Member Reviews

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advance galley of "Through the Snow Globe." All opinions are my own.

Summary: Diana is known by those closest to her as someone out of touch with her emotions and has been on a somewhat self-centered streak for some time. After a fight with her fiancé, Linus, Diana lives out one of her worst days yet. Weeks later, she can't shake that awful day and goes to sleep only to find herself in a time loop, reliving that terrible day over and over again, each time with multiple attempts to make it better, only to wake up and do it all again the next day. Eventually, Diana learns that sometimes what she wants isn't what she needs, and she finds her happily ever after isn't what she expected.

This book was slow to start for me, and it felt short in a lot of ways. Diana had the opportunity to go through some life changing challenges and learn so much, and by the end of it, I suppose she did, but I didn't really understand how she got to that point. Her days in the time loop were futile.

Next, There was a severe lack of development in the characters. Another point that bothered me, is I didn't quite see how Diana and Linus fit together. There was a lack of context to their relationship before Diana entered the time loop, and the bits of the relationship that were on the page lead me to believe that they shouldn't have been together in the first place.

I could go on more, but it is difficult to get into it without spoilers. Overall, this book didn't meet my expectations for it, and the characters lacked a connection that I hope to see when I read romance books. I thought the plot was a good idea, but I didn't like the execution as much as I thought I would. I think this could be a good snowy day read, but I'm likely not going to reread unless I really can't find something else.

Spice: No

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What a thought provoking book! As the story unfolded I began to anticipate that there would be a pivotal event coming. Diana has some issues with letting people into her heart, having had a less than loving upbringing. Linus, her fiancé, on the other hand is kind and understanding and loving and has a wonderful big loving family. But tension builds between them and when the unthinkable happens Diana is forced to reevaluate all the excuses she has been making in her life. Not to give anything away, I’ll just say that Annie Rains has done an incredible job of creating multiple believable scenarios for this story to evolve, while tossing in a few quirky turns and twists! Loved the book! Thanks, NetGalley for providing an arc to read in exchange for an honest review.

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A fun second chance story that has the main character look at life moving forward through a ground hog type wheel through a snow globe. Repeating days trying desperately to find out how she can turn her and her fiancés lives around after a terrible accident. Diana who grew up in a home where feelings were detached and not expressed she now needs to figure out how to let people in and how to love having people in her life who shower her with affection. It’s a great story for the holiday season and it has a great feel good vibe to it. I found it an easy and quick read.

I voluntarily received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own

I would reccomend this story to everyone

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Groundhog Day meets It's A Wonderful Life in this charming, heartfelt romance. Through a little Christmas magic Due to a well-meaning neighbor and a snow globe intended as her Christmas gift from her fiancé, Linus, Diana Merriman is stuck in a time loop. Unfortunately, the day she keeps repeating is the day Diana's fiancé was in an accident on his bicycle, resulting in coma-inducing injuries. Now, Diana's only wish for Christmas is that Linus opens his eyes.

I didn’t really like Diana at all at the beginning, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen more of a transformation in a character. Diana learns that the best way to go through life is to love and appreciate every seemingly insignificant moment, to share her heart with the people in her life who matter and to accept help when she needs it. In doing so, she becomes happier and healthier, and more able to share herself with others.

This sweet, poignant story reminds us to focus on what really matters, to be open to the unexpected blessings life has to offer, and to find the magic in the moments. This heartwarming, holiday-inspired read is one of my favorite holiday stories, and just the thing to put you in the Christmas spirit.

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2.5 stars up to 3 stars for Goodreads. I've been reading Annie Rains, since soon after she started and became a huge fan of hers. I'm glad this was not my first book by her,since honestly, I did not enjoy most of it. i'm not a fan of the Groundhog Day theme. I found much of the story, repetitive and truthfully a bit boring. I was on a road trip for most of the time when I read this and that plus it being a NetGalley book by one of my favorite authors is what kept me reading. I wish I had enjoyed it more and could have left a more positive review. I did like the ending, though

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Rounded up from 3.5
Diana is not really looking forward to Christmas. Her fiancé, Luke, has been in a coma for three weeks following a serious accident. But she finds the snow globe Luke was going to give her for Christmas, and her eccentric neighbor put an enchantment on it... And Diana finds herself caught in an endless loop, back on the morning of the they Luke got hurt, and she desperately wants to save him.
This is Groundhog Day, but make it Christmas Hallmark movie-y. It obviously has magical realism. I liked it ok, but it had it's flaws. One of Diana's patients called her Elsa and I agree. She's a distant grump. I had trouble connecting with her, I didn't really like her and I mostly found her frustrating, which probably hindered my reading experience. Also, the interactions/discussions between the characters feel forced (and redundant after a couple of go arounds, not only do they say same things to Diana, but multiple characters tell her the same thing and then she goes and tells someone else what they told her...). The progression through the "times around" are fairly in line with every other book/movie of this type, so there was really nothing surprising or original there. It was mostly predictable.
I liked Dustin and what he brought to the story, maybe because Diana was having different discussions with him than with everybody else, and there was progression for both characters in their interactions. The ending was cute. All in all, it was a quick and fun read.
"Every moment is like a fragile snowflake. None are exactly the same, but once they hit the ground, they become what they were always meant to be. Part of the larger picture."
I received an advance review copy of his book for free, and i'm leaving this review voluntarily.

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After her fiancé Linus's accident leaves him comatose, small-town physical therapist Diana dreads Christmas But when she finds a mysterious snow globe, she transports back to the fateful day he was injured. Trapped reliving that same day, Diana is determined to alter destiny. As the loop reveals profound truths about herself and Linus, Diana breaks free emotionally, embracing hope and joy while discovering who she's meant to be.

This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story. Diana is a compassionate person who has difficulty sharing her feelings with other people. I could relate to her reserve, and her struggles to control the uncontrollable. The plot was strong and kept me guessing until the end.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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This is one of the best Christmas books that I have ever read and it is perfect for reading anytime you want to read a sweet romance with a lot happening to thwart the loving couple. Diana Merriman and Linus Grant are engaged but Diana is dragging her feet about setting a wedding date. Then Linus gets into a terrible accident and Diana wants a “do-over.” Her mystical neighbor Mrs. Guzman gives Diana her wish so that she can spend another day with Linus before he goes into a coma. Unfortunately, Diana can’t figure out how to change things and to get out of the cycle of constantly repeating that day. The story is heartfelt and tugged at all of my emotions. I felt so bad for Diana and her desire to make things right with Linus and her frustration that she just can’t. I fell in love with the characters in this magically realistic book that transported me to a life where wishes may come true, but they may not be what you want or expect. I enjoyed getting to know the lovable characters, especially Linus with his quirky ties and his happy-go-lucky acceptance of life. I also enjoyed meeting Dustin, the little boy who frequents Linus’s toy store without much hope of having a good Christmas since his foster mother thinks he is a bad boy who deserves nothing. There are sub-plots that are intricately woven into the central story and they all dovetail together beautifully in this cleverly written and enchanting story. I loved every minute that I spent with Diana, Linus and the rest of the cast of characters and hated to see the story end. This novel was brilliantly written and completely captivating!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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Groundhog Day meets While You Were Sleeping...

December 4th...That's the day Diana keeps reliving after her fiancé is in a coma. She has bagage. Diana learned all too well from her grandmother not to trust anyone and never to be attacted to anyone. She was abandoned by her father then her mother and so carries all those issues into adulthood. Her awesome fiancé Linus, a toy shop owner, wants to set a date to get married. He's sure, but she isn't and he calls her on it. They have an argument about it and she instead focuses on her promotion at work.

So, while Linus is in a coma, Diana and Dustin ( a foster kid Linus helps out) and Linus find out they are relving December 4th, always with the same results, though slight changes to their behavior and emotions are really what drives the story. Nothing is big, the changes are really minor and little and the day, a normal day, except for a certain set of events, an interview, a ride home, a friend. But the big changes would be with how Diana actually deals with her feelings and emotions (as in actually dealing with them).
Recommend.

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Through the Snow Globe is a sweet holiday story with a groundhog's day storyline..
Diana has been working hard and trying to get a promotion at work to put off getting married to her fiancé, Linus as she is intimidated by his big family. Linus gets in an accident and she keeps reliving the day over and over and the only person who believes her is a little boy.
This is a cute holiday book and is a great way to get you in the holiday spirit. Annie Rains did a wonderful job with this book.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for honest opinion.

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I really loved this book. It is Rains first foray into women's fiction. I loved her romance, but this book went so much deeper. It is a time loop story in which the main character, Diana, is reliving the same day over and over. It just so happens to be the worst day of her life and as she relives December 4th over and over, she strives to fix everything that was wrong with that day the first time around. She certainly doesn't get it right the very next time. The reader gets to witness the growth in Diana's personal relationships and the progress she slowly makes to becoming the person that she really wants to be.

Personally, I was entranced by this book. I loved the evolution of Diana's personal traits and the changes that took place within her heart and her soul. Winner, winner!

Thanks to Kensington Books for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

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Diana and Linus had an argument about their wedding (he wants it sooner) the day before he is hit by a truck and put in a woman, It's 4 December. Then she discovers a snow globe Linus was planning to give her for Christmas and it turns out it's magic- she can relive one day. So she chooses 4 December in the hope that she can stop the accident and save Linus,. Fans of the time loop novel will relish this one for the clever way Rains tells the story as well as for the way Diana finds herself changed as she works through that day over and over again. No spoilers from me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

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It has been a while since I have read a book that I could not put down and this book was that for me. I honestly love this book and was so intrigued to understand what happens next. I love all the characters and how they were all different and unique. Sometimes with groundhog day novels it can be tricky not to make the book feel repetitive but with every chapter something was different, the dialogue was different and therefore I felt compelled to know what the next day brought, how would it be different, what would she try to change next and what other truths would she uncover. Although this is a christmas book I did not struggle at all in reading it in August as it's more set during christmas than being about christmas.

Overall 5 stars and such a great read which I highly recommend :)

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This is the perfect holiday read! I have experienced all the feelings during this read and I love the characters and the development of Diana (FMC).

5 stars

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This is a feel good Christmas book and I loved it. Diana is a home health worker who believes that she should care for her patients, but not share their personal problems. She is also scared about letting her fiancé Linus’s family get too close to her because her mother disappointed her so many times. When Linus is in a serious accident and lies in the hospital in a coma, Diana’s world turns upside down.

As she is wishing for one more chance to make things right, an enchanted snow globe changes, everything..

This is such a delightful book with lessons about opening up and trusting others after being hurt. There is a definite Groundhog Day vibe, and the book rightly pays homage to the movie as Diana repeats the same day over and over, trying to prevent Linus’s accident. It was a joy from start to finish. It wasn’t complicated or hard to figure out. It was just a Christmas pleasure.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.

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Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains is a sweet holiday romance. Part romance, part Groundhog Day, this book tells the story of a couple and the unexpected tragedy they face. This book was really well written and I think readers of the romance genre will love this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This was such a great holiday story! I loved all the characters and it truly put me the holiday mood. Can Christmas hurry up now?!

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“Through the Snow Globe” by Annie Rains
Never Give UP ! !
Yes, I loved this story. The only reason I could put the story down, was because my eyes called it a day and would not stay open. A light but intense story and a character that did not know how to be a family. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this story. Well, the story does have its villain but she was a minor character but with a wider impact. I laughed and I cried. If the description enticed you, like it did myself, then I am pretty sure you will love the story, too. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest thoughts.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

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Through The Snow Globe by Annie Rains presented complex issues of life through an interesting story line. Diana had a chance to relive and re do the most significant day of her life but she found herself stuck in a time loop. Will she finally learn the lesson life is trying to teach her?

I admit I didn't feel very warm about Diana in the story. Till almost the end. She keeps her emotions close to the extent that she appears cold and emotionless to others. Including her very loving and amazing fiance Linus. She is dragging her feet to set a date for wedding. She is stressed about a promotion. And then Linus goes to coma after an accident. Her neighbor Mrs. Gunzman gives her an enchanted snow globe. She can shake it to get her wish granted. She didn't believe it but then she wakes up 3 weeks ago. She is determined to save Linus and right every wrong but she keeps on failing and waking up on the same day over and over again..till she just cannot do it.

It involves many secondary characters and many sub plots. And each little part is required to show the change in Diana's personality. Living the day over and over again slowly made her realise that she pushed away people she loved in name of protecting her heart. The best friend who wanted to be there for her troubles. The patients who loves her beyond her clinical approach. The fiance who wants to be with her and show her the world. She finally realized it's better to get hurt than not living her life fully. It was an interesting concept and the focus was on Diana's self discovery. I feel really happy that she found herself with the unconditional love and support of people in her lives and with a touch of magic..This is more of a woman's fiction and can also be read as a holiday story.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

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❄🎄Delightful story: try, try again to keep your man!🤕

Through the Snow Globe alternately made me sad, made me hope and made me smile. I found the story of Diana and her repeated attempts to perfect December 4, a crucial day for her career, her relationships and an unhappy foster child, kept me reading, wishing and hoping right along with Diana. I could not put it down!

It's a heartwarming transformation story as Diana lets go of the emotional barriers she was convinced to erect as a child and lets others in. Friendship, family and romance are all key elements as the MC works out the important things she truly desires and that success does not depend on a promotion or a cool, detached attitude. I liked that her attempts to improve don't always succeed: in fact, often, just the reverse! Especially her repeated meetings with her boss.

For me, the best parts of the plot involved Diana's interactions with fiance Linus and the inclusion of Dustin, a foster child starved for affection and a stable family life. I also liked her evolving connection with her physical therapy clients and the straight-talking support of her friend Rochelle.

A definite recommendation from me. Annie Rains really knows how to tug on the heartstrings.

Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

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