Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin

by Erma M. Ullrey

In the snowy embrace of McCall, Idaho, SADIE’S The Christmas Cabin weaves a tale of an unexpected reunion and slow-to-thaw hearts. Grief-stricken Brooke Radcliffe and frustrated author Jack Chance are brought together by fate in Aunt Sadie’s cabin. An early blizzard forces the former childhood friends to confront their differences and work together to survive. Can Brooke and Jack set aside their painful pasts and let love melt their frozen hearts? Discover a story of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of forgiveness in this heartwarming tale of love in the unlikeliest of places.

Genres: Christmas

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded in a cabin during a blizzard with your childhood friend who became your first love but you haven’t seen each other in umpteen years and now you’re at cross-purposes? Yes please! I’m a sucker for Hallmarky stories with this kind of premise, and Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin is a sweet take on these timeless tropes. Erma M. Ullrey’s writing voice is engaging and her characters are nicely layered (though I did want to shake them both more than once and holler, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!”).

It’s no secret that I love snow or that I get absolutely giddy when there’s enough to cover the ground here in Georgia, but having experienced several dangerous blizzards and ice storms in my 40-some years of life I also have a healthy respect for the danger it can create. And while being stuck in a quaint cabin during a snowstorm does sound all romantic and cozy, it becomes less so when any number of outside forces – and the cabin itself – seem to be working against you. Brooke and Jack will have to get creative to make it through this ‘Snowmageddon’ without freezing to death, starving to death, getting mauled by a hungry mama bear, or driving each other crazy (because they are both frustratingly good at jumping to conclusions). All of which provides readers with some sweet, humorous, and emotional moments along the way to the swoony ones. I enjoyed spending time with these two protagonists while also getting to vicariously experience all the joy of a big snow without having to deal with the hazards. Ullrey’s descriptive writing had me feeling the cold though for sure! And I loved the ‘best-friends-to-almost-more/now-enemies-to-more’ tension of their relationship. Lots of layers to peel back and dive into.

In addition to being challenged in every possible way by the storm and the cabin itself, Brooke and Jack must also navigate other stressors in their lives, worries that were already in play before their unexpected reunion. Ullrey grants these struggles the attention they deserve but also doesn’t let the tone of the story get too heavy, keeping it much like a Hallmark Christmas movie vibe. I honestly could feel Jack’s spirit lighten almost every time Brooke walked into his line of sight – without always being told that’s what was happening. There are exceptions of course when her presence actually feeds his tension instead but that’s usually when one of them was making silent assumptions about the other again. Watching Brooke and Jack gradually set their carefully-constructed masks aside and start to be more themselves brought a lightness to my own spirit. And I’m not too proud to admit that I grinned like a fool a couple of times too. But there’s also something more important in play here than their romance – their individual relationships with God. Along the way, the author gently nudges Brooke and Jack back into fellowship with their Heavenly Father and uses some interesting side characters to help.

Bottom Line: Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin by Erma M. Ullrey turns an unexpected blizzard into a heartfelt mix of cozy romance, survival chaos, and second-chance grace. Bundle up with a quilt and some hot cocoa as you hunker down in the cabin with Brooke and Jack, the writing style immersing us in the middle of the action. We’re there for every false assumption, every surprise visitor, every injury, every bowl of elk jerky broth (yuck)… and every bit of delicious romantic tension too. The beauty of Brooke and Jack’s story is how, as this snowstorm strips away excuses, they’re forced to finally face some important truth about themselves and each other – and God – even if ‘running away’ and ‘making assumptions’ are part and parcel for a while. It’s sweet, humorous, faith-centered, and just the right amount of swoony – like a Hallmark Christmas movie with a focus higher than the mistletoe.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this sweet, clean Christian romance. I was drawn into Jack and Brooke’s story from the moment that they first met. The setting of the small town of McCall and Aunt Sadie’s cabin was perfect for their story. Although I loved reading their Hallmark-worthy romance, it was the faith aspect of their story that touched me the most. Both of them needed to rebuild their faith and trust in God, and there’s some good reminders for the reader, too, as Jack and Brooke learn to allow God to guide their every decision. Although this book has a Christmas theme, it would be a great book to read at any time of the year because of the faith lessons in the story.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Paula Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun Christmas story. Jack and Brooke both hide behind their "social" mask, presenting an image to the world. Both are faking it. This story weaves together great outdoor setting details (learned some things about the snow, being a Texas girl), character arc growth, and God's guiding presence. It's a fun story and uplifting. I really enjoyed it.

[Tracy Gimpel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet Story with a Heartwarming Message of Faith and Love

This novel is a gentle, wholesome read with a lovely message rooted in Christian values. The premise—two people with a shared childhood past finding their way back to each other—is both touching and creative. I appreciated the clean, uplifting tone and the focus on redemption, faith, and reconnection.

The author’s descriptive writing style adds a poetic touch, and it’s clear she has a real heart for storytelling. Fans of sweet Christian romance and second-chance stories will enjoy this tender tale of love, memory, and grace.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming story. Definitely recommend and hope it becomes a Hallmark movie!

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin by Erma Ullrey is a Contemporary Christian Romance. Blizzards, a cabin, and bears help bring this story to life. Grief-stricken Brooke Radcliffe and frustrated author Jack Chance find themselves working to repair Brooks’s aunt’s cabin. She wants only to repair it and sell it.

A snowbound cabin at Christmastime becomes the setting for healing and second chances in Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin by Erma Ullrey, a tender Contemporary Christian Romance set in wintry McCall, Idaho.

Brooke Radcliffe visits her late Aunt Sadie’s cabin to fix it up and sell. Still grieving, she’s not seeking memories or romance—especially not with Jack Chance, a frustrated author and former childhood friend. But an early blizzard changes her plans.

Forced to repair the cabin and survive the storm together, Brooke and Jack confront not just broken boards and frozen pipes but also old wounds and lingering misunderstandings. As snow piles up, the cabin becomes a place of reflection, faith, and quiet change.

Ullrey weaves atmosphere and emotion well. Blizzards, isolation, and lurking bears add tension and realism, while the cabin offers a perfect backdrop for slow-building romance. The pacing lets Brooke and Jack’s journey toward forgiveness and healing feel genuine and satisfying.

Sadie’s Gift stands out for its faith-filled message. Forgiveness, resilience, and trusting God’s timing are gently woven into the story. Readers who value hope and redemption will appreciate how faith guides the characters to healing and love.

Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin reminds us that even in life’s coldest seasons, God can bring warmth, restoration, and love through unexpected circumstances. Perfect for those who enjoy cozy winter settings, second-chance romance, and uplifting Christian fiction, this story is a lovely holiday addition.

So if you want a Contemporary Christian Romance, check out Sadie’s Gift: The Christmas Cabin by Erma Ullrey.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

Sadie’s Gift is the second book I have read written by Erma M. Ullrey, and I look forward to reading more of her books.  This is the perfect Hallmark Christmas story. Brooke and Jack are stuck in a cabin in the middle of the blizzard of the year. This book hooked me from the very start.

Brooke’s aunt Sadie has just passed away. Brooke has returned to McCall in hopes of selling her cabin to help her sinking business. Though with all the history in this town and cabin, it is a little harder than it seems. In the middle of Snowmageddon, Jack and Brooke are stuck in the cabin with no electricity and little supplies. Everything that could go wrong seems to be going wrong, and with all the miscommunication between the two, things just get even more complicated. Finally, Jack and Brooke talk, and things come to light. This was such a fun story and a great reminder to trust in God.

This second-chance romance was perfect and sweet with kisses only.

Erma M. Ullrey did a great job of intertwining faith throughout the book.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Cindy Wanamaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas romance blending faith & love, family & friends! Perfect for a read in front of a glowing fire while sipping on hot chocolate!

[Tina Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy that I won this ARC and happy to have read it. This is a heartwarming uplifting fun read!

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My oh my what a great read. I instantly knew this was going to be a fun story. Let’s starts with the sassy Brooke. I love how she is standoffish yet there is a hint of wanting to trust others. Coming to town to look at the cabin her aunt left her proves to be a challenge. Brooke thinks she can waltz into town, sell the cabin and whisk away back to her life but she sure is in for an adventure.

Jack has worked for Brooke’s aunt in exchange for room and board at the cabin. When he discovers that Sadie’s niece is there to dump the cabin and disappear he is not happy. Where is he suppose to live? I like that even though Jack isn’t excited to see Brooke, he does offer her a ride to the cabin. I wondered what was going through his mind as he maneuvers the treacherous roads. The author gives us little hints that soon these two will find themselves relying on each other. I did think it was odd that Jack didn’t recognize Brooke since they knew each other when they were younger. Didn’t he remember her name from childhood? These are just some of the many shenanigans that make this story a delight to read.

I loved how our main characters begin to share about their struggles and find that they both need to ask God for help. Forgiveness , trust and a stronger relationship with God bring this story full circle. Join the author in this journey to second chances.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Lisa Rule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin is one of those truly heartwarming stories that lingers in your heart and mind long after you have read the final page. The author very skillfully weaves together the personal journeys of Jack and Brooke, as they navigate overcoming past trust issues, while learning how to forgive old hurts and transgressions. Each character's spiritual development also plays a pivotal role as they learn, through trial and triumph, what true faith in God requires, and how trust In Him, as well as in others, can transform your life! In the novel we journey alongside Brooke and Jack, childhood best friends, long estranged, and reunited during an extreme winter storm. The storm, "Snowmaggedon," brings them challenges on psychological, physical and spiritual levels, and range from comical to dangerous. As a reader, I grew attached to each character, laughing with them, cheering their triumphs, as well as truly empathizing with their heartaches and frustrations. Erma Ullery, the award winning author of this book, is masterful at bringing her characters to life in a way that makes them relatable, and allows you to feel their emotions in ways only very talented authors can achieve. She has an incredible gift for descriptive writing, as displayed in this novel. As a native Idahoan, I appreciate her research and attention to detail when capturing both the incredible natural beauty of our state and the amazing people our state consists of. The supporting characters in Sadie's Gift are equally as memorable as Jack and Brooke, and continually remind us with their actions that one of God's greatest commands is to 'love thy neighbor as yourself." Perhaps one of the greatest ways it was demonstrated was in Sadie's gift, itself? I highly recommend this exceptional new novel by this extremely talented author!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie’s Gift is a sweet romance novel perfect for cuddling up and reading while under a blanket and with a warm tea or cocoa. Of course, with little kids, I don’t often get to do this. I do like reading after the kids are in bed, though, so I don’t get distracted and have to leave the book when I’m all wrapped up in it.

This is a second-chance romance type novel.

Brooke inherits her aunt’s cabin. She’s not really used to the slow pace of the area, as she’s been in the city, so it’s humorous watching her adjust. I would definitely have the opposite problem, as I do not mesh well with cities and have always been on the farm or in a small town.

Brooke and Jack are stranded together in the cabin, which makes sparks fly and love grow. You’ll love it. It’s one of those you know they’re gonna fall in love and get together, but you have to read because you really have to keep reading and see how it all works out.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Contempory Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin by Erma M. Ullrey is the latest book that I have read.

I knew from the synopsis that I needed to read this book. The 2 main characters, Brooke Radcliffe and Jack Chance are childhood friends who lost touch over the years. The 2 are back in McCall, Idaho after the death of Brooke's Aunt. A Snowstorm comes and the 2 are "snowed in" at the Cabin that Brooke just inherited from her late Aunt. They quickly get caught up on each other's lives and also on the fact that Brooke isn't interested in keeping the Cabin. Jack isn't happy about this as it really puts his life in limbo, as he lives in the Cabin and was a help to Brooke's Aunt. I really LOVE how they are able to reveal things to each other during the "Snowed In" time. The hurts from the past, their financial status, their longing for each other after all these years. This book is one of Forgiveness, truths be told, Second Chance romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a "Hallmark Movie" in a book. AWESOME BOOK!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Sadie’s Gift, a sweet second-chance romance, although I struggled a bit to relate to the main characters (probably because of our age difference). Brooke and Jack spent their early years together as friends, then lost touch after Jack’s family moved away. When they come together because Brooke has been bequeathed her aunt’s cabin, they don’t recognize each other. It was fun to watch them figure out who the other was. The author does a great job of using internal dialogue to help the reader get to know Brooke and Jack, and several times Brooke’s self-talk made me snicker. They’re both in a tough financial situation but hide it from the other causing assumptions and misunderstanding. The contrast of Brooke’s city-girl ways and unfamiliarity with rustic living created some hilarious situations which left Jack shaking his head. A light read for any time of year.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin" by Erma M. Ullrey is a second-chance romance. I loved reading this book! I think I loved it because of the name Sadie (every time I read Sadie, I thought of my grandma whose name was Sadie.) This book has plenty of faith elements and has a Christmas theme, but I think this would be a great book to read anytime a reader need some encouragement to trust God, If you like clean romances where the two main characters aren't always in sync, I urge you to get a copy and read this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Wendy Andrus]

Erma Ullrey is a new-to-me author. Sadie's Gift: The Christmas Cabin is an enjoyable read, with engaging characters. With a snowed in setting in McCall, Idaho, I knew it was a story I had to read, especially this time of year...in Florida.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Brooke and Jack grow (or regrow), but sometimes their reluctance to truly communicate with each other was a tad frustrating. I was happy to see their relationship with God grow throughout the story.

If you enjoy sweet, Christian romance, with Hallmark story vibes, I recommend adding Sadie's Gift to your 2026 TBR list.

[Cris Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional, tender story about grief, forgiveness, and finding your way back to love. Brooke and Jack’s reunion in Aunt Sadie’s snowbound cabin is quiet but powerful, shaped by loss, regret, and years of unspoken pain.

What stood out most was the raw honesty between the characters. Their connection doesn’t come easily, and that makes it feel real. The slow unraveling of their past and the gradual softening of their hearts kept me fully invested.

This is a heartfelt, cozy read that proves love can grow even in the coldest moments. Perfect for readers who want emotion, healing, and a meaningful second-chance romance without unnecessary fluff.

[Hodge Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good clean & fun love story! This author's really hitting her stride with Sadie's Gift. The characters come alive, the Idaho setting's interesting, and there's a great happy-sad ending. I really liked this sweet story of mistaken identity, cherished memories, and childhood friends. I'm hoping for a sequel or two! (FYI - I was super lucky to score an Advance Reader Copy.) Grab one 11/6/25 and enjoy!

[John Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read with characters who spring off the page. Although I grew up in a warm climate where it seldom snows -- the Deep American South -- I found myself experiencing what a snowmaggedon is like for those who live in these more wintry climates. Great descriptions!

Brooke and Jack have their own sets of problems, and their conflict is amusing as the storm forces them to live together in Brooke's late Aunt Sadie's cabin. Brooke needs to sell her aunt's house and Jack, a famous author suffering from writer's block, works to repair it. Rumors and gossip spread around town about them. And to complicate Brooke and Jack's relationship further, a female police officer named Morgan has her sights and heart set on Jack. This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend!
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Sherry Shindelar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie’s Gift is an engaging, page-turning romance. Sparks fly when these two would-be enemies (Jack and Brooke) are snowed in together. This is a sweet romance that will make you smile, ache, and laugh as you cheer for love to conquer all. I enjoyed immersing myself in Jack and Brooke's world.

[S.D. Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Erma Ullrey masters real characters who compel you to their corner. Sadie's Gift showcases redemption, true love, and second chances. Great Read!!

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining Christmas love story with the usual elements to make it a Hallmark movie.
Thanks for the free book.