**Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC and a chance to read and review this book **

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

Summary: After being let go from her job in Charlotte, NC, Kerry moves back home with her mother. With dwindling savings, Kerry thinks maybe a month in New York, selling Christmas trees with her brother Murphy (and his dog Queenie) would reset her.

Review:
A very sweet, feel-good Christmas story! While there were many characters, she does such a good job developing and highlighting each of their individual personalities and it made the story between all the neighbors really charming! - very Hallmark movie feeling!

As for the romance, In my opinion, I did not feel like there was any chemistry between Kerry and Patrick so their relationship development wasn’t very believable and it was very Insta-love which isn’t my favorite.

Very sweet Christmas-y story!
The Tollivers have been selling Christmas Trees in NYC for many years. It’s a family tradition. Kerry remembers coming here as a child and having a wonderful time in the camper van with her family! But now Kerry is all grown up and aspiring to be an artist! And the last place she wants to be is in NYC selling trees! BUT…her Dad, who usually comes with her brother, just got out of the hospital. And her Mom (who is and has been divorced from her Dad for a long time) is the only one who’s willing to take care of him. So….Kerry must go ahead and give up her life for a few weeks to travel from NC to NYC.
And once she gets settled in, she realizes that it’s not so bad!
She is welcomed to the area (after some initial snafus), makes some friends, and finds herself loving it!
Plus, she met handsome little Austin and his Dad.
And, she met Heinz. He’s a crotchety little old man, who somehow shows a fondness for Austin, and Kerry’s dog Queenie. And he loves to critique her drawings…

There are parties. There’s illness. There’s a missing person. And there’s love in the air! So all-around, feel good, holiday reading!
And, of course, we cannot forget Spammy!!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the ARC of the audiobook which releases on September 26th! Look for it on shelves…soon!
#MaryKayAndrews. #BrightLightsBigChristmas

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Thank you!

Thank you @smpromance @macmillan.audio for the perfect holiday read! Kerry goes to NYC to join her brother to sell Christmas trees. She meets the people of the neighborhood and forms a connection with Patrick and his son, Austin. This story is so sweet and Austin was added so much cuteness. The voices that Kathleen McInerney did for all the characters really brought the story to life.

Bright Lights Big Christmas
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 rounded to 4

This was a sweet holiday read in typical MKA fashion. The conflict is minimal, the characters are likeable, and the backdrop of the Christmas tree farm is fun and festive.

I listened to this arc and feel I would have enjoyed this more if I read it. The narrator had such. Odd pauses and. It became distracting. It was fine when she was the main character, Kerry, or the little boy, Austin. But when she read the third person POV narrator or any of the male characters, it was not good.

But I don’t want to base my rating on that so I rated solely for the cute book that it is. And I loved the reference to The Santa Suit which was also a cute read!

Another pitch perfect Hallmark Holiday movie style Christmas story from one of my fav authors! This was a feel-good small town, Christmas tree farm girly falls for a big city single Dad romance that sees Kerry Toliver traveling to NYC in a beat up vintage trailer to help her family and sell Christmas trees in the city. Charming with tons of feels and a cute story in a story with a fun nod to last year's The santa suit. I adored this one from its cute cover to the heartwarming, kissing only holiday romance! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!!

This a sweet Christmas story. I loved how Ms. Andrew's wove several story lines together so beautifully. A brother and sister grew to know each other. A neighborhood bans together to show love to a old man they deeply care about. Strangers fall in love.

Summary:
While her father recovers from a heart attack, Kerry, a new laid off graphic designer, joins her brother in New York, selling Christmas trees grown on their North Carolina farm. Living in an airstream with no heat or bathroom through the holiday season, Kerry and her brother Murphy depend on the affluent neighborhood where they sell trees for their basic needs and become close friends with a single dad, an elderly recluse and local restaurant owner. But can Kerry leave her new friends and budding romance behind when she has to return to her home in North Carolina for Christmas?

Title: Bright Lights, Big Christmas
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
@marykayandrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75/5
🌶️ 0/5

Tropes:
Single Dad Romance
Unexpected friendships
New beginnings

Triggers:
Spousal death
Divorce
Missing Persons

My Thoughts:
This isn’t typically the type of book that I choose to read, but I really thought this cute holiday romance was fun. I enjoyed seeing the neighborhood rally behind the small town brother and sister duo, the romantic interest and his super adorable kid. At times, the FMC really pushes personal boundaries, especially with an elderly neighbor, which bothered me. While the FMC has good intentions, she does not listen when other characters say no, and literally takes over situations that she should has no business being a part of.

Thank you to @marykayandrews and @netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

#netgalley #brightlightsbigchristmas #marykayandrews #holidaybook #holidayromance #singledadromance #romcom #Christmas #ournerdiestthing #bookpodcast #bookstagram #bookish #instabooks #ilovebooks #readinglist #bookblog #readmore #reads #currentread #readingaddict #avidreader #newread #readallthebooks #booksta #booksandbooks #readaholic #booksparks #booksarelife #bibliophile #bookwormlife #reader #beautifulbooks #bookphotograph

This was exactly what you would expect from a Mary Kay Andrews Christmas novel -- in the best way! It was easy, quick, and relatively light-hearted while still holding some depth to the characters. Around the busy holidays this is the type of book I would want to read to just relax and enjoy the season.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my advanced listening copy.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. The story just didn’t seem to grab me and pull me in. Thanks for the opportunity to listen to it though.

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