💕Hallmark Officially Announces Jen Lilley's Return to the Network

New images have been released via swooon.com for Hallmark's March movie premiere, A Royal Setting, starring Jen Lilley and Dan Jeannotte.

If you're a loyal follower here at *It's a Wonderful Movie,* then you've been in-the-know about this movie, from my *Hallmark March Movie Post*, since February 3rd, but now I just had to share the images posted exclusively today to Swooon for this upcoming rom-com premiere.

Plus, Hallmark is also joining in the excitement - with Jen Lilley's return to their network - with this special post today on their socials:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jen Lilley (@jen_lilley)

Jen Lilley & Hallmark Channel stated:

"We’re so excited to officially announce A Royal Setting, starring Jen Lilley and Dan Jeannotte, premiering March 28 on Hallmark! Get ready for romance fit for royalty 👑💖"


Hallmark made this comment on this post:

"A royal return for the ages! 👑"


And Jen Lilley responded:

"@hallmarkchannel ❤️ 👑 ❤️ 👑 ❤️ 👑 ❤️ 👑"


So... it appears this may be the start of potentially more movies with Jen Lilley on Hallmark!

A Royal Setting premieres Saturday, March 28 at 8pm/7c.

Storyline: Ruby, a world-renowned gemologist is hired by Prince Luca to restore the crown jewels and design his crown challenging tradition and complicating his relationship with his mother, the queen.



Stay tuned for more movie news! See Hallmark Channel's March movie premieres - *here*!

Happy movie-watching!

Net

✨ Casting News! Meet Merritt Patterson’s On-Screen Match for 'Meet Me in the Margins'

Since the movie, Meet Me in the Margins, was announced last week with Merritt Patterson’s name attached to it, a few various actors' names, who might potentially portray her opposite, have been swirling around in my mind, but (bummer!) I didn't guess this one! Although I'm still pleasantly surprised!

Great American Family revealed today that actor Liam McIntyre (Designing Christmas with You) will be portraying Merritt Patterson's opposite in the rom-com movie, Meet Me in the Margins.

Meet Me in the Margins is being adapted for the screen from the novel of the same name by author Melissa Ferguson. In fact, the movie is currently in production in Canada.

Be sure to check out Great American Media’s press release below for all the details on this movie, plus... I have more exciting news, especially for those of us who love Christmas! Another Melissa Ferguson upcoming book, titled The Christmas Yes List, is also being turned into a Christmas movie for Great American Family!

If you'd like to check out all of Melissa Ferguson's books, see her *Amazon page here*.

And get the scoop on these new movies here...


Press release via Great American Media:

Great American Media 

Partners with 

Bestselling Author 

Melissa Ferguson 

to Adapt 

Meet Me in the Margins 

and Upcoming Novel, 

The Christmas Yes List 

into New Original Movies 

for 2026

NEW YORK, NY – February 10, 2026 – Great American Media announced today a new creative partnership with bestselling author, Melissa Ferguson to adapt her popular novel, Meet Me in the Margins, and a brand-new novel to be released closer to the holidays, The Christmas Yes List, into the company’s newest Original Movies for 2026. Meet Me in the Margins, starring Merritt Patterson and Liam McIntyre is currently in production.

Known for her heartfelt storytelling, faith-forward themes, and charming romantic comedies, Ferguson has become a favorite among readers of Christian romance and romantic comedy novels. Both adaptations will be developed for Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+, enriching the company’s robust content library with even more uplifting Original stories grounded in faith, family, and meaningful connections.

“Melissa Ferguson is a gifted storyteller whose novels beautifully capture hope, resilience, and the power of love,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “These stories with their signature blend of humor and faith are exactly what Great American Media is all about. We couldn’t be more excited to bring Melissa’s works to life as Great American Original Movies,” Abbott concluded.

Meet Me in the Margins follows an aspiring author whose secret manuscript sparks an unexpected romance in the publishing world, while The Christmas Yes List is a glittering holiday rom-com about a people-pleaser collecting ten rejections by Christmas and a by-the-book workaholic saying yes to everything—until their opposite life experiments collide in hilarious festive chaos and unexpected love.

“I am beyond grateful and excited to partner with Great American Media,” said Melissa Ferguson. “Their dedication to uplifting, family-friendly storytelling aligns so closely with my heart and faith. Seeing these stories come to life on screen is a dream come true that I cannot wait to share with my readers,” Ferguson concluded.

The new films will join Great American Christmas 2026 expanding slate of Original holiday films. The partnerships underscore Great American Media’s continued investment in premium literary adaptations and its mission to provide audiences with entertainment that reflects timeless values, celebrates community, and brings families together.

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


*****************************


Melissa Ferguson's Movie Announcements:
(click on image below to play video)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Great American Family (@greatamericanfamily)

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these new movies and the casting. Please share in comments below.

And, if you'd like to see even more details and reviews for Melissa Ferguson's books, be sure to check out her *Amazon page here*.

Happy movie-watching, everyone!

Blessings to you all,

Net

Coming Soon-- UPtv To Debut The U.S. Cable Television Premiere Of Heartland Season 19

Great news, Heartland fans! Season 19 is on its way to UPtv in March!

Check out all the details in this press release from UP Entertainment below and see the promo for this all-new season at the end of this post:

UPtv TO DEBUT 

THE U.S. CABLE 

TELEVISION PREMIERE OF 

HEARTLAND SEASON 19 

ON MARCH 19

ATLANTA (Feb. 9, 2026) – UPtv, the television home for uplifting entertainment, will debut season 19 of fan-favorite family drama series Heartland on Thursday, March 19 at 8 p.m. ET. Heartland is the longest running one-hour drama in Canadian television history. In season 19, the Bartlett-Fleming family must risk everything to keep Heartland and those they love out of harm’s way. Amy strikes a delicate balance between her commitment to a new relationship and always putting her daughter first. However, when her reputation as a horse trainer is called into question, she’s caught off guard, and Amy must fight to save her good name. Lou tries to refocus attention on her family – and not on work, but when a new adversary threatens the ranch, Lou is forced to make difficult choices. Jack is the steadfast rancher he’s always been, but his patience is tested after he hires an unlikely new ranch hand. And, when outside forces jeopardize Heartland, Amy, Jack, Lou and the rest of the family must come together to build a stronger foundation for the future. Each holding fast to their values in the face of it all. Heartland strong.

Heartland is based on the bestselling series of books by Lauren Brooke. The executive producers are Michael Weinberg, Tom Cox, Jordy Randall and Mark Haroun along with co-executive producer Dean Bennett. The series is produced by Jess Maldaner. The season’s writers are Mark Haroun, Ken Craw, Caitlin Fryers, Mika Collins and Tanvi Bhatia. Season 19 directors include Dean Bennett, Ken Filewych, Melanie Scrofano, Cazhhmere Downey, Michelle Morgan and Jess Maldaner. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports; Trish Williams is Executive Director, Scripted Content; Sarah Adams is Director of Current Production, Drama; and Barbara Mamabolo is Executive in Charge of Production. A CBC original series, Heartland is produced by Dynamo Films and SEVEN24 Films with the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Government of Alberta, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, and the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit.

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.

ABOUT SEVEN24 FILMS

SEVEN24 Films is an independent film and television production company whose work has spanned over two decades. Executive Producers Tom Cox and Jordy Randall have produced dramatic series, mini-series, television movies and feature films garnering over one hundred industry awards and nominations.

SEVEN24 is proud to produce the internationally acclaimed family series Heartland, the longest running one-hour series in Canadian history, now in its nineteenth season for CBC, Netflix and UPtv. Following four seasons of the People’s Choice Award winning series, Wynonna Earp, SEVEN24 recently produced Wynonna Earp – Vengeance, a long-form continuation of the hit franchise. Family Law is another hit series for the company. Season three of the one-hour legal series recently aired on Global and CW, with a fourth season slated to air in the coming year. After three seasons of the hit comedy JANN for CTV and Roku, SEVEN24 continued the series with JANN – Alone for the Holidays, a one-hour Christmas special. SEVEN24 is currently in production on the new one-series Anna Pigeon for USA and CTV.

SEVEN24’s focus on integration of scripted programming with interactive content and social media has helped make Heartland and Wynonna Earp two of the most dynamic scripted television projects in the digital space.

Previous projects include Billy the Kid with MGM for Epix, Ride for Hallmark, CW and CTV Drama, Damnation with NBC Universal for USA, Fortunate Son, a political thriller for CBC and NBCU International, Dark Cargo, a noir thriller for YouTube Premium, Young Drunk Punk for Rogers and CBC, the Canadian Screen Award winner Borealis, the Gemini Award winning movie Mayerthorpe and Gemini Award winning Mini-Series Burn Up.

Tom Cox and Jordy Randall were also co-producers on numerous high-profile feature films including the Academy Award nominated Brokeback Mountain and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

They are both recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of their contribution to the arts and SEVEN24 Films was recently named Playback Magazine’s Production Company of the Year.

About Dynamo Films

Dynamo Films Inc. is an independent television production company founded in 2004 by Michael Weinberg. Dynamo acquired the television and ancillary rights to all the HEARTLAND books and created the television series of the same name.

In 2006 the English broadcast rights for Canada were sold by Dynamo to CBC and subsequent sales to other markets have reached more than 120 countries.

Beginning with the very first episode, Michael Weinberg has acted as Executive Producer for the HEARTLAND television show which is the longest running one hour dramatic series in Canadian history and currently has an unprecedented nineteenth season.


Trailer for Season 19:

Happy trails,

Net

❤️🏈✨Kick Off Your February Weekend with LightHEARTed Rom-Coms, When Calls the Heart, Classic Christmas Movies, and More to Love!

(click here to enlarge image)

Happy first full weekend of February, everyone! 💕

February is the month of Valentine’s Day, cozy romances, and a little extra heart! And this weekend is packed with lots of it!

This Saturday, the Hallmark Channel kicks off February with its very first Loveuary movie, while Great American Family is airing the cable premiere of a sweet, lighthearted, romantic-comedy.

And not only is romance in the air, it’s also *Game On* this weekend with the Olympics and the Super Bowl.

A quick reminder for all of you, Hearties... When Calls the Heart will air episode 6 a day early on Saturday, due to the Super Bowl game on Sunday.

A really sweet thing about this upcoming episode is that the new Mountie visiting Hope Valley is Austin Landon, son of When Calls the Heart Producer Michael Landon, Jr., and grandson of Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie, Bonanza). With both his father and grandfather having roles in period dramas, it’s wonderful to see Austin continue the family tradition. (Austin is pictured above in a Mountie uniform next to Kevin McGarry.)

I also wanted to mention that Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie) is also supposed to return for this episode, although she is not included in any of the press photos or promos released for this episode.

On Sunday afternoon, Great American Family will warm hearts with the Great American Rescue Bowl, featuring the most adorable dogs and cats in need of adoption and a “fur”ever home- hosted by Beth Stern and Trevor Donovan. 🐾❤️

See all of the details for these programs, plus Christmas movie classics, and more, below…


***********************


Saturday, February 7, 2026

Meet Me In New York

Storyline: Ambitious New York events planner Kelly is one of the best in the business. But when Joe, a stubborn, but influential website editor, hires her to organize his niece's birthday, Kelly soon realizes that she may have met her match.

Meet Me In New York

Premieres Saturday, February 7, 2026

at 8pm/7c on Great American Family

***********************


Saturday, February 7, 2026

The Way to You

Storyline: New Yorkers Emma and Conrad agree to help each other find their missed connections after a subway blackout. Their search might lead to love, but not where either of them expects.

The Way to You

Premieres Saturday, February 7, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

***********************


Saturday, February 7, 2026

When Calls the Heart

Season 13, Episode 6

Storyline: A familiar face returns and brings a fun, new piece of technology with her...the polygraph. Nathan freezes when a playful line of questioning catches him off guard.

When Calls the Heart

Season 13, Episode 6

Premieres Saturday, February 7, 2026

at 10:01pm/9:01c on the Hallmark Channel

***********************


Sunday, February 8, 2026

Great American Rescue Bowl

Details via Great American Family: The Great American Rescue Bowl is a two-hour special event honoring rescue pets and the heroes across America who save lives through shelter pet adoption. Once again, “Great American Rescue Bowl” is partnered with America’s largest NO KILL rescue and adoption organization, North Shore Animal League America, to bring viewers adorable, adoptable pets, giving them a chance to find forever homes. Back as host is animal advocate, author, and Animal League America volunteer, Beth Stern, whose passion for pets has resulted in fostering, rescuing, and helping to find homes for thousands of shelter pets over the years.

Great American Rescue Bowl

Airs Sunday, February 8, 2026

at 12pm/11c on Great American Family

***********************


Sunday, February 8, 2026

All-American Halftime Show

For those of you watching the Super Bowl, if you're interested in turning at halftime to the alternative *All-American Halftime Show,* tune in Sunday, February 8th at 8pm ET.

There will be performances by Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett that will celebrate faith, family, and freedom.

Where to watch live:
- TPUSA X
- TPUSA YouTube
- TPUSA Rumble
- Rumble App
- Real America's Voice (Roku, Samsung Plus, YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, Amazon Prime, etc.)
- Sinclair Broadcast OTT channel CHARGE!
- Daily Wire+
- TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network)
- NTD (New Tang Dynasty)
- OAN (One America News)


***********************


Friday, February 6 and Sunday, February 8, 2026:

Christmas Movie Classics

Friday and Sunday

Friday, February 6, 2026:

A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
The Finnish Line ... Hallmark Channel ... 4pm
Angel Falls Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Finding Father Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 8pm
The Christmas Secret ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
Engaging Father Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Angel Falls Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 2am
A Christmas Miracle for Daisy ... Great American Family ... 4am


Sunday, February 8, 2026:

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story ... Hallmark Channel ... 8am
A Heavenly Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 8am
A Godwink Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 10am
Mistletoe Murders: Poison in a Pear Tree ... Hallmark Mystery ... 10am
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story ... Hallmark Channel ... 10am
We Met in December ... Hallmark Channel ... 12pm
Mistletoe Murders: Peril of the Belles ... Hallmark Mystery ... 12pm
A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love ... Hallmark Family ... 12pm
A Godwink Christmas: Miracle of Love ... Hallmark Family ... 2pm
Mistletoe Murders: Death of a Humbug ... Hallmark Mystery ... 2pm
Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen ... Hallmark Channel ... 4pm
A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love ... Hallmark Family ... 4pm
Mistletoe Murders: Cold War ... Hallmark Mystery ... 4pm
The Gift of Peace ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
Mistletoe Murders: The Ides of December ... Hallmark Mystery ... 6pm
Christmas Above the Clouds ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
Mistletoe Murders: 'Twas the Fight Before Christmas ... Hallmark Mystery ... 8pm
Holiday Hotline ... Hallmark Channel ... 10pm



***********************


Wishing you all a wonderful weekend... full of fun, heart, and happiness! As always, thank you for spending a little of your time here... your visits truly mean so much. Hope you enjoy all the love February has to offer! 💕

If you'd like to share a review for any of the movies this weekend, Winter Escape, Christmas 2025, or whatever... please feel free to share in comments.

Blessings to You All!

Net

❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️

"Let all that you do 

be done with love."

~1 Corinthians 16:14

New King James Version

Merritt Patterson Signs Exclusive Multi-Picture Deal with Great American Family

Exciting news, movie fans! Merritt Patterson has officially signed on for a long-term partnership with Great American Family! For all of us who love watching Merritt in her many delightful rom-coms and Christmas movies, we will have plenty to look forward to.

If you're curious what film Merritt is filming next with Great American Family, be sure to check out the press release below for all the details...

Press Release via Great American Media:

Great American Media
Signs Exclusive
Multi-Picture Deal
with Fan-Favorite Actress,
Merritt Patterson

First Film in New Deal,
Meet Me in the Margins,
Adapted from Best Selling Author,
Melissa Ferguson’s Novel

NEW YORK, NY – February 5, 2026 – Great American Media today announced an exclusive multi-picture agreement with beloved romantic comedy and holiday leading lady, Merritt Patterson, further strengthening the company’s commitment to delivering uplifting, feel-good Originals for audiences who crave heartfelt storytelling. The company also announces the first film of the new deal is Meet Me in the Margins, adapted from bestselling author Melissa Ferguson’s novel of the same name. Meet Me in the Margins is scheduled to go into production in Spring.

In Meet Me in the Margins, Patterson stars as a book editor who secretly pens her own romance manuscript, only to find unexpected editorial notes from a mysterious critic in the margins. The film is a witty, heartwarming story about finding love between the lines.

Patterson is a proven rom com favorite whose performances have helped make her one of the most recognizable faces in the genre. Across Great American Media, she has starred in multiple audience-favorite Originals, including Jingle Bell Princess, Catering Christmas, ‘Twas the Text Before Christmas, A Vintage Christmas, and One Perfect Match. Beyond Great American Media, Patterson’s warm, witty style has made her a go-to lead for rom com fans with standout holiday titles like The Christmas Cottage.

“Merritt Patterson is the kind of rare leading lady audiences instantly connect with – she is heartfelt, funny, and endlessly watchable,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “I could not be more thrilled to continue our long-time working relationship. Her warmth and charm truly define what our viewers love, and we are looking forward to bringing even more memorable stories to life with Merritt leading the way,” Abbott concluded.

Under the new agreement, Patterson will star in multiple upcoming Great American Media Originals across the company’s portfolio of platforms, including Great American Pure Flix, Great American Family, and GFAM+, continuing her run as one of Great American Media’s signature family of stars.

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 CONTACT:

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


*******************


I'm personally thrilled that Merritt Patterson has signed on to star in multiple movies with Great American Family. She has already starred in many movies that I love, including 'Twas the Text Before Christmas, One Perfect Match, Catering Christmas, Picture a Perfect Christmas, The Christmas Cottage, etc., and this new project, Meet Me in the Margins, based on Melissa Ferguson's book, sounds intriguing! *click here for book details*

Please share your favorite Merritt Patterson movies in comments below. Are you excited that she is joining GAF long-term?

Happy movie-watching,

Net