I totally fell for this heartwarming and sweet romance. It's just what I want in a holiday read! I listened to this one and enjoyed the format.

I am a big fan of Mary Kay Andrews so when I had a chance to get the netgalley audio copy of this book I was excited! This book had all the charm of Mary Kay Andrews I have come to expect but somehow it was even better!

This story brought the charm of the people and the season in Greenwich Village. Kerry recently moved back to her families NC tree farm after the loss of a job and a relationship. She ends but needing to go to NYC to sell her families Christmas trees with her brother. The visit brings reminders of her childhood, a new look at who her brother really is, a new friend, and a new love interest.

This book bring cheer and depth that put me in the Christmas spirit even though it is September! Perfect holiday book!

The narrator did a great job of voicing all the characters. Another great MKA's Christmas novella. I hope next year she takes back to the Tolliver Christmas Tree farm in NC where the Santa Suit takes place.

Oh how I hope this will become a Christmas movie.! Once again as only Mary Kay Andrews can do, she has written a wonderful Christmas story filled with love and hope. Kerry is guilted into helping sell Christmas trees along with her grumpy older brother in New York City. They drive a trailer of trees from their father’s tree farm in North Carolina and also Spammy a relict of an old broken down camper. Being in their usual neighborhood spot as several problems to overcome. But finding new friends, that became a family to Kerry helps her find herself again after losing her job and having to economize by moving in with her mom.
Wonderful characters, just love little Austin and the recluse Heinz. I did read the book and listened to the audiobook, both are winners! This definitely has the Christmas spirit written throughout.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #BrightLightsBigChristmas #MaryKayAndrews

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio/St. Martin’s Press and Mary Kay Andrews for an audio ARC of this book. Mary Kay Andrews has written another warm and uplifting Christmas novella filled with holiday joy. Kerry Tolliver is not happy about leaving home in North Carolina to help her brother run the family’s Christmas tree lot in New York City. Sharing a tiny and very run down camper with her taciturn brother is not her idea of fun! But, somehow, they make it work and become friends in the process. Kerry forms close bonds with the residents of the neighborhood and develops a deeper understanding of herself and what is truly important to her. There is romance for both Kerry and her brother. This story truly captures the festive feel of Greenwich Village during the holidays and the magic of New York City during this special of the year. This is very well written with likable and relatable characters. The narrator has a pleasant voice and the narration flows smoothly. Highly recommend to fans of MKA and readers who enjoy holiday books!

I can't count the number of holiday themed books I've read on one hand. That is pretty much A Christmas Carol by Dickens. I may have read more....but that's the only one I can remember. I love Christmas movies and Halloween movies (not the scary kind though). I love the feeling of the Christmas romance. The feeling of warm and cozy and hope, the absurd and unrealistic fuzzy feeling of everything working out perfectly in just a few short weeks of the Christmas season. This is one of those warm and fuzzy type books.

The author, Mary Kay Andrews, has written many, many of these feel good books, a lot set on the shores of some small beach town during the Summertime. She has a few Christmas books thrown in as well. I have not read any of her books until now, but there have been several in my TBR. Needless to say Ms. Andrews knows how to write a book to make your heart sing, and she has quite the following.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas, follows a brother and sister, in the POV of the sister, who are running a tree stand Tolliver Family Trees. Murphy, the older brother, typical run the stand with their father, but he recently had a heart attack, so Kerry jumps in to help. She is nothing like her brother who grew up with the father on the tree farm, while Kerry grew up with her mom in the city(?) after their divorce. The tree farm and stand have been run the same way for 4 generations and Kerry is going to shake things up a bit with her artist eye. This community that they sell their trees in is full of wealthy people, and even though it is located in NYC, it feels like a small town community with everyone coming together.

This is a fairly short story, but there is a lot packed in here. We have the family dynamic of brother and sister trying to keep the family business alive. Sister trying to breathe some life in the old fashioned ways. Kerry, trying to figure out what to do with her career and life path. A loveable dog named Queenie who has charmed the neighborhood, especially Mr. Heintz (not sure if that is out it's spelled as I listened to the audio book). Mr. Heintz is an elderly neighbor who takes a shine to Kerry, Queeny, and Austin. Austin the adorable 6 year old who lives with his dad and mom (on seperate weeks). Austin is the best. He is such a sweet kid and his father's not too bad either. Then there is Spammy, the old fashioned, and dilapidated, family camper. This story shows how much a community can come together and show so much love and support for each other that it is life changing. Oh, and there is a little romance thrown in there as well.

Overall the story is very enjoyable. One of those cozy books to get you in the holiday spirit. The narrator, McInerney, did such a fantastic job. She really was able to bring each character to life with their own unique voice and personality. If you love a good cozy, heartwarming story this one is for you.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorite authors. Her Christmas books always feel like a gaint hug. The Tolliver Family runs a Fraser fir tree farm in Tarburton in western North Carolina and for nearly four decades they have taken an annual trip after Thanksgiving with their fresh trees to West Village, New York. This is the first year that Kerry has gone to sell trees since her family went when she was very young. With a full cast of characters including a hunky neighbor, his charming son, his cranky ex-wife, a loving family that owns the restaurant near the Christmas tree stand, and then the mysterious old man that walks the streets- the book has something for every reader in there.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for giving me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest seasonal novel by the queen, Mary Kay Andrews, and wonderfully narrated by another favorite, Kathleen McInerney - 5 stars!

Kerry is back home living with her mother after being let go from her job. When her dad becomes ill, Kerry has to take his place at their annual corner in Greenwich Village with her older brother selling Christmas trees from their family farm. They have to share a tiny vintage camper that sounds more charming than it is. Kerry soon becomes close with nearby neighbors and becomes to think of them as family. Then there's Patrick, a single dad raising his son, Austin, whom she has instant chemistry with. But with time ticking, is there any chance for them?

Although it's not quite fall, any chance to read a Mary Kay Andrews Christmas novel is perfect! Her writing invokes all the sights, smells and feelings of the season, and I was totally in! This book hit all the romance notes, but also family loyalty and bonds, and a community looking out for each other, Filled with great characters, it's the perfect start to Christmas!

This book was so much fun! I can’t believe I’m ready for holiday mode in September, but I can’t stop thinking about Christmas in the city. Kerry’s story was cozy from start to finish. I wish I could go visit Tolliver’s tree stand and hang out with the crew in Spammy. Mary Kay Andrews brought country charm to NYC and Kathleen McInerney voices the characters extraordinarily well. Overall, really loved this book and may reread closer to the holiday season.

There's something charming about Christmas tree farms and the enchanting spirit of the season in New York City. Combining the two together and you have an undeniable festive holiday romance in the new Mary Kay Andrews' Bright Lights, Big Christmas!🎄

The Tolliver Family runs a Fraser fir tree farm in Tarburton in western North Carolina and for nearly four decades they have taken an annual trip after Thanksgiving with their fresh trees to West Village, New York.

This year, Kerry an artist has to step in to help her family after their father returns from the hospital. With their cute 1963 Shasta trailer "Spammy" in tow, Kerry makes the 700-mile trip to their usual tree stand where she would stay with her brother Murphy and his English Setter "Queenie" until Christmas Eve.

This is a sweet & clean holiday romance. I love that Kerry and her brother are welcomed and are part of this neighborhood at this time of year. Everyone is kind and nice, they are treated like family. There's a small mystery element that makes the story interesting.

If you read last year's The Santa Suit, there's a delightful little surprise for you as well!🎅

This is my third novel by Mary Kay Andrews and I enjoyed all three. Her holiday books are a must-read! I listened to this audiobook narrated by Kathleen McInerney. I love her cheerful tone and she's extremely talented at portraying all the characters.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for an ALC.

I anticipated a heartwarming Christmas story to try to get me excited about the change of seasons. Unfortunately, I found this story fell short.

The characters were flat making it hard to truly invest in their journey. The romantic chemistry felt “made up”, as though the author simply wanted someone to end up together because that's what's expected in a Hallmark-style tale. The narrator was a bit too youthful sounding for my enjoyment.

I did enjoy the description and family connection to “spammy” the beaten up camper they used for years as well as the tradition of running a Christmas Tree lot.

I expected it to follow the holiday cliché but felt that it lacked a captivating or creative narrative. The story didn't contain moments of Christmas magic. Overall, I felt it lacked the sparkle that would have made it a memorable addition to the holiday bookshelf

It’s like listening to the best Hallmark Christmas movie. Enjoyed the character development and plot. Easy read with great vibes, warm fuzzies, and relatable themes.

Mary Kay Andrews is the go to for Christmas reads. Her stories are always a joy to read and have a beautiful heartwarming theme within them. This book was no different I was hooked right away and finished listening in one day. I loved the characters and the back stories for each of them especially the older gentleman Mr Heinz and a young boy Austin . The community that surrounds Murphy and the family Christmas tree stall will steal your heart.

The narrator for this book was easy to listen to and kept me engaged I could feel the emotion throughout the story .

I voluntarily received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own

I would recommend this book to family friends and my book clubs

I enjoyed Bright Lights, Big Christmas so much that I finished the audiobook in one day and I didn’t want it to end.

Murphy Tolaver has been traveling from the mountains of NC to NYC every year to sell Christmas trees with his dad. When the Tolaver patriarch suffers a medical emergency his sister Carrie steps in to help. Along the way she adds her own personal touches to their traditional tree stand which frustrates her brother but might just save the tree farm.

While everyone in the neighborhood knows Murphy, Carrie is new in town and makes fast friends with everyone she meets. This is especially true for recently divorced Patrick, his son Austin and a man presumed homeless Mr. Heinz. Together Carrie’s imagination reignites and she not only begins sketching again but tries her hand at storytelling.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is like a warm cozy Hallmark movie you read. With an almost insta-love trope and teverse big city vibes, the characters are easy to connect with and the story just flows.

I’m a huge fan of Mary Kay Andrews and Bright Lights, Big Christmas is no exception.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bright Lights Big Christmas
By: May Kay Andrews
Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
Publication date: September 26, 2023

Kerry is spending time on her family’s Christmas tree farm after losing her job. When fall rolls around she to New York to help her older brother sell Christmas trees. Once she gets there she quickly gets close to cute single dad Patrick.

Let me start off with what I liked about this book:
- [ ] Kerry is a great MFC
- [ ] The little boy/Kerrie’s relationship
- [ ] The hallmark movie vibes
- [ ] The narrator

What wasn’t my favorite:
- [ ] The brother bothered me and idk why
- [ ] Patrick was to heads over heals for Kerry

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me this ACR in exchange for my honest reviewer.

I loved the characters, the setting and the storyline of this book! A cute story of a family Christmas tree farm in NYC and the challenges but positives. The supporting characters are fantastic and the narrator is wonderful too! I highly recommend this for the holiday season as a feel good read!

What a delightful holiday warm cup of cocoa of a book! I loved the characters … especially Kerry and Austin. It was entertaining to watch Kerry and her brother learn to appreciate each other and what they had to offer to help sell Christmas trees in Greenwich Village, NY. The people they interacted with as they passed them on the street or stopped to purchase trees or wreaths, the shopkeepers in the area, the neighbors who took the time to interact with them … made the story heartwarming. Of course, there were a few of the typical irritating characters that you would expect in New York during the Christmas holidays, but overall, there was a feeling of warmth and caring. Sharing a small camper, Spammy, with her brother will have you chuckling. And as Kerry tries diligently to find one of the gentlemen who always stopped by the tree stand, Heinz, you will discover that she has a heart of gold. This is definitely a heartwarming tale with a little bit of romance … but not over the top. It will definitely be a book I buy for my friends to enjoy.

A special note: I smiled at the mention of The Santa Suit, a previous novel by Mary Kay Andrews. And if you haven’t read that one yet, you need to rush out and buy it! A wonderful holiday treat!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

All I want to do now is work at a Christmas Tree lot in New York City now. This was a delightful audiobook. The narrator was amazing. I am so ready for Christmastime and Winter after reading this book. I loved all of the characters. Highly recommend. 4.5 Stars!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for letting me read and review this book.

Please note that as a reader, I live for Mary Kay Andrews's annual book release because she is the reason I read Southern Fiction now. I especially love this one because the South comes to the North with holiday decor! I love the setting, I love the storyline. I love the authenticity of a grumpy older brother who's invested in the family business. I love the little camper! I love the New York style homes and the New York style neighborhoods and even the expensive New York boutiques. I'm not sure there's anything that would have made this book a more perfect christmas read.

Kerry leaves her family's North Carolina Christmas tree farm to help her brother sell trees in New York City. Amidst forming bonds with neighbors and facing a mysterious disappearance, she also navigates a budding romance with single dad Patrick. This heartwarming story combines country wisdom and city life, capturing the essence of Christmas and romance in a humorous, sparkling tale.

The perfect Christmas Hallmark-esque story. I loved the reverse ‘city girl goes to a small town’ and how this story featured a brother and sister bringing small town charm to the center of NYC. It is a cute romance story, but I’d say that plot line is almost secondary to all the other commotion that happens in the neighborhood. Who would have thought camping in Manhattan could seem so appealing? It’s almost as if their camper and dog, Queenie, are main characters. This was a well written novella that feels like a full novel because of how much Andrews is able to fit in. You will be fully emerged in the Christmas spirit when you finish!

Thank you @Macmillan.Audio and @neygalley for the ALC, I loved this audiobook! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Perfect for you if you like:
Hallmark movies
Small town feel in cities
Kids as a main character
Friends as family

Similar to:
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews

⛔️Closed door, just kisses
⚠️some mild language, divorce