Pj Ausdenmore's Reviews > One Big Happy Family

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.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review