This started out a bit slow — but I got attached to the characters quickly— and enjoyed the sense of community and the interactions between the Christmas tree seller family and the locals where they sell their trees each year- leading to new friendships, family ties and quaint romance. The narrator was good at doing the different characters voice and helped bring the story to life. A great cozy Christmas book! This is my second book by this author and I would definitely read another . Recommended !

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC , this is my honest review .

Kerry Tolliver grew up spending the Christmas season in New York selling Christmas trees at her family stand in Greenwich Village. This year, she gets roped into going with her brother as her Dad's health prevented him from helping. She goes reluctantly, but ends up becoming close with all of the neighborhood people. Notably, Patrick and his son Austin. But Kerry has no intention of living in New York with her current financial situation so how is this possibly going ot have a happy ending?

I gotta say that I LOVE Mary Kay Andrews books. Her writing style is just so easy to jump in and lose yourself. This one just tugged at all of my heartstrings. I really felt like this could be one of those warm and fuzzy Christmas movies that come on your TV in the Holiday Season. This book combined two things I'm a sucker for, a New York Christmas and a Christmas Romance. I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars and hope to grab a few backlist books of Mary Kay Andrews during this upcoming season. As I was given an audio version to review, I will add that this narrator was quite pleasant to listen to and added value to this version. I can be fairly picky and will avoid certain narrators and I would gladly listen to Kathleen McInerney again.

Thanks to St Martin's Press, Macmillian Audio, and Netgalley for providing me an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas didn't do it for me but I believe this was very much one of those "it just wasn't for me" situations because I believe a lot of others will love it. I'm not a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies either and this book had those kind of vibes. So I definitely recommend to anyone who's a fan of that kind of wholesome holiday story.

Kerry has found herself unemployed and living back home with her parents. Her family runs a Christmas tree farm and every year they travel to NYC to sell them. This year, her dad is unable to travel due to health reasons so she goes to help her brother sell the trees. What follows is a sweet nostalgic story of found family, friendships, and community. I did really enjoy the description of the beautiful neighborhood setting. I also enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this! It was heartwarming, sweet, and hopeful. For any artists (including aspiring authors) Kerry's lesson is inspiring. Go for your dreams!

Some tropes you might enjoy:
* Christmas spirit? Check. (duh)
* Found family? Check.
* Imperfect bio family that looks out for each other? Check.
* Smalltown charm in the big city? Check.
* New York at Christmastime? Check.
* Single dad who's a reasonable human towards his ex? Check.
* Said ex is not entirely evil? Check. (With a caveat - Andrew does paint the ex-wife as nastier than she needs to be.)
* Regular people without a ton of wealth still having a great life? Semi-check. <spoiler>There's a bailout of the 'A Man Called Otto' archetype character, who's fittingly called Heinz (we love a German grandpa).<spoiler>
* HEA? Check.

The love style felt pretty insta-love to me and our protagonist is, of course, a sweet girl from the South who absolutely everyone loves (except the ex-wife). It's a four star, not a five star, but you'll still definitely get your warm fuzzies from this quick read.

There were definitely some cringe moments like when <spoiler>Patrick tells her no one will ever love her like he does... after a few weeks of semi-dating??? Um WHAT? You're claiming you love her more than her parents in that moment? Patrick, I think her mother would like a word.<spoiler>

Another instance is when <spoiler>they try to hook up (all the way) in a tiny space with Patrick's sleeping son right there - imagine how upset that little kid would have been if he woke up from the noise to the sight of his dad and a relative stranger butt-naked. I'm no prude, but this is a case where they need to get a room (without anyone else in it).<spoiler>

This book isn't doing anything new, there aren't any unexpected revelations, and I've seen the movie(s) before - but that's not what we came for. We come to these kinds of books for the promise of coziness, and Mary Kay Andrews delivered on that promise.

Thanks, NetGalley and Macmillan, for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Such a good “Hallmark”-esque Christmas novel! I really enjoyed all the characters and their dynamics in this book. I blew threw it and it kept me invested all the way through. Definitely gonna re-read around Christmas time.

My only complaints are fairly minor… 1. The narrator uses a god awful fake New York accent for a few of the characters and it really just takes away from the story because it’s so obviously fake and bad. 2. There is a set of twins in the book named Oscar and Elmo… as a twin mom myself, naming children matching names (let alone names from Sesame Street) like that is so unrealistic and a tad bit irritating. I cringed so hard everytime I heard their names. They’re children not dogs.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and I will definitely recommend it to others especially around Christmas time.

This audiobook gave me all the feels! It’s more than a festive Christmas book! It’s a story about family, obligation, generosity, reconciliation, new opportunities & compassion.

Living in NC, I frequently drive by the Christmas tree farms that line the mountain highway. I imagine there are family businesses making plans right now to set up shop in NYC just like the Tolliver family in Bright Lights, Big Christmas.

This was such a cozy book that drives the Christmas spirit and brings people together. I loved the genuine connections Kerry makes with her northern neighbors through her caring disposition. Even though she’s been down on her luck, she manages to remain positive to save her family’s business.

2.5 stars. Meh. This is certainly a Christmas story, very light on the romance though. More family and found family focused. The MC Kerry is kind of annoying with her mixed signals and self-doubt. The subplot with Heinz (mispronounced through the entire audiobook) was sweet but...just the whole book is sweet but...not for me. I really enjoyed The Santa Suit so I was expecting to like this too. Thanks to NetGalley for access to the audiobook

A delightful Christmas tale brimming with the warmth and festive spirit reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. The characters came to life vividly on the pages. The narrator did a great job!

*Thanks to NetGalley for the audio*

Mary Kay Andrews is always good for a sweet, charming, light read. I enjoyed most of the story but got hung up on how quickly the love interest “fell in love”. But overall this was a cute festive story about a woman finding a new path in life via selling Christmas trees with her brother in New York. Adorably predictable but still leaving me want more from this author!

Christmas in September? Ok!!!!!

This book was so easy to fall in love with. It was so charming and cozy. I adored all the characters. I listened to the audiobook and I really enjoyed the narrator. After reading I want Christmas music on repeat and a hot cup of cocoa🤣🎶🎅🏼

Definitely add this to your holiday reading list!

Read if you enjoy:
❤️Holiday romance
🎄Christmas tree farms
🎥Hallmark movies
👨‍👦Single dad trope
✌🏼Second chances
📍New York

As usual with Andrews' titles, this one does not disappoint. Set in NYC which is different some Andrews' southern settings, I liked the ease at which the main character found home in the big city. The perfect holiday read!

It's that time of year again where the Tolliver family loads up and heads to New York City to sell their family farm Christmas trees. This year Kerry Tolliver has to tag along with her brother, Murphy, due to their father not being in the best health. Neither of the siblings are too keen on working together but Kerry is determined to make the best of it.

This was a warm and cozy Christmas read. It has a little bit of romance and some found family elements. It is a perfect feel good Christmas story. If you are a fan of Mary Kay Andrews, you'll love this one, and if you have never read from her, give this one a try! I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher (St. Martin's Press/Macmillian Audio) for the allowing me access to an early copy/recording of this story. All opinions are my own

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5/5

Bright Lights, Big Christmas🎄

Mini Review ⬇️

ARC - Pub Date Sept 26

@marykayandrews does it again with this new holiday read 😊 I loved The Santa Suit and had high expectations for this one and it did not disappoint.

It has fun loving characters and a charming holiday season tale with a teeny tiny mention of The Santa Suit characters (which I got way to excited over🎅🏻)

One final thought, I was lucky enough to get the advanced audiobook version of this read and the narration was amazing and was a great addition to the story 😉

Cute holiday romance! Love when there’s a family element to the story as well. Ending a bit abrupt for me - the art, find oneself, lost love angles all could’ve used a bit more flushing out.
3.75 stars

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬
𝐁𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐊𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟗.𝟐𝟔.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
𝒞𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒮𝑜𝑜𝓃!

Thank you @stmartinspress for this gifted book.
And thank you @macmillanaudio for a complimentary audiobook.


This was the perfect book to kick off the Holiday reading season.
You’ll want to grab some hot cocoa and curl up with this one.


Kerry Tolliver finds herself working with her brother, Murphy, selling Christmas trees from their family’s farm. This may be a Grinch-like Holiday season though - they are selling trees in the East Village of New York, living out of a trailer called “Spammy” with no working bathroom and Murphy is a bit of a crank.

Things begin to change when Kerry meets Patrick and his young son Austin. Suddenly, Kerry starts to remember just how magical Christmastime can be. As Kerry helps young Austin create a whimsical story based on her memories from the Christmas tree farm, she finds her heart warming up to this father and son.

Full of family, romance, and helping your fellow neighbors in need - this is a big-hearted story of second chances and opening yourself to the love and the magic that surrounds you.

This is the perfect cozy read for the holiday season! 🎄

We follow Kerry as she travels to New York City to lend a hand at her families long standing Christmas Tree stand. Camping out in their cramped travel trailer with her grumpy brother and his adorable dog may have its challenges - but the hustle and bustle of city life, quirky neighborhood residents, business adventures and a certain special someone have Kerry wishing the holiday season could last forever.

Full of family, community, love, friendship and the magic of the holiday season - Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a must read for any time of year!

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!

In this delightful and very heartwarming Christmas book, I learned how much family is not just blood ties but it is also about friendship and acceptance. In this book you will go on a journey with Kerry Tolliver and her brother. They are originally from North Carolina and they help their father run a tree farm. Normally, every year Kerry's dad and Murphy her brother go to sell Christmas trees in New York City, but this year it will be Kerry and Murphy and his dog Queenie. They will be staying in an old camper without a working bathroom... WHAT!
Kerry is about to learn a lot about life and family and what she belongs in the world. This book has it all,heartwarming, sweet,the Christmas spirit, love, laughter, and friendship! Highly recommend you read this book it is fantastic! The perfect read for the perfect season!

Great Christmas story! So many fantastic characters that become a community for two people from out of town. I really enjoyed how the story was built and the main character keeps finding out that her dad and brother know all these people and have made deals with them for food, electricity and showers while they are in NYC selling Xmas trees each year. I especially enjoyed how she made friends with an old man that everyone assumed was homeless or close to it and all the surprises and changes it brought to her life.
This was such a great story, I’d love to see it made into a movie.

Bright Lights Big Christmas is such a fun holiday read. Family and friend drama at a Christmas Tree lot. All come together for a friend and things unfold in a holiday fashion. I loved all the holiday vibes. This is a perfect cozy read. I really liked it.

This cozy Christmas romance featuring brother sister Christmas tree sellers in NYC was just the thing to read at the end of this hot summer -- you could feel the chill in the air! The narrator was excellent and this audiobook absolutely flew by. The Tolliver's have been growing Christmas trees on their family Christmas tree farm in North Carolina and every year for many generations they would go up to New York City to sell them. This year they are facing losing business with there being low-cost competition. It'd always been Murphy and his father who would take the trees up to New Yorkbut this year Kerry and Murphy's father had a heart attack and was stuck at home. So Kerry steps up due to having free time and goes with her very grumpy brother, Murphy. She ends up finding new friends, romance, and an answer to what she really would like to do with her life.