Bright Lights, Big - by Mary Kay Andrews

If you told me Bright Lights, Big Christmas was being made into a movie for Lifetime, I would tell you I wasn’t surprised at all. The best and only word I keep coming back to in describing this word is sweet. I think as a Holiday read, that’s a great thing, but as a romance it leaves something to be desired. A story of bickering siblings living in tight quarters while they sell Xmas trees to save their farm is a great backdrop for the Holidays. I’m afraid this book spends a lot of time stressing that part of the story, along with all the sweet supporting characters that Kerry and Murphy (her brother) meet along the way. If this book was just about them selling said trees and interacting with sweet people they meet along the way, I would say it’s a well told tale. The challenge is, it’s not. There’s supposed to be romance in this novel that felt like an afterthought and lacked chemistry, both with Kerry/Patrick and Murphy/Claudia. Then there’s the story of the neighbor in need, which is barely a thing until the very end…again something that seemed thrown into this book almost as an afterthought. I wish more were put into these character’s stories vs. the Holiday themes. And as a minor issue…the NYC setting that was described: the interactions, the cold and snow in December, the flippancy regarding money…it was a little hard to swallow as someone who knows NYC in Xmas all too well. The thing is, this is my first MKA book and so while these things may not fit my normal preferences in books, it’s hard for me to say they don’t live up to her normal audience’s wants and needs. If I had to guess, I think the normal MKA reader will be charmed with this book, and considering it’s a fast read, there is no reason they shouldn’t give this book a chance. If nothing else, it will definitely give the reader all the Christmas feels.

Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews has readers traveling from North Carolina to the West Village where the Tolliver Tree Farm sells their fresh cut Christmas tress each year. I found this story similar to two other Christmas tales that I read many years ago (and I watched the movies). In the beginning, I felt like I was dumped into the middle of the story. It seemed that I was supposed to know the characters. I was glad that more details were provided on Kerry and Murphy as the story progressed. I do not know how Kerry endured Murphy’s attitude. I liked Abingdon Square where Kerry and Murphy set up the Christmas tree stand. Spammy, their old travel trailer, sounded cute and awful. I could not do without basic amenities (a functioning toilet and shower). It would have been difficult for the siblings to endure the frigid temperatures. If I was Kerry, I would have found a way to get power for an electric blanket. The author captured the frosty climate, the delightful smell of the fresh cut Christmas trees, and the spirit of Christmas. There are, though, repetitive details (I knew the details by heart by the end of the book). I felt that the story was a tad too long. Fifty to sixty pages could easily have been shaved off. The ending, however, was rushed. An epilogue would have helped. I liked Patrick and his son, Austin. I felt a friendship between Kerry and Patrick, but I did not feel romantic chemistry. I could tell she cared for Austin and that Kerry enjoyed working on the storybook with him. I liked seeing Kerry and Murphy’s relationship grow as the book progressed. Heinz was a unique character. It is a shame that we really did not get to know him until later in the book. There was one more thing that I found perplexing. Kerry worked as an art director in advertising, so I thought she would have more ways to promote the Tolliver Tree Farm. I thought the author would have Kerry promote the business online (come up with creative idea to bring in business). The story does contain foul language and one individual drinking copious quantities of alcohol. Bright Lights, Big Christmas was a letdown for me, but I believe others will enjoy the Christmas story. Bright Lights, Big Christmas takes us on a journey to the West Village with a ramshackle Spammy, a chilly climate, fresh cut trees, rival sellers, a helpful Heinz, an adorable Austin, and a Christmas romance.

Kerry Tolliver was forced to move back home after being made redundant at work. Her family owns and operates a Christmas Tree farm in NC. Since her dad was hospitalized with a heart attack, she is expected to go to New York City to help sell Christmas Trees with her older brother, Murphy. Although she is not thrilled, she knows it’s important for business. By working the Christmas tree stand, she realizes how much her family means and is supported by the locals. Will this be the experience Kerry needs to figure out her life? Mary Kay Andrews Christmas Novellas are so much fun to read, since they are entertaining, heartfelt, and have happy endings! I love how Mary Kay Andrews made a connection to The Santa Suit in this book! Definitely a page turner that should be added to your TBR list!