🎄🎶 Laura Osnes, Ryan McPartlin, and Chuck Wicks Star in 'Silver Bells at Christmas' -- See Here:

Great American Media has officially shared the news that Laura Osnes, Ryan McPartlin, and Chuck Wicks have been filming a new Christmas movie!

If you've been following these actors on social media or been following here at It's a Wonderful Movie, then you've been in on this little secret for a little while, but now we have even more details on the festive holiday storyline and the incredible supporting cast!

See all the details in the press release below...

Plus, I shared a few fun behind-the-scenes pics from the set at the end of this post!


Press Release via Great American Media:

Laura Osnes,

Ryan McPartlin,

Chuck Wicks,

Julia Reilly,

Tanya Christiansen,

and D.B. Sweeney

Lead All-Star Cast

in Silver Bells at Christmas,

Great American Media World Premiere Original for Great American Christmas 2026

NEW YORK, NY – April 14, 2026 – Great American Media announced an ensemble of family talent is set to star in the Great American Christmas Original movie, Silver Bells at Christmas which is currently in production. Leading the way is famed Broadway singer, Laura Osnes (A Little Women’s Christmas, A Dash of Christmas), Ryan McPartlin (“Chuck,” Amish Affair), American country music artist Chuck Wicks, Julia Reilly (County Rescue, Christmas of Giving), Tanya Christiansen (County Rescue, A Little Women’s Christmas) and D.B. Sweeney (The Cutting Edge, Reporting for Christmas). Silver Bells at Christmas will premiere as part of Great American Christmas 2026.

In the small town of Comfort, Ohio, Ginny Nolan (Osnes) is determined to save her late mother’s cherished Christmas shop, Silver Bells, before mounting repairs cause it to close. When her former music partner – and almost first love – Tyler Benton (Wicks) returns home to host a Christmas songwriting contest, old feelings resurface. With Tyler’s agent, Andi (Reilly) bearing down, Tyler must convince Ginny to help him write the next great holiday hit. Enter driven entrepreneur, Nick Day (McPartlin) who sets sights on buying the shop, forcing Ginny to choose between protecting the past she loves and embracing a future that could change her heart forever.

“One of the benefits of Great American Media’s success is the incredible level of talent that is now drawn to us,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “These stars will not only delight audiences during the 6th Annual Great American Christmas, but they enhance the quality of our library, which grows stronger every day and fuels all of our platforms.” Abbott concluded.

The film is produced and directed by Brandon Clark (A Little Women’s Christmas), written by Jessica Baughman and Taylor Bird (A Little Women’s Christmas) as a co-production between True Brand Entertainment, Wrigley Media Group and Wild Chapel Productions, and Produced by Rodney Eldridge and Nicolaas Bertelsen. Executive Producers are Brian Bird, Darin Chavez, Jo Livecchi, Misdee Wrigley Miller, Laura Osnes and Ryan McPartlin.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is the leader in faith and family entertainment, and one of the fastest-growing entertainment networks on television. Great American Media is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media, established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices, is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Pam Slay
Head of Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
pamslay@gacmedia.com
818.415.3784
media@crosswindpr.com


--------------------------

Laura Osnes and Ryan McPartlin
image via: Ryan McPartlin

Taylor Kalupa, Laura Osnes, Rachel Stitt, and Ryan McPartlin
image via: Laura Osnes

Laura Osnes, Rachel Stitt, and Taylor Kalupa
image via: Laura Osnes

Rachel Stitt, Taylor Kalupa, Ryan McPartlin, Laura Osnes, and Julia Reilly
image via: Ryan McPartlin

My Quick Take:

I must say... I'm extra excited for this Christmas movie, and I'm so thrilled we will hear Laura Osnes and Chuck Wicks sing in it! Everything about Silver Bells at Christmas sounds so lovely, including this extraordinary leading and supporting cast. This truly looks like one to look forward to this upcoming holiday season on Great American Family!

Are you excited to see this Christmas movie, too? Please share in comments below.

May Your Day Be

Merry & Bright!

Net

Crossroad Springs Season 2 Premiere Date Revealed

In case you missed it, in one of the on-screen promos over the weekend, it was mentioned that Crossroad Springs Season 2 is set to premiere on Sunday, August 9th, on Great American Family!

This heartwarming family series set on a small-town ranch stars Jonathan Stoddard, Shaun Johnston, Jesse Hutch, Kate Drummond, Emily Alatalo, Brittney Underwood, Jon McLaren, Erin Agostino, and Jillian Cardarelli.

I’m sure season two will bring even more stories of faith and tensions between the Hamiltons and the Newmans.

You can see the premiere date, August 9th, circled in the screenshot above.

More details to come from Great American Media - so stay tuned.

Blessings on your day!

Net

🐝💛 New Spring Movies Sweet as Honey: 'Bee My Love' and 'A Little Park Music' -- Plus, New "When Hope Calls: Brookfield" -- See Here:

Happy Spring Weekend, Friends!🌷🐝

We have two new movie premieres this weekend that look delightful - and very much in tune with the Spring Season! 🎶

On Saturday, Great American Family’s Bee My Love brings a sweet mix of beekeeping, honey, love, and Eastertime joys, while Hallmark Channel’s A Little Park Music adds a touch of whimsy with a mysterious piano appearing in a park gazebo- sparking something special throughout the community.

And episode 2 of When Hope Calls: Brookfield on Sunday night has the town celebrating the opening of Debbie's bakery, while Ronnie, Nora, and Hannah have their own personal struggles.

See even more details below…


🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼


Saturday, April 11, 2026:

Bee My Love

Storyline: A private chef competing for her dream job with a celebrity restaurateur finds inspiration in her mother’s recipes, the sweetness of honey, and a struggling beekeeper who teaches her to bee-lieve that life, and love, are sweetest when shared.

Bee My Love

Premieres Saturday, April 11, 2026

at 8pm/7c on Great American Family

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼


Saturday, April 11, 2026:

A Little Park Music

Storyline: When a piano appears in the park gazebo, interfering with important work, city manager Allie joins forces with rookie cop Ryan to remove it, only to find both music and love are hard to resist.

A Little Park Music

Premieres Saturday, April 11, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼


Sunday, April 12, 2026:

When Hope Calls: Brookfield

Season 3 - Episode 2

Episode 2 - Dreams: Nora struggles with unresolved feelings for Michael, Ronnie chases risky funding, Maggie cautiously explores romance, Hannah prepares for a critical moment in her fashion journey, and Brookfield celebrates new beginnings as Debbie opens her bakery, creating a long-awaited gathering place for the town.

When Hope Calls: Brookfield

Premieres Sunday, April 12, 2026

at 8pm/7c on Great American Family

🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼


Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or uplifting, this weekend’s lineup looks like a good one I hope many of us will enjoy!

So grab the remote and maybe a cup of tea or something honey-sweet (especially for Bee My Love), and enjoy these delightful Spring-inspired stories! Happy watching, friends!🌷💛

Have a Blessed, 

Wonderful Weekend, Everyone,

Net

SHINING GOD's LIGHT:

“How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

I gain understanding from your precepts;

therefore I hate every wrong path.

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

a light on my path.”

~Psalm 119:103-105

(A few bee & piano items inspired by this weekend's movies... click on images below for more details at Amazon!)






Amazon Basics Portable Electric Keyboard Piano


The ONE Smart Keyboard COLOR 61 Lighted Keys Piano Keyboard
Digital Piano for Beginners

Great News for UP Faith & Family Streaming Series "Blue Skies"

Have you heard the exciting news, sleuthers! The UP Faith & Family series "Blue Skies" has been renewed for a second season!

Get the full scoop in the press release via UP Entertainment below...

NEW UP FAITH & FAMILY

ORIGINAL DRAMA SERIES

BLUE SKIES RENEWED

FOR A SECOND SEASON

ATLANTA (April 9, 2026) – UP Faith & Family, the leading streaming service for uplifting movies and series, has greenlit season two of the hit series Blue Skies. Blue Skies is an all-new procedural series that blends mystery and action with emotional storytelling and the heartwarming bond between a detective and her canine companion. Viewers can stream season one of the series on UP Faith & Family now.

“The response to Blue Skies in its first season has been incredibly rewarding,” said Philip Manwaring, CEO, UP Entertainment. “Viewers have connected with the mysteries, the stories of redemption and growth, the relationships among colleagues and family, and, of course, the always-lovable ‘Blue’. We’re excited to return to Crystal Ridge with even bigger adventures, deeper relationships and new cases that continue to deliver the uplifting, family-friendly storytelling that’s at the core of everything we do here at UP.”

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Crystal Ridge National Park, Blue Skies follows former military police officer Jodi Larsen as she returns to her hometown to start over as a criminal investigator for the National Park Police. Driven by a love of the outdoors and a deep sense of justice, Jodi is determined to protect the park, its visitors and her community, whether from natural dangers or human threats. But Jodi’s fresh start is anything but simple. She’s navigating a new team and a journey to reconnect with her father after her mother passed away while she was deployed. Her unexpected partner? A mischievous stray Labrador named Blue, whose instincts prove sharper than most trained K9s.

Each episode of Blue Skies combines suspense and unexpected turns with heartwarming moments as Jodi and her team tackle missing persons, environmental crimes and the secrets hidden deep within the park’s 5,000 square miles.

Season two will build on the stories and characters from the first season, including returning cast members Scarlet Hunter as Detective Jodi Larsen, Markian Tarasiuk (Mistletoe Connection, Virgin River) as Ryan Miller, Veronica Long (The Wrong Paris) as Detective Nora Esposito, David Lennon (Untamed) as Detective Alex Meeks, Darius Willis as Tyson Bernard and Shaughnessy Redden as Bill Larsen. Together, the team will tackle a whole new range of cases, their bond strengthening as a shadowy menace looms, threatening life well beyond the park borders.

Blue Skies is produced by Bar None Productions in association with Kino Media and Larry Levinson Productions. Producers are Benjamin Rappaport, Ross Mrazek and Amar Balaggan. Executive Producers are Larry Levinson, Mark Bacci and Charles Segars. Writers include Zach Grossman, Fernando Viso, Mark Millner and Jordan McCray.

About UP Entertainment

UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. UP Faith & Family is the leading subscription streaming service in uplifting entertainment. UPtv is the trusted network for adults seeking positive programming with relatable stories about relationships, filled with love and laughter, through exclusive premiere movies, box-office hit films and beloved series. AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. GaitherTV+ provides access to Gaither’s renowned and growing library of full-length award-winning Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian concerts and specials, early premieres of new performances and shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews. UP Entertainment in partnership with PixL Dos, also manages and distributes Cine Romántico, a FAST channel featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish. Additionally, UP Entertainment represents partner brand Ovation TV, an independent television, production, and digital media company, with an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture and entertainment. UP Entertainment’s award-winning pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone,” has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.


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I know many of you have shared that you have enjoyed this new series... so I'm sure you'll be excited to learn this news, as well.

I've enjoyed the episodes I've watched, so far, but I haven't finished the first season, yet, so I'm really looking forward to finishing it up - especially knowing another season is on the way!

Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Happy sleuthing!

Net

🎄 Jillian Murray and Brett Varvel Star in 'The Trouble With Mistletoe' -- Coming to Great American Christmas 2026 -- And More Exciting News!!! 🌟 SEE HERE:

( image via: Great American Media ) 

Great American Media has officially announced The Trouble with Mistletoe starring Jillian Murray (Chasing Christmas, A Little Women's Christmas) and Brett Varvel ("County Rescue")!

Of course, we already knew a little about this Christmas movie (see original post) because Jillian and Brett shared the exciting news on Instagram while they were filming in March, but now we have official confirmation and more specific details about their movie (see the press release below).

Brett Varvel and Jillian Murray on the set of "The Trouble with Mistletoe"
image via: Jillian Murray

Plus, Great American Family shares that Jillian has signed an exclusive deal with their network.

And even greater news for Jillian and her husband, Dean Geyer, the two revealed today in an exclusive article with People, that they are expecting their first child together! And she found out the news while filming her 2025 Christmas movie for Great American Family - Chasing Christmas!

Jillian Murray and Dean Geyer - image via: Movieguide
Jillian Murray image via: Dean Geyer - People Exclusive

So much wonderful news for Jillian Murray! I'm over the moon for her and her husband, Dean!

I hope you enjoy reading more details about her upcoming 2026 Christmas movie, The Trouble with Mistletoe, in the press release below from Great American Media...

Great American Media Signs

Jillian Murray

to Exclusive Overall Deal,

The Trouble With Mistletoe

In Production as First Film

Under New Partnership

Film Stars Jillian Murray

and Brett Varvel,

Based on Award-Winning Author,

Jennifer Snow’s Novel,

Premieres During 6th Annual

Great American Christmas

NEW YORK, NY – April 9, 2026 – Great American Media today announced an exclusive overall deal with actress Jillian Murray, with production now underway on The Trouble With Mistletoe, the first film under the new agreement. The film will be a World Premiere as part of the 6th Annual Great American Christmas franchise. Murray (Mario Lopez Presents: Chasing Christmas, A Little Women’s Christmas) stars opposite Brett Varvel (“County Rescue,” “Running the Bases”) in the Original Christmas feature. The Trouble With Mistletoe is adapted from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Snow’s novel.

Set in the charming town of Brookhollow, The Trouble With Mistletoe follows an acquisitions executive (Murray) who returns home for Christmas and unexpectedly reconnects with the former fiancé (Varvel) she left behind. As the traditions of her hometown rekindle old memories, she begins to wonder if the life she walked away from may still be the one meant for her.

“From the very beginning, our success has been driven by a clear and intentional focus on aligning with talent who authentically reflect our values,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “In just five short years, this commitment has helped Great American Media platforms become the most beloved destinations in faith and family entertainment. Jillian Murray exemplifies the heart, integrity, and connection we look for, and her work continues to strengthen the meaningful storytelling our audience has come to trust and embrace,” Abbott concluded.

The Trouble With Mistletoe is produced by Kris Black. Director is Don S. Arthur. Screenplay by award-winning author, Jennifer Snow.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA

Great American Media is the leader in faith and family entertainment, and one of the fastest-growing entertainment networks on television. Great American Media is home to a portfolio of entertainment brands that celebrate faith, family, and country, including Great American Family, the flagship linear network featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and beloved series; Great American Pure Flix, the leading faith and family streaming service; Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion network; and GFam+, an app that lets viewers watch anytime, anywhere. Great America Media, established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of US-based family offices, is available via cable, streaming on Pure Flix and YouTube TV, and on the GFam+ app.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Pam Slay
Head of Network Program Publicity & Talent Relations
pamslay@gacmedia.com
818.415.3784


-------------------------


Are you excited for this new Christmas movie? I would love to hear your thoughts on this film, Jillian Murray, and Brett Varvel.

Please share in comments below.

Have a Merry Day!

Net🎄