A not quite so happy family that is getting bigger....

Julie is relieved and excited NOT to throw a big ole Christmas for her two adult kids, Nick and Dana.
She instead would like to get cozy with her younger hottie BF.. Heath, who has his own younger kids and an ex wife. This cast keeps growing, as more and more people show up for a big ole Christmas. Family dynamics. and ever expanding cast....
Recommend.

Susan Mallery's books usually feature strong family ties and found family, lots of drama, cute kids and pets, and various unconventional situations and dilemmas. In One Big Happy Family, all of this is included and more, with the added bonus of being set at Christmas-time, and taking place mainly in an awesome sounding "cabin" in the mountains outside of Seattle.

I mostly enjoyed the story and all of the dynamics between the various characters, but sometimes, the cast seemed a bit unwieldy and I lost track of the multiple plot threads. I loved the main character, Julie, age 54, a strong-willed mom who capably runs her family towing business, tries hard to be supportive but not meddling with her adult children, and has just embarked on a brand new romance with Heath, 12 years younger than her (in his 40's) who is a loving business owner and dad, and is altogether dreamy. There are separate subplots involving Julie's two grown children, Heath's much younger kids (ages 8 and 10), his ex-wife, etc.

My biggest issue with the story though, was with one subplot in particular involving Blair (Julie's new daughter-in-law), and her mom, Gwen. [ Gwen was an absent and neglectful parent for most of Blair's life and Blair is understandably resentful, but invites her to join them all at the cabin anyway so Gwen won't be alone for the holidays. Gwen is initially portrayed as a typical narcissist, who makes everything about herself and simply must be the center of attention, good or bad. My problem was that by the end of the book, Gwen has somehow magically changed and she and Blair are on their way to forging a new and closer relationship. The problem of course, is that IRL the majority of narcissists never change (especially without therapy) and are seemingly incapable of ever admitting that they are at fault for anything.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

This is one of my top five Susan Mallery reads ever, and I have been reading Mallery for a VERY long time. Julie is my new favorite character, I loved how she flexed with new changes and the devotion she received from those close to her. This is a must read.

That phrase is often said ironically, with a bit of a smirk instead of a smile, even an eye roll – as if somehow it’s a contradiction in terms like ‘jumbo shrimp’. When someone says “One big happy family” there’s usually a bit of a caveat to the ‘happy’ part. That something – or perhaps a whole lot of somethings or even someones – aren’t nearly as happy as things appear on the surface.

If they’re even bothering to pretend, that is.

But the Parker family is, at least, generally happy with each other – even if that’s leavened with just a bit of sadness this particular holiday as it’s their first without one of the family’s integral members. Julie Parker may have gotten over her marriage and her divorce from Eldon years ago, but he remained her friend and co-parent if not her spouse, and their adult children, Nick and Dana, miss him a LOT this first Christmas without him. The family holiday traditions just aren’t the same without him, because Eldon was really big on Christmas and he was at the center of a lot of those traditions.

Even if Julie was the person who put in the work to make them all happen. Which is the story of both her marriage AND her life. Julie gets things done, and isn’t good at relying on anyone else in the doing. The family Christmas traditions were a LOT of work – work that ALL fell on Julie’s strong but slightly tired shoulders.

She’s REALLY looking forward to this Christmas, a holiday where her big, generally happy, family is scattering to the four winds. She’s planning on two weeks of bliss and peace – not necessarily in that order – in the coziness of her own house WITH the boyfriend that she hasn’t told her kids about yet.

The only reason Julie has been keeping Heath a secret is that she’s much too worried about her family’s judgment of their relationship. Her kids know she’s dated in the decade plus since her divorce, and they’re fine with that. But she hasn’t let those relationships become serious enough to warrant the boyfriend meeting the family.

Heath is different. On paper, they match up well. Both divorced, both with two children, both owners of successful businesses, both strong and independent and capable. Heath’s a catch, and there’s no catch to the relationship, except for one thing that Julie can’t get out of her head. Heath is 42, and Julie is 54. There’s a lot of living between those twelve years, they are at different places in their lives, and people will judge them – because that’s what people do.

It may be a bigger problem in Julie’s mind than it is in the world at large or certainly among her family – but it is a real problem or at least it certainly can be.

Julie’s not sure their relationship is ready – or more to the point, that she is ready – to make Heath a part of her one big happy family. She’s happy to be able to put that off until after the holidays – possibly indefinitely.

Which is the point where all those plans refuse to survive first contact with the rest of that family, as Christmas turns into one last almighty grab at all their holiday traditions, all at once, with extra added family and a whole entire herd of drama llamas in tow.

Heath turns out to be more than willing to roll with all the punches. The question is whether Julie is, too.

Escape Rating B+: Julie’s issues over this family holiday are far, far, far from the only ones that rear their heads this holiday – but they are the ones that tugged at my heartstrings the most because they are oh so familiar and Julie is right, society will judge her relationship with a younger man. Some will judge harshly and some will say, “You go, girl!” but there will be judgment either way. And they are at different places in their lives and always will be – but that’s true of any couple with an age gap no matter which direction it goes – even if society usually glosses over those differences when the age gap is in the ‘expected’ direction.

But Julie and Heath’s issues together, along with Julie’s need to be in control and in charge at all times and not need anyone else, are not the only snow-covered hill to climb this holiday season. Every single member of this extended family has brought their very own, personal, drama llama to this Christmas feast.

The family isn’t entirely happy – as no family ever is all of the time – but there are a lot of them and the result is a lot of family dramas in a house with such wonderfully wonky acoustics that everyone can hear everything that happens everywhere outside of a closed door, even in a house big enough for SIX bedrooms and all the communal spaces that six bedrooms full of people might possibly need.

So it’s Julie and Heath, her son Nick, Nick’s wife Blair, the uncle who actually raised Blair AND her sourpuss of an estranged mother who didn’t – as well as Nick’s secret plans to NOT take over the family business after all. Julie’s daughter Dana and the man who keeps breaking her heart, over and over again – who is also Julie’s employee. Heath’s children, Madeline and Wyatt,who are ten and eight and no problem at all, but their mother, Heath’s ex Tiffany, got dumped for Christmas so Julie invites her, too. That’s not even everyone but it’s a bit past enough even before Julie ends up in the hospital after an accident.

All that’s missing is the partridge in the pear tree!

I love a good age gap romance – particularly when the woman is the older half of that relationship – when it’s done right. Which it very much is in One Big Happy Family. Howsomever, as an only child myself, the sheer number of family members and the craziness each of them brought to the holiday table – simultaneously – was the stuff of which nightmares are made. I found plenty to empathize with in most of their relationships – but I also found myself wishing there was one less of them – although I recognize that’s a ‘me’ thing and may not be a ‘you’ thing and your reading mileage may definitely vary.

All in all, if you’re looking for a happy ever after portrait of a chaotic family holiday with a family that loves each other completely and is going to stick together no matter what and get through this mess, One Big Happy Family does turn out to be a charming holiday portrait of, in the end, really, truly, one big happy family.

One Big Happy Family “ was a fun, fabulous holiday read! Definitely recommend. The main character, Julie, is a tough, fierce mom of two adult children. She is dating a sharp younger man. They planned a quiet Christening together. These plans fell apart quickly. The holiday house brought several family branches together. Amazingly, it worked! Just a great holiday read. Highly recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for this advance read. It’s out now! Grab your copy! You won’t be disappointed!

When Julie Parker’s adult children make other plans for the holidays, she’s more than happy for a chance to celebrate a quiet Christmas with her new (younger) boyfriend, Heath. However, when plans change, they end up back at their family cabin for their big, traditional Christmas celebration. While the guest list continues to grow and the family encounters some mishaps along the way, ultimately it’s sure to be a very merry Christmas.

This book immediately reminded me of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with a big family Christmas celebration, including some unexpected additions to a growing guest list and bumps in the room along the way. The cast of characters is dynamic and well-developed, highlighting their strengths, flaws, and personal growth throughout the holiday getaway. There’s plenty of Christmas spirit in the story, from cutting down a Christmas tree to baking cookies to plenty of snow! This is the perfect book to kick off the Christmas season, and fill you with holiday cheer!

Thank you to Susan Mallery, Canary Street Press, HTP Books, and NetGalley for my gifted physical + e-galley of this book!

I really enjoyed this book about a family who is mourning the loss of their father and the first Christmas they’re spending without him. They all had plans Togo do other things this year but at the last minute decided to come back together because they missed him so much and wanted to spend their first Christmas without him together at their cabin, The the head of the family, Julie, is an amazing woman who is able to include people in their family that don’t have another place to go. There are a bunch of incidents that happen that end up bringing this family even closer together. This book had a great flow. It was a great heartwarming story. I really hope that there is a sequel to this book so we can see what happens after Christmas.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery is a delightful exploration of love, family, and second chances. Mallery’s signature warmth and humor shine through in every page, making it a joyful read. The well-developed characters and heartwarming relationships will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page!

Loved this Chaotic Christmas Story
I really enjoyed this book because it’s about what can happen when just about every family member, their exes, and others end up together in a very large cabin for the week of Christmas. Inevitably, secrets are revealed in a sometimes humorous way. There’s chaos, drama, humor, and heart. All around, a great start to the Christmas season.

I received this book in advance from the author as well as from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Much-loved perennial bestseller Susan Mallery is back with a brand-new tale of love, friendship and family that has got winner written all over it: One Big Happy Family.

Julie Parker adores her grown-up kids and there is nothing in this world she wouldn’t do for them. However, this year, she’s happy that they are celebrating the holidays elsewhere. Her son is going on a belated honeymoon with his beautiful bride Blair and her daughter Dana is going to spend Christmas recovering from her last disastrous relationship and burning every reminder of every guy who had broken her heart. Julie is looking forward to spending the holiday with Heath, the younger man she is secretly dating. However, she quickly realizes that the best laid plans do have a habit of going awry.

When Nick and Dana have a change of heart and descend on the family for a cozy Christmas, Julie doesn’t know what she’s going to do. How will the kids react when they discover that she’s been secretly dating a much younger man she hadn’t told them about? Things couldn’t possibly get any worse for Julie – until unexpected guests pop in causing even more chaos and drama. From Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s children, it looks like this Christmas is going to be one to remember – for all the wrong reasons!

Can this dysfunctional family navigate through all the problems and drama and emerge even more united and tightly knit than before? Or will secrets, lies and misunderstandings end up tearing them all apart forever?

I will read anything with Susan Mallery’s name on it and she has once again hit it out of the park with One Big Happy Family. Funny, heartfelt and so addictive that it’s impossible to put down, One Big Happy Family is a relatable, entertaining and hugely enjoyable story about the ties that bind us together, the secrets we keep and the love that sustains us through the good times and the bad that will make readers laugh and cry.

As superb as always, Susan Mallery’s latest novel will delight her legion of fans and have them eagerly awaiting the next feel-good tale from her very talented pen!

Julie Parker is a Mom, business owner in a male dominated field. She puts off a gruff exterior, but opens her family Christmas to a new love, his children and several others. It has some chaos definitely, but Julie has her menus and she will conquer all. Then it happens and all semblance of control is gone, but that might be the best thing to happen for all involved. I liked the author bringing awareness to an uncomfortable subject. It might give some the feeling of not being alone. I always look forward to any new Susan Mallery book, but I will read this one many times I am sure!

I received an advance reader copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

It’s Christmas time and the tradition of going to the family cabin for Christmas is supposed to be off, which is okay with Julie, she welcomes the break. Visions of a quiet Christmas spent with just her boyfriend are a welcoming thought, but are quickly dashed when her kids decide they need to be at the cabin for Christmas this year. It’s their first Christmas without their dad and they need some semblance of normalcy. Plans are changed and the family tradition is back on. With a few extra tagalongs and unexpected visitors this Christmas is bound to be exciting.

I have always been a fan of Susan Mallery and when I saw a new Christmas book coming out I knew I had to read it. If you are a fan of family dramas and are looking for some Christmas cheer, look no farther! The characters in this book and their relationships are so well described and laid out that it’s like I’m actually standing in the cabin with them watching the drama unfold. I knew this book was going to be good when I picked it up, but I didn’t expect to be pulled in as thoroughly as I was. I loved the drama in this book and all of the character connections. If you are looking for a great holiday read this is the one to pick this season!

What a great story, Susan Mallery pulls you right into the family drama. Julie, the matriarch of the family, has been dating a guy a bit younger than her, so when her children say they are going away for holidays, she is relieved .
Of course, things change, and everyone wants to do the traditional Christmas at the Family Cabin. Fortunately, all seem to get along. As with these things, there are always a few last-minute additions to the party.
Susan Mallery sorts out all the twists and turns, no spoilers from me, just know I loved it and am hoping for a book 2!

Julie is a single mom of 2 grown children and owns a tow truck business when she finds an unexpected love interest. Julie is looking forward to a break from the traditional Christmas spent with her new boyfriend instead of the large family gathering at the cabin that she plans and organizes every year. A quiet simple Christmas without all the decorating and endless meal prepping and cooking. At the last minute her grown children decide they must have the Christmas at the cabin like they have always done because this will be their first Christmas without their Dad. Julie and Eldon continued their cabin Christmas with the kids long after their divorce. Julie agrees to the cabin Christmas for her kids but can she pull it off on such short notice? What could possibly go wrong?
Susan Mallery takes us back to all the crazy Christmases we remember as a kid. She does an excellent job of capturing all the elements for the perfect Christmas with a twist. You will love reading about the adventures of Julie and her family during the Christmas season and it just may make you appreciate you own crazy family! Warm up a mug of cocoa and dive in.

Hallmarkie "Messy Family Comes Together" Type. This is a Susan Mallery book, and it is Christmas book from Susan Mallery - so you know you're going to get a lot of drama, but in a very Hallmarkie manner where the drama never gets *too* intense and everything wraps up with a nice dose of Christmas magic by the end. Considering the popularity of both Mallery and Hallmark Christmas movies, this isn't exactly a losing strategy... if a bit "been there, done that".

Where Mallery manages to spin things with this particular one are, well, the particulars - and there are a lot of things here that aren't exactly typical. Irritable Bowel Syndrome shown in all of its complexities in a book? Happens some, not exactly overly common in my experience. Female tow truck company owner? I actually am related to one - a cousin - but she's literally the only one I had ever heard of before reading this book. Age gap romance where the *woman* is the older *and* is on the back side of "middle age" to boot? Done, somewhat, but rarely in this particular combination/ age range. On and on it goes.

Oh, and for anyone who says that this gets way too far out there with just how "together" everything gets... if you've read a few of my other reviews over the years, you know about my own family history - same side as the cousin above, actually. You see, both sets of my grandparents were divorced long before I was ever alive. But my mom's parents in particular? My grandmother remarried, also before I could ever remember anything. My step grandfather was my "second grandfather" (the other died 5 weeks after my birth). And yet there was more than one instance of my grandmother and step-grandfather living on my grandfather's land over the years, including at least one stint in his house with him. So my sense of "weird family relationships" may be a bit skewed, having seen this type of thing - along with several of the exact scenarios Mallery includes in this book - in my own (extended) family over the years.

Ultimately a solid book of its type, and one for anyone looking for a good Christmas family drama to check out.

Very much recommended.

Susan Mallery did such an amazing job on this one. It definitely had me laughing out loud! And how I wish all families could be like this one.
Absolutely fell in love with Julie an older woman dating a younger man and trying to hide it from her children. She just wants to go to the cabin and have a quiet Christmas with just him. But her children have decided that they want to come to the cabin also in remembrance of their father. Thank goodness it’s a large cabin because not only do her children come with their significant others. But her boyfriend, his children, and believe it or not his ex-wife. Her son’s mother-in-law joins them. Her daughter’s on again off again boyfriend who just so happens to work for Julie also joins them. And there’s even a dog. It is definitely a full house, but it sounds so fun. Just some of the antics that they go through finding the Christmas tree and the kibitzing back-and-forth as to which one’s the best. To all the meals being planned, a trip to the hospital after a fall. The good news of an unplanned pregnancy. Wow!! Just so fun.

It was just absolutely amazing! I wish I could give it more than five stars!

Susan Mallery just knows how to write the sweetest story! I so cherished every page. Add this to your TBR lists. It was such a fun holiday book. I loved it!

🎄 Book Review 🎄

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
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This was a very cute, very sweet Christmas novel about family dynamics, difficult relationships, and the importance of communication, forgiveness, and acceptance. I liked it, but I wasn’t the right audience for this book. The main female protagonist is in her fifties, and I can’t relate to that. My mom, however, would love this book. Additionally, I prefer more romance in my books, and that wasn’t the focal point of this book. It was all about family. Again, it was good, just not my cup of tea.
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
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Read if you like:
▫️Christmas
▫️family drama
▫️sweet romances
▫️heartwarming, feel good story
▫️multiple POV
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Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, NetGalley, and Susan Mallery for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This reads as a Hallmark-type movie where there are several layers of friends and family that come together during the holiday season, with plenty of drama interspersed between. Because we are following so many characters and their storylines, nothing is too deep or in depth, which makes it a quite easy and surface level read. There is holiday fun woven throughout, but there's also a dramatic amount that goes wrong. I found all of the characters to be a bit insufferable and so perhaps thats what ended up drawing it down for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Susan Mallery does it again. Everyone will be able to relate to something in this book. At every holiday gathering, there is always some type of drama. There is plenty going on in this book. Moms and daughters, sons and moms, moms and their boyfriends and on and on. You will laugh out loud and cry. Every one who has ever been at a family holiday gathering will love it.