One Big Happy Family
by Susan Mallery
Publisher: Canary Street Press
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
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.
PJ's Thoughts:
Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family is one special book. I’ve been reading Mallery for years, enjoyed many of her books, but even among the many Mallery keepers lining my shelves, this book is an all-time favorite. It’s so addictively enjoyable I read it in one day and am already looking forward to my next re-read. I won’t be a bit surprised if it ends up being one of my special annual, in-front-of-the-tree-with-hot-cocoa-and-a-cozy-blanket Christmas reads. It’s just that good.
Mallery brings an ever expanding cast of characters to this story but it never feels cluttered or confusing. Chaotic? Well, that’s a different story but it’s the kind of holiday chaos I gobble up faster than hot-from-the-oven holiday shortbread. The characters are all developed with care and a thoroughness that brings them to life on the page. They are layered, complex, intriguing, and authentic. Even those who are eminently unlikable at first have layers that slowly reveal unexpected depths. Secrets are revealed, life decisions are made, a romance rekindles, another deepens, broken family relationships take the first steps toward healing, children bring a magical anticipation, and friends and family, old and new, biological and chosen, illustrate clearly that Christmas is the perfect time to open our hearts to the hope, joy, love, fun, and unexpected guests of the season.
Don’t miss Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.
This sounds delightful. I come from a big family and know how chaotic things can become. Christmas chaos is a special kind and more often than not, the kind you look forward to. Thank you so much for the review. I will be looking for this one.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I really do think it’s one of her all-time best. On another note, I’ve been praying hard for everyone in your region. I’m out of the country so I’m not seeing all the local news. I was so glad to see you marked yourself safe on Facebook. <3
DeleteThank you, Pj. The destruction in this area is unbelievable. We have lost major bridges, small bridges, and roads. Part of the interstate is gone, a bridge and all 4 lanes were washed out. The homes and communities severely damaged or just gone is hard to fathom. We have worked the night shift at a Red Cross shelter since the first day, from 12 to 20 hours a day. Last night was the first we had at home. Volunteers from around the US are finally here and giving the local ones a break. The community in this area has really come together and is helping tremendously. We went to church tonight, but our 20 minute drive was rerouted and took over an hour. The big bridge is gone as is over 2 miles of road along the river. There isn't even a road bed left. It will be months before major infrastructure can be replaced and repaired. It was the first time we have seen any of the damage that has been done. In one mountain county here in TN, they have 360 miles of roads and 300 are damaged. Some communities in the mountains in both TN and NC are totally cut off and have gotten no help at all. Our son did river rescue the first day and has been running supplies to a community in NC that has no way out except by river. They are using mules and horses in some areas in the mountains to get supplies in. It is the only way except by foot. It will be a long time before they have power and water. We were lucky. Ours was only out 5 days. There is so much more, but I have rambled on much too long. Stay safe and enjoy your trip.
DeleteI am praying for all affected and their families. So sad.
DeleteI was fortunate enough to read this one and I agree, it is one of Ms Mallery's best books. The family is so real...from what I know from my own large family. Cousins, siblings, aunts and uncles and people who I have no idea how they are related...all fit into the mix of my family. But, we are not as funny, as charming nor as attractive as this family. Thanks for your review. I can say that I agree 1000%.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to this book! I've enjoyed so many of Susan Mallery's previous books.
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