Laugh, Love, and Chaos: Review of Susan Mallery’s “One Big Happy Family @SusanMallery @HarlequinBooks #canarystreetpress

In One Big Happy Family a mother’s secret holiday plans unravel when her family gathers for a chaotic Christmas at their cabin.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Canary Street Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Julie Parker is ready for a quiet holiday with Heath, her much younger secret boyfriend, as her adult children make other plans. However, her hopes for a peaceful Christmas are upended when her son Nick and daughter Dana request a family gathering at their cabin to honor their late father. Reluctantly, Julie agrees, knowing she’ll have to reveal her hidden relationship. As unexpected guests—including Blair’s estranged mother and Heath’s children—join the celebration, secrets come to light, and Julie learns that embracing chaos and letting go of past hurts can lead to an even bigger and happier family Christmas than she ever imagined.

My Thoughts:

One Big Happy Family is the kind of book that feels like wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket on a chilly winter night. It’s a story filled with humour, love, and just enough chaos to keep you laughing, all while tugging at your heartstrings in the most unexpected ways.

The novel introduces us to Julie Parker, a middle-aged, divorced woman who owns a towing business—a family legacy. Julie is strong, independent, and always in control, or at least she tries to be. But when her adult children, Nick and Dana, ask to spend Christmas at the family cabin to honour their late father, her carefully laid plans for a quiet holiday go out the window. And that’s just the beginning.

What I love about Mallery’s writing, and particularly in One Big Happy Family, is how relatable and real the characters feel. Julie is not just a mother, she’s a leader with a huge heart, doing her best to manage her life and the people she loves. Her relationship with Heath, her much younger boyfriend, adds a layer of complexity and humour, especially as she braces herself for her kids’ reaction to their secret romance.

The holiday season brings a revolving door of unexpected guests—from Nick’s new wife, Blair, to Blair’s estranged mother, and Heath’s own children. The cramped cabin setting, where even whispers seem to echo, adds to the hilarious tension and makes for some laugh-out-loud moments. As the guest list grows, so does the chaos, and yet Mallery masterfully keeps the story believable and endearing.

What I found particularly touching were the tender moments when relationships were tested and forever changed. Each character brought something special to the table, contributing to the cozy, sometimes clumsy, but ultimately heartwarming atmosphere of the cabin. I especially enjoyed the holiday festivities, which gave me some fresh ideas on how to celebrate.

The ending of the book left me satisfied and smiling. Mallery reminds us that family, no matter how messy or complicated, can be a source of incredible joy. It’s a story that shows how love, forgiveness, and a little bit of holiday spirit can bring people together in ways they never expected.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of lighthearted, yet emotional, holiday reads, this book is definitely for you. For me, One Big Happy Family is one of Susan Mallery’s best, and it’s a story I’ll be revisiting when I need a reminder of the warmth and joy the holiday season can bring.

Some of the Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Susan Mallery:

Home Sweet Christmas

For The Love of Summer

The Summer Book Club