Julie and Heath’s low-key Christmas at home turns into a major event at the family cabin, which is really a very large house. If I am remembering everyone, 12 people end up coming and spending a week to 10 days there. I would go crazy! The time frame seems a little unrealistic. Most people don’t have that much time off from work, and they wouldn’t spend that much time with their family. That being said, this was a fun holiday book. Secrets are revealed, people are forgiven, couples learn to communicate better, and everyone has a good time.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Once I started reading this book, I did not want to put it down. Family dynamics are interesting and primarily at play here. Julie is one woman we should all try to be like, with her calm and compassion for other people. Everyone is keeping secrets so they don't hurt other members of the family. The cabin brings everything out, and all members of the family help to work through all the secrets and changes that happen. Julie is correct; no one should be alone on Christmas.

A big family/friends gathering at a family cabin during Christmas. Hurts, secrets, and betrayals are exposed. Story is full of drama and humor. Characters are varied and interesting; Multiple storylines are woven seamlessly. A wonderful read anytime of the year.

Susan Mallery has done it again with One Big Happy Family!! Her characters are always so interesting and entertaining and this book is no exception to that!

I absolutely love “One Big Happy Family.” It made me laugh out loud, put me in the Christmas spirit and wish that I too, had a big family like Julie! What started out as a quiet Christmas at home with her hunky boyfriend, Heath, turned out to be an epic holiday production with a diverse cast of characters. Julie’s winter wonderland cabin held special memories for her and her children and the spacious home was ready for new Christmas festivities. Ms. Mallery made me feel as if I had also been invited to the celebration as they planned meals, wrapped presents, made snow angels and gazed with wonderment at the twinkling Christmas tree. As with all families, drama came knocking at the door along with surprise guests, unanswered questions and the possibility of new beginnings. Julie created delicious meals for each night of their stay and one dinner conversation had me laughing so hard that my eyes were tearing! This is what a Christmas book should be about; laughter, love, making memories and of course, family. No matter if you are related to one another, or are friends who feel like family, there is always room for one more at the table! Happy Holidays!

Honestly, it wasn’t what I was expecting in a Christmas story. Too much family drama to get me in a festive mood.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Julie is 54 and looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her 42 year old boyfriend, Heath. Julie's two children, Nick and Dana, want to have a big Christmas celebration in the family's "cabin" (more like a huge 6 bedroom home) in the mountains because its the first Christmas without their father, who had died in January. Julie and he had been divorced for many years but remained friends. Anyway...along comes Nick's wife, her mother, Julie's former BIL, an employee, and then Heath's ex wife and two children due to a change of their plans...and lets not forget the dog and Dana's former boyfriend who is also Julie's employee. If this sounds crazy, it is! So much drama and I loved every minute of it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

I love Christmas books year round – and this one does not disappoint!

Julie has a secret she’s hiding from her adult son and daughter – she has a much younger boyfriend. Because her kids Nick and Dana have other plans for Christmas, she plans to spend it with her man, Heath. That is until Nick and Dena beg to have the holidays at their family cabin, where they can remember their late father, who passed away earlier in the year. Though Julie was divorced from their father, they all still celebrated Christmas at the cabin. So, she gives in to her kids. Then she must figure out how to tell them about Heath.

Julie is a take-charge, caring person, so more and more people are invited to the cabin. Pretty soon it’s full of an ex-wife, kids, an estranged mother, and more. There is a lot going on, but it is easy to follow, and even easier to care about this family. I especially liked Heath. Another winner by Mallery.

Thank you, Canary Street Press, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery was such a heartwarming book. The reader feels like they know the characters. Julie thinks she will have a quiet Christmas at home with her secret boyfriend, Heath but her family has other plans. In no time, Julie's plans have changed and she, Heath, Dana, Nick, Blair, Gwen and others are spending Christmas together at the family cabin where there is never a dull moment!

All Julie Parker wants for Christmas is to be able to spend the holiday at her mountain cabin with her secret new romantic interest Heath, who just happens to be twelve years younger than Julie. But between her two adult children and running a crazy busy towing company, Julie’s plans go up in smoke and she ends up hosting not only her own kids and a bitter mother-in-law, but also Heath’s two children and his ex-wife. What could possibly go wrong?

Lots to be learned here about letting go of the past and being able to accept help from others. Great read for book groups—discussion questions provided.

Who doesn't love a good old christmas story. I loved this book from the ups and downs and family drama it reminded me of my own home. Christmas is my favorite holiday and tbh i could use some happy holiday spirit so this book was perfect for that. I fell in love with the characters and their individual stories and how it brought them all together in the end.

An easy read that is predictable, but a great Christmas story. I was particularly impressed to have the author deal with IBS. This is a disease that most people don’t talk about and it was handled so well. Thanks for enlightening readers to this disease.

I always enjoy Susan Mallery books and this was no different. A quick read that I couldn't put down. Likeable characters and a sweet story.

I love quirky, crazy family stories. This one did not disappoint. It gave me all the feels. I was sad to see it end! Great read!!!

Mallery for the Win!

Imagine you have a Christmas holiday planned with a fairly new boyfriend so you can get to know one another a little better – no other people involved. Now imagine you have the boyfriend (And did I mention he is more than a decade younger than you and none of your family knows about him?), your son and daughter-in-law, your daughter-in-law’s mother, your daughter-in-law’s uncle, your daughter, one of your employees, the boyfriend’s two kids, the boyfriend’s ex-wife and another of your employees who is also your daughter’s ex. What can possibly go wrong?

This was such a great book. There were the highs and lows you always experience with family, especially during the holidays. And there were a lot of truly special moments where people came together unexpectedly.

You owe it to yourself to read this book. And remember, no matter what you’ve planned for the holidays it isn’t going to be perfect and that’s ok.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing who provided this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Light holiday fare about a women hoping to have a quiet Christmas with her new, younger boyfriend but instead ends up with a houseful of family and friends, causing stress, chaos and comedy. Mallery is one of my favorite women's fiction authors, and this book doesn't disappointment.

Typical Susan Mallory. Great characters, full of different problems, and a final that helps all move on . Some tension with expected action. All in all a fun read

I love Christmas and this book was everything family drama, age gap romance who could ask for more. This book was so different from other Christmas books I have read. This book had me laughing out loud at times. I absolutely love it. I’ll differently be reading this one again.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this read! Interesting plot and characters and full of that heartwarming Christmas spirit. Highly recommend this holiday gem! A+++

The upcoming novel A Christmas to Remember by Susan Mallery is an enchanting exploration of life's complexities, love, and the intricate dance of relationships. This heartwarming tale is a stunning five-star read that will resonate deeply with anyone who has navigated the tumultuous waters of family dynamics and personal growth.

Julie Parker, our protagonist, is a relatable and endearing character whose life is both joyful and chaotic. Her children, Nick and Dana, bring their own set of challenges and joys, making for a rich and engaging narrative. Julie’s desire for a quiet Christmas with Heath, her much younger secret boyfriend, is upended when her children insist on a family gathering at their late father’s cabin. This premise sets the stage for a series of events that are as poignant as they are humorous.

Nick and Blair, freshly married and eager to build their own memories, contrast beautifully with Dana, who is in the throes of heartbreak. Julie’s apprehension about revealing her relationship with Heath to her children adds a layer of tension and anticipation that keeps the reader invested from start to finish. The arrival of Heath’s children and Blair’s estranged mother, Gwen, further complicates the family dynamic, creating a delightful tapestry of interconnected lives and stories.

Blair and Gwen's relationship is a particularly touching subplot. Despite a negative past filled with misunderstandings and hurt, their journey towards reconciliation and mutual understanding is both moving and inspiring. Gwen's attempts to mend her relationship with Blair highlight themes of forgiveness and the possibility of growth even in strained relationships. Blair's gradual acceptance and willingness to give her mother a second chance demonstrate profound personal growth and the enduring power of familial love.

The novel's strength lies in its exploration of forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and grace. Julie’s journey is not just about managing her family's Christmas but also about taking responsibility for her happiness and choices. The interactions between characters are nuanced and authentic, making their growth and revelations feel earned and deeply satisfying.

Susan Mallery has a gift for weaving humor into heartfelt moments, making this story both touching and entertaining. The humor is never forced but rather stems naturally from the characters' interactions and the situations they find themselves in. This balance of comedy and drama is what makes A Christmas to Remember such a compelling read.

The family’s ability to let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love is a central theme that will strike a chord with readers. The novel beautifully illustrates that a big, happy family can become even bigger and happier when they embrace forgiveness and understanding.

In conclusion, A Christmas to Remember is a delightful and moving novel that captures the essence of family and the holiday spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about love, complex relationships, and personal growth. This book is a perfect reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for grace and joy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Mallery, and Canary Street Publishing for the advanced reader copy for review.