Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

"More than any other holiday, Christmas had the power to rip her asunder."

In 1949, Dottie Morgan was done with Christmas - too many painful memories and no one to share them with.  Once the doyen of Frost, Minnesota's Christmas spirit, Dottie just prays the season will be over quickly and quietly.

""Sweetheart, no man is going to marry a gal who can change her own tires.  Men need to feel needed.""

Even Violet Hart's mother devalues her sacrifice and hard work during World War II as a member of the WAACs.  While the citizens of Frost find Violet's abilities unworthy of a young woman, Violet is hoping the man she has been corresponding with cares for more than impractical feminine accomplishments.

"He might be a farmer, but he had years of practice reading the nonverbal communication of a wounded woman."

Gordon Lindholm has watched over his neighbour for more than two decades.  Silently, and without thanks, made sure milk was delivered and wood chopped, but those things didn't erase the pain of grief, anger and loss or the accusation in her eyes.

"The truth will set you free.  The words thrummed in his head. Yes. If only he believed them."

Jake Ramsey turns up in Frost on a mission.  To speak the truth to the woman he has grown to love, yet never met and to face the consequences of choices he has come to regret.

Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside is a beautiful Christmas story that will touch your heart and reignite your love for Christmas traditions and the importance of sharing the spirit of Christmas with others.  Emotive and engaging, each character is replete with personality, foibles and strength, as they grapple with past heartache and for some, the anticipation hope brings.  The town of Frost and the post war era come alive under Susan's deft hand, and the relationships, both old and new, are replete with poignancy and tenderness.  Dottie, Violet, Gordon and Jake will capture your imagination as they seek to come to terms with their lives.  The magic that is Christmas, with its message of hope and second chances, glows in this story and will evoke tears of sadness and joy.  Baby, It's Cold Outside is a must read for anyone who adores Christmas novels and even for those, like me, who don't!  The perfect read to curl up with as the birth of Jesus approaches.

With thanks to Litfuse for my review copy

As seen at Titletrakk.com

Relz Reviewz Extras
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Reviews of Heiress, Nightingale & Sons of Thunder
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