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Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota
When Jack returns home to Minnesota, he meets the town’s newcomer. She’s bubbly, beautiful . . . and his latest adversary.
Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a tableau of the stable in Bethlehem, a concert, many events at the church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique.
Jack Frost has always tried to live down his whimsical name—a gift from his playful parents—and he does his best to deter Merry from making what he considers a kitschy mockery of the town and the season. But she believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.
Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a tableau of the stable in Bethlehem, a concert, many events at the church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique.
Jack Frost has always tried to live down his whimsical name—a gift from his playful parents—and he does his best to deter Merry from making what he considers a kitschy mockery of the town and the season. But she believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2013
15 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Judy Baer
105 books124 followersaka Judy Kaye
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 10, 2021
[4.5 stars]
About this book:
“When Jack returns home to Minnesota, he meets the town’s newcomer. She’s bubbly, beautiful . . . and his latest adversary.
Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a life-sized nativity, the lutefisk dinner at church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique.
Jack Frost might be rich and handsome, but the weather seems to chill by a few more degrees when he walks into town. For Jake has come back to reclaim his family’s land—despite the fact that it is home to many of Frost’s residents. Worse, he has deep, personal reasons for spurning holiday festivities and is determined to cut the town’s Christmas spectacle down to size. But Merry believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.”
Series: Part of the “Love Finds You” series, but not connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- All about & set during Christmas; Scriptures are read, remembered, & quoted; Bible reading; Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Talks about God & celebrating Jesus’ birthday; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Merry serves cake every day in the month of December and when someone asks why, she shares about Christ with them; Jack only likes the church elements of Christmas; Mentions of God, Jesus, Jesus’ birth, & the Reason for the season; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of forgiveness & peace; Mentions of nativity sets, a live nativity, churches, church going, services, events, & a pastor; Mentions of faiths & a future spouse having to be a Christian (Merry doesn’t date men who didn’t have faith, she did in college and regretted the pain it caused ever since); Mentions of blessings & miracles; A few mentions of a Christmas hymn & carols; A mention of a God-sent person;
*Note: Mentions of Santa & elves; A couple mentions of the ghosts/bad spirit in “A Christmas Carol” (to which a friend tells Merry that there’s no ghosts).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’ and four ‘stupid’s; Mentions of a tragic accident & death of a loved one (& recalling it through a nightmare, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths (Merry’s parents); A couple mentions of an accident & death in the military; A couple mentions of a legend of Jack Frost killing his victims by burying them in the snow; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of man who likes to fight; A mention of eavesdropping;
*Note: Mentions of different Christmas songs, movies, & other animated classics; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Martha Stewart.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, a forehead kiss, a nose kiss, a cheek kiss, a not-detailed kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed, & a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Flutters & Smelling (including pulling a girl into his lap, barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dates, dating, boyfriends/girlfriends, couples, feelings, & flirtatious smiles; Mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of testosterone; A mention of young twin boys thinking that they could date the same girl and if one of them liked her, they could claim her (he says that weren’t very sophisticated at that age, so they didn’t even consider what the poor girls might think); Love, falling in love, attraction, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of Joseph in the Bible who had obediently taken a pregnant teenaged wife.
-Merry Noel Blake, age 28
-Jonathan “Jack” Frost, age 35 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
307 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)
I’ve had this book sitting on my (physical) TBR shelf for three years and I’ve finally read it. What a crime it was to wait this long.
This was everything I enjoy in a Christmas novel—including the slightly cheesiness and convenient plot points that I’ll only overlook if it’s set at Christmas time.
I wish the ending would have been a touch clearer (that is, making a bit more sense to me) and I would have probably gave it five stars, but still, it was such a cute, cute, cute read and made me smile so much while reading it. I’m not sure what else to say…it was so enjoyable and I loved that it wasn’t completely fluff and had great faith content discussed and shown. This book definitely going in my list of my favorite Christmas books! :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“When Jack returns home to Minnesota, he meets the town’s newcomer. She’s bubbly, beautiful . . . and his latest adversary.
Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Eve, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has single-handedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there’s a life-sized nativity, the lutefisk dinner at church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique.
Jack Frost might be rich and handsome, but the weather seems to chill by a few more degrees when he walks into town. For Jake has come back to reclaim his family’s land—despite the fact that it is home to many of Frost’s residents. Worse, he has deep, personal reasons for spurning holiday festivities and is determined to cut the town’s Christmas spectacle down to size. But Merry believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.”
Series: Part of the “Love Finds You” series, but not connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- All about & set during Christmas; Scriptures are read, remembered, & quoted; Bible reading; Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Talks about God & celebrating Jesus’ birthday; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Merry serves cake every day in the month of December and when someone asks why, she shares about Christ with them; Jack only likes the church elements of Christmas; Mentions of God, Jesus, Jesus’ birth, & the Reason for the season; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of forgiveness & peace; Mentions of nativity sets, a live nativity, churches, church going, services, events, & a pastor; Mentions of faiths & a future spouse having to be a Christian (Merry doesn’t date men who didn’t have faith, she did in college and regretted the pain it caused ever since); Mentions of blessings & miracles; A few mentions of a Christmas hymn & carols; A mention of a God-sent person;
*Note: Mentions of Santa & elves; A couple mentions of the ghosts/bad spirit in “A Christmas Carol” (to which a friend tells Merry that there’s no ghosts).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’ and four ‘stupid’s; Mentions of a tragic accident & death of a loved one (& recalling it through a nightmare, up to semi-detailed); Mentions of rumors & gossip; A few mentions of nightmares; A couple mentions of a car accident & deaths (Merry’s parents); A couple mentions of an accident & death in the military; A couple mentions of a legend of Jack Frost killing his victims by burying them in the snow; A couple mentions of lies; A couple mentions of hunting; A mention of man who likes to fight; A mention of eavesdropping;
*Note: Mentions of different Christmas songs, movies, & other animated classics; A couple mentions of car brands; A mention of Martha Stewart.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, a forehead kiss, a nose kiss, a cheek kiss, a not-detailed kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed, & a semi-detailed kiss; Touches, Embraces, Nearness, Flutters & Smelling (including pulling a girl into his lap, barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of dates, dating, boyfriends/girlfriends, couples, feelings, & flirtatious smiles; Mentions of jealousy; A couple mentions of kisses; A couple mentions of blushes; A mention of testosterone; A mention of young twin boys thinking that they could date the same girl and if one of them liked her, they could claim her (he says that weren’t very sophisticated at that age, so they didn’t even consider what the poor girls might think); Love, falling in love, attraction, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of Joseph in the Bible who had obediently taken a pregnant teenaged wife.
-Merry Noel Blake, age 28
-Jonathan “Jack” Frost, age 35 (?)
P.O.V. switches between them
307 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)
I’ve had this book sitting on my (physical) TBR shelf for three years and I’ve finally read it. What a crime it was to wait this long.
This was everything I enjoy in a Christmas novel—including the slightly cheesiness and convenient plot points that I’ll only overlook if it’s set at Christmas time.
I wish the ending would have been a touch clearer (that is, making a bit more sense to me) and I would have probably gave it five stars, but still, it was such a cute, cute, cute read and made me smile so much while reading it. I’m not sure what else to say…it was so enjoyable and I loved that it wasn’t completely fluff and had great faith content discussed and shown. This book definitely going in my list of my favorite Christmas books! :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
December 3, 2024
Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota is a cute little story.
Merry believes Christmas should be celebrated to the fullest extent and the most exuberance and enthusiasm one can muster. After all, it is her favorite holiday, so why not go all out? Merry possesses an extroverted personality and a big heart, which she puts to good use decking the little town of Frost in Christmas cheer. But not everything is snow angels and tinsel, and when the real-life Grinch stomps into Merry's store, well, she finds not everyone is as inclined to love Christmas as she is.
Between Merry and Jack, I liked Jack just a little bit more than Merry. I still liked Merry--she had a big heart and a generous nature and was endearing in her own way, but Jack was my personal favorite. Also, Merry was just so outgoing. I was exhausted just thinking about her to-do list. I definitely couldn't pull it off.
There are an equal mixture of funny, sad, and touching scenes. I don't care much for contemporary romance overall, but this is a cute story and one I'd read again. What I particularly liked was the emphasis on how Jesus is the reason for the season. While presents and cookies and snow are nice, they're not what Christmas is truly about.
Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota is a charming story incorporating solid faith. If you like contemporary Christmas tales, consider this one.
Merry believes Christmas should be celebrated to the fullest extent and the most exuberance and enthusiasm one can muster. After all, it is her favorite holiday, so why not go all out? Merry possesses an extroverted personality and a big heart, which she puts to good use decking the little town of Frost in Christmas cheer. But not everything is snow angels and tinsel, and when the real-life Grinch stomps into Merry's store, well, she finds not everyone is as inclined to love Christmas as she is.
Between Merry and Jack, I liked Jack just a little bit more than Merry. I still liked Merry--she had a big heart and a generous nature and was endearing in her own way, but Jack was my personal favorite. Also, Merry was just so outgoing. I was exhausted just thinking about her to-do list. I definitely couldn't pull it off.
There are an equal mixture of funny, sad, and touching scenes. I don't care much for contemporary romance overall, but this is a cute story and one I'd read again. What I particularly liked was the emphasis on how Jesus is the reason for the season. While presents and cookies and snow are nice, they're not what Christmas is truly about.
Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota is a charming story incorporating solid faith. If you like contemporary Christmas tales, consider this one.
December 16, 2021
This is just what I love in a good Christmas book! I love the small town setting, the coming together of the town residents to help each other out, the festive celebrating of the commercial holiday and the honoring of the true reason for the season. For the month of December, I want to read feel good stories where everything is tied up in a nice red bow by the end of the story. This story was perfect for the holiday season. I hope to eventually read all of the books in the Love Finds You series. Besides this one, I've only read Love Finds You in Hershey Pennsylvania. They are enjoyable Christian Fiction stories.
March 2, 2018
I wanted to read all the books in this series, and it's taken years but I have finally succeeded. This is the last one I have to read.
LOVE FINDS YOU IN FROST, MINNESOTA is not all I dreamed of. This is not Ms. Baer's best work. There is a lot of telling, author-intrusion, and some of the scenes are disjointed.
Merry is the perfect Kindergarten teacher. She's kind, energetic, friendly, considerate, and goes above and beyond. She also adores Christmas and has singlehandedly turned Frost into a Christmas wonderland with elves peeking out from behind snowdrifts and everything. She also runs a bed and breakfast and a Christmas store (similar to but on a smaller scale than the real life Bronners in Michigan)
Jack Frost (and you have to love his name) is the perfect hero for this story. He's just as icy as the legendary Jack Frost, and his family almost literally owns the town. He inherited it -- and a big mess when he learns that property he owns has somehow been sold and resold and now he's the enemy of the town when people learn that this stranger from California actually owns their home that they thought was theirs free and clear.
This was a good Christmas themed story despite the storytelling, and I did enjoy it. With a dog named Peppermint and a cat name Eggnog, a dear little homeless girl and a missing grandma, there are lots to keep you reading. And when the worst case scenario happens, you are riveted to the edge of the seat until the characters work out their differences.
I bought my copy used at a garage sale and am not a verified buyer on Amazon. I was not required to write a review.
LOVE FINDS YOU IN FROST, MINNESOTA is not all I dreamed of. This is not Ms. Baer's best work. There is a lot of telling, author-intrusion, and some of the scenes are disjointed.
Merry is the perfect Kindergarten teacher. She's kind, energetic, friendly, considerate, and goes above and beyond. She also adores Christmas and has singlehandedly turned Frost into a Christmas wonderland with elves peeking out from behind snowdrifts and everything. She also runs a bed and breakfast and a Christmas store (similar to but on a smaller scale than the real life Bronners in Michigan)
Jack Frost (and you have to love his name) is the perfect hero for this story. He's just as icy as the legendary Jack Frost, and his family almost literally owns the town. He inherited it -- and a big mess when he learns that property he owns has somehow been sold and resold and now he's the enemy of the town when people learn that this stranger from California actually owns their home that they thought was theirs free and clear.
This was a good Christmas themed story despite the storytelling, and I did enjoy it. With a dog named Peppermint and a cat name Eggnog, a dear little homeless girl and a missing grandma, there are lots to keep you reading. And when the worst case scenario happens, you are riveted to the edge of the seat until the characters work out their differences.
I bought my copy used at a garage sale and am not a verified buyer on Amazon. I was not required to write a review.
December 11, 2022
Okay, that was a cute little holiday story. Incredibly cheesy, but also packed with Christmas cheer. I liked it a lot!
February 13, 2018
This is like a story from the Hallmark channel. There is lots of Christmas and Scrabble and entrepreneurship and other good content.
December 26, 2020
Whelp looks like I found another series to get lost in (unknowingly of course 🤣). What a touching, heartwarming and absolutely adoring book! It has everything I love about the holiday season with a sweet touch of romance and small-town setting.
I laughed, teared up, felt my heart swell and when all was said and done felt light on my feet. Definitely will be hunting down the other books in this series.
I laughed, teared up, felt my heart swell and when all was said and done felt light on my feet. Definitely will be hunting down the other books in this series.
March 6, 2015
SUMMARY: Considering that her name is Merry Noel Blake and she was born on Christmas Day, it’s not surprising that Frost, Minnesota’s newest resident is crazy about the holiday. She has singlehandedly convinced the entire town to help her turn Frost into a Christmas destination; there are decorations on every corner, a life-size nativity, the lutefisk dinner at church, and Merry’s own holiday boutique. So imagine her excitement when a man named Jack Frost walks into her shop one day! Jack might be rich and handsome, but the weather seems to chill by a few more degrees when he arrives in town. For Jack has come back to reclaim his family’s land—despite the fact that it is home to many of Frost’s residents. Worse, he has deep, personal reasons for spurning holiday festivities and is determined to cut the town’s Christmas spectacle down to size. But Merry believes that below Jack’s frosty exterior is a warm heart—and that she is the one to thaw it.
REVIEW: A sweet, enjoyable easy-to-read modern Christian fiction romance. This would be a perfect read for the Christmas holidays. It was fun to read about a town totally based on the Christmas spirit both the real meaning of Christmas as well as the joys of Christmas. Both Merry and Jack were interesting characters who both had difficult times with Christmas as children. The relaxed, slow developing pace of their romance was nice and the minor characters added to the plot development.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Neither was she willing to ignore God's word. Sometimes it was just harder to obey than other times."
"Snow hid the defects and washed the world clean, even if only for a little while.....It was why she loved winter. The snow was an ever-present reminder of the forgiveness and cleansing she had in Christ."
"We don't appreciate God's creatures nearly enough..... We don't appreciate HIM enough either. At least we have Christmas to remind us again and again of the Gift we've been given."
REVIEW: A sweet, enjoyable easy-to-read modern Christian fiction romance. This would be a perfect read for the Christmas holidays. It was fun to read about a town totally based on the Christmas spirit both the real meaning of Christmas as well as the joys of Christmas. Both Merry and Jack were interesting characters who both had difficult times with Christmas as children. The relaxed, slow developing pace of their romance was nice and the minor characters added to the plot development.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Neither was she willing to ignore God's word. Sometimes it was just harder to obey than other times."
"Snow hid the defects and washed the world clean, even if only for a little while.....It was why she loved winter. The snow was an ever-present reminder of the forgiveness and cleansing she had in Christ."
"We don't appreciate God's creatures nearly enough..... We don't appreciate HIM enough either. At least we have Christmas to remind us again and again of the Gift we've been given."
February 21, 2014
Merry Noel Blake, born on Christmas Eve is crazy about Christmas. She teaches kindergarten and runs a Christmas shop in Frost, Minnesota. When Jack Frost arrives in town to settle mistakes made on land deeds, his name suits his personality. With no where to stay, Jack takes a room at Merry's home, also a Bed and Breakfast. He tries to ignore the Christmas festivities, but Merry slowly melts his heart with her goodness and cheer. A warm and tender story of God's grace and ability to give each of us a new beginning.
January 19, 2016
This was the first Love Finds You that I've read in a long time that I really enjoyed! The characters were quirky and a bit over the top sometimes, but believable as well. I really enjoyed the play on winter theme with the names of the two main characters. The religious aspect was not overdone, in fact it brought home a very valid point about the Christmas holidays! It was a tender and sweet romance, one that didn't make you feel that you were missing anything because it wasn't a secular romance story. I will definitely keep my eyes out for more works by this author!
December 11, 2017
book playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/mylittl...
This was so sweet. It was the perfect Christmas-y read that I was looking for. It read like a Hallmark movie (even making a comment about it which made me laugh).
The romance between Jack and Merry was cute and fluffy, and just what I want from a Christian romance. The faith content was solid, I want to visit the Christmas shop, and I absolutely loved every page of it.
5 stars from me.
This was so sweet. It was the perfect Christmas-y read that I was looking for. It read like a Hallmark movie (even making a comment about it which made me laugh).
The romance between Jack and Merry was cute and fluffy, and just what I want from a Christian romance. The faith content was solid, I want to visit the Christmas shop, and I absolutely loved every page of it.
5 stars from me.
September 18, 2013
Charming, sweet, clean book! Exactly what you would expect from a Christmas book :) low conflict I'd say, gentle and nice! Would make a good Hallmark movie :) predictable ? Yes but that's what I expect from a Christmas book and what I want!
February 1, 2017
Love Finds You-Frost, MN
January 16, 2018
I chose this book from the library shelf around Christmas time, but with the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I didn’t get to read it until this weekend. It was snowing out, my husband was watching a football playoff game, and I decided to curl up by the fireplace and tune out the world.
Baer is quick to acknowledge that Frost is a real town in Minnesota and her short description of the tiny town rich in history makes me want to visit; but I think I would have to pass on the meal with “lutefisk”.
Merry Noel was a Christmas baby. She was an only child and her parents made her feel special because she was a Christmas baby…but she always missed the big family celebrations that others had. She knew the true reason for Christmas and for her, the added charm of reindeer and elves and Santa just made the joy and love of giving the special birth on Christmas even more meaningful.
Merry, 29, settled herself in Frost after her parents died in an automobile crash. The town wasn’t exactly a thriving place, but Merry found herself contributing to the influx of out of towners when she opened her own Christmas shop, appropriately named Merry’s Christmas Boutique. She supports herself as a part-time kindergarten teacher, she operates a small bed and breakfast from her shop where she also lives, and she makes a great profit from October through January from her shop sales. It is a Christmas wonderland…for some maybe Christmas overload…if you are not a fan of Christmas.
Enter Jack Frost. Yes, Jack Frost. Chilly, cold, icy, grumpy Jack Frost. He is not a fan of Christmas. He is only in town because an ancestor died and it seems that many of the homes and much of the property in the town is actually still owned by the founders of the town…the Frost family. He and Merry clash as soon as he stops in her shop and sees lights and tinsel and Christmas trees and elves and reindeer and…yeah, you get it.
Frost intends to get in town, take care of business, and get back to his thriving company in California; but the process of sorting out deeds and property and owners who aren’t really owners is much more tangled than he could have imagined.
The story is predictable. I mean, the title gives it away, right? But the journey to the ending and, thus the title is a sweet and funny one and heartwarming. Maybe even Jack Frost can “melt” just a bit?
This Inspirational book was just a perfect read for one snowy, cold afternoon. Merry is so lovable and, surprisingly, Jack Frost begins to thaw a bit when Merry points out so many things to him. She could have lost her temper, thrown him out of her bed and breakfast, refused to feed him…all those things. Problem is, she kind of likes and him and wonder of wonders, so does her cat who hates everyone especially men. And who ever should doubt a cat, right?
Baer is quick to acknowledge that Frost is a real town in Minnesota and her short description of the tiny town rich in history makes me want to visit; but I think I would have to pass on the meal with “lutefisk”.
Merry Noel was a Christmas baby. She was an only child and her parents made her feel special because she was a Christmas baby…but she always missed the big family celebrations that others had. She knew the true reason for Christmas and for her, the added charm of reindeer and elves and Santa just made the joy and love of giving the special birth on Christmas even more meaningful.
Merry, 29, settled herself in Frost after her parents died in an automobile crash. The town wasn’t exactly a thriving place, but Merry found herself contributing to the influx of out of towners when she opened her own Christmas shop, appropriately named Merry’s Christmas Boutique. She supports herself as a part-time kindergarten teacher, she operates a small bed and breakfast from her shop where she also lives, and she makes a great profit from October through January from her shop sales. It is a Christmas wonderland…for some maybe Christmas overload…if you are not a fan of Christmas.
Enter Jack Frost. Yes, Jack Frost. Chilly, cold, icy, grumpy Jack Frost. He is not a fan of Christmas. He is only in town because an ancestor died and it seems that many of the homes and much of the property in the town is actually still owned by the founders of the town…the Frost family. He and Merry clash as soon as he stops in her shop and sees lights and tinsel and Christmas trees and elves and reindeer and…yeah, you get it.
Frost intends to get in town, take care of business, and get back to his thriving company in California; but the process of sorting out deeds and property and owners who aren’t really owners is much more tangled than he could have imagined.
The story is predictable. I mean, the title gives it away, right? But the journey to the ending and, thus the title is a sweet and funny one and heartwarming. Maybe even Jack Frost can “melt” just a bit?
This Inspirational book was just a perfect read for one snowy, cold afternoon. Merry is so lovable and, surprisingly, Jack Frost begins to thaw a bit when Merry points out so many things to him. She could have lost her temper, thrown him out of her bed and breakfast, refused to feed him…all those things. Problem is, she kind of likes and him and wonder of wonders, so does her cat who hates everyone especially men. And who ever should doubt a cat, right?
July 31, 2019
It had been quite awhile since I'd last read one of the Love Finds You titles. I was participating in a Christmas in July readathon, and I thought this sweet sounding story would fit the bill perfectly. From the synopsis it sounded sweet, quirky and adorable, and I was expecting to really enjoy this holiday tale, but I ended up being quite surprised with just how much I did end up enjoying it.
Judy Baer is quick to acknowledge before the start of the story that Frost, Minnesota is a real place. It felt like the perfect backdrop to this beautiful holiday story, and I think the fact that Frost has such a small population really made the small town element stand out in a special way throughout the story.
Merry Noel loves Christmas, in fact some might go as far as to say she's obsessed with Christmas. She runs a Christmas store/bed and breakfast that does most of it's business during the month of Christmas itself, and she goes above and beyond to make sure each and every customer is able to find what they're looking for.When Jack Frost, a businessman from California, enters the picture, she's instantly intrigued by his name being the same as the Christmas character's is. However, she quickly learns that he has more in common with the Grinch or Scrooge than he does with his namesake character.
Needing a place to stay with no other options in sight. Jack ends up being a guest at Merry's bed and breakfast, and she's determined to rekindle his love for the holiday season. She may have bitten off more than she can chew however, as Jack's dislike of the Christmas season spans many years and many hurts and heartaches.
As Merry and Jack grow closer; the real reason he's in town may just end up causing the end of something beautiful, both for the two of them and the town. Merry's got a huge heart, and a huge will to help all those around her, but will her love for her town and for her new guest be enough to rise up to the challenge?
Love Finds You In Frost, Minnesota was everything I ever could have wanted in a holiday story. The writing is beautiful, the characters are endearing and well developed, and the various friends and family members mentioned throughout added the perfect background to the developing story. Perhaps, however, my favorite part of the entire story was Merry's refreshing view of the commercial side of Christmas. Instead of being opposed to Christmas commercialism, Merry embraces it as a way of celebrating the Savior's birthday, and as a way of ministering to each and every person visiting her store about the importance of His presence in our lives.
This inspirational holiday story is the perfect read to curl up with in front of the fireplace come holiday season, but it can really be enjoyed anytime you're looking for a holiday pick me up. Merry and Jack are precious together, and I couldn't have enjoyed their story more.
Final Rating: 4/5
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lovely Christian based holiday story.
Quotables:
"She picked up the Bible from the basket beside her chair and opened it to Isaiah.
'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.'
It was why she loved winter. The snow was an ever-present reminder of the forgiveness and cleansing she had in Christ."
Judy Baer is quick to acknowledge before the start of the story that Frost, Minnesota is a real place. It felt like the perfect backdrop to this beautiful holiday story, and I think the fact that Frost has such a small population really made the small town element stand out in a special way throughout the story.
Merry Noel loves Christmas, in fact some might go as far as to say she's obsessed with Christmas. She runs a Christmas store/bed and breakfast that does most of it's business during the month of Christmas itself, and she goes above and beyond to make sure each and every customer is able to find what they're looking for.When Jack Frost, a businessman from California, enters the picture, she's instantly intrigued by his name being the same as the Christmas character's is. However, she quickly learns that he has more in common with the Grinch or Scrooge than he does with his namesake character.
Needing a place to stay with no other options in sight. Jack ends up being a guest at Merry's bed and breakfast, and she's determined to rekindle his love for the holiday season. She may have bitten off more than she can chew however, as Jack's dislike of the Christmas season spans many years and many hurts and heartaches.
As Merry and Jack grow closer; the real reason he's in town may just end up causing the end of something beautiful, both for the two of them and the town. Merry's got a huge heart, and a huge will to help all those around her, but will her love for her town and for her new guest be enough to rise up to the challenge?
Love Finds You In Frost, Minnesota was everything I ever could have wanted in a holiday story. The writing is beautiful, the characters are endearing and well developed, and the various friends and family members mentioned throughout added the perfect background to the developing story. Perhaps, however, my favorite part of the entire story was Merry's refreshing view of the commercial side of Christmas. Instead of being opposed to Christmas commercialism, Merry embraces it as a way of celebrating the Savior's birthday, and as a way of ministering to each and every person visiting her store about the importance of His presence in our lives.
This inspirational holiday story is the perfect read to curl up with in front of the fireplace come holiday season, but it can really be enjoyed anytime you're looking for a holiday pick me up. Merry and Jack are precious together, and I couldn't have enjoyed their story more.
Final Rating: 4/5
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lovely Christian based holiday story.
Quotables:
"She picked up the Bible from the basket beside her chair and opened it to Isaiah.
'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.'
It was why she loved winter. The snow was an ever-present reminder of the forgiveness and cleansing she had in Christ."
December 24, 2023
I found this book in a box at my grandma's garage sale and thought that it looked like a cheesy romance book that I would make fun of with my friend, so I rescued it and decided to give it a read. I had my doubts when I started reading this, and in the end, they were right.
As I started reading this, I thought that it had a chance. It follows bubbly and cheerful Merry Noel Blake, who is crazy about everything Christmas and owns a Christmas themed shop. Then, grumpy, handsome, and rich Jack Frost enters the scene who is an Ebenezer Scrooge to the max. I personally really disliked Merry and found that most of her perspective consisted of, "Oh no! I think I'm falling in love with the enemy" and other such sentiments that really grated on me. Jack on the other hand at least has an interesting backstory and a huge growth arc throughout the book. I can see how they fell for each other, so at least the romance was believable in this one.
My major issues with this one is the robotic writing. It often fell flat and got oddly repetitive as the book progressed. I got bored about halfway through and had to push myself to keep reading it. The worst part for me was by far the ending. I hate how easily Merry mistrusted him and the epilogue was borderline cringey.
I think the most interesting things about this one for me was the fact that it is the first Christian romance I have ever read. The Christian references were so heavy in this one, which I thought worked due to the huge Christmasy vibes and Merry's eccentric character. It was interesting to read a romance that was so clean that they almost feared touching each other. An interesting experience, for sure.
Overall, "Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota" had a ton of issues, but was still a cute, clean romance at its core. I think if the writing would have been stronger, this one would have been more entertaining in the long run. Luckily, I'm not out anything in the long run, so this is just another lighthearted book to add to my Christmas reads this year.
As I started reading this, I thought that it had a chance. It follows bubbly and cheerful Merry Noel Blake, who is crazy about everything Christmas and owns a Christmas themed shop. Then, grumpy, handsome, and rich Jack Frost enters the scene who is an Ebenezer Scrooge to the max. I personally really disliked Merry and found that most of her perspective consisted of, "Oh no! I think I'm falling in love with the enemy" and other such sentiments that really grated on me. Jack on the other hand at least has an interesting backstory and a huge growth arc throughout the book. I can see how they fell for each other, so at least the romance was believable in this one.
My major issues with this one is the robotic writing. It often fell flat and got oddly repetitive as the book progressed. I got bored about halfway through and had to push myself to keep reading it. The worst part for me was by far the ending. I hate how easily Merry mistrusted him and the epilogue was borderline cringey.
I think the most interesting things about this one for me was the fact that it is the first Christian romance I have ever read. The Christian references were so heavy in this one, which I thought worked due to the huge Christmasy vibes and Merry's eccentric character. It was interesting to read a romance that was so clean that they almost feared touching each other. An interesting experience, for sure.
Overall, "Love Finds You in Frost, Minnesota" had a ton of issues, but was still a cute, clean romance at its core. I think if the writing would have been stronger, this one would have been more entertaining in the long run. Luckily, I'm not out anything in the long run, so this is just another lighthearted book to add to my Christmas reads this year.
January 26, 2018
I find myself not sure what to say about this book. I was a bit confused by the words "post card/carte postale" on the cover. The book had nothing to do with post cards--my best guess was that Frost, Minnesota was the type of place you might visit, buy a post card showing the town, and send to someone or keep it as a reminder of time spent there.
The way the words Love Finds You are placed made me think it was a series name rather than part of the title.
I found the plot a bit simplistic and predictable. Merry Noel Blake (who loves Christmas) meets Jack Frost (who's not a fan of the commercialized Christmas scene). Jack's in town because he's just found out that he and some cousins have inherited land in the town--but the records are all a bit jumbled because of how his ancestors handled things way back when. There's a side plot about a student that Merry teaches at school whose family is looking for her grandmother.
I guessed who the grandmother would be long before the author revealed who it was. I guessed how the families would be reunited long before the scene showed up in the book. I guessed that Merry and Jack would become a couple (though that part's probably not too hard to guess based on the book's title).
I did think Jack was a bit clueless about how his plan to find out what land was his would be taken by others. Maybe he didn't care at the beginning of the book--they were just faceless people to him then--but somewhere along the way, it seemed like he should have started thinking about how what he was doing would affect others. Vince also seemed to just go do things without running them by Jack, which seemed odd to me--however, they had worked together for some time, and maybe that was how they usually operated with each other--Vince did seem upset that his team had jumped the gun and sent out letters without Jack getting to approve the draft first, so maybe that was just an error (and a convenient plot point to bring things to a head quickly).
The way the words Love Finds You are placed made me think it was a series name rather than part of the title.
I found the plot a bit simplistic and predictable. Merry Noel Blake (who loves Christmas) meets Jack Frost (who's not a fan of the commercialized Christmas scene). Jack's in town because he's just found out that he and some cousins have inherited land in the town--but the records are all a bit jumbled because of how his ancestors handled things way back when. There's a side plot about a student that Merry teaches at school whose family is looking for her grandmother.
I guessed who the grandmother would be long before the author revealed who it was. I guessed how the families would be reunited long before the scene showed up in the book. I guessed that Merry and Jack would become a couple (though that part's probably not too hard to guess based on the book's title).
I did think Jack was a bit clueless about how his plan to find out what land was his would be taken by others. Maybe he didn't care at the beginning of the book--they were just faceless people to him then--but somewhere along the way, it seemed like he should have started thinking about how what he was doing would affect others. Vince also seemed to just go do things without running them by Jack, which seemed odd to me--however, they had worked together for some time, and maybe that was how they usually operated with each other--Vince did seem upset that his team had jumped the gun and sent out letters without Jack getting to approve the draft first, so maybe that was just an error (and a convenient plot point to bring things to a head quickly).
April 27, 2021
Well, I have a very unpopular opinion, again! :) This book took me FOREVER to get through.
This one could have been so much better for me if Jack hadn't lost his spine.
Merry is obsessed over Christmas. As someone who doesn't celebrate the holiday, it was seriously overboard in my head. She decked everything out with all the worldly ideas of Christmas and tossed some "Christian" stuff in too.
Jack had a devastating Christmas when he was 12. He lost his twin brother to a tragic accident (called it). And he's lived with self-blame for years. So, to him, Christmas was supposed to be a quiet time to feel the pain of loss while trying to celebrate Jesus at the same time. I loved his "transformation" at the Live Nativity. That was heartbreaking and beautiful.
However, the differences they had about Christmas was never resolved. I think a happy medium would have been warranted. Like, okay, I'll celebrate a little more, you celebrate a little less...compromise! But it is never tackled even though that seemed to be the biggest obstacle until Jack finds out he owns almost all the land in Frost.
I appreciate not wanting to tip the apple cart, but no one would just give people land and homes FOC (free-of-charge) in this modern world. It took a HUGE suspension of reality for that part.
To me Merry Noel (not sure if it is pronounce Nowl or No-elle) was to much of an emotional rollercoaster. You don't agree to marry someone and then kick them out of the B & B you run without any warning or explanation. That was very childish in my mind.
I liked Hildy a lot and I guessed her "miracle" very early on.
This was a somewhat predictable read until I had to suspend reality.
I liked Jack, until he just caved. So sad.
This was my first book by Judy. I will have to try something else later on.
This one could have been so much better for me if Jack hadn't lost his spine.
Merry is obsessed over Christmas. As someone who doesn't celebrate the holiday, it was seriously overboard in my head. She decked everything out with all the worldly ideas of Christmas and tossed some "Christian" stuff in too.
Jack had a devastating Christmas when he was 12. He lost his twin brother to a tragic accident (called it). And he's lived with self-blame for years. So, to him, Christmas was supposed to be a quiet time to feel the pain of loss while trying to celebrate Jesus at the same time. I loved his "transformation" at the Live Nativity. That was heartbreaking and beautiful.
However, the differences they had about Christmas was never resolved. I think a happy medium would have been warranted. Like, okay, I'll celebrate a little more, you celebrate a little less...compromise! But it is never tackled even though that seemed to be the biggest obstacle until Jack finds out he owns almost all the land in Frost.
I appreciate not wanting to tip the apple cart, but no one would just give people land and homes FOC (free-of-charge) in this modern world. It took a HUGE suspension of reality for that part.
To me Merry Noel (not sure if it is pronounce Nowl or No-elle) was to much of an emotional rollercoaster. You don't agree to marry someone and then kick them out of the B & B you run without any warning or explanation. That was very childish in my mind.
I liked Hildy a lot and I guessed her "miracle" very early on.
This was a somewhat predictable read until I had to suspend reality.
I liked Jack, until he just caved. So sad.
This was my first book by Judy. I will have to try something else later on.
November 15, 2020
This is one of my favorite stories. I was initially attracted to it because I'm Minnesotan. It was fun having places within neighboring counties mentioned. If anyone thinks Merry was too sweet, too-good-to-be-true and there are no people like her, I must say they are wrong. One of my dearest friends is a woman like Merry. Everyone who meets her loves her. And I mean EVERYONE. Of course, they are not identical in personality, but the sweet, loving character with a heart of gold is there in both Merry and my friend. They may be rare, but such people do exist.
I loved the backstories of the characters and the way the author got into their heads. I enjoyed watching Jack's growth. The side characters were good too. I recommend it especially to people who like to read Christian novels, but also to anyone who enjoys a wholesome love story.
I loved the backstories of the characters and the way the author got into their heads. I enjoyed watching Jack's growth. The side characters were good too. I recommend it especially to people who like to read Christian novels, but also to anyone who enjoys a wholesome love story.
April 7, 2020
Great story...it would make a wonderful Hallmark Christmas movie. Since I am from the area the book is taking place in, I can picture all the places the writer talks about. Even though it is all fictional, I think of the local school, church, community center, hospital, bank, court house and Holiday events. The writer did good research, because the stuff talked about in the book does happen in this area at Christmastime. I would highly recommend this one!
November 22, 2023
Every year around Christmas I like to read at least one clean, cheesy, heartwarming holiday romance in which the characters grow in their love for Jesus as well as for each other. This one hits the mark and is a cute, easy, enjoyable read. Predictable? Yes… but a sweet story nonetheless and perfect to bring an air of thoughtfulness and cheer to your spirit!
March 23, 2017
What a great book
I loved reading this book. Jack and Merry were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to celebrating Christmas and that caused a lot of problems at first. I liked how the author brought out each of their pasts and why each felt like they did. I also liked the secondary story line woven in. I would recommend this book.
I loved reading this book. Jack and Merry were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to celebrating Christmas and that caused a lot of problems at first. I liked how the author brought out each of their pasts and why each felt like they did. I also liked the secondary story line woven in. I would recommend this book.
October 21, 2018
I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would! With characters named "Merry Noel" and "Jack Frost," I thought the story may be a little too sappy for me, but it really wasn't. Merry's character was sweet, but she was also smart and likeable. This was a fun Christmas read!
January 20, 2019
A co-worker loaned me this Christian romance Christmas read and it was enjoyable. I wish I would have read it during the Christmas season when things are a bit more relaxed reading wise but I liked it. Good story, small town, tight community... a quick read.
December 31, 2023
An easy read that got me in the spirit of Christmas! If you like cheesy, corny, Hallmark Christmas movies, this one is for you. I really liked each character in the book, but I like books that feel more in depth and deeper.
September 9, 2019
A page-turner for me with romance, community service, Christmas fanaticism, and opposites attracting. You'll enjoy this novel. It moves right along.
December 13, 2019
A good Christmas story. Very Christmasy and yet it still reminds you what the true meaning of Christmas. Loved all the characters. The ending was great.
December 23, 2019
Cheesy? Yes. But hey, it's Christmas!
April 28, 2020
the only reason I read this - Frost, MN!
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May 11, 2020This is such a great book! I couldn’t put it down, I definitely recommend this book. You can’t help but love each of the characters. Very well written!!
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