Book Review: One Big Happy Family

 


Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn't love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don't come home for Christmas.  Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Julie Murphy! 


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.


My Review

I enjoyed this book. Susan brought her usual uplifting story, engaging characters, and all around "Susan" style that makes me love her books. This book also got me into the holiday mood. A book that for sure you will want in your stocking stuffer! 

Despite all the chaos and drama, the cabin did feel cozy. It was filled with love and family, which is the most important thing. 

Heath is so good for Julie. He only sees Julie as someone he loves, and this support really is what Julie needs. Love that the age gap did not really play into the story or affect Julie's children. Julie really has a big heart. She was not mean spirited even when dealing with Blair's mom or her daughter's boyfriend. Everyone was truly family. 

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