the perfect side storylines to make it flow perfectly. I found myself rooting for the characters and racing to the next page to solve some of the small mysteries.

Ok, first I want to say that I don't think I've ever read a May Kay Andrews book before, and now I'm not quite sure why I haven't.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is exactly what you want in a christmas romance. It follows Kerry Tolliver as she and her brother travel to New York City to sell Christmas Trees that they grew on their family's CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. Kerry, admittedly has been away and her father and brother run the farm. But now, she is ready to step in and help the family. Set in New York City, Kerry quickly becomes friends with all of the neighborhood locals, including Patrick, a single dad who lives in an adjacent building to the Tolliver family christmas tree stand.

This book is very light on the romance part and focuses more on the relationship building part, which is a nice change of pace from many romance novels.

If you're looking for a cute rom-com to read this Christmas, definitely check this one out.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy for review.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a great book to get in the 2023 holiday season spirit! I loved this book. Mary Kay Andrews is amazing at setting the scene of both New York City and the North Carolina mountains where the Christmas trees of Tolliver Christmas Tree Stand are grown. This heartfelt story with intergenerational characters is charming and festive and the plot is uplifiting. Definitely pick this one up when it is out 9/26!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Imagine a perfect chilly December day in New York City. The air has a chill and you can smell the fresh cut Christmas trees at the tree stand on the corner. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews captures Christmas like a perfect present tied with a perfect bow.

The lovable cast of characters made me unable to put this book down as I quickly became a part of this story.

After their father falls ill, Kerry tags along this year to help her brother Murphy sell their family’s Christmas trees on the same street corner in New York. Kerry quickly becomes loved by many of the neighbors on the block who have become like family to Murphy over the years.

Mary Kay Andrews’ writes the perfect Christmas novels that capture the magic of the holiday season and leave a smile on your face. Bright Lights, Big Christmas should definitely be on your holiday TBR list!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ms. Andrews writes such great stories and especially for Christmas. Currently living in NC, Kerry has to step in and help her grumpy brother, Murphy set up for the annual Christmas tree sales location in New York City. Driving the big vehicles with trees and the ancient camper nicknamed Spammy with parking issues, freezing temps (I read this in July but could just feel the cold!), nasty competitors, makes the story seem to have too many issues until we read about the neighborhood.

The neighborhood where they set up for sales is charming and mostly wonderful neighbors – not like I would expect some place in New York City to be. The setting is picturesque, but I can’t imagine having to live in such cold conditions and not have convenient access to a bathroom! The individual experiences with those wanting to buy trees was varied but most left happy with their purchases. Kerry has a degree in art and starts doodling scenes and along comes an elderly man, who critiques her work. When she meets Patrick and his son, Austin is such a wonderful part of the story and he and Kerry work on a story and illustrations.

All problems wrap up nicely and this is just a sweet, charming and uplifting story. I enjoyed the brief reference to the book The Santa Suit and hadn’t realized they were from the same town. I would have loved a bit more to the story once some of the issues are resolved and an epilogue.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this new work. I always look forward to reading more of Ms. Andrews work.

I was really excited when @netgalley and @marykayandrews gave me the opportunity to read this advanced copy of “Bright Lights, Big Christmas”!! I think anyone who is familiar with cozy romance novels is also familiar with Mary Kay Andrews and I felt super special getting to read this early!

It was such a light hearted story, but had some heart wrenching moments and emotion I didn’t expect! I truly enjoyed every minute of this book and my main complaint was wanting “MORE”!!!!

I also would’ve loved an epilogue (maybe a year later?!), but I know that’s shooting for the stars!

Add this book to your TBR for its publication date of 9/26/2023!!

Yes, I know it is August as I am writing this review but I LOVED this book!! Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews introduces us to Kerry and the Tolliver family. Every year, the Tolliver's travel to New York City to sell their beautiful trees just in time for Christmas. This year has been especially hard. Their dad has been sick, the trees have suffered from a colder then normal growing season, and Kerry came back home with her tail between her legs. Kerry is forced to join her brother in the tiny camper just like they did when they were kids to help save the family's tree farm from going under.
Mary Kay Andrews is one of the great story tellers! Honestly, this book needs to be made into a Hallmark holiday movie! It is the perfect setting and story for the holiday season! It is light-hearted, good feeling, romantic story telling. Before reading this, I had been in such a reading slump and wasn't look forward to reading. But I picked this up and loved every minute of Bright Lights, Big Christmas! I will definitely be recommending this to others and will always look for work by Mary Kay Andrews. Special Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Mary Kay Andrews for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion. 5 BIG stars for me!

Quick Summary: An enchanting general fiction/women's fiction story

My Review: Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews was a standalone novel all about family and community. The story featured two siblings, a sweet six-year old boy and his dad, a darling dog named Queenie, a neighborhood of colorful characters, and a cantankerous, old man with a secret and a heart of gold.

About the Book: The ups and downs of life often have a way of bringing people together. Such was the case with this ragtag group of people.

Favorite Quote: "Friends are the family you choose."

My Final Say: This sweet story took a ba-hum-bug situation, added some Christmas magic, and birthed life into the hearts of some very special people.

Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🍬💬

Thanks to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review.