I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was also gifted the audio version. This was such a cute romantic story. It is perfect for. CHRISTMAS time!
The characters were all likeable. I could not put it down. I would read from this author again!. The cover is so cute!

When Kerry is tasked with joining her brother in NYC to sell Christmas trees, she has no idea the bonds she’ll form with the people in the neighborhood. When one falls ill after all the trees have sold, they band together to help him. A sweet tale of a community coming together during the Christmas season with a side of a love story.

A light, sweet holiday read! While the book was jolly and cute, I found myself wanting a bit more depth from the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for a fair review.

This book was perfect for this time of the year. It had a litle bit of everything especially the holiday spirit. This author never disappoints and I look forward to reading more from her.

This was such a heartwarming and cozy read. It got me into the Christmas spirit as such the kind where Christmas isn’t material it’s about love and family. I loved reading about the Tolliver’s and the friends they made during the season. Heinz was such a grump but is definitely a real softie and reminded me a lot of my own grandpa so I’m biased when I say he was my favorite character.

*I received a free ARC from NetGalley*

Another perfect cozy Christmas story full of found family, adventure, and lots of love. This story was absolutely adorable. A family farm sets up an annual Christmas tree shop in NYC. There is hijinks from the competition, lovely neighbors, holiday parties, and the best (most unrealistic) view of living in New York. Completely adorable.

4/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

Perfect for the holiday season - love, family, friendship and all the true meanings of the season. Cozy like a Hallmark movie.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I usually love Christmas stories but this book was a little hard for me to get into. It felt slow and it was hard for me to finish and get into. It was just okay for me.

*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

Meh… I wanted to love this so badly. The premise had so much promise… small town Christmas tree farmer girl heads to NYC to sell her trees street side and save her family business while falling in love and creating a found family?! Yes! I would have loved that. Unfortunately there was really no premise or plot to this entire story and I had a hard time reading it, thank god for the audio. I feel like there were too many storylines the author was trying to use and none of them connected or made sense, plus the romance was really not existent or believable after three weeks. This was a miss for me.

This was a cute and wholesome read. The author did a great job of developing the secondary characters. I adored them. I also enjoyed the small romance between Kerry and Patrick, but felt that it was a tad undeveloped.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews is a heartwarming holiday romance filled with charm, humor, and a touch of mystery. The story follows Kerry Tolliver, who leaves her family’s Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to help her brother sell trees in New York City. As she settles into the vibrant neighborhood of Greenwich Village, Kerry forms close bonds with her quirky neighbors and gets involved in a missing person’s case, all while navigating her growing feelings for Patrick, a single dad.

Kerry’s compassionate nature and determination to follow her passion make her an endearing protagonist, and her romance with Patrick is sweet and believable. The book is filled with festive cheer, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughs, making it a perfect read for the holiday season. If you're looking for a feel-good story that leaves you smiling, Bright Lights, Big Christmas will hit the mark.

This book was incredibly heartwarming and full of humor, love and the magic of Christmastime. I loved the mix of characters who made up this neighborhood block in NYC, especially little 6-year old Austin. As someone who grew up spending time at her grandparent’s tree farm as a kid, this story was so nostalgic for me and brought back so many good memories. This is a delightful addition to any holiday reading list.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

A delightful holiday novella that embodies the warmth and magic of the season.

The story follows Kerry Tolliver as she departs her family's Christmas tree farm in North Carolina to assist her brother in selling trees in New York City.

Amidst the bustling city, Kerry forges connections with charming neighbors and navigates a budding romance with a single dad, Patrick.

Each character is distinct and well-developed, contributing to the sense of community and warmth that defines the novella. Their individual stories and personalities add depth to the narrative, making it more relatable and engaging. The gradual unfolding of relationships and personal growth throughout the book makes the character development both realistic and heartwarming.

Overall, the story is brimming with humor, heartwarming moments, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic. It's an ideal read for anyone eager to embrace the holiday spirit.

🎧 Kathleen McInerney’s warm and engaging narration breathes life into the story.

McInerney’s talent in conveying the characters’ emotions and the festive atmosphere of the holiday season adds considerable depth to the narrative.

Thank you to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. And thank you to @macmillan.audio for a free download of the audiobook.

A Festive and Heartwarming Christmas Tale

Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a delightful holiday romance that captures the magic of the season. Mary Kay Andrews has once again crafted a charming story filled with heartwarming characters and festive cheer.

Kerry Tolliver, a talented artist, is thrust into the role of family caretaker as she travels to New York City to help her brother run their annual Christmas tree stand. In the bustling West Village, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including a handsome neighbor with a mysterious past.

The novel beautifully blends the cozy charm of a small-town Christmas with the excitement of the big city. Andrews's vivid descriptions of the holiday season create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The characters are endearing and relatable, and their interactions spark both humor and heartfelt moments.

The audiobook narration by Kathleen McInerney is excellent, bringing the story to life with her expressive voice and perfect pacing.

Overall, Bright Lights, Big Christmas is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will leave you feeling festive and uplifted.

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #stmartinspress #macmillanaudio #brightlightsbigchristmas #marykayandrews

Mary Kay Andrews is one of my favorite authors. Her books never disappoint! This one was a great Christmas themed book. Perfect for this time of year! The characters are very likeable and realistic. The setting was fun. It was just a great feel good story.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mary Kay Andrews knows how to make a cozy Christmas novel. This was so charming, so unassuming and so incredibly lifting for a season of the year that can feel very downer. I enjoyed this quick read and lighthearted fun.

Anything MKA writes is on my list! this book I read in two days. I wish there could be a 2nd! The relationships in this book were so well done. I was sucked in. Make another!!!

This was such a cute story! I loved how Kerry, the outsider, became friends with everyone in the neighborhood! The only part I didn’t like was how grumpy her brother Murphy was through most of the story.

If you’re looking for a sweet holiday story with no 3rd act break up, check this one out!

Mary Kay Andrews knows how to write Christmas!! The cozy corner neighborhood atmosphere set smack-dab in the middle of a large metropolitan city lends a certain charm and comfortable appeal. Kerry leaves her family Christmas farm in North Carolina to NY City to help her gruff brother & his dog Queenie. They set up a tree stand on a corner in Greenwich Village and stay in a tiny vintage camper. Kerry becomes close with neighbors who live by the stand. Patrick and his son Austin become friends with Kerry as well and I just loved when they started being friends. I devoured this book and fell in love with the characters. This book is like a warm hug. Grab yourself some hot cocoa, sit by the fire and read or listen to this wonderful holiday book. I highly recommend this book.

Thank You NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

"Bright Lights, Big Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews is a heartwarming and festive read that captures the magic of the holiday season. Set in the vibrant backdrop of Savannah, the story follows a strong-willed protagonist navigating love, family, and a holiday lighting competition. Andrews’ signature wit shines through, blending humor with poignant moments that resonate deeply. The richly drawn characters and enchanting setting make for a cozy escape, while the themes of community and redemption add depth to the narrative. Perfect for fans of charming holiday tales, this book is sure to brighten up any reader’s Christmas spirit!

Such a fun Christmas story of friends, family, community and Christmas trees. This was a perfect story for getting cozy by the fire (or heater) with a cup of cocoa around the holidays or when you want that holiday spirit.