September 2023

Mary Kay Andrews is back with BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CHRISTMAS, and it’s my favorite of all her holiday titles. I do confess that reading such a book in September had me panicked that I was way behind on “making my list and checking it twice.” But putting that aside, this is just the kind of Christmas story set in New York City that you want to read.

Kerry Tolliver comes to New York to sell the Christmas trees that have grown on her family farm in the mountains of North Carolina. Typically, this job is done by her father and her brother, Murphy. But with her dad down for the count, she is charged with selling on the same corner that they have been tied to for years as she has lost her job --- and contemplates what is next. Murphy knows every shopkeeper and some of the neighbors in the area. Kerry knows no one and is stuck living with her brother, who is gruff and very curmudgeonly, in a super tiny vintage travel trailer that also is adorably sweet-looking (see the front cover). Her other companion is Murphy’s lovable dog, Queenie. New York is all new to Kerry, and it’s fun to see through her eyes.

Kerry quickly augments their tree business with custom-decorated wreaths and other style ideas that rankle Murphy, who just wants the trees moved out --- and fast. And, of course, there is a love interest for her in Patrick, a single dad who is raising his son, Austin. There also is a mystery laced in when an elderly neighbor is not seen for days. While the city is big, this neighborhood is full of community and lots of love. I was endlessly amused by Kerry’s seemingly biggest challenge --- what to wear --- and her answers to that question.  

The story wraps up sweetly with the perfect bow on things. If you don’t read the book right away, you may want to do so while the cookies are in the oven or when you need a break from wrapping presents. And be sure to slip it into a few holiday stockings.