Mary Kay Andrews writes the best books with a Christmas theme to them. You immediately love the characters and root for them from the very beginning. Bright Light, Big Christmas was no exception. This was a great audiobook. It had great narration and was very easy to follow along with.

Absolutely enchanting — Mary Kay Andrews is the queen of Christmas! This Christmas romance book swept me off my feet with its heartwarming storyline, delightful characters, and the perfect touch of holiday magic. The writing is incredibly immersive, making me feel like I was right there in the busy and bustling village of NYC, selling Christmas trees on the corner with the Tolliver siblings. The east love story between Kerry and Patrick is well crafted, filled with genuine emotions and moments that had me rooting for their happiness - especially with Austin’s (Patrick’s son) real connection with Kerry.) Andrew’s descriptive prose painted a vivid picture of the holiday festivities, making it impossible not to get into the Christmas spirit. I couldn't put it down, and it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling that lasted long after I turned the last page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a sweet, uplifting holiday read!"

A warm and festive Christmas story with friends and community.

The main premise is Kerry Tolliver traveling with her brother Murphy to sell trees in Ney York while her dad rests at home from a surgery. Kerry gets in the spirit and meets a lot of people in the neighborhood including Patrick and his son Austin.

What I really liked about Kerry's character in this book was her creativity. She expanded just selling trees to wreaths and helping string lights on purchased trees. I loved that a main driver in this book was Kerry creating a story with Austin and using her art skills for the story book.

This trip changed Kerry's life around so much by the end, no spoilers of course.

The audiobook version of this book was fantastic. The narrator really got into changing voices between characters in a way that you felt like you knew everyone in the neighborhood.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.

All the feels. This books is like a hug from your favorite person and a warm hot chocolate for your soul.

If you need some Christmas cheer look no further!

Yay for Christmas books!!! If you need an early dose of Christmas cheer – Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a great appetizer for the upcoming holidays!! This sweet (with a tiny touch of spice) holiday story follows our sweet main character from North Carolina to New York to try to help save her family’s Christmas tree farm. Kerry falls in love with every person (well, nearly – there are a couple of dirt bags that nobody loves lol) almost as quickly as they all fall in love with her!! I loved this audio – and finished it in one day = fantastic narration! Thank you to NetGalley and Mary Kay Andrews for providing a digital advanced listener’s copy of Bright Lights, Big Christmas. All thoughts and opinions are my own and from the heart.

Go ahead and add this to your Christmas tbr. It's the perfect sweet book to give you all the holiday feels.

I loved learning about the Tolliver families Christmas tree farm and how they sell them in Manhattan every year.

Single dad-Patrick didn't quite start off on the right foot with Kerry. These two together are seriously the cutest, though.

I loved the connections made with everyone in the city every holiday season. I loved seeing Kerry do her own thing and run their little stand to give it a boost in revenue.

I have to admit my mom had read MANY Mary Kay Andrews books, but this was my 1st and I'm excited to go snatch a few off her shelves to read now!

Thank you @netgalley @marykayandrews @macmillan.audio for this amazing ALC and allowing me to give my honest review.

Alrighty, this book ruined spooky season for me because now I’m in the Christmas mood! What a fun, heartwarming, and warm Christmas book. This gave me the most perfect hallmark movie feels. I really loved the narrator of this audiobook, she has a great voice! If you are looking for a book that feels like a warm cup of hot cocoa with big fluffy marshmallows instead this is the one for you! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

The queen of southern fiction takes on the Big Apple. And boy did she make it work. This one takes place primarily at a Christmas tree stand. Kerry heads to NYC from her parent's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to help her brother at their annual tree stand. Living in a camper with her grouchy brother and his dog, Kerry finds that being in the big city is different than she expected. Before she knows it, she gets to know the locals to the area and the little tree stand begins to feel like home.

Andrews delivers a festive, heartwarming story about finding the places you belong and the people you belong with. This is a definite tale of found family. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters that lived within a few blocks of the tree stand. It felt like a small town romance while still taking place in one of the biggest cities in the world. Kerry's growing friendship with Patrick is sweet and I loved how they all came together to support one of the locals when he needed it most.

The audio is done so well. The narrator has that classic voice for a Mary Kay Andrews novel. She knows how to instantly make you feel those cozy vibes.

There's no doubt that Andrews knows how to write a Christmas novel full of warmth and heart. If you are a fan of holiday Hallmark movies, you will be sure to love this one. It will put you in those perfect December feels.

Every year, I look for a book to help me get into the Christmas spirit. I want it to be heartwarming and cozy, but above all it needs to paint a twinkling holiday scene in my mind. Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews checks all the boxes. It tells the story of two small town siblings who are forced to work together in NYC to keep their family's Christmas tree business afloat. Neighborhood characters become their new found family as they navigate their relationship after falling out of touch. There is a sweet budding romance that adds a bit of spice, but my favorite part was following along as the main character, Kerry, regained her confidence in herself and her art. Through her relationship with Heinz, the neighborhood grump, we see what can happen when we open ourselves up to those around us. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn that made me want to be better about noticing and reaching out to those around me. I loved the descriptions of New York at Christmas time, including the delicious foods, the snowy neighborhood, and the small town feelings that can be found even in a big city.

I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was incredible at moving between different genders, accents, and ages as she narrated the story.

I tend to avoid heartwarming holiday stories and romances because so many of them are infused with saccharine and require the reader to put their I.Q. in a box until the book is over. But two years ago, I was happily impressed with Mary Kay Andrews’s The Santa Suit, and so when I was invited to read and review Bright Lights, Big Christmas, I happily agreed. My thanks go to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for the review copies. This book is for sale now.

The Tolliver Christmas tree farm is an institution, not only at home in North Carolina but as far north as New York City. As a child, Kerry sometimes accompanied her family to New York to set up a tree stand and sell the trees, but as an adult, she’s had other priorities. This year, though, she finds herself unexpectedly jobless, while at the same time, her father’s health prevents him from executing the task. Kerry must take his place, traveling to the Big Apple with her brother, Murphy. They set up the stand, and they sleep in the ancient pink trailer nicknamed “Spammy” because of its resemblance to a canned ham. Adventure awaits.

Kerry’s love interest pops up before we’re even ten percent into the story, but it appears that the author planned for us to know that, and it doesn’t hurt anything. Over the weeks they are in New York, various small (and large) crises present themselves and are worked out with team work, ingenuity, and the occasional well-placed bribe. They have Murphy’s dog Queenie with them, but she is primarily left in the background where she belongs.

What I appreciate most about this novel is how well grounded the plot is, and the author’s restraint in not permitting any elements to go over the top. There are a host of stereotypes possible, but every time I see one coming, Andrews chooses a different path, and it keeps the story fresh and original. Small details that might be overlooked by someone less detail oriented are seen to, and it keeps the narrative credible. Examples are the need for a shower or bath, given the length of their stay in a trailer without working plumbing; the cost of living in New York; the hazards of theft and vandalism, especially active at Christmas. None of these sidetracks the plot or slows the pace, but the questions a reader might have are tidied away, and this makes for greater enjoyment.

One small criticism involves a situation where theft and vandalism occur at a time when Murphy has to be away, and immediately, other men folk clamor over the need to have someone—someone with a Y chromosome, folks—to do lookout duty, protecting the fair damsel, her trees, and so on.

Apart from that, this is a delightful story. However, for awhile I wasn’t sure I liked it, because I was listening to the audio version, which is poorly done. The male characters are voiced in a way that is choppy, wooden, and unconvincing; but worse is Kerry’s voice, which is performed in a high-pitched, girly-girl voice so off-putting that it took me awhile to realize that the problem wasn’t the author’s, but rather the voice actor’s. The children’s voices are much better, and I actually howled with laughter when the baby in a stroller wailed!

As the story reaches its climax, Kerry has to make some serious choices, and I admire the way this part is resolved. The side character Heinz, an elderly man that lives in the neighborhood and often stops by the tree stand, is terrific.

When all is said and done, I rate the printed version of this novel 4+ stars, and the audio version 3+ stars, with an overall score of 4. I recommend the print version of this book, but not the audio.

What a lovely, feel good holiday story! Kerry really didn’t want to go to New York City to sell Christmas trees with her cranky brother Murphy but the adventure ends up changing her whole life. She was floundering in her adult life and the events of the book helped her move forward. I appreciated that it wasn’t a love at first sight but a growing attraction over weeks not just with Patrick but also with the neighborhood and the people who lived there. I enjoyed when Claudia, Murphy, Patrick, Austin, Kerry and even Queenie banded together to help find Heinz and then worked to help him get healthy. It highlights the joy of the friends who become the family you choose.

I loved the shout out to Dragons Love Tacos as we love that book and its sequel in our house. It was fun to read about it in a grown up book.

The narrator was fabulous & I enjoyed listening. I don’t generally do Christmas books but this story was a great one & I’m so glad I read it.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for a copy of this audiobook.

#FirstLine ~ Kerry Clare Tolliver couldn’t remember a time when the smell of a Fraser fir tree didn’t make her smile.

"Bright Lights, Big Christmas" is a heartwarming and enchanting novel that captures the true essence of the holiday season. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, bringing the festive atmosphere to life on every page. The story revolves around themes of love, family, and the magic of Christmas, creating a perfect read for the holiday season. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to connect with their experiences and emotions. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a delightful journey through the joys and challenges of the holiday season, leaving them with a warm and fuzzy feeling. "Bright Lights, Big Christmas" is a feel-good novel that reminds us of the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones and spreading kindness during this special time of year. It's a delightful read that will surely leave a lasting impression and become a holiday favorite for many readers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to embrace the magic of Christmas within the pages of a heartwarming story.

Bright Lights Big Christmas
By Mary Kay Andrews

A NICE MIX of Family, Friendships and Holiday Cheer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY

Kerry Tolliver had recently been downsized from a marketing job and is now living at home with her parents on their North Carolina Christmas tree farm. Kerry's father has recently had a heart attack, and the family needs Kerry to accompany her older brother Murphy and his dog Queenie to New York City to sell Christmas trees at the family stand in Greenwich Village.

Kerry's first order of business is to drive her daddy’s old truck and pull a dilapidated camper through the streets of New York and then find a place to park. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, tree sales are not where they have been in years past. Kerry and her brother must do what it takes to sell every tree on the lot. Kerry has some ideas.

As Kerry gets to know the neighbors, she develops some unique relationships. When one of her new friends, an older gentleman, goes missing, Kerry jumps in to start a search for him. Patrick, a single father, and Kerry have great chemistry, but Kerry is reluctant to get involved with him since she will go home soon.

REVIEW
I finally bit the bullet and read my very first Mary Kay Andrews book. I get it. It’s light, fun, contemporary romantic fiction. BRIGHT LIGHT BIG CHRISTMAS is a warm holiday story of family, love, and friendships.

Andrews' writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. Kerry’s character is particularly delightful. The Greenwich Village setting is charming, and readers will feel like they can smell the pine trees and see the city's bright lights. The plot is a nice mix of romance, family, friendship, and holiday cheer.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS is a delightful read perfect for the holiday season. Andrews has done a fantastic job creating a descriptive story that will make readers happy and satisfied. I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Narrator, Kathleen McInerney did a fabulous job with all the voices.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Publisher Macmillan Audio
Published September 26, 2023
Narrated Kathleen McInerney
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

This is going to be ALL book club’s December read (there is a discussion guide). This audiobook was great and read well. Same narrator she’s used for other books so I highly recommend if your a fan of MKA audiobooks. This story overall is wonderful and sweet. Fast paced and really enjoyed.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews gave me big hallmark Christmas movie vibes. Kerry Tolliver has to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm to head to New York City to sell trees with her grumpy brother, Murphy. Kerry quickly becomes infatuated with the town and neighbors surrounding her tiny camper, affectionately known as Spammy. She is especially enamored with Patrick, a single dad, and his adorable son Austin. Kerry creates new friendship, bonds with her brother, finds her love of art again and has a budding romance.

This is a quintessential feel good Christmas story. You can’t help but fall in love with Kerry, Austin, Patrick and the other characters. Even the characters that come off as grumpy, such as Murphy, have redeeming qualities. This book is a sweet (and clean) Christmas story. What’s more charming than reading about a Christmas tree seller?! This is the perfect book to read with some hot chocolate and a cozy blanket. It will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside even on the coldest day.

I highly recommend this book for readers who are looking for a heartwarming Christmas story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a free copy of the audiobook. The narrator, Kathleen McInerney, has a very sweet voice that adds to the charming atmosphere. The audiobook was easy to follow along to and I was able to listen to this book in 2 days.

This was my second Christmas novel this year and I loved it. Who knew that selling Christmas trees would bring me so much delight. I read and listened to this and saw and felt the weather, lights and cheer. The people and atmosphere of the holidays jumped off the pages. Well written and so many touching moments. This was a New York Christmas and so much more. I fell in love with this story and ALL the characters. I highly recommend this wonderful story.
Thanks St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.

3.5 stars.

"Bright Lights, Big Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews is a quick read about friendship, family, and trying new things and taking new chances. It is a sweet, heartwarming tale that starts out strong, but is too repetitive for about 70% of the book. It sort of feels like it could have been a novella if it had been reduced by ~70-100 pages. The entire story could have used about 35% more Christmas/holiday cheer. Most of the time, this is a warm hug of a book. There's not a lot of conflict or struggle or turbulence. It's a relatively low-stakes story. Andrews develops her characters well and makes us feel for all of them for one reason or another. I liked Kerry as the main character. Most od her romance with Patrick is cute, but there's not a whole lot pf chemistry or build-up between them. I liked her/their interactions with Patrick's young son, Austin. The ending is predictable, but that is not necessarily bad. It feels like the parts with Heinz came a little out of nowhere. Still, I have a hunch readers will enjoy this one. I loved the audiobook narration from Kathleen McInerney. She did a spectacular job with the voices and her inflections of tone. Really well done audiobook!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrews, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ARC/ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

This is a cute read to kick off the Holiday season! I would recommend to Hallmark Countdown to Christmas fans who love a cozy holiday vibe.

I thought Mary Kay Andrews did a great job of bringing Kerry’s New York to life and loved the quirky side characters that came to be her friends. Including a very precocious child named Austin!

Patrick, the MMC, was loveable and it was nice to see a “big city” MMC who wasn’t a jerk. I also really enjoyed the narrator Kathleen McInerney.

I didn’t love Kerry’s brother. He’s billed in the synopsis as grumpy, but I found him to be unnecessarily mean to Kerry.

Overall, this is the perfect holiday read that will get you in the spirit!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Mary Kay Andrews for an advance copy. These are my honest thoughts.

I took a break from spooky season and thought briefly of Christmas! My 2 favorite holidays!
This audiobook was the ultimate feel good book! Christmas time in New York City on a Christmas Tree Lot! I could see the busy sidewalks and smell the Christmas trees during this! Kerry traveled to NYC to help her brother sell Christmas trees! Kerry quickly realizes that her brother, Murphy, is pretty popular in the area. Murphy soon realizes that Kerry can bring so many new ideas to The Tolliver Tree Farm! While Kerry is in the city she finds more than a love for making wreaths! I loved the narrator and her southern charm! I also loved that the author brought the small town feel to the big city! Lastly, I loved that The Tollivers were from Western NC and had some North Carolina slang in the story! This was my first Mary Kay Andrews and I’m excited to pick up another!
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Read this book if you love a Christmas atmosphere, new found family, hallmark movies, a cute love story and a story about chasing your dreams!
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Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a wonderful book! Very similar to the Santa Suit, it is like a warm cup of hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket for your soul! With some cameos from the Santa Suit, it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend to anyone who loves Hallmark movie- type stories!