
This book is part of my 10 Christmas Books For This Holiday Season – 2023.
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews is a heartwarming romance story set against the backdrop of NYC, during the festive month of December.
My Overview
Kerry’s family owns a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina. Every year, her father and brother head off to NYC, to sell their trees in Greenwich Village. This year, Kerry needs to make that trip, in place of her father. For a few weeks, she’ll camp out with her brother and dog, in their family’s vintage camper. During that time, they’ll have to endure working together, as well as the freezing temperatures. With no heat or utilities, it’s not as easy feat. Fortunately, there are a few locals who offer their kindness. That includes single dad Patrick, along with his six-year old son.
Soon, what started out as a trip Kerry was dreading, turns into a life-changing experience. Each of the characters is facing a difficult situation, but the more they communicate, the more they figure out ways to help one another. As the days pass, new relationships are formed, and a new little community is formed. So, amongst the backdrop of the bright city lights, a big Christmas is in the works.
Overall, this is a heartwarming romance story with a focus on community. The storyline is enjoyable, but the main characters aren’t so much. I didn’t like how immature Kerry, her brother, and Patrick acted. That took away from the story, and I found it hard to root for them. In this case, I felt the secondary characters shined best.
My Recommendation
I liked this heartwarming story, just not as much as I’d hoped. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, but this one didn’t quite work out for me. I listened to the audiobook and didn’t enjoy the narration, so can’t recommend it. If you’re planning to read this story, I suggest the Kindle or print edition.
Have you read this book? Which other books by this author do you recommend?
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Happy to see you liked it overall. I enjoyed this one a little more than you did
Lucy
Glad you enjoyed this one much more. I really enjoyed the setting 🎄.
Lark
I read this book last month and thought it was a 3/5 holiday romance. There just wasn’t enough character development between Kerry and Patrick imo. Although I did really enjoy reading about their tree selling life in NYC. 😀
Lucy
The character development was definitely lacking. Same as you, I enjoyed the tree selling aspect in NYC.