Millie has a hard time finding jobs that won’t ask too many questions about her past, so she graciously accepts a job cleaning and cooking for the Garricks in their stunning New York City penthouse. The only problem is that she hasn’t met Mrs. Garrick, and she notices spots of blood on Mrs. Garrick’s nightgown when she does the laundry. Hearing crying from Mrs. Garrick’s room, Millie knocks to see what’s wrong, and when Mrs. Garrick opens the door, everything changes.

The two books of McFadden’s that I have read have the same sort of story structure to them, which makes them a bit formulaic but I find that comforting in these kinds of books. They’re fast and fun reads that keep you on the edge of your seat with lots of twists and turns, and even though you know something major is coming, the plot twists are still shocking. I hope this series keeps going and I’m curious to see what McFadden comes up with for Millie next!

Kerry Tolliver is guilted by her parents into helping her estranged brother Murphy sell Christmas trees from their North Carolina family farm in New York City. She drives the family’s old camper, called Spammy, up to the City, where she and Murphy live—without working plumbing or heat—while selling trees to keep the family business afloat. With the help of a cast of characters from around the neighborhood, Kerry and Murphy learn to work together while discovering themselves and what makes them happy, just in time for Christmas.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy! I’ve only read one other book by this author before, which I really liked, so I was excited to read this one. This was such a cute story that had the perfect cozy Christmas feel throughout. I loved all of the characters from the neighborhood and how they came together to help each other in so many different ways. If you’re looking for a lighthearted read with all the cozy Christmas vibes, add this to your list! Bright Lights, Big Christmas comes out September 26!