Bright Lights, Big Christmas: A Novel

I usually prefer thrillers but my daughter had given me one of Mary kay's books and it was good. So thought I would try one of her Christmas stories. The story line was good, the characters were good, it made me smile and cry. I hated for it to end.

I enjoyed it! The different character personalities and varied relationships were fun to see develop. I found it ironic that in a big city like New York, Kerry & Murphy were treated so kindly by the neighbors and were able to develop such big, meaningful relationships—this seems like something that is more “down home” & country than big city!!

Mary Kay Andrews has given readers a delightful gift in the form of this story of a Christmas filled with second chances. Andrews introduces us to unforgettable characters, each needing a second chance. Kerry has driven one of the trucks and trailers loaded with Christmas trees from NC to NY where her brother and father always run a Christmas tree lot. This is a “make it or break it” year for them. Kerry needs a career jump-start and a love interest. Her brother needs a new attitude and a girlfriend. Patrick (the gorgeous guy who parked where they always put their lot and didn't move his car for days) needs a second chance at building a family for his precious son, Austin. Then, there is the elderly neighbor who comes by and offers advice on all things. When Kerry notices he is missing, she pulls out all the stops to find him. Everyone is stunned to learn the true identity of their friend! He was ready to give up on life, but Kerry convinced him to take a second chance. Andrews concludes this book on a high note with a small-town NC girl, Kerry, deciding that the bright lights and big Christmas she enjoyed in NY were the best and her future never looked brighter! This was a delightful Christmas book!#BrightLightsBigChristmas #MaryKayAndrews#StMartinsPress

Every year I read Christmas books to get ready for the season. This book is a great one to get the reader into the Christmas spirit.Kerry and her brother had to make the trip to New York City to sell Christmas trees from their farm in North Carolina together.Usually their dad made the trip, but he couldn’t make it this time. Kerry had recently lost her job due to downsizing. Her brother’s main job was managing their farm with her dad. So, both siblings were available to make the trip together. They had set up their seasonal business on the same corner for years and years.This particular year proved to be a very special year for the siblings. They had some friends in the neighborhood. And, they made some more friends.The story will warm your heart. The characters will leave you wanting to read more about them.

This was a feel good Christmas tale. It was enjoyable, but lacked depth. The romance between Kerry and Patrick was difficult to buy, as neither character was developed to a point of understanding why the two would be attracted to each other. On the other hand, Murphy and Claudia were fun, though minor characters. I was definitely rooting for their romance!

This was a great Christmas read. Quick read, great holiday warmth vibes, entertaining, and just all around fun. Family friendly, low spice…. I enjoyed, but so would my Nana (and I would not be embarrassed to share it with her )

If you only read one Christmas book this year choose Bright Lights, Big City with Mary Kay Andrews. It has everything you could ask for with both a smal town feel in the big city: romance and heartwarming Christmas cheer.SynopsisKerry Tolliver is spending the Christmas season with her brother Murphy selling Christmas trees from their North Carolina tree farm in Grenwich Village. After losing her job as a graphic designer, and having to move in with her mother, she doesn’t have much going on so her mother is able to convinces her to help her brother because her father who usually accompanies him has fallen ill.Once they get there she sees just how friendly this westside community in NYC really is. They might be campitng out in a rusted old camper affectionately known as Spammy but the neighbors are generous with allowing access to food and other necessary accommodations. Kerry is especially fond of Patrick and his son Austin. Austin is a preoucious youngster that proves to be compassionate especially to an elderly man named Heinz, It’s not long before Kerry feels like the city is more of a home than her hometown in NC.My thoughts:I absolutely loved htis book!! I read The Santa Suit last year and was so excited to read another of MKA”s Christmas books. I laughed and cried throughout the book but the last 15% of the book I was crying happy tears. If this book doesn’t get you in the spirit of Christmas spirit, nothing will!

Gripping Story. Loved it. Couldn't put it down. Loved all the characters. I felt like I was drawn into the story and became part of the neighborhood. I lived in NYC for a year which included being there over a Christmas season. I also related to the story which was similar to the Hallmark movie "Silver Bells" about a family who owned a Christmas Tree Farm in the south, who came to the city to sell their Christmas trees. The storyline was different, but it helped me to relate to the tree selling business. Plus my husband and I use to sell Christmas trees here in PA. It brought back good memories. Thank you.

Mary Kay always brings the Christmas spirit, with a classic strong modern woman as her main character. But if course there is vintage charm and nostalgia. Finished it in a couple of days!

Book itself came fast and no issue with the product. Just the actual story was a little dull and slow paced. Not may favourite read but a very cozy Christmas feel good book

Mary Kay is one of my ultimate favourite authors and unfortunately I was disappointed this book was slow, dragged, and I just didn’t think it was one of her best books.