One Big Happy Family

by Susan Mallery

Please don’t come home for Christmas…

Julie Parker’s children 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 wife, while Julie’s daughter, Dana, is recovering from another breakup. 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 cosy 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 realise she’s been hiding him for months.

As the invite list continues to grow in unexpected ways, will this Christmas prove that more really is merrier?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Book Club

Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

Reviews

[Ann C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am so glad that I borrowed this eBook from the library and did not waste $13 on the Kindle book. The blurb for the book said that "One Big Happy Family" was delightful and funny. I don't believe that the person who wrote the blurb even read the book. It was definitely not funny nor delightful. There was too much drama. It read along the lines of a soap opera. Everyone whined except Huxley, the uncle, and of course the dog. He obviously could not say anything.

I have loved reading Susan Mallery for years. Her series, Fool's Gold, Wishing Tree, and Happily Inc were great. I have read a couple of her books in the past year that I did not like, but as a whole I have enjoyed reading her books. This book was terrible. It was a chore to read. I don't know why I slugged through it. I guess I kept hoping it would improve.

Julie, the main character, is a control freak. Everything has to be done her way. She is embarrassed to be dating a younger man. Other than Gwen, no one seems to care. According to everyone else, Julie is fantastic. To me, she was just annoying.

Dana, Julie's daughter, obsesses about her weight. She is the only one who cares. She can't understand why her ex-boyfriend, Axel, dumped her after saying he loves her. Plus, she seems to be always fighting with her brother.

Blair, Julie's daughter in-law, has IBS. She lets everyone know about it. Someone's bathroom problems are not of interest to me. I really don't want to know about diarrhea. She and her mother, Gwen, do not get along. She lets everyone know how she felt abandoned by her mother at age 4 after the SIDS death of her baby brother.

Tiffany is the ex-wife of Julie's boyfriend, Heath. Her boyfriend breaks up with her and goes on vacation with another woman. She has a few crying jags.

Then we have Gwen, whom everyone seems to hate. She is trying to get back with her daughter, Blair, after 25 years. She is rather uptight and can't seem to keep her mouth shut when needed. What she says is more hurtful and judgemental, definitely not funny.

Nick, Julie's son, is concerned about telling his mother he is not interested in the family business. Then he blames himself for Julie's fall.

Axel is Dana's ex. He thinks he is not good enough for Dana because he never went to college. So, he laments over that.

Heath is Julie's much younger (12 Years) boyfriend. He keeps insisting that age does not matter.

The children are typical children at Christmastime. They always whine.

I could not find anything funny about this mess of a book. Please, don't waste your time or money on it.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love family drama books, Mallery is the go-to author for these types of stories.

I’ve read so many of her works and they always leave you with a smile on your face even though you’ve been through the ups and downs any family goes through.

Whether it’s growing pains or happy times, Mallery is an expert storyteller in this genre. One Big Happy Family is all about a quiet Christmas that explodes into crazy situations.

From adults to children, ex-wives, and new loves (and don’t forget the dog) we experience a wild, wacky holiday. We are loading up on a bit of drama, a lot of love, happiness, and a few tears as the author takes us on an unforgettable storybook holiday in the perfect cabin we can only dream about. Building memories that are expected, and some unexpected too.

This book is a wonderful escape from the day-to-day as we dive into a delightful story of family ties with stand-out characters and locales. Wild and crazy with great dynamics!

~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/one-big-happ...

[Renata Annese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho ho ho… 🎄☕grab a cup of hot cocoa and settle in! ❄️✨

If you’re a sucker for Christmas cheer 🎅🎁 and family shenanigans, this is absolutely your jam. I’m all about cozy holiday reads, and this one truly has it all... family secrets 🤫, love ❤️, forgiveness 🤍, and surprises galore 🎉.

Add in LOL moments 😂 that hit when you least expect them, and you’ve got the perfect festive escape. Warm, charming, and full of heart, this book is a wonderful reminder of why holiday stories feel like a hug 🧣📖

Perfect for curling up by the tree and soaking in all the seasonal feels. 🌟🎄

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very humdrum for a book with so many potentially drama-inducing happenings. It all just rolls along tediously, failing to spark interest and involve the reader. I think it needs more character dramatics and theatrics to up the ante.

[Caitlin · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

There was so much negativity from every single one of the millions of characters that I just couldn't do it anymore. It wasn't cute or fun, it was annoying.

[Brandi Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas, family drama, age gap romance- who could ask for more? One Big Happy Family was so different than the typical holiday/Christmas trope. I loved this storyline & the characters are so lovable. Lot of humor in this - literally leaving me laughing out loud. I will definitely re-read this one closer to the holiday season- I absolutely loved it. I’ll be checking out more of Susan Mallery’s books & you should too.

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an ARC copy of this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Mallery is my favorite go-to for relationships and family drama. She writes masterfully evoking all the feelings. This story is set at a family Christmas at the family "cabin" - not really a cabin in my book, but that's what they call it. This is the first Christmas without the father who passed away nearly a year ago. It starts as a vacation for Julie and her new boyfriend to get away, but the kids, Nick and Dana throw a wrench in their plans when they say they want to go to the cabin as a way of remembering their Dad. Julie owns a towing company and her son works there. It's a profitable business. Dana chose to pursue a career in accounting. The family is very close.

What is supposed to be just the family turns into a great many people staying in one house. Julie can't not invite people who would otherwise be alone during the holidays and some of the combinations are volatile and create a great deal of drama. In fact the entire holiday is full of drama and surprises. It make for a great read! This book will appeal to anyone who likes to read about relationships and families.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing - Canary Street Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Melike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the drama and dysfunction of the family, and was fully immersed in all its intricacies. The characters were well written and I was able to see bits of myself in some of them. The fractured relationship between the mother and daughter pair - Gwen and Blair - was explored exceptionally well in my opinion.

[Becky Marinich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry, but grown adult authors should be sent straight to JAIL for using the word “tummy” repeatedly in their books 🤣

Also this audiobook narrator was incredibly annoying 👎🏻

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, contemporary romance novel. It has wonderful characters, wit, a touch of humor, family and relationship drama, plenty of holiday cheer, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Tanya Eby, does a great job voicing the characters.

[Jena Mattison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rounding up from 1.5 stars, only because I love the holidays and the cover looked good with my Christmas decor. I think this was written and narrated by AI. I have the hard copy and audio and barely tolerated both. This was a story about a family and some adjacent characters spending Christmas is a cabin. Everything was unrealistic - from the cabin layout to the dialogue to the way a family member’s irritable bowel syndrome was discussed. It was kind of like reading a daytime soap opera. Grief was a present topic but carried no emotional sentiment or growth for characters. I didn’t like or relate to anyone. Bah humbug.

[sparkypink · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought reading a Christmas-themed book in the middle of one of the hottest weeks of the summer would be a delightful getaway. Unfortunately, this book was not what I needed. It was extremely slow-paced paced, and at times had way too much detail. I struggled to get through a chapter per night, and after feeling like I was reading it forever but not even at the halfway point, I decided it was time to give up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

[Christie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so repetitive. Your readers aren’t dummies. They can hang with the plot of the book without being reminded of it every other page

[Desiree Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE GOOD:
A perfect, light, minimalist read that’s just the right fit for drinking a cup of cocoa while around the Christmas tree.
Happy endings all around.

THE BAD:
Not a steamy romance, but several of the scenes referencing sex are just a bit too graphic.
The ending seemed a bit rushed.

CONCLUSION:
A feel good Christmas tale.

[sarah.readsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Big Happy Family follows matriarch Julie Parker a tough towing company owner and her kids Nick and Dana plus Nicks wife Blair plus Julie’s secret new younger squeeze Heath. Julie is excited to have a Christmas alone with Heath. His kids will be with his ex and Julie’s kids will be on their honeymoon (Nick and Blair) and cleaning herself of the trauma her ex left her with (Dana). But surprise the kids want one last Christmas together in their family cabin to honour their late father. Julie will have to find a way to tell her kids about this younger man she’s been dating as she can’t leave him alone for the holidays. Enter Blair’s mom who moved to their city unannounced and expects to be included in Christmas even though she and Blair have no real relationship to speak of. But surprise there’s more. Heaths ex has been invited on a tropical vacation by her boyfriend so his kids need to come to. Heath offers to bow out but what’s the fun in that? It’s Christmas the more the merrier!
This is a winner folks. You think the family has got it all figured out but they’re just as chaotic as everyone else out there. They’re complete with secrets and unaddressed trauma. They love each other fiercely but definitely hit a few stumbling blocks along the way. This is a great holiday family comedy about the glue that holds a family together and all the things that have the potential to tear them apart.

[Clarke · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was god awful. It's cringey as hell, and I rolled my eyes, grimaced, and groaned out loud throughout. I wish I DNFed but here we are. There's a myriad of interpersonal conflict and none of the relationships (familial or romantic) are good.

*spoilers*
We have: a perfectionist matriarch who's ashamed to be dating a younger man, but invites his kids and ex along anyway; a woman with body issues and a man that keeps leaving her but he gets shot so hey! let's get married bc that will solve everything; DIL with IBS and an abusive mother, who also gets invited along to be a bitch and dote on someone else's kids; and a dog who didn't really do anything. *end*

I didn't like a single character, though it took me until about half way through the book to actually tell them apart - the audiobook narrator does a very poor job at distinguishing characters (and narration in general), and there is no signposting to clearly denote a change in POV. Everyone just sort of blurred into 'women' and 'men' (cis het and white, of course). We're essentially info dumped about 20 characters in the first few chapters, none of which I have cause to care about. Even those that are described positive were littered with flaws.

The book starts with Julie, the perfectionist matriarch, whose children ask to spend Christmas at their cabin as it's the first Christmas since their Dad died. She unilaterally invites every other person remotely tied to her family and boyfriend including: exes, children, employees, and abusers.

Let's start with the abuser, shall we? A woman who neglected her young daughter for the rest of her life when her infant son died, and everything she says is at best negative. She has no respect for boundaries or feelings, and dotes on a strangers children the entire trip. We're treated to many interactions, only one of which is really positive, and the lovely phrase: "She's your mum. You need to make peace with her". ABSOLUTELY NOT. Can we not force children to do the emotional work and forgive their abuser? She's throwing a paddy about wanting to be in her daughter's life PURELY because she was jealous she had a better familial relationship with her in laws. God, I hated her.

Unfortunately, the book is rife with other similar problematic points, such as apologising to partners for not being able to have sex due to injury, blaming others for things that are not their fault, and solving issues with grand gestures instead of conversations or therapy.

Additionally, it's acknowledged in book that they’re all at the cabin to grieve and remember their Dad, but he is barely mentioned outside of stating this fact a couple of times and maybe one conversation. I'm coming up to my second Christmas without my Dad, and I'm still devastated. I talk about him all the time because I miss him so much, things remind me of him, and I don't want to forget and ignore him. There was no emotion or weight behind the story or his brief mentions, and served only as a catalyst to change Christmas plans to be at the cabin. This plot point was done so poorly, it could've been entirely removed and nothing would change.

Another thing I relate to is chronic illness and IBS. I have literally shat my pants multiple times but I don't bring up my poo, diet, or anything related anywhere near as often. This felt like poor inclusion, and I wonder if the author has experience with IBS themselves or with someone they know? It definitely could've been handled better.

There's also a lot of cringey sex?? Why did I need to read that?? It added nothing and of course everyone is a sex god. Cringey sex scenes do not equate to romance.

I could go on, but overall whilst it's technically an easy read, it wasn't cosy or funny or really even that Christmassy. I feel that the author realised they need to wrap it up and the last 5-10% is a rushed convenient bow after a slow, draining, slog of martyrdom, interpersonal conflict, and little else. I need to force myself to DNF books more. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

The holidays can be a rough time for a lot of people and this book touches on that first Christmas without a loved one. It also explores rocky parent/child relationships. A decent read although it limped along to the finish line.

Everyone is gathering at Julie’s big cabin to spend Christmas week together. When I say everyone, I mean it. You got her new boyfriend and his two kids, her adult children, her daughter in law and her daughter in law’s mom and uncle, and Julie’s employee. And that’s just the original people invited to stay, there’s also some surprise visitors later on. So yeah, lots of characters in this super big cabin although the story mostly follows the women.

Each person had an interesting issue or issues to deal with but at some point in the second half the story started to drag on and on. And that meant some of the characters (Julie!) were working my nerves by the end. Some of the subplots (Dana’s!) were weaker than others. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the book as a whole but it did have some flaws.

On a side note, I appreciate the author including IBS as the medical disorder Blair had to manage. It’s one of those lesser talked about issues and there’s no reason people should feel embarrassed by it.

Not a must read book but consider checking it out if you are looking for a holiday read that isn’t solely focused on romance.

[Dallas Strawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Mallery books makes me happy. It’s as simple as that. They aren’t very complex stories usually; but they’re great comfort reads and I think she does Christmas books especially well- this one about a woman dating a new younger man, who has small children, is planning a private getaway for them for Christmas when she gets roped into holding a big family gathering then his ex gets Christmas plans and he’s also then bringing along his children that she’s never met, makes for ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. Lots of humor and charm in this one and a sweet second chance at love romance element.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun holiday story that highlights the value of family and friends, both old and new. Filled with antics, romance, and humor, the perfect distraction from the bustle of the season. This would make a great Christmas movie.

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was... infuriating. The plot was repetitive, the dialogue was unrealistic, and the characters were all very forgettable

[Karla Martinez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept hoping it would redeem itself but it somehow only got worse

[Jen Carroll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not waste your time.

[Korey]

⭐️ 1/5

My first 1 star review*. This is a story about a family—in particular, a woman with boundary issues and adult-children acting like children. I thought it would be light (it was) and funny (it wasn’t) and emotional (it wasn’t) and maybe reflective (surface level). In short, the characters were flat and their development was…I don’t even know the word. They weren’t all static (Blair in particular, and sort of Axel) but I didn’t feel a connection to any of them, which I think is due to the writing. We never learn why Julie—who is constantly described as being an all around wonderful, happy, accomplished woman—is so obsessed with the age difference between her and Heath. People comment how it’s so “not like her” and we even get some reasons why people think highly of her, but no real reason for her insecurity. This is one of many examples of where I feel the author could have gone so much deeper to have such rich character development. Instead, I found Julie to be the most annoying character, followed by Dana.

I listened to the audiobook and I didn’t realize until around halfway through that part of what bothered me about the writing was that it was so dialogue heavy. There is very little description of meaningful character actions/reactions during these scenes, just lots of dialogue. The dialogue itself was also annoying in my opinion, but that’s definitely more subjective. The overall story arc had a lot of potential here but fell short in the writing, Iike a draft. There moments I could tell were supposed to be meaningful/emotional (Axel getting shot, Blair’s pregnancy) but everything just *happened* in this book and happened so quickly and then was moved on from. The characters were along for the ride and developed because the story developed but not because the plot did, if my semantical differentiation makes sense.

I’ll try to come back and add my thoughts while reading to this review later

*I’ve never rated a book I did not finish. I nearly stopped listening to this book many times before the 20% mark, but I trudged along. I am leaving this book with no official star rating because I believe some people might like it okay-enough, and I don’t want to bring down the average rating and feel bad enough leaving this review.

[Bree Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delight! This is the MATRIARCH of the family’s story and I adored our heroine so much! She’s dating a man 12 years her senior who worships the ground she walks on. They plan to spend a nice quiet Christmas together but in the change of events end up spending it with her two grown children, their partner and ex. The ex wife of her boyfriend and his two children and more. There are shenanigans but to me the core of the story is our heroine’s heart. I loved reading about a GROWN WOMAN who has lived life, learned to forgive, is tough and the center of everything. I personally think this is a wonderful read.

[Adi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but ultimately quite cheesy 🫣 I did love the family and the chaos and the setting was cozy and fun but there were some cringey moments near the end and I know it’s a holiday book but the ease of forgiveness for all these people 🤣 a tinyyyy bit long but a decent holiday read!

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories about large families. Julie Parker is proud of her adult children and runs a towing company that she hopes her son will one day run. This year her son Alex and his new wife Blair are planning a winter holiday and she is looking forward to a low-key Christmas with her younger boyfriend Heath, whose own kids will spend time with his ex. Ha- as a mother of adult children, I know nothing ever goes according to plan.

When Julie’s son Nick and daughter Dana inform her they want to celebrate Christmas at the cabin to honor their father (who passed this past year) she dons her mama boots and prepares to create the perfect holiday week. I loved the family dynamic, and that she invited her boyfriend along. Her son is married, but her daughter has had an off again on again relationship with Axel; who happens to works at the towing company. Blair brings her estranged mother, whose gift is complaining. It’s gonna be a full house, and Julie plans with style. Ho-Ho-Ho!

Things get complicated when Heath’s ex asks him to take the kids for the holiday, so she can go on a vacation with her new boyfriend. Julie opens up the cabin to them and other unexpected guest. Family drama, relationship developments and the chaos that is “family gatherings” had me chuckling, swooning, laughing and experiencing the joy of Christmas with this lovable, somewhat disfunction family. We see character growth, reconciliations and romantic developments on several fronts.

If you are looking for a warm-hearted, multiple perspective story about family, holidays and relationships, this touching tale is for you. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery
11h 58m narrated by Tanya Eby, 400 pages

Genre: Domestic Fiction, Women's Fiction, Holiday: Christmas, Contemporary Romance

Featuring: Family Towing Business, Seattle, Washington; Family Drama, Multiple POVs, IBS, Life After Loss, Extended Family Get Together Trope, Secrets, Sex, Age Gap, Quinquagenarian, Quadragenarian, Adult Children, Pushovers, Changes, Tricenarians, Kids, More Drama, Close Proximity Trope

Rating as a movie: PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "Santa Baby" by Calista Flockhart, "Oh Santa!" by Mariah Carey, "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera, "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)" by Mariah Carey

Books mentioned: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, The Santa Clause by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 2 by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause by Ed Decter and John J. Strauss, A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore [Twas the Night Before Christmas], The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½🚗🎄👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

My thoughts: 📱1% 03:53 [in Chapter 1] There is no Mariah Carey version of Santa Baby! I cannot stand sloppy research. 😒
📱5% 26: 23 Chapter 2 - If Julie's grandfather started the business she is the third generation, not her kids. Between inaccuracies and drama, this book is stressing me out. I have abandoned Mallery's books for less. I'm going to finish this one rain or shine.
📱38% 3:29:48 Chapter 9 - These people are irritating, but at least they're also entertaining. The low battery is the main reason for this break because it was getting good.
📱81% 7:25:52 Chapter 18 - I'm going to be so annoyed if she takes this man back. Taking a family time break. This has improved but it's very sitcomy.

This story has Inconsistencies and inaccuracies. Julie (mom) says her grandfather built the business but Dana (daughter) says her grandfather started it. The issues in the books are ridiculous and predictable, but mostly Annoying with a capital A. 🙄 I especially despise the Axel storyline. I think the slightly nasally tone of Tanya may also be a part of it. I'm going to take Mallery off my automatic read list, and the next time I read one it's going to be in print, although that didn't save the Happily Inc. series so who knows? Beach Vibes sounds good though. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Recommend to others: I was told this was just okay and I have to agree.

[e_anne_b · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!!! Lots of family chaos wrapped up nicely at the end. More talk of sex and romance than I thought from this author but it’s all closed door.

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very hard to get into, but once the family arrived at the lake cabin the story picked up. Julie was my favorite character. I liked the way she organized the whole vacation for her family.

[Becky Radke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing. I’m not sure how a book that has so many people in it and so much drama can also be boring but One Big Happy Family managed it. In the beginning, I liked the main character Julie and her “in control” attitude. But she really wore on me and by the end I really didn’t care for her at all. Overall, this was a disappointing book that really lacked Christmas spirit.