If you’re feeling down this holiday season, this one might not be for you. Things get pretty tough for a big chunk of it. You get an HEA – you’re not allowed to classify books as romance without one – but it is extremely hard won. Definitely more Lifetime movie than Hallmark.
About the Book
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3R2N2lX
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3LIVvbd
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/125077933-through-the-snow-globe
Author Website: http://www.annierains.com/
As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn on qualifying purchases.
It’s a Wonderful Life meets Groundhog Day in USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains’s new novel, as a woman dangerously close to losing it all receives an unexpected Christmas gift that prompts a surprising journey of self-discovery . . . and another chance at happiness.
Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé
Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can’t help losing a little more hope every day.
But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbor and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven—a gift Linus had hidden in the closet—the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it’s not—Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it’s somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.
Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she’s retreated from her life—and in the face of life’s slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart to the people she loves in every way she can.
My Thoughts
At first, I thought the comps on this were a bit wild. Sure, Groundhog Day makes sense. The FMC even makes the reference in the story. But It’s a Wonderful Life, I wasn’t picking up. But, I eventually got there. And it actually made me look at that movie in a different way. I think because we watch it every year and it’s one of my favorites I sometimes take it for granted. It is a wonderful piece of cinema that has a great lesson and if you really think about it, it’s depressing. And that’s true of this story, too.
The author painted the picture of Diana’s world, her experience, and her emotions so vividly that I felt the crushing hopelessness each time she opened her eyes to find that it was December 4th again. That is some amazing writing. To help me visualize everything so well is a talent I applaud – and as a fellow writer – envy!
I adored Linus – but then if you knew my husband you’d know he’s exactly my type – nerdy cute. And their relationship was so adorable. I did not like Diana initially, but she had one of the best growth stories I’ve read in a while. Sometimes you can tell that a character is supposed to be growing, but it’s not really there. This character growth was clear, logical, and beautiful. The lessons she learned were valuable, and everything just tied together so beautifully. Some of the twists were just fantastic!
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I hope to see more from this author – whether it’s holiday-themed or not. I am so grateful to the author and Love Books Tours for including me on this tour.
Who’s It For?
The comps really are good. If you love “It’s a Wonderful Life” and/or “Groundhog Day,” and you love Christmas, this is a great book for you. It’s got more of a Lifetime movie flavor in my opinion, but if you’ve ever curled up on the couch and watched one – or more – of those on a lazy Saturday, then you’ll eat this book up, too. What I mean by this is that it’s a little sadder and just a little more suggestive than your typical Hallmark movie.
Content Warnings: Car Accident, Injury, Child Abuse, Child Abandonment, Alcohol Abuse, Adult Situations, and More. This is not intended to serve as a complete list of all subjects that someone may find offensive or triggering.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains lives in a small, coastal North Carolina town, full of lovable folks, scenic downtown areas, and breathtaking nature—similar to the towns she writes about in her books. Annie’s love of reading and writing grabbed hold of her at a young age and never let go. Her first book was published in 2015, and she’s been writing heartfelt, page-turning stories ever since. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s reading from her never-ending TBR stack on her bedside table, taking long walks while plotting her characters’ happy endings, and living out her own happily ever after with her husband, three children, feisty rescue cat, and mischievous dog.
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Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.