Bright Lights, Big Christmas: A Novel

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.