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When I Fall in Love
Baby It's Cold Outside
Five strangers with broken hearts. One
raging blizzard. Brrr, baby, it’s cold
outside! But a warm fire and a string of
Christmas lights just might provide the
perfect remedy.
It's been years since Edith Miller hosted the annual
Snowflake, MN, Christmas Extravaganza. After her
son was killed in the war, some five years ago, her
Christmas spirit died along with him. So she is
more than happy to loan all her Christmas
decorations to Stella Hanson, the new teacher in
town. After all, what does she have to celebrate?
But when the blizzard of the decade traps Stella—
and four other wanderers—in Edith’s home, Edith
finds that by opening her door, she just might open
her heart to a new reason celebrate Christmas.
raging blizzard. Brrr, baby, it’s cold
outside! But a warm fire and a string of
Christmas lights just might provide the
perfect remedy.
It's been years since Edith Miller hosted the annual
Snowflake, MN, Christmas Extravaganza. After her
son was killed in the war, some five years ago, her
Christmas spirit died along with him. So she is
more than happy to loan all her Christmas
decorations to Stella Hanson, the new teacher in
town. After all, what does she have to celebrate?
But when the blizzard of the decade traps Stella—
and four other wanderers—in Edith’s home, Edith
finds that by opening her door, she just might open
her heart to a new reason celebrate Christmas.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
80 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
212 books3,623 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
December 9, 2018
{4.5 stars}
Incredibly beautiful <3
All these years, she’d thought God had taken away her reason to celebrate Christmas. But Christmas gave her son back to her. Christmas delivered her the one thing the world, and the war, wanted to steal.
Hope.
This was just as Christmasy and warm as I imagined it to be. This book will make you want to sit in front of a fireplace, with a blanket and cup of tea! The writing is beauitful and well-written. Join all five characters in a warm, Christmas story that will change all of them: Dottie, who has become bitter from the past; Gordon, a long time neighbor and friend of Dottie who loves her; Violet, a former WAAC who only wants to be womanly; Jake, a man battling asthma and who knows Violet's boyfriend; and Arnie, who loves Flash Grodon. I love the 40s and 50s, and Susan May Warren portrayed that time frame very well.
I hesitated how to rate this. Overall I'd give this about five stars for the story and writing. The beauitful reminder of hope is evident in the story and the characters are well developed and real. A few kisses were a bit detailed, so that is basically the only reason why I lowered my rating.
A favorite quote:
“I’m just a farmer. I’m not eloquent. I’m not dapper. I usually smell like the barn.”
“Then take a shower.”
A perfect book to read to get into the Christmas mood.
Incredibly beautiful <3
All these years, she’d thought God had taken away her reason to celebrate Christmas. But Christmas gave her son back to her. Christmas delivered her the one thing the world, and the war, wanted to steal.
Hope.
This was just as Christmasy and warm as I imagined it to be. This book will make you want to sit in front of a fireplace, with a blanket and cup of tea! The writing is beauitful and well-written. Join all five characters in a warm, Christmas story that will change all of them: Dottie, who has become bitter from the past; Gordon, a long time neighbor and friend of Dottie who loves her; Violet, a former WAAC who only wants to be womanly; Jake, a man battling asthma and who knows Violet's boyfriend; and Arnie, who loves Flash Grodon. I love the 40s and 50s, and Susan May Warren portrayed that time frame very well.
I hesitated how to rate this. Overall I'd give this about five stars for the story and writing. The beauitful reminder of hope is evident in the story and the characters are well developed and real. A few kisses were a bit detailed, so that is basically the only reason why I lowered my rating.
A favorite quote:
“I’m just a farmer. I’m not eloquent. I’m not dapper. I usually smell like the barn.”
“Then take a shower.”
A perfect book to read to get into the Christmas mood.
December 23, 2021
Baby, It’s Cold Outside is a Christian historical romance novel set at Christmas in 1949. It follows five people trapped in a house by a snowstorm.
The book is a heartwarming, character-driven story with a strong plot.
I loved the interactions between the different characters. It has more depth than some Christmas romance stories, and I will add it to my list of favourite Christmas books.
The book is a heartwarming, character-driven story with a strong plot.
I loved the interactions between the different characters. It has more depth than some Christmas romance stories, and I will add it to my list of favourite Christmas books.
April 7, 2012
I asked the general public on goodreads for an uplifting, happy christmas book and boy did this one not disappoint! It has it's sad moments and, yes, I did cry a few times, but not really because it was sad, but because it was touching and it pricked at a few difficult things in my personal life. Overall the story was well crafted. I thought I could predict the way the story was going to unfold, but I was wrong and I LOVE THAT! This book is written by a Christian author, but isn't preachy and I wouldn't have known it was written as a christian book if it weren't for the ending. I would've just thought it was a regular book, but being a christian bookstore book explains why I couldn't find it at any library. The author slides in some thoughts about Jesus, but it is totally part of the character and doesn't feel like she wrote the story just to include those thoughts. It was really a natural part of the story that any author could have written. (in case there's anyone worried about that)
The story takes place just after WWII in Minnesota. Soldiers have come home, but Dottie's only son didn't. She is bitter and the fact that Christmas is in a few days just makes the sorrow so much worse. She's shut everybody out of her life and lives alone. People have learned to just let her be. In the cold areas of the USA, some towns have places called storm houses. Storm houses are homes where the owner has agreed to host anyone who is caught in a storm on the way to or from their home. Everyone is assigned a storm house depending on where they live. Dottie's house is a storm house and because of this and a few other reasons four people become trapped in Dottie's home for the 4 days leading up to Christmas and she has to find a way to let herself allow people and memories back into her heart. Some of them she knows and some of them are strangers to her. The story floats between the present time and some memories with just the right balance. I like how the author has an event happen and the only way to find out what happens next is to read it from another character's point of view and after that you get the outcome. That made it really come to life for me. It's about the healing power and magic of Christmas. About how when you think it's lost it can be found again. And she draws an analogy at the end in her "Author's Note" that Jesus is our "storm house" our safe place.
The story takes place just after WWII in Minnesota. Soldiers have come home, but Dottie's only son didn't. She is bitter and the fact that Christmas is in a few days just makes the sorrow so much worse. She's shut everybody out of her life and lives alone. People have learned to just let her be. In the cold areas of the USA, some towns have places called storm houses. Storm houses are homes where the owner has agreed to host anyone who is caught in a storm on the way to or from their home. Everyone is assigned a storm house depending on where they live. Dottie's house is a storm house and because of this and a few other reasons four people become trapped in Dottie's home for the 4 days leading up to Christmas and she has to find a way to let herself allow people and memories back into her heart. Some of them she knows and some of them are strangers to her. The story floats between the present time and some memories with just the right balance. I like how the author has an event happen and the only way to find out what happens next is to read it from another character's point of view and after that you get the outcome. That made it really come to life for me. It's about the healing power and magic of Christmas. About how when you think it's lost it can be found again. And she draws an analogy at the end in her "Author's Note" that Jesus is our "storm house" our safe place.
October 17, 2011
When war claimed her only son Nelson, Dottie Morgan grew cold and brittle, the physical embodiment of the name of her hometown of Frost, Minnesota. Nelson had been her salvation, a sign of redemption and forgiveness for the youthful folly that caused her to spurn her childhood sweetheart Gordy's declarations of love for adventure with a ne'er do well thug. With crushed dreams and a hopeless outlook, Dottie resigns herself to another isolated Christmas and a lonely future, sure that God and mankind has forgotten her -- but more than that, positive that she doesn't deserve to be found. But when a fast-moving snowstorm brings four lonely souls to her door for shelter, Dottie discovers that not only she stands in desperate need of a new beginning. Gordy hopes for one last chance to rekindle his romance with Dottie. Violet, a tomboy who understands cars better than men, served in the WAACs and now struggles to adjust to civilian life and her family's expectations. Jake, a handsome stranger newly-arrived in town, hopes for redemption and carries with him news that could destroy Violet's dreams. And Arnie, a lost and lonely boy, longs to be a hero for his single mother, their family bereft by his father's wartime death. Isolated in Dottie's Storm House, these five bruised and wounded near-strangers are forced to confront their deepest fears for a chance to grasp hold of the promise delivered to the world anew each Christmas -- hope birthed in a world craving a second chance at redemption.
Oh how I adored this book. Baby, It's Cold Outside is the perfect Christmas read, brimming with the warmth and nostalgia of the late 1940s, made all the richer by Warren's trademark and skillful handling of emotional issues that cut to the core of what it means to be a believer in a fallen world. This novel is saturated with hope and spiritual truths, capable of thawing the most jaded of hearts if you'll but crack open the door, much like Dottie does, and listen to the whispered promise that no matter where you're at, no matter the pain,
God has not forsaken you. With Dottie as the centerpoint, Warren speaks strongly to the idea of what makes a family -- not just those one is related to by blood, but family forged by the fires of shared experiences and faith. It's a powerful reminder to not overlook or forsake those who are different or whom tragedy has set apart from the "norm." The flirtatious song from which the novel takes its title dually speaks to the sweet, heart-stopping romances that Warren spins on the page, and on a deeper level as an invitation to take shelter in God's never-failing promises of redemption and second chances.
I am admittedly biased towards novels centered around World War II and its aftermath -- the 1940s is a decade rich with history and change, heartbreak and hope. Warren is adept at bringing this generation to life, with characters that feel wholly authentic to the time period, but vibrant and relatable thanks to their struggles with hopes and heartaches that are timeless and define what it means to be human. It seems that the 1940s is where Warren really shines when writing historicals. She has a gift for sprinkling her narrative with little details that bring the time period to life, from descriptions of clothing and food to the music and expressions that bring the characters and the time period to sparkling life on the page. And setting the story during the 1949 holidays is a well-played stroke of genius -- enough time has passed for the reality of the war's aftermath to settle into the characters' lives, and on the cusp of a new decade's worth of promise, Warren posits a question for the principle players, and by extension the reader: will the tragedy and heartbreak of the past define one's future, or will one allow God to bring beauty and hope forth from the ash heaps of shattered dreams?
I have to briefly speak to Violet and Jake's blossoming romance, as since it begins with letters it is one of my favorite storylines in the novel. With echoes of You've Got Mail (perhaps a more apt comparison would be In the Good Old Summertime, the musical remake of The Shop Around the Corner that released in 1949), Violet and Jake fell in love through letters, where the worst hurts of their wartime experiences were laid bare (only Warren adds the delicious twist of "stolen" identities). In the Storm House, they're faced with the choice -- is the hope of love worth the risk of possible rejection? The risk of being truly known? Warren writes some of the best, most sizzling romances in the business. The tension between Jake and Violet sends sparks off the page, and Jake's quiet heroism and vulnerability will melt your heart -- Warren's outdone herself with this hero. :)
More than a passing seasonal treat, Baby, It's Cold Outside is a novel saturated with rich spiritual truths and overflowing with the beauty of grace. Warren's novels never seem to fail to meet me where I'm at and encourage me when I need it most. The characters within this novel's pages are so heart-breakingly authentic, so fully-realized on the page they'll become your friends, and if you're like me you'll be loathe to finish the book's final pages. Warren's story will weave its way into your heart, leaving you warm with its gorgeously rendered illustration of the meaning of Christmas -- redemption for a fallen world, hope to broken souls. Like so many of Warren's books, this one is a gift to treasure.
Oh how I adored this book. Baby, It's Cold Outside is the perfect Christmas read, brimming with the warmth and nostalgia of the late 1940s, made all the richer by Warren's trademark and skillful handling of emotional issues that cut to the core of what it means to be a believer in a fallen world. This novel is saturated with hope and spiritual truths, capable of thawing the most jaded of hearts if you'll but crack open the door, much like Dottie does, and listen to the whispered promise that no matter where you're at, no matter the pain,
God has not forsaken you. With Dottie as the centerpoint, Warren speaks strongly to the idea of what makes a family -- not just those one is related to by blood, but family forged by the fires of shared experiences and faith. It's a powerful reminder to not overlook or forsake those who are different or whom tragedy has set apart from the "norm." The flirtatious song from which the novel takes its title dually speaks to the sweet, heart-stopping romances that Warren spins on the page, and on a deeper level as an invitation to take shelter in God's never-failing promises of redemption and second chances.
I am admittedly biased towards novels centered around World War II and its aftermath -- the 1940s is a decade rich with history and change, heartbreak and hope. Warren is adept at bringing this generation to life, with characters that feel wholly authentic to the time period, but vibrant and relatable thanks to their struggles with hopes and heartaches that are timeless and define what it means to be human. It seems that the 1940s is where Warren really shines when writing historicals. She has a gift for sprinkling her narrative with little details that bring the time period to life, from descriptions of clothing and food to the music and expressions that bring the characters and the time period to sparkling life on the page. And setting the story during the 1949 holidays is a well-played stroke of genius -- enough time has passed for the reality of the war's aftermath to settle into the characters' lives, and on the cusp of a new decade's worth of promise, Warren posits a question for the principle players, and by extension the reader: will the tragedy and heartbreak of the past define one's future, or will one allow God to bring beauty and hope forth from the ash heaps of shattered dreams?
I have to briefly speak to Violet and Jake's blossoming romance, as since it begins with letters it is one of my favorite storylines in the novel. With echoes of You've Got Mail (perhaps a more apt comparison would be In the Good Old Summertime, the musical remake of The Shop Around the Corner that released in 1949), Violet and Jake fell in love through letters, where the worst hurts of their wartime experiences were laid bare (only Warren adds the delicious twist of "stolen" identities). In the Storm House, they're faced with the choice -- is the hope of love worth the risk of possible rejection? The risk of being truly known? Warren writes some of the best, most sizzling romances in the business. The tension between Jake and Violet sends sparks off the page, and Jake's quiet heroism and vulnerability will melt your heart -- Warren's outdone herself with this hero. :)
More than a passing seasonal treat, Baby, It's Cold Outside is a novel saturated with rich spiritual truths and overflowing with the beauty of grace. Warren's novels never seem to fail to meet me where I'm at and encourage me when I need it most. The characters within this novel's pages are so heart-breakingly authentic, so fully-realized on the page they'll become your friends, and if you're like me you'll be loathe to finish the book's final pages. Warren's story will weave its way into your heart, leaving you warm with its gorgeously rendered illustration of the meaning of Christmas -- redemption for a fallen world, hope to broken souls. Like so many of Warren's books, this one is a gift to treasure.
December 29, 2018
WOW! After my sister read and reviewed this, I knew I was going to love it! It did not fail to disappoint me … it was such a fun, amazing, Christmasy, magical book. (Yeah, I think I said that about another Christmas book I read recently!)
But, seriously. It was just so good!
The five characters who were trapped in a house during a storm were so quirky! I loved them all - they had such fun personalities and I grinned like a fool way too many times!
What can I say? It obviously was a good book. Not just good … pretty amazing.
Gordy. Dottie. Jake. Arnie. Violet.
*Gordy was such a sweet older man who looked after Dottie in mysterious ways. <3
*Dottie was a rather stubborn woman who didn't like Christmas because of certain reasons.
*Jake had this amazingness about him that really drew me in. His cooking was pretty impressive..
*Arnie was adorable! He reminded me of my little brother. I loved his thoughts about Flash Gordon … I totally forgot about that movie!
*Violet wasn't the type of girl I liked right at the beginning, but later, I really liked her! She was a different heroin than other ones I've read about. I was impressed with her mechanical skills!
This book is full of Christmas miracles and how God allows things to happen to us so they can strengthen our growth in Him. I loved the spiritual content!
There were quite a few kisses that were rather detailed, but other than that, this book is quite clean! It deserves a high rating!
I'd give this book a try, folks! It was such a beautiful story and although the big snowstorm made me feel freeeeeezing, I thought it was great!
But, seriously. It was just so good!
The five characters who were trapped in a house during a storm were so quirky! I loved them all - they had such fun personalities and I grinned like a fool way too many times!
What can I say? It obviously was a good book. Not just good … pretty amazing.
Gordy. Dottie. Jake. Arnie. Violet.
*Gordy was such a sweet older man who looked after Dottie in mysterious ways. <3
*Dottie was a rather stubborn woman who didn't like Christmas because of certain reasons.
*Jake had this amazingness about him that really drew me in. His cooking was pretty impressive..
*Arnie was adorable! He reminded me of my little brother. I loved his thoughts about Flash Gordon … I totally forgot about that movie!
*Violet wasn't the type of girl I liked right at the beginning, but later, I really liked her! She was a different heroin than other ones I've read about. I was impressed with her mechanical skills!
This book is full of Christmas miracles and how God allows things to happen to us so they can strengthen our growth in Him. I loved the spiritual content!
There were quite a few kisses that were rather detailed, but other than that, this book is quite clean! It deserves a high rating!
I'd give this book a try, folks! It was such a beautiful story and although the big snowstorm made me feel freeeeeezing, I thought it was great!
December 13, 2021
The story started out interesting, and I was eager to see what happened. However, it wasn’t long before I was ready to slap one character, shake another, and lecture all of them. One minute they are all friendly and look like they are getting over their problems and the next they are pushing each other away and are acting nasty again.
Arnie was the only character I didn’t get frustrated with. He was a dear.
The story switched perspectives a lot. And often you’d leave one character in trouble and be taken to another character. Most of the time that didn’t bother me, but Arnie’s sections really bugged me with how it was written. I wanted to know the boy, not some wild imagination.
At one point, something was requested and needed, but instead of getting it, Violet and Dottie spend this long conversation in the kitchen and never do get the item needed. There is also some really fast healing going on. One character manages to twist her ankle and crush her knee in an accident. They put snow on the ankle and finally on the knee, and the next day she’s walking around like nothing happened.
I also didn’t care for all the lies and deception.
There were some prayers, some talk about the real meaning of Christmas and how we only need Jesus, but none of the characters seemed to live like Christians who are walking with the Lord.
Yes, the ending is sweet and I was glad everyone finally got straightened out, but it sure took a long time. Overall, I did like the story for the most part, but I'm not sure if I'll read it again.
Arnie was the only character I didn’t get frustrated with. He was a dear.
The story switched perspectives a lot. And often you’d leave one character in trouble and be taken to another character. Most of the time that didn’t bother me, but Arnie’s sections really bugged me with how it was written. I wanted to know the boy, not some wild imagination.
At one point, something was requested and needed, but instead of getting it, Violet and Dottie spend this long conversation in the kitchen and never do get the item needed. There is also some really fast healing going on. One character manages to twist her ankle and crush her knee in an accident. They put snow on the ankle and finally on the knee, and the next day she’s walking around like nothing happened.
I also didn’t care for all the lies and deception.
There were some prayers, some talk about the real meaning of Christmas and how we only need Jesus, but none of the characters seemed to live like Christians who are walking with the Lord.
Yes, the ending is sweet and I was glad everyone finally got straightened out, but it sure took a long time. Overall, I did like the story for the most part, but I'm not sure if I'll read it again.
September 26, 2016
I was so tempted to give this book 5 stars but I only give that rating to the best of the best, almost there though. This is my favorite Christmas themed books to date, sweet but also full of spiritual truths. If anything this book really drives home the point that Jesus is the reason for the season. I enjoyed every moment of this book and I especially appreciated the author's note at the end about her inspiration for writing this book.
November 14, 2021
My heart! I felt this story everywhere. I cried at the ending of the book due to it's sheer sweetness.
This book illustrates the message of Christmas in one of the most beautiful ways I have ever read about.
This book illustrates the message of Christmas in one of the most beautiful ways I have ever read about.
October 26, 2011
Rather than give a review about all the great characters or the touching scenes of this book, I'm simply going to say that sometimes there are books that come along at just the right moment in your life, and they leave the most profound impression. To some, Baby, It's Cold Outside may represent a wonderful start into Christmas books this season, but for me, it became a personal journey of sorts--a chance to pull back the curtain and recognize that, just like Dottie Morgan, I'm not perfect, either. To some, that may sound like a horrible quality for a book. (I mean, really...most readers don't really like to have their toes stepped on while they're reading a novel, thank you very much.) But there's something about the way that Susan does it that doesn't come off as preachy or condescending. These personal, introspective moments are what make Susan's books so special to me. They get under my skin, and before it's over, I'm either at the point of tears and/or thanking God that he still loves me despite my faults.
And hey, if you're looking for an entertaining Christmas story, you'll still get it here...no worries. But I hope that, like me, you will take away something more than just, "That was a great book." I hope you'll give it the chance to be a blessing to you. I never expected it to give one to me.
And hey, if you're looking for an entertaining Christmas story, you'll still get it here...no worries. But I hope that, like me, you will take away something more than just, "That was a great book." I hope you'll give it the chance to be a blessing to you. I never expected it to give one to me.
June 11, 2015
Wow, it made me cry at the end. I loved it, such an awesome story.
December 19, 2023
SUMMARY: Five strangers with broken hearts. One raging blizzard. Brrr, baby, it’s cold outside! But a warm fire and a string of Christmas lights just might provide the perfect remedy. It's been years since Dottie Morgan hosted the annual Snowflake, MN, Christmas Extravaganza. After her son was killed in the war, some five years ago, her Christmas spirit died along with him. So she is more than happy to loan all her Christmas decorations to Violet Hart, the new teacher in town. After all, what does she have to celebrate? But when the blizzard of the decade traps Violet — and four other wanderers—in Dottie’s home, Dottie finds that by opening her door, she just might open her heart to a new reason celebrate Christmas.
REVIEW: If I could have given this more than a 5, I would have. This is perhaps one of the best Christmas stories I have read this year. Capturing the true essence of the Christmas spirit, love, forgiveness, hope and peace, the author does an excellent job of bringing 4 strangers together along with a young boy, each carrying their own baggage from World War II and placing them in situations that help them learn to forgive themselves and open up once again to the spirit of Christmas. Each of the characters was unique and loveable in their own special way: Dottie, the town librarian, who still held a nugget of love in her heart that just needed to be cracked open. Violet, the library assistant, who just needed to learn to accept herself as the special individual she was. Gordy, Dottie's next door neighbor, who needed to learn to express himself and try again. Jake, the stranger in their midst, who needed to know that the role he played in the War was important. Finally, Alex, the young dreamer, who needed to know that it was OK to dream.
FAVORITE QUOTES: “I don't think God is ever done speaking into our lives. Even when we don't want to hear it. Even when our hearts are cold.”
"I don't celebrate Christmas anymore. There's nothing left in it for me" ... But what had Violet said: "Except of course Jesus."
"It specifically says that God doesn't expect us to be strong without Him. That we're supposed to need Him, and there's no disgrace in that. In fact, weakness just might be the mark of a man of God. Don't call yourself weak because of the things you can't do. Call yourself weak when you don't let God take over, do His work in your life." ...."That's the point of Christmas, isn't it. Our weakness, His strength? Him coming to our rescue?"
REVIEW: If I could have given this more than a 5, I would have. This is perhaps one of the best Christmas stories I have read this year. Capturing the true essence of the Christmas spirit, love, forgiveness, hope and peace, the author does an excellent job of bringing 4 strangers together along with a young boy, each carrying their own baggage from World War II and placing them in situations that help them learn to forgive themselves and open up once again to the spirit of Christmas. Each of the characters was unique and loveable in their own special way: Dottie, the town librarian, who still held a nugget of love in her heart that just needed to be cracked open. Violet, the library assistant, who just needed to learn to accept herself as the special individual she was. Gordy, Dottie's next door neighbor, who needed to learn to express himself and try again. Jake, the stranger in their midst, who needed to know that the role he played in the War was important. Finally, Alex, the young dreamer, who needed to know that it was OK to dream.
FAVORITE QUOTES: “I don't think God is ever done speaking into our lives. Even when we don't want to hear it. Even when our hearts are cold.”
"I don't celebrate Christmas anymore. There's nothing left in it for me" ... But what had Violet said: "Except of course Jesus."
"It specifically says that God doesn't expect us to be strong without Him. That we're supposed to need Him, and there's no disgrace in that. In fact, weakness just might be the mark of a man of God. Don't call yourself weak because of the things you can't do. Call yourself weak when you don't let God take over, do His work in your life." ...."That's the point of Christmas, isn't it. Our weakness, His strength? Him coming to our rescue?"
December 16, 2020
I do not know why I keep giving Christian fiction a chance. I guess it's the eternal optimist in me. Plus I was looking for a quick, clean holiday read.
The story itself wasn't bad (folks stuck in a house together in a blizzard who have to deal with their inner struggles), but the unusual writing really nettled me.
There seems to be an unwritten rule in CF that you can't use the word "crying." The characters always have "moisture in their eyes" or, in the case of this book, their eyes "filmed". In attempting to avoid tired clichés, CF authors come up with word pictures that are often confusing.
A few examples from this book:
"Her mouth closed into a tight line, her eyes sparking. And his mouth, as usual, decided to break her heart."
"His words had stolen hers, churned her thoughts together into a hot ball."
"Dottie couldn't discern the texture of his smile."
Ms. Warren is a widely published author so I know I'm in the minority for my opinion. I just wish editors of Christian fiction didn't let this kind of writing slide by. So many books could go from good to great if someone used a red pencil less sparingly.
The story itself wasn't bad (folks stuck in a house together in a blizzard who have to deal with their inner struggles), but the unusual writing really nettled me.
There seems to be an unwritten rule in CF that you can't use the word "crying." The characters always have "moisture in their eyes" or, in the case of this book, their eyes "filmed". In attempting to avoid tired clichés, CF authors come up with word pictures that are often confusing.
A few examples from this book:
"Her mouth closed into a tight line, her eyes sparking. And his mouth, as usual, decided to break her heart."
"His words had stolen hers, churned her thoughts together into a hot ball."
"Dottie couldn't discern the texture of his smile."
Ms. Warren is a widely published author so I know I'm in the minority for my opinion. I just wish editors of Christian fiction didn't let this kind of writing slide by. So many books could go from good to great if someone used a red pencil less sparingly.
October 18, 2015
Susan doesn’t use mere words to tell her stories, she uses pure, undistilled emotion. Whenever I pick up a Susan May Warren book, I know to also grab a box of tissue for my tears and to make certain I’m somewhere I can laugh out loud. I also have to clear my schedule of all obligations, because once I start reading a SMW story I am not stopping until it is done.
Like every other Susan May Warren book I have read, Baby It’s Cold Outside is going on my keeper shelf. I expect that from now on I will make a yearly pilgrimage to Frost, Minnesota and spend the 1949 Christmas holidays stranded in Dottie Morgan’s quaint Victorian house with her and her four reluctant visitors as they learn how powerful love and forgiveness can be.
I highly recommend this and any other SMW book you're contemplating reading.
Like every other Susan May Warren book I have read, Baby It’s Cold Outside is going on my keeper shelf. I expect that from now on I will make a yearly pilgrimage to Frost, Minnesota and spend the 1949 Christmas holidays stranded in Dottie Morgan’s quaint Victorian house with her and her four reluctant visitors as they learn how powerful love and forgiveness can be.
I highly recommend this and any other SMW book you're contemplating reading.
December 12, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised at the gender expectations discussion in this book. At first I became tired of the constant mention of how she is "doing an man's job" or not "needy enough to attract a man," but that was just the set up in the bigger discussion of being yourself regardless of what society considers feminine or what men want in a woman. It tore apart the ideal woman of the 1940s.
The story itself was interesting but didn't feel overly Christmasy... And the writing had some issues with continuity (mc's eye color changed a couple times, things like that) but was otherwise okay, not amazing. I appreciated that the Christian aspects of the story were sprinkled in in a tasteful, not preachy and forceful way that these Christian fiction romances can sometimes do.
Overall, I expected not to like it but was pleasantly surprised.
The story itself was interesting but didn't feel overly Christmasy... And the writing had some issues with continuity (mc's eye color changed a couple times, things like that) but was otherwise okay, not amazing. I appreciated that the Christian aspects of the story were sprinkled in in a tasteful, not preachy and forceful way that these Christian fiction romances can sometimes do.
Overall, I expected not to like it but was pleasantly surprised.
December 3, 2015
I loved this book... Very sweet and perfect for Christmas-time!
January 20, 2017
This is a fantastic book! I love Susan May Warren but this book holds a lot of talent with her writing. Highly recommend.
December 23, 2020
Odlična knjiga za predbožični čas.
Že na samem začetku me je presenetilo, da je zgodba postavljena v čas po drugi svetovni vojni. Me je to zmotilo? Ne, a če bi vedela dvomim, da bi jo prebrala. Ampak knjiga je več kot le še ena zimska romanca. Zdi se mi, kakor da ponudi več. Liki so dodelani in prav prisrčni, ko jih pobližje spoznaš.
KAJ MI JE BILO VŠEČ:
- knjiga je polna zanimivih likov, ki niso nujno po ' standardih'. Meni so, priznam, zlezli pod kožo in prav v užitek mi je bilo brati o njihovih odnosih. Ti so tukaj počasi se razvijajoči, a knjiga še zdaleč ni dolgočasna. Dogaja se veliko, celo nekaj manjših preobratov lahko pričakuješ. Vsekakor pa to ni akcijski roman, mislim da nama je obema to še kako jasno.
- izvemo njihovo preteklost in še posebej, da ti deli niso razvlečeni ali vsiljeni v zgodbo. Prav pašejo in to točno tam kjer jih je avtorica umestila. Druga svetovna vojna je pustila pečat na vseh vpletenih in čeprav sem se o njej učila v šoli, se mi zdi da mi jo je ta knjiga približala. Govori o navadnih ljudeh, ki niso nikakršni heroji. Govori o bolečini matere, ki sem jo lahko začutila čeprav sama niti nimam otrok.
Zgodba ni 'počasi berljiva' ampak sama bi vseeno rekla, da je počasna, prijetna in te na nek način zaziba v svoj svet. Ne hiti z dogajanjem, vse se odvije v ritmu, ki bi ga recimo pričakoval v podobnih filmih.
Priporočam jo v branje!
Že na samem začetku me je presenetilo, da je zgodba postavljena v čas po drugi svetovni vojni. Me je to zmotilo? Ne, a če bi vedela dvomim, da bi jo prebrala. Ampak knjiga je več kot le še ena zimska romanca. Zdi se mi, kakor da ponudi več. Liki so dodelani in prav prisrčni, ko jih pobližje spoznaš.
KAJ MI JE BILO VŠEČ:
- knjiga je polna zanimivih likov, ki niso nujno po ' standardih'. Meni so, priznam, zlezli pod kožo in prav v užitek mi je bilo brati o njihovih odnosih. Ti so tukaj počasi se razvijajoči, a knjiga še zdaleč ni dolgočasna. Dogaja se veliko, celo nekaj manjših preobratov lahko pričakuješ. Vsekakor pa to ni akcijski roman, mislim da nama je obema to še kako jasno.
- izvemo njihovo preteklost in še posebej, da ti deli niso razvlečeni ali vsiljeni v zgodbo. Prav pašejo in to točno tam kjer jih je avtorica umestila. Druga svetovna vojna je pustila pečat na vseh vpletenih in čeprav sem se o njej učila v šoli, se mi zdi da mi jo je ta knjiga približala. Govori o navadnih ljudeh, ki niso nikakršni heroji. Govori o bolečini matere, ki sem jo lahko začutila čeprav sama niti nimam otrok.
Zgodba ni 'počasi berljiva' ampak sama bi vseeno rekla, da je počasna, prijetna in te na nek način zaziba v svoj svet. Ne hiti z dogajanjem, vse se odvije v ritmu, ki bi ga recimo pričakoval v podobnih filmih.
Priporočam jo v branje!
December 15, 2025
Well, please don't let this lighthearted song title be misleading.... this is anything but lighthearted. There were only two small references to the title.
The setting - winter blizzard, wonderfully character driven, and the faith content sprinkled throughout became stronger as the story unfolded - the true meaning of Christmas - was a very, very, good seasonal read!!
The setting - winter blizzard, wonderfully character driven, and the faith content sprinkled throughout became stronger as the story unfolded - the true meaning of Christmas - was a very, very, good seasonal read!!
December 27, 2024
This was the perfect Christmas read! It was cozy, sweet, and romantic! And somehow managed to poignantly touch on subjects like grief, forgiveness, second chances, and faith. I loved it! ❤️
CW: loss; descriptions of war and death; medical emergencies
CW: loss; descriptions of war and death; medical emergencies
December 24, 2022
This was a lovely story about loss, love, and hope.
December 7, 2012
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Susan May Warren is a wonderful book for unwinding from your own busy life. You’ll meet five different characters, each carrying their own hurts and longings, who end up together in an old Victorian home hunkered down as they ride out a brutal winter storm in the days before Christmas in 1949. By the end of the story, they have faced that which they wanted to ignore and arrive in better places.
Who are these wounded characters?
Dottie Morgan is the town librarian who feels like even God has abandoned her after losing her only child in World War II. She’s also the owner of the house where they end up.
Violet Hart is Dottie’s assistant in the library and longs to connect with a soldier (Alex) with whome she’s corresponded since during the war. However, she also perceives herself negatively given her mechanical inclinations and years spent serving during the war with those abilities.
Jacob (Jake) Ramsey III is a stranger to the town, come to hopefully reach Violet before she receives her last letter marked return to sender. He brings with him a secret he’s afraid to even speak.
Gordon (Gordy) Lindholm is Dottie’s long time neighbor who has loved Dottie for more years than he can remember. However, they keep each other )at arm’s length. It’s only out of concern for Dottie that has him making the trek from his house to check on her and end up stuck at our house.
Finally, young Arnie Shiller finds himself at Dottie’s, his appointed safe house as he resides out of town. He often escapes to his own ‘reality’ where he is Flash Gordon trying to save Dale Arden (his mom who is still mourning the loss of her husband during the war.) He finds his way to Dottie’s house when walking home from school, but does not go TO the house, instead seeking shelter inside the barn where he’s later found cold and barely breathing.
There are a few twists and turns in the story line. Romantic tension arises between the two couples and healing from past hurts eventually happens in the story. I loved how Ms. Warren wove into the story how Jesus’ coming also brought hope into the world. Without hope, there would be no reason to live a life filled with suffering. He’s also our storm house…a place of security we can seek when the world continues to storm around us. Overall, it was a pleasurable read that held my attention so well that I had to force myself to go to bed (at almost 2 a.m.!) one night.
Who are these wounded characters?
Dottie Morgan is the town librarian who feels like even God has abandoned her after losing her only child in World War II. She’s also the owner of the house where they end up.
Violet Hart is Dottie’s assistant in the library and longs to connect with a soldier (Alex) with whome she’s corresponded since during the war. However, she also perceives herself negatively given her mechanical inclinations and years spent serving during the war with those abilities.
Jacob (Jake) Ramsey III is a stranger to the town, come to hopefully reach Violet before she receives her last letter marked return to sender. He brings with him a secret he’s afraid to even speak.
Gordon (Gordy) Lindholm is Dottie’s long time neighbor who has loved Dottie for more years than he can remember. However, they keep each other )at arm’s length. It’s only out of concern for Dottie that has him making the trek from his house to check on her and end up stuck at our house.
Finally, young Arnie Shiller finds himself at Dottie’s, his appointed safe house as he resides out of town. He often escapes to his own ‘reality’ where he is Flash Gordon trying to save Dale Arden (his mom who is still mourning the loss of her husband during the war.) He finds his way to Dottie’s house when walking home from school, but does not go TO the house, instead seeking shelter inside the barn where he’s later found cold and barely breathing.
There are a few twists and turns in the story line. Romantic tension arises between the two couples and healing from past hurts eventually happens in the story. I loved how Ms. Warren wove into the story how Jesus’ coming also brought hope into the world. Without hope, there would be no reason to live a life filled with suffering. He’s also our storm house…a place of security we can seek when the world continues to storm around us. Overall, it was a pleasurable read that held my attention so well that I had to force myself to go to bed (at almost 2 a.m.!) one night.
October 24, 2011
Five very different people. One blizzard. Put these things together and you get a recipe for possible disaster. Dottie hasn't been the same since her son died in World War II. She has blamed her neighbor and former flame Gordy for her son's death. Gordy has tried his best to take care of Dottie, but he can't forgive her for running off and marrying someone else. Violet works with Dottie at the library, but she has issues of her home. After going off to Europe to serve in the war, her transition back into the civilian life of a woman has not been easy. Her only hope for happiness has been Alex, who she met in the military. They have been writing for a while, but her last letter came back unopened. When Alex's mysterious friend Jake show up in town looking for Violet, things take an interesting turn. Jake is harboring some secrets about the past and present. The young boy Artie was just looking for his "storm house," a place designated for him to go for safety in times such as these. When these five people find their fates entwined, the spirit of family and Christmas soon make for a few days they will never forget. If they can get past all their issues that is.
Talk about creating an atmosphere! This book takes five people with varying relationships and throws them together for a multi-day blizzard. Naturally, things are going to come to a head while they are all cooped up together. Filled with charm and varying amounts of good cheer, this book is one you'll want to curl up with on a frosty winter day. It's filled with sad moments and sweet moments and some romance too. Individually, I didn't like the characters as much as I did when they were together. They certainly brought out the best in each other. I thought the period aspects of the book were great. They certainly added to the charm of the book.
This book does exactly what is advertised. There's nothing earth-shattering in it, but it is filled with a quiet sweetness. The romances simmer and build to their inevitable conclusion. This book is a relaxing and fast read, and it will be a perfect way to wind down during the hectic holiday season. So if you want a book full of romance and Christmas cheer, definitely check out this book.
Book provided for review.
Talk about creating an atmosphere! This book takes five people with varying relationships and throws them together for a multi-day blizzard. Naturally, things are going to come to a head while they are all cooped up together. Filled with charm and varying amounts of good cheer, this book is one you'll want to curl up with on a frosty winter day. It's filled with sad moments and sweet moments and some romance too. Individually, I didn't like the characters as much as I did when they were together. They certainly brought out the best in each other. I thought the period aspects of the book were great. They certainly added to the charm of the book.
This book does exactly what is advertised. There's nothing earth-shattering in it, but it is filled with a quiet sweetness. The romances simmer and build to their inevitable conclusion. This book is a relaxing and fast read, and it will be a perfect way to wind down during the hectic holiday season. So if you want a book full of romance and Christmas cheer, definitely check out this book.
Book provided for review.
November 14, 2025
My new favorite Christmas novel. Beautiful. Meaningful. A tearjerker in the best way with a satisfying, sigh-worthy ending. ♥️🎄
October 27, 2011
Set in 1949, the small town of Frost Minnesota this story will unfold. A small town to begin with they are close knit, loosing five of their boys in the war, has devastated and paralyzed, the once vibrant Dottie Morgan. The town librarian, most of the kids in town have great memories of story time with her at the library. The boys all have memories of hanging out at her house with her only son Nelson after football practice. But Nelson died in the war, and Dottie has become a sad shell of herself.
Violet, Dottie assistant at the library, also served in the war. She was in the motor pool, as a mechanic. And good one she was, but the guys seemed to be threatened by that and she had never married.
A storm right before Christmas has trapped Violet, Gordy (Dottie's neighbor and long time friend), Jake (a stranger come to town to make things right with Violet) at Dottie's house. And Dottie is not happy with it at all, she tried to throw them all out, but the storm was so fierce they could not leave. After a night of fierce white out conditions, a trip to the barn reveal another person trapped. A little boy on his way home from school, who made it to the "storm house" or what he thought was the storm house, but it was only the barn, the four adults work together to save the little boy who is nearly froze to death. Will this change and thaw Dottie's frozen heart?
I love Susan May Warren's books and I have to say this one topped them all. A heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying and unable to put it down. It also opened up my eyes to how the women who served in the earlier wars were treated after they returned home. We all think everyone comes home a hero, but it wasn't true for many of the women, they were resented, because people felt that their being over there took the boys off the easy jobs and sent them to the front lines, so they blamed the women. A great story that you cannot miss!! 309 pages $US 12.99 5 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes by Litfuse, no payment was received for this review.
Violet, Dottie assistant at the library, also served in the war. She was in the motor pool, as a mechanic. And good one she was, but the guys seemed to be threatened by that and she had never married.
A storm right before Christmas has trapped Violet, Gordy (Dottie's neighbor and long time friend), Jake (a stranger come to town to make things right with Violet) at Dottie's house. And Dottie is not happy with it at all, she tried to throw them all out, but the storm was so fierce they could not leave. After a night of fierce white out conditions, a trip to the barn reveal another person trapped. A little boy on his way home from school, who made it to the "storm house" or what he thought was the storm house, but it was only the barn, the four adults work together to save the little boy who is nearly froze to death. Will this change and thaw Dottie's frozen heart?
I love Susan May Warren's books and I have to say this one topped them all. A heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying and unable to put it down. It also opened up my eyes to how the women who served in the earlier wars were treated after they returned home. We all think everyone comes home a hero, but it wasn't true for many of the women, they were resented, because people felt that their being over there took the boys off the easy jobs and sent them to the front lines, so they blamed the women. A great story that you cannot miss!! 309 pages $US 12.99 5 stars.
This book was provided for review purposes by Litfuse, no payment was received for this review.
November 16, 2011
Title: BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside Press
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60936-215-7
Genre: Inspirational/historical/romance
Dottie Morgan made a mistake. The blessing was that she had a son. But now her son, a high-school football champion, is dead, killed in WWII, and Dottie is in mourning. She wonders if she’ll ever survive the loss.
Violet Hart went to serve in factories, installing wheels on the vehicles that were used in the war. She came home with everyone seemingly blaming her for putting the boys in the line of danger, blaming her for the deaths of the boys that didn’t come home, because she did a man’s job. She fell in love with another soldier, Alex, but now the Christmas card she sent him was marked “return to sender.”
Dottie has few food supplies in her house when a storm blows in. Violet goes out to her farm to try and borrow a star from Dottie and rescues Dottie from certain death. But she’s involved in an accident on the way out of Dottie’s yard. And two more join them as the evening progresses, all stranded by the storm. Will this holiday be more than a parade of memories? Could it bring hope?
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE is set in the aftermaths of WWII, after the boys who were returning had returned. When those who loss someone were still mourning. And when all were trying to find the strength to go on.
Dottie was bitter, hurt and upset for things that happened to her. So much so that she couldn’t see what was right in front of her eyes. Violet wants to open the town of Frost, Minnesota up to living again—restarting the Christmas story hour, hanging the star, and reviving other old traditions—ones that Dottie holds captive in her bitterness. But each of these women have someone in the background—someone they never realized was there. This is a really good Christmas story and includes a recipe at the end of the book. $12.99. 314 pages.
I received this book in return for review from Litfuse
Author: Susan May Warren
Publisher: Summerside Press
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-60936-215-7
Genre: Inspirational/historical/romance
Dottie Morgan made a mistake. The blessing was that she had a son. But now her son, a high-school football champion, is dead, killed in WWII, and Dottie is in mourning. She wonders if she’ll ever survive the loss.
Violet Hart went to serve in factories, installing wheels on the vehicles that were used in the war. She came home with everyone seemingly blaming her for putting the boys in the line of danger, blaming her for the deaths of the boys that didn’t come home, because she did a man’s job. She fell in love with another soldier, Alex, but now the Christmas card she sent him was marked “return to sender.”
Dottie has few food supplies in her house when a storm blows in. Violet goes out to her farm to try and borrow a star from Dottie and rescues Dottie from certain death. But she’s involved in an accident on the way out of Dottie’s yard. And two more join them as the evening progresses, all stranded by the storm. Will this holiday be more than a parade of memories? Could it bring hope?
BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE is set in the aftermaths of WWII, after the boys who were returning had returned. When those who loss someone were still mourning. And when all were trying to find the strength to go on.
Dottie was bitter, hurt and upset for things that happened to her. So much so that she couldn’t see what was right in front of her eyes. Violet wants to open the town of Frost, Minnesota up to living again—restarting the Christmas story hour, hanging the star, and reviving other old traditions—ones that Dottie holds captive in her bitterness. But each of these women have someone in the background—someone they never realized was there. This is a really good Christmas story and includes a recipe at the end of the book. $12.99. 314 pages.
I received this book in return for review from Litfuse
Read
November 22, 2014are you peeking to discover how many days 'til Christmas?
sneaking extra moments in the pages of a good book
as you watch the dropping temperatures?
here's your invitation to come in from the cold!
let this Delicious Read warm you ~ heart and soul!
Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home
~ or her heart ~
this Christmas.
After all, her holiday spirit froze over when she lost her son
in WW II. But when the blizzard of the decade descends
on her hometown of Frost, Minnesota,
Dottie finds herself trapped in her home with four strangers ~
angels of mercy or merciless memories of her past?
Has opening her door opened her heart?
will this Christmas give them each a second chance?...
a story of Christmas miracles, new perspectives
and new reasons to celebrate Christmas,
i loved the intricacies of this story.
lives layered, pasts shared, hearts bared ~
you'll want a tissue or two at hand!
the characters are as real as your neighbours
with hopes and fears and dreams that resonate with your own.
if you've connected at the heart level like i did,
you'll be wanting a few more pages to unfold!
just a bit more of their lives...
sneaking extra moments in the pages of a good book
as you watch the dropping temperatures?
here's your invitation to come in from the cold!
let this Delicious Read warm you ~ heart and soul!
Dottie Morgan has no desire to share her home
~ or her heart ~
this Christmas.
After all, her holiday spirit froze over when she lost her son
in WW II. But when the blizzard of the decade descends
on her hometown of Frost, Minnesota,
Dottie finds herself trapped in her home with four strangers ~
angels of mercy or merciless memories of her past?
Has opening her door opened her heart?
will this Christmas give them each a second chance?...
a story of Christmas miracles, new perspectives
and new reasons to celebrate Christmas,
i loved the intricacies of this story.
lives layered, pasts shared, hearts bared ~
you'll want a tissue or two at hand!
the characters are as real as your neighbours
with hopes and fears and dreams that resonate with your own.
if you've connected at the heart level like i did,
you'll be wanting a few more pages to unfold!
just a bit more of their lives...
December 11, 2011
Honestly I didn't finish the book. I was hoping for something like Debbie Maccomber but instead this was a very heavy-handed tales with two-dimensional characters. The only part I found intriguing or thought-provoking was the prejudice shown against a woman who had served her country as a WAC in WWII. I would like to follow up on that with more reading because it's something that never occurred to me--the resentment of women doing "mens jobs" and the fact that by taking non-combat duties in the military they were unconsciously blamed for the death of the sons and brothers freed for combat.
January 2, 2017
This book was tender and peaceful, but it held surprising depth. The setting and time- rural Minnesota after WWII was done well by the author, so much so that I felt like I stepped right into the lead heroine's life. And so much grace, a really clear gospel message. I was thankful the author saved the cheese for the romance and not the theology.
May 23, 2022
Tears were literally streaming down my face more than once, oh my heart! These characters and their stories touched my spirit with a profound depth and genuine dose of hope. Oh how great is the grace of our God and this bit of fiction honors the heart of Christmas and the struggles of the brokenhearted during that joyful season. I highly recommend this book!
October 30, 2012
In my opinion, Ms. Warren really shines when she writes novels with a World War II setting, and this book is no exception. Victorian home, blizzard, spiritual healing, broken relationships restored - all combine to make an enjoyable read for any time of year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews