One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

Deck the Halls with Chaos and Love

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and maybe a little bit messy. Susan Mallery’s latest offering, “One Big Happy Family,” is like that perfectly imperfect Christmas tree – a little lopsided, but utterly charming. This holiday romance serves up a steaming mug of family drama, spiked with a generous splash of humor and a dash of unexpected sweetness that’ll warm you right down to your fuzzy-socked toes.

The Ingredients of a Christmas Miracle

A Matriarch with a Secret

Julie Parker, our fearless (and slightly frazzled) protagonist, is looking forward to a cozy Christmas with her much younger boyfriend, Heath. But life, as it often does, has other plans. Her grown children, Nick and Dana, throw a wrench in the works by insisting on a family gathering at their cabin. Oh, and did I mention Julie hasn’t told them about Heath yet? Cue the Christmas chaos!

A Cabin Full of Complications

As if keeping her relationship under wraps wasn’t enough, Julie finds herself hosting a veritable smorgasbord of guests:

• Nick and his new bride, Blair
• Dana, nursing a broken heart
• Blair’s estranged mother, Gwen
• Heath’s precocious children
• And, in a twist that would make even Santa’s head spin, Heath’s ex-wife!

It’s like a Christmas cracker exploded, scattering family members and their baggage all over the place. But as we all know, the best gifts often come in unexpected packages.

Unwrapping the Characters

Mallery has a knack for creating characters that feel like old friends – or that one cousin who always causes a scene at family gatherings. Let’s take a peek at some of the standouts:

Julie: The Reluctant Romantic

Our leading lady is a delightful mix of strength and vulnerability. She’s built a successful towing business and raised two kids, but when it comes to matters of the heart? Let’s just say she’s as nervous as a turkey in November. Watching Julie navigate her feelings for Heath while trying to keep her family from imploding is both hilarious and touchingly relatable.

Heath: The Boyfriend with Baggage

Heath isn’t just arm candy (though I’m sure he looks great in a Christmas sweater). He’s a fully realized character with his own set of challenges, including two kids and an ex-wife who’s about to crash the party. His patience with Julie’s hesitation is sweeter than a candy cane.

Nick and Dana: The Grown-up Kids

These two might be adults, but put them in a room together and suddenly they’re squabbling over who gets to put the star on the tree. Their sibling dynamic provides some of the book’s funniest moments, while their individual struggles add depth to the story.

Blair and Gwen: The Estranged Mother-Daughter Duo

Their fractured relationship provides some of the book’s most poignant moments. Watching them tentatively reach out to each other amidst the holiday madness is like watching ice slowly melt – painful at times, but ultimately refreshing.

A Plot as Stuffed as a Christmas Turkey

Mallery juggles multiple storylines with the skill of a circus performer on Christmas Eve. We’ve got:

1. Julie and Heath’s blossoming romance
2. Nick and Blair’s newlywed bliss (and a surprise announcement)
3. Dana’s journey to mend her broken heart
4. Blair and Gwen’s attempts at reconciliation
5. And let’s not forget the kids, who are determined to have the Best. Christmas. Ever.

It’s a lot to keep track of, but Mallery weaves these threads together into a cozy narrative blanket that’ll keep you warm on a chilly winter’s night.

The Writing: As Comforting as Hot Cocoa

Mallery’s prose is like your favorite pair of holiday pajamas – comfortable, familiar, and perfect for curling up with. She has a gift for dialogue that crackles with wit and warmth, and her descriptions of the cabin and its surroundings will have you longing for a mountain getaway of your own.

What really shines, though, is her ability to capture the messy, beautiful reality of family dynamics. The arguments feel real, the reconciliations earned, and the moments of joy genuinely heartwarming.

Themes: More Than Just Tinsel and Mistletoe

While “One Big Happy Family” is undoubtedly a feel-good holiday romp, Mallery doesn’t shy away from weightier themes:

• The courage to love again: Both Julie and Dana grapple with opening their hearts after past hurts.
• Forgiveness and second chances: Blair and Gwen’s storyline explores the possibility of healing even the deepest family wounds.
• Blended families: The book offers a nuanced look at the challenges and joys of bringing different family units together.
• Embracing change: Several characters must learn to let go of their preconceptions and embrace new possibilities.

A Few Lumps of Coal

No Christmas stocking is perfect, and “One Big Happy Family” does have a few minor flaws:

• The sheer number of characters and subplots can occasionally feel overwhelming.
• Some readers might find the resolution of certain conflicts a bit too neat and tidy.
• If you’re not a fan of holiday-themed romance, this might not be the book for you (but seriously, who doesn’t love a good Christmas story?)

Verdict: A Gift Worth Unwrapping

“One Big Happy Family” is like that present you didn’t know you wanted but end up treasuring. It’s funny, heartfelt, and captures the chaotic magic of family gatherings during the holidays. Mallery has crafted a story that’ll have you laughing, tearing up, and maybe even calling your own family to plan a get-together (results may vary).

If you’ve enjoyed Mallery’s previous works like “The Happiness Plan” or “The Summer Book Club,” you’ll find plenty to love here. And if you’re new to her writing, consider this your invitation to join the family.

So grab a mug of something warm, curl up by the fire (or a YouTube video of a fire, we don’t judge), and dive into this delightful holiday read. Just be prepared – you might find yourself wanting to hug your loved ones a little tighter afterward.