What do you think?
Rate this book
One Big Happy Family
Please don’t come home for Christmas…
Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.
But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.
As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.
Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.
But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.
As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Susan Mallery
821 books14.6k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews
June 23, 2024
If you love family drama books, Mallery is the go-to author for these types of stories.
I’ve read so many of her works and they always leave you with a smile on your face even though you’ve been through the ups and downs any family goes through.
Whether it’s growing pains or happy times, Mallery is an expert storyteller in this genre. One Big Happy Family is all about a quiet Christmas that explodes into crazy situations.
From adults to children, ex-wives, and new loves (and don’t forget the dog) we experience a wild, wacky holiday. We are loading up on a bit of drama, a lot of love, happiness, and a few tears as the author takes us on an unforgettable storybook holiday in the perfect cabin we can only dream about. Building memories that are expected, and some unexpected too.
This book is a wonderful escape from the day-to-day as we dive into a delightful story of family ties with stand-out characters and locales. Wild and crazy with great dynamics!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/one-big-happ...
I’ve read so many of her works and they always leave you with a smile on your face even though you’ve been through the ups and downs any family goes through.
Whether it’s growing pains or happy times, Mallery is an expert storyteller in this genre. One Big Happy Family is all about a quiet Christmas that explodes into crazy situations.
From adults to children, ex-wives, and new loves (and don’t forget the dog) we experience a wild, wacky holiday. We are loading up on a bit of drama, a lot of love, happiness, and a few tears as the author takes us on an unforgettable storybook holiday in the perfect cabin we can only dream about. Building memories that are expected, and some unexpected too.
This book is a wonderful escape from the day-to-day as we dive into a delightful story of family ties with stand-out characters and locales. Wild and crazy with great dynamics!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/one-big-happ...
April 24, 2024
Christmas, family drama, age gap romance- who could ask for more? One Big Happy Family was so different than the typical holiday/Christmas trope. I loved this storyline & the characters are so lovable. Lot of humor in this - literally leaving me laughing out loud. I will definitely re-read this one closer to the holiday season- I absolutely loved it. I’ll be checking out more of Susan Mallery’s books & you should too.
Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an ARC copy of this book.
Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an ARC copy of this book.
September 15, 2024
Susan Mallery is my favorite go-to for relationships and family drama. She writes masterfully evoking all the feelings. This story is set at a family Christmas at the family "cabin" - not really a cabin in my book, but that's what they call it. This is the first Christmas without the father who passed away nearly a year ago. It starts as a vacation for Julie and her new boyfriend to get away, but the kids, Nick and Dana throw a wrench in their plans when they say they want to go to the cabin as a way of remembering their Dad. Julie owns a towing company and her son works there. It's a profitable business. Dana chose to pursue a career in accounting. The family is very close.
What is supposed to be just the family turns into a great many people staying in one house. Julie can't not invite people who would otherwise be alone during the holidays and some of the combinations are volatile and create a great deal of drama. In fact the entire holiday is full of drama and surprises. It make for a great read! This book will appeal to anyone who likes to read about relationships and families.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
What is supposed to be just the family turns into a great many people staying in one house. Julie can't not invite people who would otherwise be alone during the holidays and some of the combinations are volatile and create a great deal of drama. In fact the entire holiday is full of drama and surprises. It make for a great read! This book will appeal to anyone who likes to read about relationships and families.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
October 28, 2024
Susan Mallery books makes me happy. It’s as simple as that. They aren’t very complex stories usually; but they’re great comfort reads and I think she does Christmas books especially well- this one about a woman dating a new younger man, who has small children, is planning a private getaway for them for Christmas when she gets roped into holding a big family gathering then his ex gets Christmas plans and he’s also then bringing along his children that she’s never met, makes for ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. Lots of humor and charm in this one and a sweet second chance at love romance element.
September 1, 2024
I thought reading a Christmas-themed book in the middle of one of the hottest weeks of the summer would be a delightful getaway. Unfortunately, this book was not what I needed. It was extremely slow-paced paced, and at times had way too much detail. I struggled to get through a chapter per night, and after feeling like I was reading it forever but not even at the halfway point, I decided it was time to give up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.
November 10, 2024
Cute Christmas story full of family drama. Even though there are many characters and issues going on, everyone has a Merry “White” Christmas at a large cabin in the woods.
October 1, 2024
The latest book by Mallery is a romp through a snow-covered field of happiness and fun. I loved this story so much that I didn’t want it to ever end. The characters are realistic and dynamic. I especially liked and identified with the character of Julie, a woman who wants to spend time with her new younger boyfriend at Christmas, but without her adult children finding out. Her plans don’t work as she wanted because Dana and Nick, her children, are sentimental about this being the first Christmas without their dad, so they want to spend Christmas at the family cabin. A few minor changes in Julie’s plans become a big deal when Nick’s mother-n-law decides to come along, as well as Julie’s employee Huxley, Uncle Paul and her boyfriend and his children. What was supposed to be an intimate Christmas with just Heath and Julie becomes a family and friends reunion of sorts, and of the most hilarious kind. I felt a whole gamut of emotions as I read this great, multi-layered story. I was empathetic towards Gwen, Nick’s MIL, because she has difficulty relating to her estranged daughter Blair and Christmas just doesn’t seem the right time to set things right. I felt sad for Dana who has tried over and over again to establish a relationship with Axel, but he keeps breaking up with her and destroying her emotionally. I was thrilled with Julie and Heath’s relationship because he is the perfect boyfriend, attentive, loving and swoonworthy, too. I cried, I laughed out loud, and even gasped at some of the antics of the characters. This is a perfect read for the holidays because no matter how many people you invite to your house, I don’t think it’s possible to have as much fun as Susan Mallery’s big, happy family!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
October 28, 2024
Thank you #SusanMallery #NetGalley #CaneryStreetPress for this ARC for an honest review.
4.5* Such a fun holiday read. This had holiday beauty and fun with so much more. There were many issues faced in this book; estranged loved ones, illness, injury, divorce and so much more.
4.5* Such a fun holiday read. This had holiday beauty and fun with so much more. There were many issues faced in this book; estranged loved ones, illness, injury, divorce and so much more.
October 5, 2024
super cute holiday read....quick, funny and all the quirky family relationships!
November 7, 2024
A little cheesy. A little predictable.
But what’s a Christmas book without a bit of that? A cute holiday drama. Worth the read.
But what’s a Christmas book without a bit of that? A cute holiday drama. Worth the read.
November 8, 2024
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
11h 58m narrated by Tanya Eby, 400 pages
Genre: Domestic Fiction, Women's Fiction, Holiday: Christmas, Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Family Towing Business, Seattle, Washington; Family Drama, Multiple POVs, IBS, Life After Loss, Extended Family Get Together Trope, Secrets, Sex, Age Gap, Quinquagenarian, Quadragenarian, Adult Children, Pushovers, Changes, Tricenarians, Kids, More Drama, Close Proximity Trope
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Santa Baby" by Calista Flockhart, "Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey, "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera, "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey
Books mentioned: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, The Santa Clause by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 2 by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause by Ed Decter and John J. Strauss, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore [Twas the Night Before Christmas], The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🚗🎄👨👩👧👦
My thoughts: 📱1% 03:53 [in Chapter 1] There is no Mariah Carey version of Santa Baby! I cannot stand sloppy research. 😒
📱5% 26: 23 Chapter 2 - If Julie's grandfather started the business she is the third generation, not her kids. Between inaccuracies and drama, this book is stressing me out. I have abandoned Mallery's books for less. I going to finish this one rain or shine.
📱38% 3:29:48 Chapter 9 - These people are irritating, but at least they're also entertaining. The low battery is the main reason for this break because it was getting good.
📱81% 7:25:52 Chapter 18 - I'm going to be so annoyed if she takes this man back. Taking a family time break. This has improved but it's very sitcomy.
This story has Inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Julie (mom) says her grandfather built the business but Dana (daughter) says her grandfather started it. The issues in the books are ridiculous and predictable, but mostly Annoying with a capital A. 🙄 I especially despise the Axel storyline. I think the slightly nasally tone of Tanya may also be a part of it. I'm going to take Mallery off my automatic read list, and the next time I read one it's going to be on print, although that did save the Happily Inc. series so who knows? Beach Vibes sounds good though. 🤷🏾♀️
Recommend to others: I was told this was just okay and I have to agree.
11h 58m narrated by Tanya Eby, 400 pages
Genre: Domestic Fiction, Women's Fiction, Holiday: Christmas, Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Family Towing Business, Seattle, Washington; Family Drama, Multiple POVs, IBS, Life After Loss, Extended Family Get Together Trope, Secrets, Sex, Age Gap, Quinquagenarian, Quadragenarian, Adult Children, Pushovers, Changes, Tricenarians, Kids, More Drama, Close Proximity Trope
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "Santa Baby" by Calista Flockhart, "Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey, "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera, "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey
Books mentioned: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, The Santa Clause by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 2 by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause by Ed Decter and John J. Strauss, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore [Twas the Night Before Christmas], The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🚗🎄👨👩👧👦
My thoughts: 📱1% 03:53 [in Chapter 1] There is no Mariah Carey version of Santa Baby! I cannot stand sloppy research. 😒
📱5% 26: 23 Chapter 2 - If Julie's grandfather started the business she is the third generation, not her kids. Between inaccuracies and drama, this book is stressing me out. I have abandoned Mallery's books for less. I going to finish this one rain or shine.
📱38% 3:29:48 Chapter 9 - These people are irritating, but at least they're also entertaining. The low battery is the main reason for this break because it was getting good.
📱81% 7:25:52 Chapter 18 - I'm going to be so annoyed if she takes this man back. Taking a family time break. This has improved but it's very sitcomy.
This story has Inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Julie (mom) says her grandfather built the business but Dana (daughter) says her grandfather started it. The issues in the books are ridiculous and predictable, but mostly Annoying with a capital A. 🙄 I especially despise the Axel storyline. I think the slightly nasally tone of Tanya may also be a part of it. I'm going to take Mallery off my automatic read list, and the next time I read one it's going to be on print, although that did save the Happily Inc. series so who knows? Beach Vibes sounds good though. 🤷🏾♀️
Recommend to others: I was told this was just okay and I have to agree.
October 5, 2024
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery is a delightful exploration of love, family, and second chances. Mallery’s signature warmth and humor shine through in every page, making it a joyful read. The well-developed characters and heartwarming relationships will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page!
October 15, 2024
Another master work of complicated people and real solutions.
November 14, 2024
The cutest lil read to kick off Christmas Reading Season.
November 3, 2024
I laughed so much while reading One Big Happy Family. This is what I envision what a huge family get together is like such as family vacations. I don’t think I would survive. I shudder at the thought but like reading about big get togethers.
There are a ton of characters to keep track of and a few times I had to flip back and remember who was who. It was a bit distracting but once I got them down it was fine.
There are a ton of characters to keep track of and a few times I had to flip back and remember who was who. It was a bit distracting but once I got them down it was fine.
July 27, 2024
The upcoming novel A Christmas to Remember by Susan Mallery is an enchanting exploration of life's complexities, love, and the intricate dance of relationships. This heartwarming tale is a stunning five-star read that will resonate deeply with anyone who has navigated the tumultuous waters of family dynamics and personal growth.
Julie Parker, our protagonist, is a relatable and endearing character whose life is both joyful and chaotic. Her children, Nick and Dana, bring their own set of challenges and joys, making for a rich and engaging narrative. Julie’s desire for a quiet Christmas with Heath, her much younger secret boyfriend, is upended when her children insist on a family gathering at their late father’s cabin. This premise sets the stage for a series of events that are as poignant as they are humorous.
Nick and Blair, freshly married and eager to build their own memories, contrast beautifully with Dana, who is in the throes of heartbreak. Julie’s apprehension about revealing her relationship with Heath to her children adds a layer of tension and anticipation that keeps the reader invested from start to finish. The arrival of Heath’s children and Blair’s estranged mother, Gwen, further complicates the family dynamic, creating a delightful tapestry of interconnected lives and stories.
Blair and Gwen's relationship is a particularly touching subplot. Despite a negative past filled with misunderstandings and hurt, their journey towards reconciliation and mutual understanding is both moving and inspiring. Gwen's attempts to mend her relationship with Blair highlight themes of forgiveness and the possibility of growth even in strained relationships. Blair's gradual acceptance and willingness to give her mother a second chance demonstrate profound personal growth and the enduring power of familial love.
The novel's strength lies in its exploration of forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and grace. Julie’s journey is not just about managing her family's Christmas but also about taking responsibility for her happiness and choices. The interactions between characters are nuanced and authentic, making their growth and revelations feel earned and deeply satisfying.
Susan Mallery has a gift for weaving humor into heartfelt moments, making this story both touching and entertaining. The humor is never forced but rather stems naturally from the characters' interactions and the situations they find themselves in. This balance of comedy and drama is what makes A Christmas to Remember such a compelling read.
The family’s ability to let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love is a central theme that will strike a chord with readers. The novel beautifully illustrates that a big, happy family can become even bigger and happier when they embrace forgiveness and understanding.
In conclusion, A Christmas to Remember is a delightful and moving novel that captures the essence of family and the holiday spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about love, complex relationships, and personal growth. This book is a perfect reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for grace and joy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Mallery, and Canary Street Publishing for the advanced reader copy for review.
Julie Parker, our protagonist, is a relatable and endearing character whose life is both joyful and chaotic. Her children, Nick and Dana, bring their own set of challenges and joys, making for a rich and engaging narrative. Julie’s desire for a quiet Christmas with Heath, her much younger secret boyfriend, is upended when her children insist on a family gathering at their late father’s cabin. This premise sets the stage for a series of events that are as poignant as they are humorous.
Nick and Blair, freshly married and eager to build their own memories, contrast beautifully with Dana, who is in the throes of heartbreak. Julie’s apprehension about revealing her relationship with Heath to her children adds a layer of tension and anticipation that keeps the reader invested from start to finish. The arrival of Heath’s children and Blair’s estranged mother, Gwen, further complicates the family dynamic, creating a delightful tapestry of interconnected lives and stories.
Blair and Gwen's relationship is a particularly touching subplot. Despite a negative past filled with misunderstandings and hurt, their journey towards reconciliation and mutual understanding is both moving and inspiring. Gwen's attempts to mend her relationship with Blair highlight themes of forgiveness and the possibility of growth even in strained relationships. Blair's gradual acceptance and willingness to give her mother a second chance demonstrate profound personal growth and the enduring power of familial love.
The novel's strength lies in its exploration of forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and grace. Julie’s journey is not just about managing her family's Christmas but also about taking responsibility for her happiness and choices. The interactions between characters are nuanced and authentic, making their growth and revelations feel earned and deeply satisfying.
Susan Mallery has a gift for weaving humor into heartfelt moments, making this story both touching and entertaining. The humor is never forced but rather stems naturally from the characters' interactions and the situations they find themselves in. This balance of comedy and drama is what makes A Christmas to Remember such a compelling read.
The family’s ability to let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love is a central theme that will strike a chord with readers. The novel beautifully illustrates that a big, happy family can become even bigger and happier when they embrace forgiveness and understanding.
In conclusion, A Christmas to Remember is a delightful and moving novel that captures the essence of family and the holiday spirit. It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about love, complex relationships, and personal growth. This book is a perfect reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is always room for grace and joy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Mallery, and Canary Street Publishing for the advanced reader copy for review.
September 27, 2024
While this was a fun holiday family drama/romance, there were some things I liked and some things I didn't.
I don't know what it was, but even with the things I didn't particularly love, this book was SO easy to read. There wasn't exactly an end goal besides "survive Christmas" which maybe just made it easy to fly through it.
I liked most of the characters, though they all had their flaws. They were all so easy to keep apart with both their characters and their storylines. Julie, the mom owns a towing company and has her entire life together. But she is dating someone 12 years younger than her and hasn't figured out how to tell her adult kids. Her daughter Dana has a great job, but is insecure about her body and keeps going back to the same guy who just wants to break her heart. Nick and Blair are a wonderful couple, but Nick doesn't want to own the towing company after his mom (and she doesn't know yet) and Blair hates her mother. What I enjoyed was how much each character grew over the Christmas week.
So the reason this book is called One Big Happy Family is that this is the first Christmas without Dana and Nick's dad. Although him and Julie had been divorced for 10 years, he always spent Christmas at the cabin with them. Even though everyone had their own plans, Dana and Nick decide they want to honor their dad and have Christmas at the cabin. Now Julie has to reveal her boyfriend, Heath. Blair's mother Gwen has recently moved close to Blair and Blair doesn't want to leave her by herself knowing no one even though she hates her. She goes to the cabin. Heath's ex-wife Tiffany last minute decides to go to the Bahamas with her new boyfriend, so Heath's 8 and 10 year old kids now are going to the cabin. And even more unexpected people need places to be over the holiday. So there's like 12 people that end up doing Christmas at the cabin.
A few of the things that weren't my favorite were the writing style, but only sometimes. I could get into it easily, but especially at the beginning, a lot of the dialogue just didn't seem like it was how people actually talk to each other. It just really slowed me down and took me out of the story. I got used to it, but it still was a little jarring. I also didn't like Blair at the beginning. It was obvious from the first page of her POV that she HATES her mom, but it wasn't immediately explained why, so she just seemed liked a mean person. I understand that you can't give that away immediately, but the hatred just went so hard right from the beginning that I was honestly routing for her mom a little bit. And some of the things other characters said were way out there like things I would never expect anyone to say to anyone else and they came out of nowhere a lot of the time.
So much of this book was straight drama which I wasn't expecting. I think I was expecting more of a mellow holiday book. I did end up enjoying the chaos though. It was something different and I did enjoy how all the character's stories ended up.
If you are looking for a little bit of a chaotic holiday book with good character arcs, definitely check this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Canary Street Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I don't know what it was, but even with the things I didn't particularly love, this book was SO easy to read. There wasn't exactly an end goal besides "survive Christmas" which maybe just made it easy to fly through it.
I liked most of the characters, though they all had their flaws. They were all so easy to keep apart with both their characters and their storylines. Julie, the mom owns a towing company and has her entire life together. But she is dating someone 12 years younger than her and hasn't figured out how to tell her adult kids. Her daughter Dana has a great job, but is insecure about her body and keeps going back to the same guy who just wants to break her heart. Nick and Blair are a wonderful couple, but Nick doesn't want to own the towing company after his mom (and she doesn't know yet) and Blair hates her mother. What I enjoyed was how much each character grew over the Christmas week.
So the reason this book is called One Big Happy Family is that this is the first Christmas without Dana and Nick's dad. Although him and Julie had been divorced for 10 years, he always spent Christmas at the cabin with them. Even though everyone had their own plans, Dana and Nick decide they want to honor their dad and have Christmas at the cabin. Now Julie has to reveal her boyfriend, Heath. Blair's mother Gwen has recently moved close to Blair and Blair doesn't want to leave her by herself knowing no one even though she hates her. She goes to the cabin. Heath's ex-wife Tiffany last minute decides to go to the Bahamas with her new boyfriend, so Heath's 8 and 10 year old kids now are going to the cabin. And even more unexpected people need places to be over the holiday. So there's like 12 people that end up doing Christmas at the cabin.
A few of the things that weren't my favorite were the writing style, but only sometimes. I could get into it easily, but especially at the beginning, a lot of the dialogue just didn't seem like it was how people actually talk to each other. It just really slowed me down and took me out of the story. I got used to it, but it still was a little jarring. I also didn't like Blair at the beginning. It was obvious from the first page of her POV that she HATES her mom, but it wasn't immediately explained why, so she just seemed liked a mean person. I understand that you can't give that away immediately, but the hatred just went so hard right from the beginning that I was honestly routing for her mom a little bit. And some of the things other characters said were way out there like things I would never expect anyone to say to anyone else and they came out of nowhere a lot of the time.
So much of this book was straight drama which I wasn't expecting. I think I was expecting more of a mellow holiday book. I did end up enjoying the chaos though. It was something different and I did enjoy how all the character's stories ended up.
If you are looking for a little bit of a chaotic holiday book with good character arcs, definitely check this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin/Canary Street Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 4, 2024
Just released today, October 1, 2024 Susan Mallery’s newest novel revolves around Christmas and what it means to this family of Julie Parker’s. You will love meeting her and by the time you finish this novel you will feel like you personally know all the characters. That is a talent that author Mallery is known for and excels at, character development.
Julie is the owner of a towing company, inherited from her father. She is a strong-willed successful woman who fiercely loves her grown children. Julie is a 50+ woman in a relationship with a 40+ younger man that she has been keeping quiet about as the age difference bothers her a great deal. She has grown children and hasn’t told them about this relationship. She has been looking forward to spending this Christmas quietly with Heath, the man in her life, as their children will be away. Suddenly plans change and Julie’s adult children want to continue their tradition of spending the holiday at their cabin, their first Christmas without their father who recently passed away, for nostalgic reasons. She can’t say no to that, which means that Julie will have to coordinate everything, from packing, decorating, menus and cooking. So much for a quiet romantic Christmas with her guy.
Things escalate to a chaotic level as more characters, including a dog are added to the mix. Mallery’s characters are always relatable and visualizing the scenes comes easily. I loved this and spent most of my early morning hours with it so I could get this review in on publication day. I deducted a star for the fact that a couple of the characters dramatic relationships were too dragged out and the dialogue repetitive for their situations. However, I still enjoyed it and believe the authors tons of followers will not be disappointed.
If you are a fan of Christmas stories and domestic fiction from a woman’s point of view order or pick up a copy of this today at your favorite retailer.
Julie is the owner of a towing company, inherited from her father. She is a strong-willed successful woman who fiercely loves her grown children. Julie is a 50+ woman in a relationship with a 40+ younger man that she has been keeping quiet about as the age difference bothers her a great deal. She has grown children and hasn’t told them about this relationship. She has been looking forward to spending this Christmas quietly with Heath, the man in her life, as their children will be away. Suddenly plans change and Julie’s adult children want to continue their tradition of spending the holiday at their cabin, their first Christmas without their father who recently passed away, for nostalgic reasons. She can’t say no to that, which means that Julie will have to coordinate everything, from packing, decorating, menus and cooking. So much for a quiet romantic Christmas with her guy.
Things escalate to a chaotic level as more characters, including a dog are added to the mix. Mallery’s characters are always relatable and visualizing the scenes comes easily. I loved this and spent most of my early morning hours with it so I could get this review in on publication day. I deducted a star for the fact that a couple of the characters dramatic relationships were too dragged out and the dialogue repetitive for their situations. However, I still enjoyed it and believe the authors tons of followers will not be disappointed.
If you are a fan of Christmas stories and domestic fiction from a woman’s point of view order or pick up a copy of this today at your favorite retailer.
October 23, 2024
Holey Moley! I loved, loved, loved this book!
This author sure knows her way around creating a family story that combines everything. It has lies, secrets, past issues, snark, and, eventually, a ton of love.
Julia is set to have a quiet Christmas with her much younger boyfriend at home in Seattle until her kids (they are adult kids!) let her know that they miss their dad and want to keep up with tradition and have their annual Christmas at their mountain cabin. Chaos seems to reign when unexpected guests need to be included (one due to a nasty break-up and the other a gunshot, LoL!) in this event. But boy, it sure all works out for the best. There is huge happily ever afters in this book.
The only issue I had with this book was when Blair (Julie's daughter-in-law) was thrown together with her mother. They have not gotten along for years, but the Mother is trying...in her own way, to make amends. Blair sometimes comes off as a whiney teenager instead of a sensible adult. It became annoying after a while.
I adored this book, and it was just what I needed to start the holiday season off the right way. It was not too ultra-sweet, but it was also not too snarky—just the perfect amount of sass.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves good women's fiction, romance, family stories, and happily ever afters!
I was supplied an ARC for this book by the publisher Canary Street Press/HarperCollins/Harlequin, the author, and ATTL-Edelweiss. However, I loved this book so much that I also bought my own copy!
This author sure knows her way around creating a family story that combines everything. It has lies, secrets, past issues, snark, and, eventually, a ton of love.
Julia is set to have a quiet Christmas with her much younger boyfriend at home in Seattle until her kids (they are adult kids!) let her know that they miss their dad and want to keep up with tradition and have their annual Christmas at their mountain cabin. Chaos seems to reign when unexpected guests need to be included (one due to a nasty break-up and the other a gunshot, LoL!) in this event. But boy, it sure all works out for the best. There is huge happily ever afters in this book.
The only issue I had with this book was when Blair (Julie's daughter-in-law) was thrown together with her mother. They have not gotten along for years, but the Mother is trying...in her own way, to make amends. Blair sometimes comes off as a whiney teenager instead of a sensible adult. It became annoying after a while.
I adored this book, and it was just what I needed to start the holiday season off the right way. It was not too ultra-sweet, but it was also not too snarky—just the perfect amount of sass.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves good women's fiction, romance, family stories, and happily ever afters!
I was supplied an ARC for this book by the publisher Canary Street Press/HarperCollins/Harlequin, the author, and ATTL-Edelweiss. However, I loved this book so much that I also bought my own copy!
October 18, 2024
This story ended up so much more than I thought it would. The main storytellers (POVs) are the women, mostly Julie. She’s the matriarch of the family and always keeps everything together and everyone on task. So much so that she doesn’t know how to ask for help or tell her loved ones she doesn’t have time for what they want. To be quite frank, they have come to take her independent and giving nature for granted, although she doesn’t see that.
There is so much going on in this story, but the author does a wonderful job of never letting it get confusing. There are so many elements to this Christmas getaway, from a new (younger) boyfriend, an unwelcome mom, an ex-wife, and so much more. Along the way Julie learns to let go and allow others to help her. She also learns what it means to have a true partner.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. It made me miss the big family Christmas Eve celebrations my family used to have. I’m definitely in the holiday spirit (even though it’s October) after this book.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
There is so much going on in this story, but the author does a wonderful job of never letting it get confusing. There are so many elements to this Christmas getaway, from a new (younger) boyfriend, an unwelcome mom, an ex-wife, and so much more. Along the way Julie learns to let go and allow others to help her. She also learns what it means to have a true partner.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. It made me miss the big family Christmas Eve celebrations my family used to have. I’m definitely in the holiday spirit (even though it’s October) after this book.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
October 3, 2024
Susan Mallery did such an amazing job on this one. It definitely had me laughing out loud! And how I wish all families could be like this one.
Absolutely fell in love with Julie an older woman dating a younger man and trying to hide it from her children. She just wants to go to the cabin and have a quiet Christmas with just him. But her children have decided that they want to come to the cabin also in remembrance of their father. Thank goodness it’s a large cabin because not only do her children come with their significant others. But her boyfriend, his children, and believe it or not his ex-wife. Her son’s mother-in-law joins them. Her daughter’s on again off again boyfriend who just so happens to work for Julie also joins them. And there’s even a dog. It is definitely a full house, but it sounds so fun. Just some of the antics that they go through finding the Christmas tree and the kibitzing back-and-forth as to which one’s the best. To all the meals being planned, a trip to the hospital after a fall. The good news of an unplanned pregnancy. Wow!! Just so fun.
It was just absolutely amazing! I wish I could give it more than five stars!
Absolutely fell in love with Julie an older woman dating a younger man and trying to hide it from her children. She just wants to go to the cabin and have a quiet Christmas with just him. But her children have decided that they want to come to the cabin also in remembrance of their father. Thank goodness it’s a large cabin because not only do her children come with their significant others. But her boyfriend, his children, and believe it or not his ex-wife. Her son’s mother-in-law joins them. Her daughter’s on again off again boyfriend who just so happens to work for Julie also joins them. And there’s even a dog. It is definitely a full house, but it sounds so fun. Just some of the antics that they go through finding the Christmas tree and the kibitzing back-and-forth as to which one’s the best. To all the meals being planned, a trip to the hospital after a fall. The good news of an unplanned pregnancy. Wow!! Just so fun.
It was just absolutely amazing! I wish I could give it more than five stars!
September 28, 2024
I really enjoy Susan Mallery's books and this one was just as great.
Julie is wanting a quite Christmas with her younger boyfriend Heath and it looks like she is going to get it. Then her son and daughter, Nick & Dana, want one more Christmas at the family cabin in honor of their dad who passed away earlier in the year.
So, a family Christmas it is. Nick & Blair, his wife, Blair's mom Gwen ( wasn't a big fan of her), Paul, Blair's uncle, Dana, and Huxley. But wait there's more! Heath ends up with his kids for Christmas, so they are coming as well. Then his ex wife's plans fall through so here comes Tiffany. Axel, Dana's on and off beau gets shot doing a job, so Huxley brings him!
For a lady that wanted a quiet holiday to end up with a dozen people, Julie seems to take it all in stride. This was a good book about family and what makes a family.
I really enjoyed it and thanks to Susan Mallery for the advanced copy.
Julie is wanting a quite Christmas with her younger boyfriend Heath and it looks like she is going to get it. Then her son and daughter, Nick & Dana, want one more Christmas at the family cabin in honor of their dad who passed away earlier in the year.
So, a family Christmas it is. Nick & Blair, his wife, Blair's mom Gwen ( wasn't a big fan of her), Paul, Blair's uncle, Dana, and Huxley. But wait there's more! Heath ends up with his kids for Christmas, so they are coming as well. Then his ex wife's plans fall through so here comes Tiffany. Axel, Dana's on and off beau gets shot doing a job, so Huxley brings him!
For a lady that wanted a quiet holiday to end up with a dozen people, Julie seems to take it all in stride. This was a good book about family and what makes a family.
I really enjoyed it and thanks to Susan Mallery for the advanced copy.
October 3, 2024
This was a very cute, very sweet Christmas novel about family dynamics, difficult relationships, and the importance of communication, forgiveness, and acceptance. I liked it, but I wasn’t the right audience for this book. The main female protagonist is in her fifties, and I can’t relate to that. My mom, however, would love this book. Additionally, I prefer more romance in my books, and that wasn’t the focal point of this book. It was all about family. Again, it was good, just not my cup of tea.
🎄
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
🎄
Read if you like:
▫️Christmas
▫️family drama
▫️sweet romances
▫️heartwarming, feel good story
▫️multiple POV
🎄
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, NetGalley, and Susan Mallery for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🎄
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
🎄
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️
🎄
Read if you like:
▫️Christmas
▫️family drama
▫️sweet romances
▫️heartwarming, feel good story
▫️multiple POV
🎄
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, The Hive, NetGalley, and Susan Mallery for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🎄
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
October 14, 2024
3.75🌟 Rounded up. This novel was like watching a cozy holiday movie at Christmas time. What started out as a completely quiet and uneventful holiday season, intended for some needed couple time, turned into an all-out family affair at the cabin. This book was a nice exploration of family themes and how much they people that fit into those boxes can easily stretch beyond our immediate blood relations. It also talks bout how the strong ones in our family can forget that they can also depend on others to pick up the slack , and it's okay to not be totally okay. There was a lot of kindness and consideration throughout the interactions of the characters in this novel, even when hard conversations were occurring. If you're looking for a book to give you all the feels of a classic holiday movie, then I recommend giving this one a go.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted e-arc.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the gifted e-arc.
October 21, 2024
A messy, family holiday romance full of all kinds of drama that sees two grown siblings, their partners and exes, their mother and her much younger boyfriend plus an estranged mother in law, all spending time together in a cabin for ten days. Secrets get revealed and old hurts get mended in this unconventional Christmas story perfect for fans of the movie The family Stone. It was also good on audio and has a gorgeous embossed cover! Worth picking up this holiday season especially for Sarah Morgan lovers.
TW: death of a parent, depression, loss of a child to SIDS, toxic parental relationships, IBS rep
TW: death of a parent, depression, loss of a child to SIDS, toxic parental relationships, IBS rep
October 6, 2024
One Big Happy Family “ was a fun, fabulous holiday read! Definitely recommend. The main character, Julie, is a tough, fierce mom of two adult children. She is dating a sharp younger man. They planned a quiet Christening together. These plans fell apart quickly. The holiday house brought several family branches together. Amazingly, it worked! Just a great holiday read. Highly recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for this advance read. It’s out now! Grab your copy! You won’t be disappointed!
October 8, 2024
A heartwarming story about the chaos of family and Christmas. Julie was looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her newish boyfriend Heath. Her kids derail that when they ask for their typical Christmas at their cabin because it's the first Christmas after their dad died, Julie's ex. As the list of guests grow, drama and strife abound.
Absolutely loved this story and would have loved an epilogue or an update on all of our characters after surviving this Christmas season!
Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Absolutely loved this story and would have loved an epilogue or an update on all of our characters after surviving this Christmas season!
Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 13, 2024
I absolutely LOVED and ADORED this book! For me, I felt it captured the true spirit of Christmas which is about family and coming together. In my opinion, it also gave a very realistic portrayal of relationships within families - the good and the bad.
I would HIGHLY recommend this for all those readers who enjoy a holiday story, a book with romance both new and old, and for those who are hoping (or open) to healing past wounds and moving forward. I can’t wait to read more from the author!
I would HIGHLY recommend this for all those readers who enjoy a holiday story, a book with romance both new and old, and for those who are hoping (or open) to healing past wounds and moving forward. I can’t wait to read more from the author!
October 21, 2024
Fun Christmas Romance
A light fun hearted holiday romance, One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery, kept me entertained from start to finish. A likeable primary character and a lot of good secondary characters keep the pace rolling and had me turning the pages. A non-traditional family get together turns into a tale of love, forgiveness and the generosity of the human spirit. Ms. Mallory is an established contemporary romance writer and knows what works and doesn't work for today's book audience and her stories never disappoint.
A light fun hearted holiday romance, One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery, kept me entertained from start to finish. A likeable primary character and a lot of good secondary characters keep the pace rolling and had me turning the pages. A non-traditional family get together turns into a tale of love, forgiveness and the generosity of the human spirit. Ms. Mallory is an established contemporary romance writer and knows what works and doesn't work for today's book audience and her stories never disappoint.
November 3, 2024
For a basic Christmas read, this was a really cute one! I liked that it was so family oriented. Even though it was a shorter book, there’s tons of character development. It was funny and happy.
The main character is a woman in her 50s and she seemingly has it all together. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was everyone being obsessed with how “perfect” she was. It seemed like the author made a point like once a chapter to emphasize how this woman was so great and I’m just not sure why she couldn’t just be normal like the rest of the characters.
The main character is a woman in her 50s and she seemingly has it all together. The only thing I didn’t like about the book was everyone being obsessed with how “perfect” she was. It seemed like the author made a point like once a chapter to emphasize how this woman was so great and I’m just not sure why she couldn’t just be normal like the rest of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews