One Big Happy Family – Susan Mallery

One Big Happy Family follows Julie Parker, a mother whose quiet Christmas plans with her younger boyfriend, Heath, are upended when her adult children insist on reviving their family’s cabin tradition. Her son, Nick, and daughter, Dana, want to honor their late father’s memory, forcing Julie to confront secrets she’s kept about her new relationship. As the guest list swells with unexpected arrivals—from Blair’s estranged mother to Heath’s curious kids—the holiday spirals into chaos. Amidst the snowstorms and simmering tensions, Julie learns that love and family aren’t about perfection but embracing messy, heartfelt connections. Mallery weaves humor and warmth into this tale of second chances, proving that even fractured relationships can bloom anew.

The story balances laugh-out-loud moments with tender reflections on grief, aging, and self-acceptance. Julie’s journey to trust Heath, despite their age gap, mirrors her children’s struggles to navigate their own romantic and emotional hurdles. Secondary characters, like Blair’s stubborn mother and Heath’s precocious kids, add layers of complexity, while the cozy cabin setting amplifies the holiday charm. Themes of forgiveness and chosen family shine as misunderstandings unravel, revealing that love often arrives in unexpected packages.

Mallery’s signature blend of wit and emotional depth makes this a standout holiday read. The novel doesn’t shy from real-life awkwardness—think exes in close quarters and generational clashes—but wraps it all in a comforting, hopeful narrative. Readers will root for Julie as she discovers that “happily ever after” isn’t about avoiding chaos but finding joy in the storm.