Baby, It's Cold Outside

By Susan May Warren

Genre: historical fiction, Christmas

My Rating: 4 cupcakes

Summary: "Dottie 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 World War II.  But when the blizzard of the decade descends on Frost, Minnesota, trapping Dottie in her home with four near strangers, she discovers that opening her door might also open her heart to a miracle....and a new reason to celebrate Christmas."

This newest novel by Susan May Warren really made me feel like I was part of the characters' world, surrounded by the snow and brutal wind, their hearts cold due to their own hurts they've experienced from the war.  But thrust together,they must learn to work together and even open up their wounded hearts and experience warmth.  Such a warm and cozy Christmas read, with unique characters, beautiful descriptive writing and a fun story.  Though the plot unfolded fairly predictably, my heart is much warmer having read this.

I'll leave you with a little excerpt: 

Dottie held up a finger, her eyes sharp. "Don't you talk to me of God and second chances. God took my son, and I deserved it. There are no chances left for me."

Violet stilled, Dottie's words landing in the back of her throat, scraping it raw. She found her voice, kept it gentle. "Dottie, the point of Christmas is second chances for all mankind."

"I don't celebrate Christmas anymore." She shook her head. "There's nothing left in it for me."

"Except, of course, Jesus." 

Dottie turned away. "Violet, you'll find the thermometer in the bathroom cabinet."

"We're trapped here for a reason. What was it we prayed last night? Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest? Isn't He here with us?"

Dottie stared out the window. "I hope not. He's done enough already. He's had his say in my life."

"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."