Q&A with RaeAnne Thayne

  

 

 

RaeAnne Thayne is the author of the new novel Cozy Little Christmas. Her many other books include Snow Kissed. She lives in Utah.

 

Q: Why did you decide to highlight your character Hannah in your new novel?

 

A: I loved Hannah from the moment I first introduced her in the first book of Shelter Springs, Christmas at the Shelter Inn. She was funny, kind, sassy. I didn't know her whole story, but I knew she was someone I would love.

 

Throughout the other books in the series, The December Market and Snow Kissed (which can all be read as standalones), Hannah continued to intrigue me. I was so happy to be able to give her the happy ending she deserves!

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Hannah and Wes?

 

A: They are two people who truly belong together, it simply took them several years to find their way back to each other.

 

I loved the idea that they both knew they were perfect for each other but had been split by circumstances beyond their control years ago. Neither of them ever really got over that heartbreak. Giving them a second chance was so rewarding.

 

Q: Your character Morgan’s illness plays a large role in the novel--why did you decide to make that a focus?

 

A: I wanted children to play a big part in this book, as they seem to make the holiday season so much more joy-filled.

 

I originally wrote several chapters where [Morgan’s] children ended up in foster care, but then decided that wasn't working for the storyline. I wanted their mother to still be in their lives, just needing temporary help with them.

 

I have known people who had to go down and stay at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where Morgan goes for treatment, and that seemed the perfect fit for what I wanted to do.

 

Q: Did you need to do any research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I did a great deal of research on different rare cancers when I was trying to find what Morgan might be dealing with. I wanted her to be struggling with something potentially life-threatening but with treatment options that had a high success rate.

 

It was fascinating to learn more about individualized oncology treatment plans and all the amazing researchers and medical professionals fighting so hard to help people survive this terrible disease.

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m currently working on my 2027 Christmas book, which is my version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It’s been so fun throwing all kinds of travel difficulties at my characters when all they want is to find their way back home for the holidays.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Only that I am deeply grateful to my amazing readers. This year marks the 30th anniversary of my first book hitting shelves and I still sometimes have to pinch myself when I realize this is actually my life—that I get to write stories that make people happy and bring them a little respite from the stress of the world.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with RaeAnne Thayne.