Book Review: Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's time for another LitFuse Blog Tour of the newest book by Susan May Warren.  I jump at any opportunity to review one of her books, and Baby, It's Cold Outside did not disappoint.  Since this one is set in Minnesota, it included ALL the elements I have come to expect in one of her titles -- touches of "home," complex not-perfect characters that truly seem real, multi-layered plots, fabulous attention to detail that paints vivid pictures, and historical detail that at least feels accurate (I did NOT go looking up the prices of Cornish game hens in 1949 or anything!)

From the publisher:

Hope finds the hopeless when a storm hits.

It's Christmas weekend 1949, and despite the threat of a storm, the townspeople of Frost are determined to continue their holiday traditions, if only as a means to forget the war that they had all just suffered through. But the suffering hasn't ended for Dottie Morgan who lost her only son in the war. She's preparing to wallow in her isolation for the weekend, when Violet, nearly a spinster at age 29, dares to make a request that will force Dottie to publicly revive the memory of her dead son.

When a storm traps the two women at home with a strange young man who has an unbelievable confession and a neighbor with more to do with Violet's past than she would like, no one can predict how this Christmas will give them all a second chance.

I opened the book, figuring I could read the first couple of chapters and then head to bed.  I ought to know better.  As always, Warren's characters grab me from the opening pages.  I was hooked, and stayed up until the book was finished.  I'm pretty sure I've said something similar about nearly every title of Warren's that I have read. 

What I love about this book:

• As always, Warren nails "Minnesotan" which undoubtedly helps me to feel like I know these characters.
• I love historical fiction that actually teaches me something or gives me more insight.  Her books always do.
• I like characters that make mistakes and have flaws.  
• I love Christian fiction that doesn't preach.
• And this is a Christmas story.  A great Christmas story.  It would make a fabulous made-for-tv or made-for-DVD movie...

You can see what others had to say by visiting the Baby, It's Cold Outside blog tour page.

Warm up with a Kindle Fire from Susan May Warren

Warm up to Chrismtas early this year with Susan May Warren's Baby, It's Cold Outside! To celebrate the release of her new Christmas book with Summerside Press, she and the publisher are giving away a Kindle Fire and hosting an early Christmas Party on Facebook!

One festive winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Baby, It's Cold Outside by Susan May Warren

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. Giveaway ends on 10/26!

But, wait there’s more! Join Susan May Warren on 10/27 for merriment and a few early Christmas presents at her Baby, It's Cold Outside Christmas party! Grab your Christmas sweaters, socks and pj’s and join Susan and a few friends for a fireside chat about her recent books (Heiress & Baby, It’s Cold Outside), holiday traditions, favorite Christmas recipes, a trivia contest and more! Invite your friends and don’t miss the fun!

RSVP here and we'll see you on October 27th at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST!

Disclaimer:  I received this book through LitFuse.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.