Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Publication Date: September 26th 2023 by St. Martin's Press & Macmillan Audio
Pages: 288
Audio Book Length: 8hrs 8min
Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
Source: Publishers
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
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.
4 Stars
Book Description:
From Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Homewreckers and The Santa Suit, comes a novella celebrating love and the warm, glittering charm of the holiday season.
When fall rolls around, it’s time for Kerry Tolliver to leave her family’s Christmas tree farm in the mountains of North Carolina for the wilds of New York City to help her gruff older brother & his dog, Queenie, sell the trees at the family stand on a corner in Greenwich Village. Sharing a tiny vintage camper and experiencing Manhattan for the first time, Kerry’s ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself.
In the weeks leading into Christmas, Kerry quickly becomes close with the charming neighbors who live near their stand. When an elderly neighbor goes missing, Kerry will need to combine her country know-how with her newly acquired New York knowledge to protect the new friends she’s come to think of as family,
And complicating everything is Patrick, a single dad raising his adorable, dragon-loving son Austin on this quirky block. Kerry and Patrick’s chemistry is undeniable, but what chance does this holiday romance really have?
Filled with family ties, both rekindled and new, and sparkling with Christmas magic, Bright Lights, Big Christmas delivers everything Mary Kay Andrews fans adore, all tied up in a hilarious, romantic gem of a novel.
Another holiday romance I want to read this year! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet and fast read, so an easy add. Hope you love it too, Lark!
DeleteI've had her books on my wish list for a bit.
ReplyDeleteThis is my 2nd book by her and I've enjoyed both.
DeleteGreat review, Rachel. I really enjoyed this one as well and enjoyed the narration.
ReplyDeleteIt was a sweet, heartwarming holiday romance! Glad to hear you enjoyed it, too!
DeleteI really had a great time with this one. The narrator did a wonderful job with the story.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree!
DeleteIt's too soon for me but this looks like a winner. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
It is a bit soon considering we haven't even been through Halloween yet, but it's good to put it on the list. Thank you!
DeleteI liked this one a lot. It was sweet and fun, as holiday books should be, and I loved the community aspect.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteCool for holiday time :)
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteThis is the kind of read I crave during the holiday season. Give me something quick to read, with a story that is good but not too taxing! The holidays can be stressful enough, so having a book to escape to is a welcome reprieve.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It seems like holidays are usually stressful so it's nice to have a stress free, easy going read that has loads of holiday charm. :)
DeleteI’d love to read this. Regine
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Hope you enjoy it, Regine!
DeleteThis has all the holiday feels I’m ready to grab a cup of peppermint mocha and dive in!
ReplyDeleteYes! Sounds perfect!
DeleteI need to find some holiday stories....but maybe in November ;)
ReplyDeleteNovember is a good time to pick it up! :)
DeleteThis one sounds absolutely charming and perfect for when you're in the mood for something easy and low-drama. And a great way to start getting those holidays feels. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was very charming and just the right read for the winter/holiday season! :)
DeleteI'm looking forward to reading this book during the holidays. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete