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!

Thank you NetGalley and Mary Kay Andrew’s for this ARC.

I absoulutly loved this warm and cozy Christmas read. Such a cute story. I loved the romance storyline. All of the characters worked so well together.

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.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC and a chance to read and review this book **

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

Summary: After being let go from her job in Charlotte, NC, Kerry moves back home with her mother. With dwindling savings, Kerry thinks maybe a month in New York, selling Christmas trees with her brother Murphy (and his dog Queenie) would reset her.

Review:
A very sweet, feel-good Christmas story! While there were many characters, she does such a good job developing and highlighting each of their individual personalities and it made the story between all the neighbors really charming! - very Hallmark movie feeling!

As for the romance, In my opinion, I did not feel like there was any chemistry between Kerry and Patrick so their relationship development wasn’t very believable and it was very Insta-love which isn’t my favorite.

Very sweet Christmas-y story!
The Tollivers have been selling Christmas Trees in NYC for many years. It’s a family tradition. Kerry remembers coming here as a child and having a wonderful time in the camper van with her family! But now Kerry is all grown up and aspiring to be an artist! And the last place she wants to be is in NYC selling trees! BUT…her Dad, who usually comes with her brother, just got out of the hospital. And her Mom (who is and has been divorced from her Dad for a long time) is the only one who’s willing to take care of him. So….Kerry must go ahead and give up her life for a few weeks to travel from NC to NYC.
And once she gets settled in, she realizes that it’s not so bad!
She is welcomed to the area (after some initial snafus), makes some friends, and finds herself loving it!
Plus, she met handsome little Austin and his Dad.
And, she met Heinz. He’s a crotchety little old man, who somehow shows a fondness for Austin, and Kerry’s dog Queenie. And he loves to critique her drawings…

There are parties. There’s illness. There’s a missing person. And there’s love in the air! So all-around, feel good, holiday reading!
And, of course, we cannot forget Spammy!!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the ARC of the audiobook which releases on September 26th! Look for it on shelves…soon!
#MaryKayAndrews. #BrightLightsBigChristmas

If you like my review, please ‘like’ below. And feel free to follow me on IG at #BookReviews_with_emsr.

Thank you!

Thank you @smpromance @macmillan.audio for the perfect holiday read! Kerry goes to NYC to join her brother to sell Christmas trees. She meets the people of the neighborhood and forms a connection with Patrick and his son, Austin. This story is so sweet and Austin was added so much cuteness. The voices that Kathleen McInerney did for all the characters really brought the story to life.

Bright Lights Big Christmas
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 rounded to 4

This was a sweet holiday read in typical MKA fashion. The conflict is minimal, the characters are likeable, and the backdrop of the Christmas tree farm is fun and festive.

I listened to this arc and feel I would have enjoyed this more if I read it. The narrator had such. Odd pauses and. It became distracting. It was fine when she was the main character, Kerry, or the little boy, Austin. But when she read the third person POV narrator or any of the male characters, it was not good.

But I don’t want to base my rating on that so I rated solely for the cute book that it is. And I loved the reference to The Santa Suit which was also a cute read!

Another pitch perfect Hallmark Holiday movie style Christmas story from one of my fav authors! This was a feel-good small town, Christmas tree farm girly falls for a big city single Dad romance that sees Kerry Toliver traveling to NYC in a beat up vintage trailer to help her family and sell Christmas trees in the city. Charming with tons of feels and a cute story in a story with a fun nod to last year's The santa suit. I adored this one from its cute cover to the heartwarming, kissing only holiday romance! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!!

This a sweet Christmas story. I loved how Ms. Andrew's wove several story lines together so beautifully. A brother and sister grew to know each other. A neighborhood bans together to show love to a old man they deeply care about. Strangers fall in love.

Summary:
While her father recovers from a heart attack, Kerry, a new laid off graphic designer, joins her brother in New York, selling Christmas trees grown on their North Carolina farm. Living in an airstream with no heat or bathroom through the holiday season, Kerry and her brother Murphy depend on the affluent neighborhood where they sell trees for their basic needs and become close friends with a single dad, an elderly recluse and local restaurant owner. But can Kerry leave her new friends and budding romance behind when she has to return to her home in North Carolina for Christmas?

Title: Bright Lights, Big Christmas
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
@marykayandrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75/5
🌶️ 0/5

Tropes:
Single Dad Romance
Unexpected friendships
New beginnings

Triggers:
Spousal death
Divorce
Missing Persons

My Thoughts:
This isn’t typically the type of book that I choose to read, but I really thought this cute holiday romance was fun. I enjoyed seeing the neighborhood rally behind the small town brother and sister duo, the romantic interest and his super adorable kid. At times, the FMC really pushes personal boundaries, especially with an elderly neighbor, which bothered me. While the FMC has good intentions, she does not listen when other characters say no, and literally takes over situations that she should has no business being a part of.

Thank you to @marykayandrews and @netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

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This was exactly what you would expect from a Mary Kay Andrews Christmas novel -- in the best way! It was easy, quick, and relatively light-hearted while still holding some depth to the characters. Around the busy holidays this is the type of book I would want to read to just relax and enjoy the season.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my advanced listening copy.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. The story just didn’t seem to grab me and pull me in. Thanks for the opportunity to listen to it though.