I absolutely loved the way that the little area of NYC was written in this book. It seemed whimsical and dreamy and all the neighbors were so nice and friendly. And I have to call BS on that, because I don’t know anywhere in NYC that you can park Spammy and plug up somewhere and have all these connections for showers, food, etc. But in the spirit of Christmas I am going with it. It felt magical. I can always count on Mary Kay Andrews to bring a solid read.

Bottom Line: Read it

**I received a copy of Bright Lights, Big Christmas from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**

This book just wasn't for me. I didn't love any of the characters. It was set in the city as Christmas approaches and a brother and sister team are selling Christmas trees. There was some romance and a sense of community.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Bright Lights, Big Christmas.
Mary Kay Andrews has written another cozy Christmas hit! Taking a bit of a different approach from the small town setting, this book is set in New York City.
The Tolliver family owns a Christmas tree farm in Tarburton, NC. (If you have read The Santa Suit, you will recognize the town.) Each year, Murphy Tolliver and his dad travel to New York City to sell their Christmas trees, an undertaking that keeps their farm in the black each year. But, this year, Murphy's sister, Kerry, fills in for their ailing father. From day one in the Big Apple, they encounter various obstacles. Tension between the siblings, parking issues, and a group of thugs selling their own trees threaten the Tolliver's livelihood and they have to figure out how to work together, and outsmart the bad guys, to earn enough to save their farm. The neighborhood characters they meet along the way add color and flavor to this fun holiday story.

If you like Hallmark Christmas movies you will most likely enjoy this book as well. It was cute and just the perfect read around the holidays. The author was able to create this small town atmosphere even though the story took place at a New York street corner.

Thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas combines two of my favorite ideas in a novella: Christmas and NYC. New York plays a key character in this fun and meaningful story by Mary Kay Andrews. Every fall, Kerry's father and brother pack up their vintage camper to bring their Christmas tree farm to the Village to sell their prized trees. This year, Kerry and her brother Murphy's father is sick and unable to make the trip. Kerry has to step in and drive their trailer, Spammy, to New York where Murphy has set up shop in their yearly lot. Dealing with losing her job as a designer and her long-term relationship Kerry is glad to have the distraction-but wary about spending this time with her estranged brother. Arriving in New York, it is clear Murphy has made connections from all the years spent selling trees with their father. When handsome Patrick and his adorable son meet Kerry sparks fly as much as Kerry tries to fight it. To pass the time selling trees, Kerry takes up sketching again and meets a rather rough critic, an elderly neighbor. When he goes missing, Kerry and Patrick won't give up finding him. This is a season of miracles and the cast of loveable neighbors rounds out this charming story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This is such a charming, lovely read for the holiday season. Mary Kay Andrews at her best. This is a book that everyone could read and enjoy. It has just the right amount of love, romance, charm, and mystery. Highly recommend.

I'm a huge fan of Mary Kay Andrews and generally love anything she writes, but this wasn't a favorite of mine. It reads like a short story — straight to the point and without a nuanced plot. I get it's a holiday story, but I was still expecting a little more. Obviously, this wasn't for me, but I remain a fan of hers and will continue to read literally anything she publishes.

This is a lovely Christmas novella about family, found family, friendship and love. It was enjoyable from the first page and encompassed the holiday spirit.

4 STARS
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Mary Kay Andrews does not disappoint! This was a quick read, perfect to get me into the holiday spirit.

In the current fast paced world, it was nice to slow down and read about some of the little things. I loved the small town feel of this story, even when taking place in the big city.

The story was predictable and I think that the relationships developed a little too quickly but overall a cute, festive, holiday read.

Another beautifully written Christmas story by Mary Kay Andrews. I felt like I was working with the Tolliver siblings selling Christmas trees on that busy block in NYC. I love how MKA brings out the magic of Christmas. This book reminds us to ‘believe in yourself.’

I absolutely love all and everything Mary Kay Andrews writes, and this novella is the perfect read this holiday season! I love following Kerry from North Carolina to New York City seeking Christmas Trees at Greenwich Village. It’s the perfect place to fall in love! There is magic, a bit of mystery, and a whole lot of love.

Perfect holiday read!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas was an enjoyable read. I would recommend any book written by Mary Kay Andrews. Happy Reading!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

This book was so fun and Christmassy! It wasn’t your typical Hallmark romance, but it was so cute and emotional! The concept was adorable too, a family tree farm selling their wares on the busy streets of NYC. I loved all the characters, especially Austin and Heinz 🥹 and I enjoyed the city mouse/country mouse juxtaposition of the main characters. Overall, this is such a good, quick Christmas read if you’re looking to squeeze one more in!

Yay for another Mary Kay Andrews Christmas book!!! I read The Santa Suit when it came out, so I just had to read her most recent Christmas book. Such a cute, New York City Christmas read!! Full of holiday spirit, love and hope. I really enjoyed reading this one! And so cute that The Santa Suit story was mentioned!! Highly recommend to read during your holiday season!!

*Thank you @stmartinspress for the egalley in exchange for an honest review.*

I am recommending this to readers who enjoy a holiday romance with a fun cast of characters. The characters are all very likeable (with a sweet dog to steal your heart). MKA is known for her southern stories and she brings that same appeal to a new setting - NYC. Kerry and her brother Murphy encounter a neighborhood full of interesting characters while running their family Christmas tree lot. Patrick makes the perfect book boyfriend - with an adorable son to make it even sweeter. This one feels like a Hallmark movie from beginning to end!

This story was great from beginning to the end. It was a clean, wonderful romance that happened so naturally. There were several side characters that added so much to the story. 

It was such a good read for the crazy busy days leading up to Christmas. It felt cozy and easy to read each time I was in need to a quiet moment. 

Mary Kay Andrews is really good at giving me the Christmas feeling.

Another Christmas book! 🎄

I love Mary Kay Andrew even more after each read I finish. There is always a thoughtful plot with some romance but not too cheesy. This was like an adorable Hallmark movie but I actually loved the characters! They sell Christmas trees in NYC…you can’t get more Christmas than that! This one was adorable 🥰
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I enjoyed this Christmas book so much and I loved that it totally involved family and its importance when things get tough. The MC, Kerry's family owns a Christmas tree farm and they sell trees annually in Tennessee; however, this year her parents need help so Kerry (not very happily) accompanies her brother, Murphy, to New York City to sell the trees. She and Murphy were not on the best of terms, and one thing I liked about the plotline was how their sibling relationship grew in what I considered a realistic way. I love family themes like this book had. Along the way they also made friends who helped as a big company moved in on them, so that was intimidating and required some brain to possibly outsell them.

The story takes us from the south to NYC at Christmas. A family that is changing and trying to make their Christmas tree business continue to strive. The characters were endearing and Queenie the dog was a joy. This was a fun read that is perfect for the holidays or a winter read. Perfect to read on audio as well!