This was a really sweet story and a delight to read. Kerry goes to New York to help her brother sell Christmas trees from their family farm. She grew up with their mom while her brother grew up on the tree farm with their father so they aren’t especially close. They are staying in an old motor home affectionately named Spammy. As Kerry starts to get to know the residents of this area, she feels like she belongs. She becomes especially close with a young boy, his attractive father, and an older gentleman in the neighborhood.

This was a fun, low-conflict story filled with Christmas cheer and wonderful characters. I liked getting to know Kerry, her brother, and the other characters. I appreciated the fact that there was a bit of mystery worked into the story in addition to just the right amount of romance. Kerry seemed like she just belonged in the neighborhood and I hoped that she would figure out how to make her visit more permanent.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Kathleen McInerney did a great job with the story. I thought that the voices she used for the various characters did a great job of helping to bring the story to life. I found her voice to be very pleasant and am certain that her narration added to my enjoyment of this book. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to others. I found this to be a very well-done holiday story that kept me hooked until the very end.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press.

This was my first Mary Kay Andrews novel and probably my last. The synopsis sounded cute and I love holiday/Christmas books, but this one fell flat. I really liked the main character Kerry and the setting on a New York Christmas tree farm was cute. However, the story was slow moving and there was not enough chemistry between Kerry and Patrick. I also didn’t like Murphy’s character.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy.

This whole story was like reading under a warm blanket while sipping hot chocolate. I love that the Christmas ARCs are coming out! Kerry and her brother, Murphy, have a family Christmas tree farm in North Carolina. Every year their father and Murphy set up shop and sell Christmas trees in New York City. This year, their father is not well so Kerry steps in. Kerry quickly becomes friends with the neighborhood folks and soon sparks begin to fly between her and Patrick. Patrick’s son, Austin, and an older gentleman become friends with Kerry as well. As a graphic artist, Kerry begins creating a children’s book with Patrick’s son. This was a sweet story that felt like a warm hug. At times not much happened, but I was OK with that. The characters were great and truly felt like a diverse cast of New Yorkers. The story was easy to follow. This was a feel good Christmas story that was fun bringing the small town girl to the big city. I left the book with a smile on my face.

The story was super predictable, but also really cute and heartwarming. This is probably the first audiobook narrator that I have really not liked. She talks with sooooooo many pauses within sentences; it was all I could concentrate on when I was listening. I also didn't care for her "kid voice," it sounded like a Rugrats character.

My Thoughts- Who doesn’t love a good Christmas story? Christmas is the time of year that is warm and cozy, and this is the feeling I got from reading this book. Though it was slow at times, it was a wholesome and clean romance, with a side of slight mystery. The slow burn between Patrick and Kerry is sweet, though I wish there had been a little more chemistry between them. I have always wondered what it would be like to own a Christmas tree farm, and this book didn’t squander that for me. I liked all of the characters and the development of relationships when Kerry moves to New York City from the mountains of North Carolina. I would rate this story as a 3.5/5, just because it was a little too slow for me, but overall, I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a feel-good clean romance that is Christmas-themed, then this is the book for you.

Book Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I did enjoy the plot of this fun holiday read, but I didn't feel it had her usual southern charm, and I was a bit disappointed by that. I liked most of the characters, but I wasn't a fan of Austin. I know he is only 6, and I feel bad talking about a child, but I just found him to be annoying and unrealisticly mature in his speech. I think the narrator also helped ruin his character for me. I just wasn't a fan.
The narrator overall was a miss for me, and I didn't feel she was a good match for this particular book. I think if I had read this instead of listening, I would have enjoyed it more.
Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

Mary Kay Andrews never disappoints with a holiday read.

The Tollivers have a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina. For about forty years they head to West Village, NY right after Thanksgiving to sell their trees.

Kerry doesn't normally go, but this year she has stepped up to help her brother as their father is ill and just out of the hospital. They live in "Spammy", and old trailer. Kerry, her brother, Murphy, and their dog Queenie.

Kerry and Murphy are quickly a part of the neighborhood. There's romance and even a little mystery. Great holdiay read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Tolivers tradition was to travel more than 700 miles from North Carolina to New York and setup shop selling Christmas trees from the family farm. However, this year Kerry and her brother Murphy are in charge of handling the sells after their dad suffered a heart attack. Concerned about the family business, sibling tension, and the nearby competition, Kerry is determined to sell all the trees and make her family proud. She also uses this time to think about what/where she wants to be as she’s still figuring out her career and future. But while in New York, Kerry finds herself smitten with Patrick and his son Austin, which makes for a sweet holiday romance with a super cute ending!

I loved the short chapters and the narrator was cheerful, reminded me of a Lifetime Christmas movie. It’s definitely a Christmas/ holiday season MUST READ 🎄

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ARC!

Kerry Tolliver grew up on her family’s Christmas tree farm and when she suddenly becomes unemployed shortly before Christmas, her family ask that she travel to New York with her brother to assist at their family tree stand in Greenwich Village. While she had never been to Manhattan before, living in a tiny vintage camper with her grumpy brother wasn’t what she had in mind when she thought of visiting New York for the first time but since her father had just suffered a heart attack, she felt an obligation to help her family out. While living in the trailer parked right on the street, Kerry meets and strikes up friendships with the people who live in the area and work in the restaurants and coffee shops. Of course, with this being a Christmas-themed book, a romance becomes part of the story and Kerry begins to hope that it takes a long time to sell all the trees so that she doesn’t have to leave her new friends.

I listened to the audiobook edition of this book narrated by Kathleen McInerney and I thought that she did a good job. She was articulate, was expressive and you could tell each character by how she voiced them. As far as the story itself, I enjoyed it. I got a bit of a “found family” type of vibe from the story and if you’re looking for a cute Christmas book, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this audiobook.

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. I listened to the audio version and the narration was well done.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

I'm always excited to hear that Mary Kay Andrews has a new book coming out. And even better? This latest is a Christmas tale - Bright Lights, Big Christmas!

MKA gives us a great lead in Kerry Tolliver. She's thoughtful, caring and is someone you'd love to have in your friends circle. She and her brother Murphy are heading to Greenwich Village in New York City to sell their Christmas trees. Her family been doing this since the 1950's and the neighborhood always welcomes them back. But there's competition this year...

I love the setting. Having a Christmas tree stand as a focal point is fun and different. As is Spammy - the trailer that Murphy and Kerry are living in.

There's a wealth of supporting characters in the neighborhood and local businesses. All of them are kind, good people. (And I kind of wished I had an apartment in the neighborhood.) Austin is one of the key players - he's six years old and steals the show more than once. And at the other end is Mr. Heinz, a cantankerous older gentleman. In between are some candidates for the romance plot line that MKA always weaves into her books. Oh, and a dog named Queenie as well.

Relationships of all kinds are explored in Bright Lights, Big Christmas. Difficult issues, questions, situations and more are resolved by the final pages. And that's what I expect and love about MKA's writing. Feel good fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. And fills you with the holiday spirit!

Kathleen McInerney narrated the audiobook version. She did a fabulous job of interpreting and presenting Mary Kay Andrews' work. McInerney has a very versatile voice. The voice for Kerry was sweet and kind and made you want to hear what she had to say. Kerry's voice had an interesting up and down that I liked. Murphy's voice was gruff, matching the character. And she created a believable voice for a six year old boy. Hare to do. Different voices were used for all the characters, making it easy to know who was speaking. She spoke clearly and enunciated well and was easy to listen. Her voice helped me to cement the mental pictures I drew of the characters. Loved it!

I want to know the rest of this story! Intertwining my favorite things, christmas trees, the Village, and storytelling, Real, endearing characters that have you rooting for their happiness. If this magical place does indeed exist, I want to be there.

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.

The audiobook format works wonderfully for this holiday story, with Kathleen McInerney as the perfect narrator to transport listeners into the season that Kerry experiences. Her lovely voice takes listeners on a journey of joy, mystery, romance, and relationships that Andrews so beautifully writes.

Thank you to Net Galley and McMillan Audio for an advance listener's copy. My thoughts are my own.

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.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
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I am that person that goes from summer beach mode, skipping over fall and jumps right into Christmas mode. So when I got an ALC of this one I couldn’t wait to start it. And let me tell you, once I started this I absolutely demolished it. I was hooked right from the start. It got me right in the mood for snowy days and hot chocolate next to the fire.
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Mary Kay Andrews does a fantastic job at creating the perfect atmospheric read. She brings in the perfect amount of family tension between the Tollivers. All that aside, the connections between the characters bring in such a wholesomeness to the story that you have some hope for humanity. It reminds you of neighborly friendliness that you usually always encounter during the holiday season (or at least used to). I loved what Kerry and Murphy were willing to do to keep the family business alive and how others were also willing to jump in. The romance in this one was pure and sweet. Also, fans of last years book The Santa Suit - there’s a sweet little reference to that book that had me literally jumping for joy.
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There are so many great concepts in this book that will have your heart bursting at the seams. This one is about family, its about found-family, its about hard work and dedication, but ultimately its a reminder to believe in oneself, to take chances (even if they aren’t the rational ones your brain is thinking) and to always go with what your soul is feeling.
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I listened to this via audio and Kathleen McInerney was incredible. She brought this story and all of its characters to life. I couldn’t put this one down. I definitely recommend this one on audio!
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I very much enjoyed this holiday read, it was heartwarming, enchanting and atmospheric and it got me in the mood for even more Christmassy reads. Highly recommending this one to all my holiday book fans! This one releases today - be sure to put it on your Christmas List! Huge thank you to NetGalley, Mary Kay Andrews and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

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.

You must often 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 all 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. My FAVORITE holiday read! I miss all the NC wintery Christmas 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 NYC! 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 was so so cute. I just love Christmas romances. The romance was sweet. The story hooked me from the start. There was a little family drama. All the side characters make the story even better. I cannot wait to read more by this author. The narration was perfect. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This felt exactly like a hallmark movie. The characters were so wonderfully described and developed. There is nothing better than New York at Christmas, and this story felt exactly like being there. A Christmas Tree stand, a rusty old camper, sweet dogs, fancy parties, vintage shopping-- It had so many lovely details.

This is a perfect holiday read!!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy to read!

What an absolutely adorable, sugary sweet, fun, festive, and heartfelt Christmas story! It is like a Hallmark movie on the written page.

The narration of this book is everything! My favorite was how she narrated the little boy Austin. Each character had their own distinct tone ensuring that you just get lost in this sweet Christmas story. Kerry and Murphy have such a fun sibling dynamic and I just loved experiencing their christmas tree sales and wreath making shenanigans right along with them.

This book has everything you would want! A Christmas tree farm, family squabbles, love, adorable little boys, curmudgeonly old men, a sense of community, and the spirit of the holidays oozing off the page.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, St Martin’s Press, and the author for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the heartwarming story of a family who is trying to save their family business and are in a big city at Christmas time. This was a fun light hearted read that will be perfect to get anyone in the holiday spirit. Each of the characters were well developed and relatable. The family dynamic between the siblings is realistic as well as seeing how they along with their chosen community make the best of a situation and turn things around. The relationship between Kerry and Patrick was cute and heartwarming.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, this is a voluntary honest review.