Baby It's Cold Outside: The heartwarming and uplifting love story you need this winter

With her mum bailing out on her for their Christmas plans, Norah is left at a loose end and feeling just a bit sorry for herself. Then suddenly she is seized by a mad impulse, as she recalls a long ago promise. Ten years ago she fell in love with a boy called Andrew, they had a holiday romance but then went their separate ways, however, they agreed that if they were both single ten years on they would meet on Christmas Eve on Grafton Street, Dublin. Now, Norah finds herself remembering that long ago summer and her feelings for Andrew. Likely he won't remember their agreement, but she finds herself determined to find out just in case. Besides, even if Andrew doesn't turn up, her best friend Joe is coming with her, such that they will be sure to have a good time regardless.My first read from Emily Bell, I picked this up with the hope of a warm, festive read, and to be honest that is precisely what I got. The book starts off in London, with Norah Christmas shopping, and immediately it gave me those festive vibes that I was looking for. I enjoyed the parts of the book set in Dublin, and also the flashback chapters to Norah and Andrew's holiday romance in Italy all those years ago.I did generally like Norah as the central character. I felt we got to know her quite well, with glimpses of her past, her relationship with her friends, family, work, her dreams of being a singer. I also thought Bell did a good job of showing the change in Norah from the girl we see in the flashback chapters to the woman she has become, and the events that have shaped her, in particular the loss of her father, who she was very close to, and the book does explore the subject of grief. Whilst the idea of going to Dublin to see if Andrew shows up after all these years does seem a bit far-fetched and perhaps desperate, I think as the story went on, I appreciated that Norah was perhaps actually looking to rediscover the person she used to be when she met Andrew more than anything else. That said, at times I did find Norah a bit whiny.I did have an inkling fairly early on that the story might not necessarily go in the direction that the blurb leads us to believe, though I won't say too much more about the way the plot unfolds so as not to give away spoilers. I will say that I liked the direction that was taken, as it felt more realistic.The romance, whilst sweet, wasn't for me the strongest element of the story, as I did sometimes feel the chemistry between the characters could have been better captured. Some parts of the book did feel a bit flat to be honest, however, overall the book sustained my attention, and I did like the nostalgic feel that the book captured in places. I appreciated the nod to recent events in the epilogue set in Dec 2020, where the author briefly alludes to lockdowns and life in the era of COVID-19.Overall, this was a pleasant and easy read, with a festive feel and some romance, whilst also exploring themes around friendship, family, grief and just I suppose how we can sometimes lose ourselves a bit as we go through life, but that we can always find ourselves again too.

A perfect festive love story that will uplift and comfort during these trying times.Norah finds herself heading into Christmas 2019, with no plans. She recalls a time in her life, 10 years ago, when a boy who she's never been able to forget, sets a date and time to meet her 10 years in the future. Tired of playing it safe she decides to go. But ropes her good friend Joe into going with her.Will Andrew be there as he promised? Or will the trip be a disappointment?There are no real surprises here, and I predicted how the story would turn out, but this is not a criticism. It's a lovely feeling of comfort, as sometimes that's just what we need.Norah has depth as a character, and her vulnerability makes her engaging and relatable. She is not just reaching into her past to meet Andrew, but she is trying to heal from the grief of losing her father, and herself along the way.I really loved everything about this book and it is perfect to curl up with on a cold and dark winter's evening and forget about the real world for a while.

Baby It’s Cold Outside is a lovely Christmassy romance to get you in the festive spirit. We definitely need it with all the rubbish wintery weather we’re having!The story is all about main character Norah. 10 years ago she met Andrew on holiday in Italy. Going their separate ways after spending a week together they are determined to stay in touch and arrange to meet up in 10 years time on a street in Dublin at Christmas. After her mum dumps her for Christmas she decided to take a chance and spend Christmas in Dublin in the hopes that Andrew I’ll remember their promise. Her best friend Joe goes along with her to keep her company.Throughout the story Emily has wove in some flashbacks featuring the holiday in Italy and some other poignant and turning point times in Norah’s life. This is a touching story as Norah is still dealing with grief of losing a parent and her journey to Dublin at Christmas. The setting was lovely, very festive, and described in a way that brought the story to life.I don’t really want to go into the story itself much more as I don’t want to spoil the outcome but we get to explore two romances - past and present and the cozy, Christmas feel throughout is great. If you’re looking for more Christmassy recommendations then I’d definitely recommend All About Us by Tom Ellen.

For me, the story does not end as I expected but lovely result in the end.My thoughts are, if he was going to propose marriage then surely he should be getting down on one knee and presenting an engagement ring?!!

When I began reading this book, I thought that I might have already read it. I hadnt, but the part about "the meeting up" was so much like another book or a film. The rest was not the same. It was an enjoyable read with characters that you warmed to. I would recommend it

Not really my type of romance. There was no chemistry between the main love interests and dialogue was very straightforward and boring tbh. The story was ok but the mentions of music and pop culture references was a little too much. I didn't get it. Everything was described beautifully though and you get a sense of the atmosphere in Dublin.Overall a cute seasonal read but in terms of the romantic side, it was lacking greatly.

I had really high expectations for this book, and unfortunately was left a little disappointed. My main disappointment surrounds the fact this book was meant to be a Christmas romance book, yet it was well over halfway through until there was any hint of romance whatsoever. To me, it was a bit of a slow burn romance-wise anyhow. The ending and 'twist' was good, and something unexpected. The ending was cute and happy, but this still remains as a 3 star book for me. It was a bit too much of a slow burn, and also didn't hook me like others books I've recently read have. Give it a go, see what you think for yourselves!