I received a complimentary copy of this book "bright lights, big christmas" and all opinions expressed are my own. I downloaded the book on kindle and then I decided to listen to the audio book. I enjoyed listening to this book. Christmas, New York, Romance, bad luck, good luck, it had it all. Heartwarming story just in time for the holidays!

This book made me want to curl up by a fire with a mug of hot cocoa while Christmas carols softly play in the background. The setting… picture a family owned Christmas tree stand in New York City during the holidays with a semi-estranged brother and sister learning how to work together. How cute is that?! I loved all of the characters; Kerry is super relatable and her brother gives me “hot lumberjack” vibes. In addition, any book that has a dog automatically gets a rating boost! Kerry and Patrick’s (a single dad with an adorable son) chemistry and how they navigate real relationship obstacles was totally believable. This book made me care about every side/supporting character (except the ex-wife). If you want something festive, fun, and feely, this book is for you!

"You made the impossible possible."

Isn't that what Christmas miracles are all about, making the impossible possible?! In the absolutely heartwarming Bright Lights, Big Christmas by the always delightful Mary Kay Andrews we get found family, the most loyal dog, and a very sweet clean romance.

With their father recuperating from falling ill, little sister Kerry leaves the comfort of the Tolliver Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina to help her grumpy older brother Murphy and his loyal English Setter Queenie sell all the Christmas trees in their lot in Greenwich Village, NY. If they don't sell they may lose the farm.

Sleeping in the vintage camper, Spammy, on the cold NYC streets, dealing with rival tree sellers, and needing a shower, Kerry worries that this may be the end of her family's business. But soon the locals are buying trees, the neighbors offer their home for showers and meals, and the very adorable 6 year old Austin decides Kerry is the coolest and his divorced Dad the handsome Patrick agrees with him.

Told with warmth and humor, narrator Kathleen McInerney brings Christmas in New York alive with just how generous and kind my hometown can be to strangers. There is a side plot about an elderly, maybe homeless man, and just like in many stories around this cheerful holiday, Kerry's unselfishness towards him is rewarded as though he was Kris Kringle in the flesh.

This novella audiobook is a perfect way to start the feel good holiday season. You can't go wrong with a dog, love, and the bright lights of NYC during the big Christmas holiday.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from MacMillan Audio via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All my opinions are my own.

Oh how the Christmas vibes are immaculate!
This is a beautiful women’s adult fiction with some sun plots of romance and found family.
The main character is newly without job and confused about what to do next! She is an artist/ designer in my opinion and she’s so great at being creative. Since her family has been dealing with some struggles with health she helps her fa th we put by going with her brother to sell some of the family Christmas trees! During this time she begins to find love passion and new friends that help he align herself with who she is and who she’s becoming! If you want to have a cozy holiday read to sit by the fire place or beach and sip some tea or coco with this book is for you (; I cannot express how fun and easy going this book was for me. If you want an easy book club read that will be fast paced pick this up !

Bright Lights, Big Christmas, by Mary Kay Andrews, is a seasonally delightful Christmas rom-com that was a pleasure to read. This story takes place in a suburb, primarily a street corner in New York City where the Tolliver Tree Farm is set-up to sell their home-grown trees from the Tolliver Tree Farm in North Carolina.

This season, Kerry Tolliver is roped into aiding her brother Murphy, since her father is recovering from a heart attack. The conditions aren’t great, since they are forced to reside in an old, worn, but well-loved travel trailer without heat or running water in the winter months. Additionally, Kerry’s brother is reluctant to have her there and is resistant to giving her any leeway, despite her creative ideas for the business. Also, some mischievous competitors have set up shop across the street and are consistently up to no good. But Kerry is determined to make the best of it all and make as much money as possible to help her family’s farm.

I loved the young boy in this story and the older gentleman, and the addition of their side stories to the overarching plot. I also loved Kerry with her positive spirit and creative outlook. I didn’t care for the main male character and love interest, at times. He seemed quite presumptuous toward Kerry and especially quick to not only take an interest in her romantically, but also in demanding a kiss, and more, without even asking, even with his sleeping son in the room. Murphy, the gruff, recalcitrant brother, also wasn’t my favorite. He seemed filled with animosity for no reason at all.

I will say, this plot line reminds me a great deal of a movie I saw on the Hallmark channel in the past, so it makes me wonder if it was the inspiration for this story, or just a coincidence. Regardless, I really enjoyed Bright Lights, Big Christmas with it’s unique twist on the typical Christmas story. It was hope-filled, heartfelt and entertaining, while embracing the spirit of the season. It is definitely fun, feel-good seasonal read and one you’ll want to add to your list.

The audio-version of this story was narrated by Kathleen McInerney and her voice was absolutely perfect for this story! She encapsulated the main character and truly brought the story to life. Thank you so much to McMillan Audio for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This hallmark-ish style Christmas tale was lovely start to finish. I always go in with a bit of hesitation that it will be too cheesy and over the top, but this one was just the right amount. The characters were lovable, not too predictable, and many funny parts. This book gave me all the holiday feels and made me want to jump on in and read every Christmas book written by Mary Kay Andrews. My only criticism was there was almost 2 stories going at once, and it sometimes left things open ended and like never came back to them which I didn't love.

I will say I did not love the narrator. They did many southern like accents, that would change sometimes even when it was the same person. It felt like she almost forgot who was who sometimes. I noticed it less and less as the book when on, but in the beginning it was quite distracting.

What a cute little story to get you in the Christmas mood! Definitely a great audio!

This story is set at a little tree stand in NYC. A brother and sister reunite to help save the family tree farm. The sister is trying to find her way. Can the magic of Christmas in NYC help them find their way?

4 1/2 stars I've enjoyed all the Mary Kay Andrews books I've read in the past so I eagerly looked forward to reading this one. I was definitely not disappointed. Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a feel good book with a strong storyline about family and friendship and a little bit of romance blended in as well.

Our main character, Kerry is at a crossroads in her life when she joins her brother in New York City to sell Christmas trees for the family business. Since her father's recovering from a heart attack, her mother's caring for him (even though they're divorced) and she's in between jobs, Kerry didn't have much choice but to step in and help Murphy. But Murphy is cranky and determined that she doesn't have anything of value to add other than helping to drive the trailer they will sleep in up there and helping him make sales. So, when Kerry actually starts coming up with helpful suggestions on how to make more money and improve sales, Murphy is initially doubtful. But when Kerry actually starts increasing their sales, he has to take notice. But it's not just the impact made on their Christmas tree sales, Kerry also meets and befriends many of the locals including an elderly man named Heinz and a young father named Patrick and his son, Austin. There are also many others that she befriends but those three have a special connection. While discovering that she really does like New York and is becoming attached to the people she's met, Kerry is also re-discovering he ability as an artist.

There are just so many sweet moments in this book. I really enjoyed seeing Kerry and Murphy re-discover their sibling relationship. Also, Kerry and Patrick's blooming romance is also pretty sweet as is her attachment to his son, Austin. The author does an excellent job of developing the characters to the point that you truly feel like you know them. In addition, the storyline flows smoothly. You know that there is always an end date for Kerry and Murphy's stay in New York City but when it arrives, you are anxious and don't want them to leave.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: This was a really well-narrated audiobook. I fell into the story and found it to be such an easy way to enjoy this book. It flowed smoothly and kept me pulled into the storyline until the very end. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to read/listen to them and review them and the opinions contained within are my own.

Mary Kay Andrews has once again written a heart warming Christmas story.

I loved everything about this book. It was everything you need in a Christmas story.

I felt like I was right there in the Christmas Tree stand seeing the twinkling lights.

I enjoyed how the characters developed.

The narration was great!

This book was really difficult to get into. Most of the time I could not keep up with what was going on with the characters or the storyline, perhaps it was me. Disappointed as I usually super love this author and everything they put out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is yet another perfectly delightful holiday story from the prolific southern author, Mary Kay Andrews. With ties to Tarburton, NC, as did her holiday story The Santa Suit, this tale tells of siblings Kerry and Murphy Tolliver as they load up a special cargo of their top of the line Fraser firs on a flatbed that Murphy will pull while his sister has the old family travel trailer, Spammy, hooked to the back of their dad’s truck to make their way to a special corner in Greenwich Village where they have set up the Tolliver Family Tree lot for decades.

It is usually Murphy and their dad, Jock, that make the trip but this year Kerry is helping out in the wake of their dad’s heart attack and bypass surgery. Since Kerry was downsized when her company was taken over by another, she has been home and at loose ends. This trip just might point her in the right direction.

As they set up in the super cold weather, Kerry begins making neighborhood friends, including those that feed them, those that allow them to use their shower, and those that allow them to do their laundry. But the most important friends Kerry makes are a young boy named Austin, his single dad Patrick, and the elusive elderly man, Heinz, who frequents their stand regularly and shares stories and artwork with Kerry and Austin.

This is just a thumbnail sketch of this well woven story. A little mystery, a bit of romance, and self discovery for Kerry make this an excellent read. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Mary Kay Andrews is an AUTOBUY AUTHOR FOR ME!!! After reading the Santa Suit, I was thrilled to see another holiday read/listen by MKA!

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I found this one adorable! Quick, easy listen with fun, loveable characters. The narrator was perfect.

Kerry Tolliver and her older brother, Murphy are headed to Greenwich Village to sell their Christmas trees since their father suffered a heart attack. It’s a Christmas tradition, going on for over thirty years and one that keeps the family farm afloat. She isn’t looking forward to living out of their rustic camper with no working bathroom, but she wants to help the family while she’s in between jobs. Kerry doesn’t count on becoming attached to the little, tight-knit community or falling in love, but these things happen when you least expect it.

This little corner of New York city came to life, bustling and charming. The Tolliver’s Christmas Tree stand sounded like a lovely oasis of pine and all things Christmassy in the middle of their little neighborhood. Kerry’s artistic knack stepped things up with twinkling lights and her handmade wreaths, which sounded gorgeous!

Bright Lights, Big Christmas was a heartwarming, low drama holiday story! Found family and choosing a life that makes you happy was at its center. This is the perfect must add read for the TBR for the winter/holiday season!

I alternately read and listened to Bright Lights, Big Christmas and I recommend either version. Kathleen McInerny brought the characters to life, her southern and New York accents sounded authentic, and her performance enhanced this lovely story immensely! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.

Perfect prelude to Christmas. Mary Kay Andrews captures the essence of Christmas in New York through the eyes of a working family who are proud of the business they created selling Christmas trees. We meet two siblings from North Carolina, Carrie and Murphy who have been estranged as a result of their parents' divorce when they were kids. Both siblings have very distinct ideas and personalities, each charming in their own way. This lighthearted, whimsical storyline gives glimpses of life in New York in an upscale neighborhood over the holidays. Enjoyed both storyline and wonderful audiobook version. The narrator gives a 5 star performance. Absolutely fun listening to as I walked, drove my car, was like having a front row seat to a performance. Book is fun, actually sad when it ended as I became attached to the lead characters and wanted more. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful audio presentation & story.

This was such a fun and heartwarming story!! Perfect for the cozy season!! Makes me want to curl up on the couch with hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies with my significant others! So much love and life and happiness! Such an adorable little romance for the holiday season and I cannot wait to read it again this Christmas!!

I absolutely love the choice of narrator for this audiobook. She is such an energetic, expressive reader that it’s hard to lose focus. I especially like that she creates a variety of character voices. That definitely adds to the listener’s experience.

I enjoyed the setting of the book very much. Even though it takes place in NYC, it somehow has a small town feel. I’m not sure how realistic it is to believe that the entire neighborhood knows and loves the Christmas tree salesman who is in town 3 weeks out of the year, but it seems to work for the story anyway. The biggest thing I didn’t like about the book was the way that Kerry’s brother talks to her/treats her. He is so rude to her!

The storyline is pretty basic and the characters aren’t especially deep, but I’m okay with that when I’m looking for a light Christmasy read, which is exactly how I’d describe this book.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read/listen to an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to read this heartwarming novel!

Since she has moved home after losing her job, Kerry Tolliver is joining her older brother, Murphy and his dog, Queenie to New York City to help sell Christmas Trees at their annual stand. Not having been back to the city since a child, Kerry now has to share their beloved vintage camper, Spammy, with her brother and learn the ropes of selling trees leading up to Christmas Eve.

Along the way, Kerry becomes close with all of the neighbors in the area, including single dad, Patrick and his son, Austin. Kerry and the elderly neighbor, Heinz, helps Austin create a story throughout the holiday season. From her time spent in the city, Kerry rediscovers her love of art. What will she decide to do with her life once all the trees are sold?

This was such a heartwarming, wholesome Christmas story. I enjoyed The Santa Suit by the same author so I was excited to see a new story. Austin was my favorite character with his excitement and kind heart, despite a set of parents who are divorced. It was intriguing to see Kerry take an unwanted situation and make the very most of it. She helped change the dynamics of their tree stand and made many friends along the way. It was just like a sweet Christmas movie that puts a smile on your face.

The audiobook was a fantastic way to experience this story. Kathleen McInerney brought each of the characters to life with her voice inflections and changes. If you don't have a lot of extra time this holiday season, consider listening to this book!

I really loved listening to the audiobook. It made it easier to do chores and travel. I think that the narrator was great for this book. I really loved the plot and found myself smiling at times.

Thank you NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy.

whomp whomp whomp

I was so excited for this after reading The Santa Suit last year and absolutely eating that shit up, but this lacked everything that book had. The writing felt extremely choppy, the characters were relatively unlikeable, and it just didn't have that in-your-face CHRISTMAS vibe I was looking for and expecting. A lot of things didn't make sense and were never expanded upon as well, which, along with the already choppy writing, caused the book to feel a bit... messy?

There were some really cute moments and a lot I also enjoyed about the story, but the bad outweighed the good in this one, unfortunately. I truly wish I enjoyed this more, but it was just a huge miss for me.

I do have to give props for adding in I believe TWO gay characters though. You really don't see that often with Hallmark-style books and movies, so it was a pleasant surprise to see something other than white heterosexuals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced audio copy. All thoughts and opinions are, as always, my very own.

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reading thoughts

10%: idc idc idc idc that it JUST became spooky szn, i felt like a christmas book, OKAY???? and NO ONE writes hallmark-esque christmas stories like mary kay andrews. i'm already eating this up.

74%: "I hope this doesn't make me sound too slutty, but i want this as badly as you do." yes. you are such a WHORE for wanting consensual sex as an adult woman 🤬😤