Beat-the-Cold-Winter Giveaway!

ByJody Hedlund
195 Comments

For those of us living in the Midwest, this week has sure been a crazy weather week, hasn’t it?

I live in central Michigan, and we northerners are quite accustomed to snow and cold in the winter.  In fact, I’ve come to expect cold and gray for about half of the year, from November to April.

Nevertheless, the past week has been particularly brutal even for those of us who are used to harsh winters. The early part of the week brought us about nine inches of snow—the really light powdery stuff.

The piles of white stuff in my yard!

Along with the snow came slowly falling temps so that the usual salt and sand didn’t work to clear the roads. And to make matters worse, we continued to have lake effect (from Lake Michigan) snow showers that caused white-out conditions.

The snow-covered street in front of my house

Then of course, mid-week came the “polar vortex” with even more cold. The governor of Michigan declared Michigan to be in a state of emergency.  Most schools and universities were closed. And yes, even the postal service was suspended for two days!

Polar Vortex wind chill temps on Wednesday!

During the course of the week, I had to venture out from time to time. But overall, I stayed home and was extremely grateful that our old heater continued to work all week (except for one scare in the middle of the night when it stopped for a little while until my hubby coaxed it back to life).

Another heating scare occurred when one of Michigan’s major natural gas plants had to be closed because of a fire. As a result, Michigan’s governor sent out a plea to all Michigan residents to turn down our heaters to 65 degrees or lower through Friday to help prevent a statewide gas shortage.  

It’s been a very interesting and cold week! Of course, I believe one of the best things to do in the winter on cold, snowy days and nights is to READ! So to that end I’m giving away one of my books, and I do have quite a few to choose from!  Enter the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win the book of YOUR CHOICE!

Did you experience the cold temps from “polar vortex” this week? What kinds of things do you like to do on a cold winter day or night?

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Award-winning author Jody Hedlund makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and five children. When she's not busy with her family, she loves to read and consume large amounts of chocolate and coffee.

195 Comments

  2. It was not nearly as cold in CO, but cold nonetheless. I read by a warm fire and loved every minute of it.

  3. Temps on the east coast have been nothing compared to where you are, but we have had some low temps here as well that have driven us under our blankets, huddled with books and warm tea or hot chocolate.

  5. Yes, Jody, living just to the north of you in Traverse City, our experience mirrored yours this week. Thanks for the giveaway!

  6. We’ve just had a heat wave here in South Africa so I could use a little snow😄 but when it does get colder (or whenever😋) I love curling up in bed with a good book 📖🤩😍.

  8. I curl up under blankets with a great book only venturing my hands out enough to turn pages and sip tea. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway chance.

  11. In Minnesota it got to -30 actual temp with wind chills in the -50,’s and -60’s. I enjoyed a lot of reading and did some baking. I got a new 24 capacity muffin pan. Any of my kids friends who have stayed at our house or at the lake know that we have muffins in the freezer for a quick and delicious breakfast.

  12. Read, of course! I also like to bake bread but discovered I was short on flour so that didn’t happen!

  13. I live in Texas, so I missed the polar vortex. On cool days, I enjoy sipping hot tea and reading.

  15. I love to sit with a warm blanket and a good book and just dive into reading. I love when the house is quiet and I can just take a deep breath and be thankful a day is done.

  16. I live in South-central Wisconsin, so Monday brought us 14″ of snow and Tue-Thurs we endured the -50°/-60° winds chills of the polar vortex. So, along with a good deal of reading, I watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy with my daughter, did some baking, and kept up with laundry to make sure our pipes didn’t freeze! 😊 It’s been quite the week hasn’t it!

  19. I’m glad to hear that you’re safe and warm enough. Reading and working jigsaw puzzles would be my choices of activities–maybe also cooking and sleeping. Having grown up in Michigan (Lansing and Grand Rapids areas), I’m grateful to live in Houston, TX, now although our big weather issues are heat and hurricanes with possible flooding. I guess we just have to decide which extremes we’re willing to endure.

  20. I like to crochet and read in my comfy chair when it’s too cold to venture out. Sometimes I will watch a show from a series on Amazon Prime.

  21. Southeast Michigan didn’t get quite as much snow as you but it surely did get nippy out there -18° on Thursday morning. I just layered up and stayed in. Wishing the grands were here but enjoyed the quiet and got caught up on my Bible study and book reviews. So thankful for a warm home.

  22. Yes, I live in the Poconos, so we’ve experienced it too! Last March, we had double blizzards, and we lost power for days. We were running our gas fireplace so much since we had no other heat, that it leaked carbon monoxide, and in the middle of the night, my husband and I had to grab our two children and run out the door. It was freezing, and another blizzard was on its way, literally! Fire department came and the whole nine yards. Thank God for our monoxide detector which woke us up! We had to drive over to our friends’ house, with no warning, and knock on their door at 1:30 in the morning to crash out their house, since we couldn’t stay in ours. It was crazy! My husband bought us a generator last week so we’d be prepared this time around! And as far as what I like to do, I like to bake so my kids have plenty of snacks, and drink hot tea and coffee, of course!

  23. It’s been interesting following people who live in MI and MN to see what they’ve been doing to keep warm. I’ve had a lot of hot chocolate for all of you! LOL The coldest we’ve gotten was -6 yesterday. I was curled up in a fleece robe under a fleece blanket the minute I walked in the door after work! This is a fun giveaway!

  26. Brrrrr! So cold! We are to the left in the northwest, so we are missing the polar vortex. My husband and I are very thankful, since we are living in an RV right now. Stay warm! I love to spend cold days reading, sipping tea, and rubber stamping cards.

  27. It was very cold in southeastern Iowa as well! Other than trying to stay warm I enjoyed reading and watching TV.

  28. I like to huddle beside our wood stove and read a good book, or sometimes I’ll read in bed under flannel sheets, four blankets, and a quilt!

  30. I live in west Michigan, so the lake effect snow really piled up this week! I love to curl up under a pile of blankets and read. But I work full time so I had to drive a 45 mile round trip to work and back in this weather! I was really thankful when my boss let me work from home one day this week!

  31. It’s been cold in OH too! Our neighbor has been so kind to snowblow our driveway and I feel blessed! He won’t take money, so I take baked goods to them!

    I’ve spent the last few days reading, reading, and more reading! It’s all been Lori Benton and Ronie Kendig this week! Thanks for the chance to win a book of yours! I love your writing!

  32. Fortunately, I live in Texas and was not affected much by the cold. But if I was, a cup of hot tea and a good book would take care of that down time. I’m glad you made it through all right and the heater held out.

  33. I like to read, drink hot tea or hot cocoa, play games with my family and watch tv in the winter!

  34. when stuck inside on these cold winter days in ohio, I love to curl up with a book by the fire, or I enjoy sewing. I enjoy sewing by working on making quilts!

  35. On these very cold days I like to snuggle under a warm blanklet with a hot cup of chia tea and an amazing book to read! Reading is my passion!

  36. We live in Wisconsin so we were a part of the Polar vortex. I like to cuddle under my blankets, read and watch movies.

  37. I am astonished and amazed by the stamina of the people who live in frigid conditions…not sure I could endure it since most of my life has been spent along the Coast,,,primarily the Texas Gulf Coast and we thought we were suffering when the temps dipped to 27 with 40 mph winds…:) When it is “cold” here, I bundle up with books , blankets and pillows in my recliner, joined from time to time by my cat…Have loved all your books and would love to add another to my collection…Good luck with the heater and eventual thawing…:)

  38. On a cold winter day, I like to huddle underneath some blankets and binge watch either Gilmore Girls or a new K-Drama while drinking some nice warm chai tea with my cat curled up at the foot of my bed.

  39. I live in SC, so we have not had weather near so drastic as you have had. We did have several nights around 20 degrees which is pretty cold for here!
    I grew up in MI, so I know a bit about what you are going through.

  41. We live in Ohio, and it was COLD this week! Drank lots of coffee and had snuggles with my baby girl. We read lots of books together too!

  42. I’ve been enjoying being able to read, read, read, with a cup of coffee or latte to warm me up! It’s been close to -40 with blizzard conditions, and wind chills to -60 in northern Minnesota. One vehicle that wouldn’t start, and more storms forecast for Sunday night into Monday. Spring can come anytime! 🥀🌱🌷🌻⚘🌼

  43. I like to read and watch hockey when it is cold out. Our coldest temp was -5 Thursday early morning.

  45. During cold weather I love to read of course. Lol. I love to snuggle under a warm fuzzy throw or a quilt, grab a cup of nice hot spiced chai tea and with read or turn on a great classic movie. In particular over the last two weeks, I’ve been watching the Andy Hardy movies with Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, plus some of the Shirley Temple movies. My favorites from those two, respectively, are Andy Hardy Finds Love and The Blue Bird.

    1. I pinned on Pinterest, as well as shared on Instagram and Facebook. (I don’t have a Twitter account.)

  46. I’m from Ohio and yes we had an attic blast here for Wednesday and Thursday. Now on Friday it’s still cold and snowy. Not as bad as you had in Michigan.
    When it’s too cold to go out I turn on the electric fireplace and throw a fleece over myself and read a good book.

  47. Hi Jody
    It’s been pretty cold here in Kentucky too with windchills below 0.
    I’ve not ventured out much except to go to work. It was mighty cold working that drive thru window!!!
    Yesterday I turned 51. Can’t believe I’ve lived half a century already. God is good!!
    Anway I just wanred to say I enjoy your books especially the Mackinac Island series
    That’s my piece of Heaven
    Looking forward to your next book.
    Thank you for the chance to win!!

  51. Here in snowy, cold Pennsylvania, I like to read a good, fat novel in a comfortable chair, dressed in my heavy wool sweaters and boot socks, drinking a cup of hot chocolate or tea!

  52. We live on northern tip of Indiana. I have LOVED the snow, but never like its partner in crime ICE! We have had cozy reading, puzzle doing, building fort inside, oven baked smores days this past week. <3 <3

  53. I’m like most. I like to curl up with a good book on a cold night. Sometimes, I’ll watch a Hallmark movie if there is a good one on. Thankfully, we don’t get too many really cold nights living in Texas. I hate the cold!

  54. On a cold winter day, I like to snuggle up with a warm blanket in front of the fireplace, and read a good book. If it is snowing, my family and I love to play into the snow, in short intervals, of course😉. We will make lots of hot chocolate and play board games and warm our toes by to fireplace.

  56. I live in Central California so we dont get much snow, it does get cold though. When it does I love to Read, organize my house or watch a Hallmark movie!!

  60. Meanwhile in eccentric CO weather, after a couple chilly nights, it’s been quite nice and around the 50s here… Hilarious!

    On snowy days I definitely love to read and drink tea as much as possible; usually with a warm kitty on my lap. Board games are another huge hit for chilly days around our house.

  61. I am in south Georgia, so we didn’t experience the snow and extremely cold temperatures, but it has been colder than usual here. On cold days, I like to curl up with a good book and some hot chocolate or tea.

  62. Greetings from the Chicago suburbs!Started Laura Frantz’s A Bound Heart, but spent more time writing my own two stories! Booked a flight to New Orleans to see my son (before the internet went out), watched my cats napping on heat vents, and even ventured out to the library yesterday to pick up a book on hold. Yes, cabin fever hit that bad… Library doors were completely frosted over, and as we were leaving, a father and son bounded up the steps wearing shorts and sneakers!Midwestern, and proud of it.

  63. On a cold winter’s day, I enjoy catching up on my reading.
    There are not enough hours in one day so that sometimes I get behind on my reading.
    We have your books in the church library. If I win, would love to have book # 3 in the “Beacons of Hope Series”.

  65. It was pretty polar out here in South Dakota too! I’d seriously rather deal with lake effect again than the prairie winds here, lol. I miss my dear home state! 😉

  66. We had colder than usual temperatures, but the snow didn’t materialize. I like to wrap up and read when it is cold.

  69. I live near Grand Rapids, Michigan, so I have had quite a few free days this week to be productive. However, my favorite thing to do on a cold winter’s day or night is to curl up by the fireplace with some chocolate and read a good book!

  70. I do not miss those Michigan winters ! When that lake effect comes across the lake…its brutal
    Here in Kentucky its something I can handle. We did get those below zero temps….I read my way thru it lol

  71. I’m here in North Carolina and we’ve had fluctuating weather from twenties to forties. Nothing like I’ve been hearing about in the north and Midwest. It sounds horrible.

    On a cold, winter day I love watching a good period drama or reading a nice, fat historical novel. The cold weather seems to lend itself more to historicals and warmer weather to contemporaries. Although, Gone With the Wind seems to be more of a summer book. I think it’s because of the Georgia heat.

  72. No snow, but a low of 19°. I stayed warm by the fire and read.

    Did you see the school closing video by Swartz Creek, MI, high school principal and superintendent? It was sung to Hallelujah and can be found on You Tube.

  73. I am in Las Vegas therefore no polar vortex here..I do love to stay in and read during the winter nights . We have been so blessed so far this winter.
    Blessings

  74. I live in the SFO Bay Area & it’s actually been in the 50’s & 60’s here & today they’re predicting rain.
    On a cold rainy day, I like to curl up on my couch or in bed & read a good book or watch an interesting TV show.

  75. No polar vortex for me in California. This week we’ve had lows in the 40s and highs about 60. We are now expecting copious amounts of rain for this weekend but as I’ve lived through too many years of drought, I look forward to it. On rainy days I love to cook something that needs to simmer for awhile (tomorrow I am making Pork Cacciatore) and read books. I LOVE to read and would love to win one of your books!

  76. I have watched with interest the weather woes of family in MI and MN. The stories bring back memories of my childhood in MI winters near GR.
    Here in CO we had cold but most days we also had sun.
    Reading has always been a favorite activity for me in any weather.

  78. Its been chilly in NC this week, but I’m grateful we missed out on all the snow!! I am perfectly happy to stay inside with some hot coco during cold weather!

  80. Yes very cold in northern Michigan this week. I enjoy reading with a warm beverage and my heated blanket.

  81. Reading with a cozy throw, which then becomes a cape while moving about, or a scarf if you are really busy and want to keep it out of your way. My daughter just laughs. We are also in Michigan and “the fitness gym” is the good outdoors with a snow shovel. Bend and stretch! It is cheaper! Hot cocoa, board games, and a little genealogy research. So fun when you find someone new! I’ve now been to Scotland, Ireland, and a quaint place in the census called Pine Apple Cottage in 1841 Winterbourne, Gloucestershire, England! Such fun names.

  82. Here in Virginia we’ve been fluctuating from the upper 20’s down to one morning when it was 4 degrees when I got up at 7 am. We didn’t get snow when we were supposed to, but I’m seeing a flake or two fall as I type. *glares at flakes to go away* 😛

    Crafting is my go-to most evenings since I have an Etsy shop to upkeep, but when it’s cold, knitting or crochet is my preference over jewelry making. It’s nice to have a growing blanket or scarf draped over my lap to keep me warm. 🙂

  83. I live in the desert of Arizona. No snow 🙁 however when I used to live up north, spending time with family around a fireplace was the best.

  85. It depends on my mood. Either snuggle down with a book or watch a movie with the family or get some crocheting done.

  86. I live near Myrtle Beach, SC. It was so cold yesterday that only 3 of my husband’s friends showed up for golf (out of 25-20 regulars.) No, my husband was not one of the three. He had a good excuse as he had cataract surgery the day before. Besides taking him to surgery and the follow up appointment, I have been reading and crocheting. My grandson has requested sone Pokemon, so I am trying my hand at a Pikachu. 😉

  91. I live in Washington state and it rains a lot here in the winter! We are expecting the polar vortex weather to come this coming week and maybe snow this Monday. So I plan on snuggling up in my softest blankets I have with my two cats and read books.

  95. Read, of course, and work on DIY home decor projects. I am starting Searching For You and would love to read one of the Historicals. 🙂

  96. I try to read, but there are always things inside the house that need to be done when it is cold outside!

  98. The cold has moved out of WV and we are being blasted with more snow. Already 6 1/2” today.i curl up with a book under my heated throw.

  100. I love to bake and read in the winter. I have read 13 of your books so it looks like i have about 8 to go from this list.

  102. In the winter I like to hibernate, read and drink hot chocolate. Thanks for the chance.
    Tighefan42atgmail dotcom

  103. I love to grab a blanket sit in front of the fireplace, drink Hot chocolate with peppermint creamer and read, read, read, .

  104. I love to read every night! Cold or hot! But during this extreme cold weather we were dealing with broken pipes! Thankfully everything is working again and the temps are rising!

  105. We didn’t get cold from polar vortex, but it was in the single digits because it’s Maine. 😊 I’m not entering the giveaway as I have over the years got my hands on all your books, but I do want to thank you for all the wonderful books you have written!! I have thoroughly enjoyed them all! Stay warm!

  106. It was terribly cold here in Iowa this week. We have been spending extra time reading, playing games and watching movies.

  107. I’m all about staying cozy inside when it’s cold outdoors. Although when we lived in Montreal for a few years, you couldn’t spend all your time indoors since the cold lasted months. 🙂 So, I would bundle up and go on hikes with my neighbor who loved being outdoors. She was motivating.

  108. Most definitely experienced the “polar vortex” in Illinois!
    Love to curl up in a blanket with a good book or an old movie.
    Such a fun giveaway! I’ve loved all the books I read of yours so far. Just finished “Searching for You” & it did not disappoint! Might have been my favorite in the Orphan Train series! Posted a review on my blog. 😊

  109. We didn’t get hit too badly with the snow but we’ve had very low temperatures and winds which makes it worse. It’s just warming up now here in Ohio. Sunday will be 60 or higher. Thanks for your awesome winter giveaway. Have a warmer weekend.

  110. I like to huddle under a coverlet on the sofa and read a book or watch an old movie. Cup of cocoa, too.

  111. I live in eastern Nebraska so we had a couple of days of bitterly cold temps, but thankfully no snow. In the midst of it, half of our book club members ventured out in the cold to attend our monthly meeting – that’s dedication! When it’s cold or snowy, I love to stay home, wrapped up in a fuzzy blanket, and get lost in a book.

    1. Texas didn’t experience the brutal cold. In fact, we are going to hit the upper 70’s by Sunday! But when it is cold, I like to hunker down with a cup of coffee, a blanket, and a good book. 🙂

  114. Love being warm in my house reading a good book with a cup of tea. I too live in Michigan and in a Lake Michigan coastal town. It was crazy to see the lake effect from Monday until Friday. It’s nice to see the sun finally. We’ve had a blast having all these snow days!

  116. Hello! I’m making the best of this polar vortex. I live in SW Michigan and it has been deceptively cold! To pass the time with my girls we have enjoyed reading fairy tales and discussing the life lessons we can glean from them. Occasionally we’ve watch the cooresponding Disney movie. They keep begging for more. 😄 So, I am loving this special time inside. We tend to spend our spare time outside so, it has been quite restful (aside from shoveling).
    The book I would chose is, An Uncertain Choice. Thank you!

  117. Thanks for the giveaway!
    I’m surprised with all the Lake effect in Michigan that you haven’t had any black-outs. When I used to live next to Lake Superior, we always had our power going out, (for days at a time) especially during winter snow storms. We ended up getting a generator, which was a huge blessing!

  118. I pull my recliner right in front of the fireplace, start a fire, get a cup of hot chocolate and read a good book!

  119. I love to send time by the fire with family with fresh popped popcorn or s’mores. We love doing puzzles or playing games.

  120. Sounds like you experienced the same thing we did in Northern NY, though our lake effect came from Lakes Erie and Ontario. I love to sit on a warm register (we have a wood furnace) and read a good book.

  121. I love to curl up with my puppies, a warm blanket, a good book and a cup of coffee or hot tea.

  124. I usually try to get some work done, but I also like to relax with a cup of hot chocolate and a favorite show. But I love doing that most nights! 🙂

  125. It is definitely cold in PA. I like to sit by the fireplace with my heated throw and a book or my crochet project. I always have my little dog on top of me or beside me getting warm! She thinks the heated throw is hers!

  127. I have been keeping our wood stove going on these cold 🥶 days and nights. I love hot chocolate while reading or red hot candy canes.

  128. I love to curl up with blankets on the couch with my cat on my lap! Cup of peach tea and a book I can read cover to cover if I’m alone or binge watch something with my hubby. Bonus points if I can watch the snow fall out the window! ❄️

  129. I’ve lived in Minnesota all my life. When it’s really cold I like to read, bake and do puzzles. The other day some other ladies from my 55+ building and i played an impromptu game of 5 Crowns.

  133. I am not far from you, so we experienced snow days Monday-Thursday. We played games, read, watched movies. Then we turned down the heat to 65 when we got that text. It was quite the week. Thank goodness for a warmer day today!

  135. We don’t have too many freezing cold days here in south Florida, but when it is chilly, I like to sip hot chocolate and snuggle under a blanket with a good book or while watching a feel-good movie. These are also great days to make comfort foods, like chicken soup or chili.

  136. Well I’m in Alabama so my vortex experience wasn’t nearly as extreme as others but it did get a heck of a lot colder than we’re comfortable with down here. I live to curl up under a blanket and read or listen to an audiobook on cold days. Another cold day activity I love is a true crime marathon with my mom!

  138. Yes, it got really cold! I the cold because I then have an excuse to have warm drink and fire, snuggling away in some corner with a book (like Undaunted Hope ;-)) on a cold day!

  139. On a cold winter’s day (or night) I am content to curl up with my heating pad and my dog and escape into a good book!

  140. I like to stay inside by the fire and read or watch movies. I grew up in Upper Michigan so I understand days when you can’t get out and just have to stay in and read a good book!

  141. We experienced the same weather here, too. I had to work each day, but my hubby’s work was closed so he offered to chauffeur me to and from work on those sub-zero days. So kind!

    My favorite thing to do on a chilly winter day is to curl up with a good book, a hot cup of tea (I am loving Harney & Son’s Hot Cinnamon Spice tea these days) and read the day away. (Usually between loads of laundry and meal preparation.)

    Thanks for sharing your post!

  142. On a cold winter day or night, I love to do two things – bake and read. We are retired and thankfully hubby loves to bake as much as I do. What better way to warm up the house than to fix up something yummy to put in warmed up oven? Kills two birds with one stone so to speak – warms up the house making it smell heavenly AND gives us some yummy for the tummy goodness. It’s also the best way to get someone to come run an errand or help with something we can’t do. Just mention what time the cinnamon rolls or whatever is expected to come out the oven and before you now it someone is knocking on the door. 🙂 Love to read anytime, but while something is baking in the oven I pull up a chair at the table and read away as the timer clicks down.

  144. I live in Michigan too and would agree it has been a tough week. Unfortunately I’ve had to go to work every day. So jealous of my kids and hubby who got to stay at home! I came home every day and curled up under a warm blanket.

  145. I really don’t like winter in any aspect. Not the temperature, not the dry air, not the chapped lips and dry skin, not being perpetually cold for months on end. But I DO love our wood stove and a good book to read whill sipping a hot cup of anything.

  146. I really don’t like winter in any aspect. Not the temperature, not the dry air, not the chapped lips and dry skin, not being perpetually cold for months on end. But I DO love our wood stove and a good book to read while sipping a hot cup of anything and I love my electric blanket.

  148. I’m in Florida so it was cool here, but nothing like the “polar vortex” that some endured. Still, when it’s cold, I like to be snuggled in my bed with a good book!

  149. We’ve been having polar vortex weather here in Ohio, too. I’ve spent my time sorting my book collection and reading (which is my favorite cild weather activity)

  150. What I do first on a cold day is try to stay warm. I enjoy reading on cold days and any other day, as well as spending time with family.

  151. On a cold winter day or night, I like to snuggle up on the couch and watch TV with my family while I read a book or knit

  152. Enjoy a really good warm fire… and hot drink and a great book… I should get out The Hearts of Faith Series since the first book was the very first book I won from you off Goodreads !!! years and years ago… This would be a blessing to win another of your books for sure… I would love to read all of the Orphan Train Collection…I think I have the first two on my kindle but having them in paperback would be a real treat !

    Blessings
    Linda Marie Finn

  153. Ooh brutal is right! Cold temps inside and outside for you. Yikes! We weren’t in the vortex path but still had some super dry cold. I wish I could have stayed home in my sweats and curled up with a good book and baked the days away. That’s my favorite cold winter activity.

  154. It sure was cold in Michigan. Went out today and it actually felt warm. lol I love to snuggle up with a warm blanket to read.

  155. I have read a couple of your books. If I am considered a winner, any of the books from the Michigan Brides series would be okay.

  157. I love to read, color, watch dvds(I have lots of movies) and also drink tea or hot chocolate.

  158. I like to snuggle under a fleece afghan, w/ my little dog, and read a good book, embroider, or do a crossword puzzle! Stay warm! 🙂

  160. We aren’t as cold as most of the country. I live on the Oregon coast so our temps in the early morning are around 35 or so with a little frost on the ground. I grew up in Illinois and I don’t miss the cold, snow, I’ve and wind-chill temps.

    I love reading, snuggling under a blanket, and drinking either hot tea, hot chocolate or French vanilla cappuccino from a mix.
    Thank you for the chance to win one of your books!

  163. While not as cold as the middle of the country it was cold for Oklahoma. I spent most of it in bed sick, but normally would read away the days.

  164. I live in MN and we were hit hard like you guys in MI. My garagw door motor broke and then my car wouldn’t start for 2 days because it was SO cold! I usually stay inside on a cold MN night. I’m armed with some good books but could always use more–winters are long in MN!

    1. Yes, they are long Lisa G!! I grew up in northern MN. I appreciated each season…being cooped up for 6 months wasn’t an option as a kid, so we went out anyway most days. We learned to be aware of the weather- how to dress, when to not go on the lake, when to stay inside, and when enough was enough. As I read Historical Fiction, I think of how people “back then” would have not have had winter weather warnings the way we do. Anyway, I miss the winter sunshine in MN. Enjoy!

  166. I like to cuddle in a soft, warm blanket and read a book. Sometimes the kids want to watch a movie, and that’s okay, too.

  167. I agree with you, Jody! There is nothing better than reading the day away when the temps are below zero! Thanks for the give away!! BTW, I just finished the Orphan Train series and LOVED it!! Great books!!!

  169. I like to read , watch tv , and stay inside and be warm! If we get snow which is rare in Alabama, I like to take pictures and build a snowman. Otherwise, I prefer to stay in and read.

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