Authors Interviewing Characters: Annie Rains

August 22, 2023 | By Women Writers Women Books | Reply More

THROUGH THE SNOW GLOBE

It’s a Wonderful Life meets Groundhog Day in USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains’ 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.

What if you could have one more day with someone you lost?

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.

—

I sit in a small café booth in Snow Haven, anxiously waiting for the subject of my interview to walk in and tell me her story. It’s a grand tale and one I have trouble believing. Diana Merriman’s story reads like something out of a fantasy novel, and I am a serious journalist. The only reason I’m even here is because my boss insisted.

As I wait with my cup of coffee, the café door opens and a thin woman with blonde hair and striking blue eyes enters. She glances around and spots me, and then heads my way. Snow Haven is apparently a small town where everyone knows everyone. The fact that I’m a stranger likely tipped Diana off.

Diana stops at the head of my booth.

Diana: Are you Miguel?

Miguel: That’s me. Thanks for meeting me here today, Diana.

I gesture for her to sit down. Slipping into the booth across from me, she smiles shyly.

Diana: I don’t have long to chat. My son is will be getting out of school soon.

Miguel: No problem. I’ll just fire away.

Diana: Perfect.

Miguel: Okay, well my first question is: Was it real? Did everything you’re telling the world really happen?

Diana: You mean, am I a liar? (She lifts a brow, her smile no longer evident) Am I crazy?…I’m neither of those two things. It was all real. As real as you and I sitting here at this café table. I shook a snow globe and I found myself repeating the same day—the day of my husband’s accident. I admit, I thought I was losing my mind at one point.

Miguel: Your husband, Linus, went into a coma. Is that right?

Diana: Yes. Things weren’t looking good. The doctors warned that he might not wake up.

Miguel: Then what happened?

Diana: Well, weeks went by. Then I found a gift that Linus had wrapped for me as my Christmas present. I opened it and found a snow globe. My quirky neighbor visited and when she saw the snow globe, she did this enchantment of sorts. She told me I could shake the snow globe and make a wish to have one more day with someone I’ve loved and lost…Stop looking at me like that.

Miguel: Like what?

Diana: Like you don’t believe me. I know it’s far-fetched, but it really happened and I experienced the same day, December 4th, on repeat.

Miguel: You spent that day trying to stop your husband from getting in his accident?

Diana: Among other things. (She looks at me, her eyes narrowing). What would you do if you were gifted one more day with someone?

I’m taken aback by the questions. I’m the interviewer; I’m not used to being the one who’s questioned.

Miguel: Well, I guess I’d spend that entire day showing that person how much they mean to me.

Diana: That was kind of one of my problems. Maybe it’s why I had to repeat that day so many times. I wasn’t the kind of person who easily showed their feelings. I grew up in a cold, loveless environment. Through the process of repeating that day, though, something inside me changed. (She shrugs and shakes her head simultaneously). My walls came down. The person you’re sitting here with right now is not the same person I was before I shook that snow globe.

Miguel: Where is that snow globe now?

There’s a pained expression on Diana’s face.

Diana: It broke. Long story, but I think it’s probably for the best. I don’t want to repeat days; I just want to spend every day from here on out showing everyone I love exactly what they mean to mean.

Miguel: You’re spending every day as if it’s your last?

Diana looks at me for a long moment, seemingly contemplating her answer.

Diana: Last. First. I’m just living in the moment. (She checks the time on her phone). Speaking of which, I need to go pick up my son from school. (She slides out of the booth and looks down at me). So, do you believe me?

Miguel: (I shrug). It’s not my job to believe or disbelieve.

Diana: Come on. You can tell me. Do you believe? (She looks at me expectantly).

Miguel: Well, what you’re saying goes against everything I know to be true. Time is linear. It doesn’t go backwards or get stuck on some loop. (I see the disappointment shade the color of her eyes, making them darker). My mind says no way. My heart, though, it wants to believe you.

Diana: One thing I learned in this whole experience is to listen to your heart. It’ll never lead you astray. (The smile returns to her lips and her eyes brighten once more). It was nice chatting with you, Miguel.

Miguel: You as well. Take care. (I watch Diana leave the café. My gut has always been a good judge of whether someone is lying to me. Everything about Diana and her story rang true. I want to believe and I guess I do even though the story seems impossible. Gathering my belongings, I stand as well, preparing to leave the café. The question Diana asked me about what I would do if I was granted one more day with someone stands out in my mind. I would wish for one more day with my sister, who left this world far too soon.)

Waitress: Sir? Sir?

I turn toward one of the café’s waitresses as I make my way toward the exit. She holds up a small snow globe.

Waitress: Excuse me. I think you left this at your booth.

I shake my head.

Miguel: That’s not mine.

Waitress: It was left where you were sitting. Here. (She pushes the snow globe toward me. Reluctantly, I take it and admire the little house inside the dome. I start to shake the globe and then stop myself, suddenly worried I might also find myself repeating a day. So there it is. Somewhere deep inside, I do believe Diana Merriman’s story. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t think twice about shaking the globe.

Miguel: Thanks. (slipping the snow globe into my bag, I leave with my story and a snow globe that may or may not be enchanted).

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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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You can find Annie online at www.annierains.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @annierainsbooks