One Big Happy Family - by Susan Mallery

Great Christmas read, just the print on a few pages are faded

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery shows what happens when Christmas plans go awry. Julie Parker was looking forward to a quiet Christmas with her new beau, Heath, but her adult kids had other ideas. The story has multiple characters, storylines, and points-of-view. It can be confusing as it switches from one character to the next. There is a lot of drama (of course, it would not be a holiday without family drama). Blair’s critical mother, Gwen who criticizes everything, Julie having a hangup about the twelve-year age difference between her and Heath (I got tired of hearing about it and I wanted to yell at Julie to get over it), Julie’s son, Nick not wanting to take over the family business, Dana trying to get over Axel, and so much more (I have barely scratched the surface). The storyline about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) brought attention to a sensitive topic, but I did not feel it was needed in this story. The details were a little too graphic at times. All the drama got to be a bit much around the two-thirds point (I found myself rolling my eyes). It seemed like one thing after another happened (I would have run from that house screaming). The multiple POVs also leads to repetitive details and the story dawdled in places (which had me skimming). I did not feel that every character needed to have an issue which, of course, had to be resolved before the holidays (they need to have a Merry Christmas). There is some humor here and there. I do not feel that I was the right audience for One Big Happy Family (I wanted to push Gwen off the mountain). The story seemed to go one forever (I was beginning to wonder if Christmas day would ever arrive) and if one more issue arose, I was going to shriek. One Big Happy Family is a chaotic holiday tale with a complaining mother, a clandestine boyfriend, a commodious cabin, trimming the tree, unanticipated guests, a trouble or two, and a cheerful Christmas.

One Big Happy Family is the perfect Christmas book. Following Julie’s family through this heartfelt emotional story is one you won’t want to miss.

I really enjoyed this! I havent read on of Susan Mallery's books that I didnt like, but something about this one just hit home for me. I especially related to the main character. The way she felt like she had to take care of everyone but didnt let anyone take care of her. Also Blair's relationship with her mother, or at least the way her mother was, reminded me a bit of my own mother. This one was definitely a great story, but also a bit thought provoking. At least for me.

One Big Happy Family is a feel good read for any time of the year but epically to get you in the mood for the holidays! It has a few surprises along the way like any holiday! And I must say I love reading a book even more when one of the main characters has my name (Dana) as that doesn’t happen often! Dana also reminded me a lot of myself as well! I also loved that Blair had IBS! I have read a lot of books and I don’t think I’ve ever read one where the character had IBS (again like me and that might be a little TMI!). But it was nice to see a character that was great but battling health issues. And her husband and family supported her! I love that Susan doesn’t just write romance, her stories are more about friendship and family with some romance intertwined. Her books are always a feel good read and one I love taking with me to the beach or when I travel! She always has a character or two you love to hate but by the end they have a grown on you as well. I would actually love if two spin off books came from this; one for Dana and one for Blair and Nick! (Hint hint Susan Mallery if you’re reading this!) This is a great holiday read for yourself to get you in the mood as well as the perfect gift/stocking stuffer for a book loving friend or family member!

No one does family relationships like Susan Mallery! In One Big Happy Family the Parker family has decided to all go to the family cabin to celebrate the memory of their late father over Christmas. What starts out as just family and spouses getting together turns into a MUCH larger group as things beyond anyone's control are happening all around them. No one wants to be alone during the holidays. Throw in paper thin walls and there is no privacy at all so everyone knows what is going on with everyone else. A great holiday book that I highly recommend!

One Big Happy Family is a book that I can relate to. When my family has our Christmas gathering at my home, my sister and niece always invite their ex-husbands so that their kids have both parents there celebrating together. Julie is someone that we all want to grow up to be. Someone who always steps up and takes care of everyone and makes sure things run smoothly. As Julie learns, it doesn't matter how tough we are, we all need help at some point in our lives. This book has several relationships that could have been a good book in themselves but so glad they are all included in this Christmas celebration. I will read this book again at Christmas just for the message of forgiveness, compassion and love.

It’s October so that means it’s time for Christmas books and almost time for Christmas movies. (YAY! I can’t wait.) AKA the Happiest Time of the Year around here. After a few years of Susan Mallery holiday books set in her All-Christmas-All-the-Time town of Wishing Tree, Washington, this year’s Christmas story is set in Seattle and a mountain cabin. Julie is planning a quiet Christmas at home alone with the new man she’s been seeing, instead of the usual big family extravaganza at their cabin. She’s looking forward to spending time with Heath, but what she’s really excited about is not decorating and not cooking. Until her grown children decide they want the family gathering after all. So Julie makes a shopping list and heads to the mountains. What was going to be a small gathering for four at home, on Christmas day, turns into ten days at the cabin with her kids, her daughter-in-law, the DIL’s mother and uncle, her boyfriend’s two kids, and their dog. Plus a few more people (no spoilers from me! But astute readers will figure out pretty quickly who’s going to be added. Just sayin’.) Chaos ensues, secrets are shared, and food and wine consumed until everyone gets their own happily ever after. I enjoyed this one very much! As always, Mallery’s characters are real and relatable. The plot is layered and the dialogue rings true. ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY was the perfect book to kick off my holiday reading. I actually got chilly reading about the snow (while it was still 100 degrees here and the AC is running). I highly recommend it! ------------------------------ I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but that did not induce me to read or review it.

I love how Mallery takes a common theme(in this case Christmas) starts with likable and unique characters, adds in some family drama to make it interesting, splashes in some fun to make it enjoyable, puts in a pinch of romance (cause who doesn't like just a little romance), adds a touch of conflict, and mixes it all together to come up with a wonderful story that you hate when it ends. One big happy family is an easy read to get you in the spirit of the holidays.

I absolutely loved this book. It made me feel so heard. Each character is dealing with their own issues at Christmas, yet somehow, they all come together and do what needs to be done. Susan Mallery is a master of family relationships and should be mandatory reading for anyone contemplating divorce. Love is hard, but you have to choose to stick around and do all the things. It’s not easy being friends with an ex, or being completely honest with someone with expectations, but it sure beats the alternative. Highly recommend. Both reading this book and putting it into practice.

"One Big Happy Family" totally captures the reason for the season. It takes you on a heartfelt, emotional journey for Julie and her family.

Each time I read a book by Susan Mallelry, I think her next one can't top it! But, boy am I wrong! This book is one that is full of surprises and keeps you reading! Each page just flows into the next one! All the characters are engaging and you see how they interact with each other. I so much enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it!

Susan Mallery did it again! This was a great Christmas story of family and friends. There were some nice twists and turns in the story! A nice mix of characters and a great back drop for celebrating Christmas. I really enjoyed the Julie and Heath relationship. It was a fun twist. I loved how they interacted in the story. My favorite characters in the book. A great Christmas read.

This is a book that is centered around family drama and romance, especially one that features an age gap where the female is older, during the Christmas season. I enjoyed all the characters and their individual story lines. I could emotionally relate to all of them, but Blair's story line really hit close to home with me, having an emotionally distant mother myself but not for the same reason. The line that grabbed me most was when Blair realized that her mother was capable of love – she just chose not to love her daughter. I wish I could express myself like Blair did when she finally confronted her mother. Because of Susan's writing style, I could not stand Blair's mother, Gwen, but did a 180 by the end of the book. I am glad Blair got her happy ending. The only negative for me in this book is I did not get a lot of Christmas-themed feelings from it. I really want to be immersed in the magic of the Christmas season when I read Christmas romances. Other than that, I would not change anything about the book. It was a great read that evoked a lot of emotion and even moments of out-loud laughter. Another great Susan Mallery read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Susan Mallery for review purposes. This did not sway my opinion in any way.

A must read. What happens when you are looking forward to a quiet Christmas with just you and your boyfriend, then a change of plans happens. Your grown children decide they want to spend the holiday with you, away at the family cabin. The guest list continues to grow. This book is about family, friends, and the secrets we keep.

Wow! This hit the spot! I love Christmas stories most any time and this one had all the elements of a crazy but loving celebration. It reminded me of my crazy Christmas celebrations with 15 first cousins running around. Great Memories. I want to grow up and be like Julie. Strong and decisive. I get the scared to love again part too. I liked Axel but I wasn’t sure why, but with all the talk of how great things were with Dana I knew there had to be more to his story. I am not happy with Nick for not speaking up, but nobody wants to smash someone else’s dreams. I could continue to write about each and every character. They were all written so well and we got to know each of them well. This was a bit more fun loving in the surface but with plenty of serious drama lurking right below.

I just finished "One Big Happy Family" by Susan Mallery, and it was such a warm and comforting read! I love how her books always leave me feeling good inside. This one really captured the ups and downs of family life. Julie (the mom) is such a sweetheart—she’d do anything for her kids, and it shows. I especially loved how she handled Nick's (her son's) decision to go his own way instead of joining the family business. It’s so heartwarming to see that kind of unconditional love and forgiveness. Then there’s Dana (her daughter), who gives her heartbreaker (Axel) another chance. It’s messy and real, and I appreciated how Mallery highlights the complexities of love and the courage it takes to forgive. One of my favorite parts is how the family welcomes others into their circle. It’s so lovely to see people who aren’t related by blood treated like family, especially during their Christmas getaway. Mallery really shows how love can extend beyond traditional family ties, making everyone feel accepted and included. Overall, this book is just a lovely reminder of the bonds we share with our families—both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose. If you’re looking for a feel-good story that hits home, you should definitely check it out!

One Big Happy Family is a story of how a bunch of mismatched friends and acquaintances become one big happy family. A divorced mom’s holiday plans are upended and she wants to help her adult children deal with the first Christmas without their father. The small family gathering grows as they are joined by some you would never think to invite. You won’t be able to stop reading this quirky holiday story, one of understanding and forgiveness.

Another Susan Mallery Christmas book? Yes, please! I am a fan of this author and her newest Christmas story is just so good! A mom of two and a business owner, Julie's kids are out of the nest, and she has a new love interest. Did I mention he's quite a bit younger? A planned Christmas get-away for Julie and Heath becomes a chaotic, loving, supportive, romp, for inlaws, outlaws, ex's, kids, friends, and quasi-grands. As the people around her begin to open up about their needs and wants, Julie's need for control is tested. Ultimately everyone grows emotionally, with the realization that many times a solution can be found by opening your heart, embracing differing opinions, and more open and honest discussion. A feel good 5 star read for me.

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.”