"Seasoned with Love" starring Julia and Peter Benson on BYUtv!

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: Seasoned with Love

Network: BYUtv

Original Air Date: April 30, 2021

Starring: Julia and Peter Benson

This real-life married couple has starred together in "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries" and many other Hallmark movies!

Storyline: Winona Applegate is on the fast track to becoming a celebrity chef, already running a very successful bistro in Pittsburgh. With nerves building, she leaves for New York to audition for her own show in front of television executives. Unfortunately, her car breaks down near New Holland, a small, quirky town where Winona rents a room at a local inn run by Adam, a widower. With the local Spring Festival coming up and the resident cook unavailable to manage the menu, Winona agrees to get her car fixed in time for her audition in exchange for her much needed help in the Inn's kitchen. As she prepares for the festival with Adam, Winona begins to fall in love with New Holland and one of its residents as well.

Review:

🍲 "This movie was a delicious treat, very family friendly! I really enjoyed the match-up of real-life couple Peter and Julia Benson. In this movie, however, they are both single. Julia portrays a chef, Winona Applegate, who’s on her way to New York to audition for her own cooking show, and Peter portrays, Adam, the owner of a B&B in New Holland, Pennsylvania… where Winona finds herself stuck for a few days while her car is getting worked on. While she’s there, a spark begins to develop between she and Adam, but is Winona willing to give up her dreams or are her dreams changing when she helps Adam and his daughter cook up a feast for the town’s annual Spring festival? Overall, it was a sweet movie; however, I personally didn’t like one quick thing- near the end, Julia shares a quote from a Buddhist monk that her friend Annie would often say to inspire her. Besides that quick comment, it was lighthearted, refreshing, and like a good meal, the ending is sure to leave you feeling very satisfied." ~Net


🍲 "This is certainly an unusual picture to find being run today but a curiously refreshing one. At first, I thought I’d end up falling asleep (as some might) then found the theme somehow intriguing. With married-in-real life main stars Julia and Peter Benson performing so convincingly as strangers in a regional town who, against odds, gradually get to know and respect each other being so well done and natural, that it comes as a refreshing relief from the morose nastiness that all too often masquerades as ‘entertainment’. Their youthful co stars, Tori Barban and Kolton Stewart are equally natural and completely likeable, making this a surprisingly gentle and rather well-scripted experience. Recommended for those needing some respite from the ugly blues. Well produced and colorful." ~Ken R




*If you miss this showing on BYUtv, you should also be able to watch via VOD on BYU's web-site - *click here*!

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*images via: Incendo Productions

Who plays Santa this week on Hallmark?

He has the classic red suit and a jolly happy soul... it's Jordan Bridges under that Santa beard and costume in his movie with Alison Sweeney, Christmas at Holly Lodge, which airs this Thursday on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Plus, just before the Hallmark Channel invites you on their Love Around the World Marathon this weekend, take a trip to Vienna on Friday night, with Sarah Drew and Brennan Elliott in Christmas in Vienna!


Thursday, April 29, 2021:

Christmas at Holly Lodge

Storyline: Sofie Bennet feels the pressure as she struggles to pay the mortgage for Holly Lodge, which has been in her family for generations. Undeterred and keeping up with tradition, her annual Christmas celebration at the lodge is in full swing. Holly Lodge is a special place where Christmas miracles are known to happen. This year there is a new face that shows up. From the moment they lock eyes, Sofie is instantly drawn to Evan Hunter, the handsome and charming real estate investor. Little does she know he isn’t here for the holiday cheer. Sofie’s best friend Callie discovers that Evan’s trip is all business as he sent to scope out the property for his eccentric millionaire boss to purchase. Unexpectedly, Evan falls in love with the place and Sofie as well. Reluctant to believe in Christmas miracles, can Sofie save the place herself or will this be the last Christmas at Holly Lodge?

"Christmas at Holly Lodge"

Encores:

Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 8pm/7c.

on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄


Friday, April 30, 2021:

Christmas in Vienna

Storyline: Jess (Sarah Drew), a concert violinist whose heart just isn’t in it anymore, goes to Vienna for a performance. While there, she finds the inspiration she has been missing, and a new love.

"Christmas in Vienna"

Encores:

Friday, April 30, 2021 at 8pm/7c.

on the Hallmark Channel

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄



Both of these Christmas movies airing this week are family friendly!

Christmas at Holly Lodge is a fun Christmas comedy, with a heartwarming military tribute. Again, it's another Christmas movie starring Alison Sweeney, who starred in both Christmas movies last week on Hallmark. She's definitely on a role lately. Plus, you can also see Alison in Love on the Air at 6pm/5c. on Thursday night, just before Christmas at Holly Lodge. Plus, her fan favorite rom-com movie, The Irresistible Blueberry Farm, airs Friday night at 8pm/7c. (I was given the pleasure of interviewing Alison for "The Irresistible Blueberry Farm" - if you liked to see it - click here!) And, if you want even more movies with Alison Sweeney, look for the Murder She Baked marathon this Sunday, May 2nd, on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

In addition to those movies, have you heard this latest scoop? Alison Sweeney will be starring alongside Hallmark favorites: Lacey Chabert, Kevin McGarry and Autumn Reeser in - "The Wedding Veil" movie trilogy. This movie has just begun production and is coming to Hallmark in 2022. See details *here*.

The second Christmas movie airing this week, Christmas in Vienna, is a lighthearted holiday movie - that has adventure, romance, and beautiful music! I've personally only seen it one time during Christmas last year, so I'm looking forward to watching it again.

Please share your thoughts on these Christmas movies below...


You can check out more Christmas movies airing in May - here!

Joyous Blessings to You All,

Net

UPtv MAY 2021 TV Movie Premieres 🌞 SEE HERE:

We were showered with movies in April on UPtv - and more are flowering out in May!

In fact, NEW Movies are just warming UP on UPtv, as the network will continue premiering NEW MOVIES on Sunday nights starting with Just for the Summer, starring Hayley Sales and Brant Daugherty, and after Mother's Day, Cooking Up Love, starring Rachel Bles and Stephen Huszar.

Also, look for wedding-themed movies coming to UPtv in June!

See details on the May Movie Premieres below...




Just for the Summer

Original Air Date: May 2, 2021

Starring: Hayley Sales and Brant Daugherty

Story-line via UPtv: English teacher Penelope Campbell loves her annual summer vacations visiting her Grandma Dot, despite Dot’s constant attempts to set her up with every single man in town. This year, she bumps into Jason Humphrey, none other than her childhood sweetheart, who is still as handsome and charming as ever. It’s a little awkward at first but the conversation soon turns to Jason’s own Grandma Sophie, who keeps doing the same to him! In order to evade the efforts of their matchmaking grandmothers, they make a pact pretending to date each other, but will the old sparks return?

Reviews:

🌞 "Loved "Just For The Summer". It is family friendly, but if seeing a guy without his shirt is offensive, you might reconsider. It is only one scene. Don't know why they felt that necessary. So happy to see the little girl from "The Angel Tree" in this. The two grandmas are funny.This is a keeper for me. Want this DVD!" ~kitkat

🌞 "Such a cute movie! I just loved the meddling grandma's - they were both so much fun. The fake dating is somewhat deceitful - so yes, there is some lying by omission. Hayley Sales and Brant Daugherty are a delightful match. If you liked Brant in the Hallmark movie, Mingle All the Way where he & Jen Lilley "pretended" to date, then you will most likely enjoy this one, too! And, yes, as kitkat mentioned, there is a scene where Brant Daugherty is shirtless on the dock by his sailboat. Besides that, it is very family friendly!" ~Net

🌞 "Just For The Summer. Agree with KitKat and Net, very cute movie. Loved the grandmas, too!" ~~Jane




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Cooking Up Love

Original Air Date: May 16, 2021

Starring: Rachel Bles and Stephen Huszar

Story-line via UPtv: On a lark, Zoey rents a food truck and enters a reality TV competition. Heat rises between her and the handsome founder of a fast food chain, but when Zoey finds out he’s a judge in the contest, things quickly fizzle. Zoey’s determined to win fair and square and she suspects ‘Mr-Too-Good-To-Be-True’ is really after her sauce recipe, not her heart.


Reviews:

🌞 "I watched and enjoyed Sweet Carolina and Cooking Up Love." ~Denise

🌞 "Watched Cooking Up Love last night and enjoyed it too! Stephen Huszar is another favorite." ~kitkat

🌞 "Cooking Up Love. I really like Stephen Huszar but I just couldn't take this movie and deleted it at the halfway point. Was not a fan of the main actress, plus there was just too much cheesiness and my eyeballs were rolling so much they almost got stuck up in my head. I think other people will really enjoy it but I was in a "mood" and my cheese factor happened to be on overload that night, so not a keeper for me." ~~Jane

🌞 "Cooking Up Love - I’ll give a taste of what I liked about this movie. First, this film stars Stephen Huszar, who I’ve seen and liked in a number of Hallmark movies, including “Ruby Herring Mysteries” and “Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas,” just to name a few! He was great in this movie, too, as the rich and handsome restaurant founder, Colin Richmond. Stephen’s co-star, Rachel Bles, is someone I have never seen before, but instantly, I liked her spunky, warm personality as Zoe McBride; plus, she was extra sweet and adorable working alongside actor, Ron Lea (“Unlocking Christmas”), who played her Grandpa. Those two were super cute working side by side in a food truck competition. To make things even more interesting, Colin was one of the judges. Not sure why Colin and Zoe didn’t get into trouble fraternizing together during the competition, but that was never an issue. With a dash of comedy and romance – this family-friendly movie was just the right mix for me!" ~Net




UPdate: I heard from my friend at UPtv, and these two movies are the only new ones in May, but be sure to look for more premieres coming in June!

I'm personally super excited to finally see "Just for the Summer." Sure, it's more fake-dating, but the promos look soooo cute with the meddling grandmothers! (update: see my review above!) And, how beautiful is that poster for "Cooking Up Love?" It looks so fresh and yummy! Plus, it's great to see two excellent, handsome leading men who are quite recognizable from Hallmark - Brant Daugherty and Stephen Huszar! Am I right, ladies?

Hope you enjoyed this movie information. If you would like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments.

Blessings on your day! Net

Find Your Way Home with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Lost Without You" and "Higher Ground" - Tonight! #POstables

I must say, it's pretty hard to top the two previous "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" movies that aired Monday night, Truth Be Told and The Impossible Dream; however, there is such great meaning and depth in these two movies airing tonight on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries - Lost Without You and Higher Ground, but I think you'll find yourself not only captivated by the mystery of the lost letter, but of the greater mission and higher calling of finding/rediscovering one's faith.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: LOST WITHOUT YOU - 6pm/5c.

Oliver's Divine Delivery Theory is put to the test when he and the POstables seem to be unable to deliver a damaged letter from a military veteran that's a matter of life and death. Stars Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth. Movie 8 of 12.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: HIGHER GROUND - 8pm/7c.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans handyman and blues singer-songwriter, Gabe Recolte was left homeless before he had the chance to express his love for club owner Hattie. Movie 9 of 12.



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CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:

If you need to check out the chronological of the complete "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" series, you can see that - *here*.

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"SSD" DIVINE INSPIRATION:

These two "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" movies instantly make me think of the beautiful hymn, Amazing Grace...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now am found

Was blind but now I see

Was Grace that taught my heart to fear

And Grace, my fears relieved

How precious did that Grace appear

The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares

We have already come

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far

And Grace will lead us home

Those beautiful words in that song have impacted thousands of lives through many generations. We can each hold fast to The Lord's promises- whenever we feel lost or distant, He is always there waiting and listening for us to welcome Him into our hearts and make Him present in our day to day. Sometimes our faith can be tested, but every true relationship is, that's why we must keep on believing and trusting. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." -Psalm 46:1

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths." -Proverbs 3:5-6.

May the Light of Christ shine through you!

God bless you, Net

*images: Hallmark Crown Media

Hallmark's "The Wedding Veil" Movie Trilogy - starring Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and Autumn Reeser! Plus, Kevin McGarry of "When Calls the Heart"! #Hearties #Hallmarkies SEE DETAILS HERE:

images: Hallmark Crown Media / Parade

In a Good HouseKeeping exclusive - Hallmark reveals: "The Wedding Veil trilogy, starring Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney and Autumn Reeser, will "follow three close but far-flung college friends who, during one of their annual trips together, discover an enchanted antique that changes each of their lives." Kevin McGarry, who plays Nathan on Hallmark's When Calls the Heart, is also set to appear in the movies, but it's unclear who he'll play — a love interest, perhaps?"

The movies are loosely inspired from a book by author Lori Wilde.

Lacey Chabert will be taking on duel roles in this movie series, as an actress and executive producer.

Production recently began on this series - on April 12th. Kevin McGarry shared in a podcast that he would be working with Lacey, which leaves one to wonder if they will be love interests in the The Wedding Veil trilogy. Guess we will have to wait and see... the movies will premiere on the Hallmark Channel in 2022, but we'll probably receive a few more details before then! Stay tuned!

Have a great, Blessed day! Net

More "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" Movies may not be an Impossible Dream! Plus, watch 2 Special SSD Movies Today! #POstables

First of all, #Postables - today we can watch two very special, patriotic movies from the "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" series: Truth be Told and The Impossible Dream. Both of these movies are powerful and emotionally stirring. I am deeply moved by the great lengths these four incredible POstable detectives: Oliver, Shane, Rita, and Norman go to - to deliver a lost letter and search for it's sender, who may be in great danger. Along the way, they travel to Washington D.C. and use clues from the past and from scripture to decipher the whereabouts of a lost soldier in Afghanistan.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: TRUTH BE TOLD - 6pm/5c.
The POstables are on a mission to deliver a soldier's letter from Afghanistan to a teenager who's being relentlessly bullied, while Oliver's estranged father surprises him with news that shakes him to his core. Movie 4 of 12.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM - 8pm/7c.
The POstables work against the clock decoding a letter to rescue a soldier in Afghanistan and reunite her with her family, while Rita competes for the National Miss Special Delivery title in Washington, D.C. Movie 5 of 12.

Also, for those of you who are seeking any sliver of light on the future of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," you will enjoy this news Eric Mabius (Oliver) posted on Twitter:

@Eric_Mabius Tweet:

"#POstables. A little bird has been whispering. Nothing is official, yet. I’ll believe it when we’re gathered together, embracing one another for our table reading of @MarthaMoonWater‘s newest brilliant script. It seems as though we may be on for SSD#11. This summer. Voices heard

I was ecstatic when I saw this news from Eric Mabius! Breathless. We've waited so long to hear Something. Anything. And to have this hope recently from Eric really does make one feel there is light at the end of the SSD tunnel, and hopefully more owls, lost letters, kombucha tea, and porch swinging!

If you need to check out the chronological of the complete "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" series, you can see that - *here*.

May the Light of the world shine on you today!

God bless you all, Net

YOU'RE INVITED to a "WHEN CALLS THE HEART" WEDDING! Plus, see HEARTS DOWN UNDER, DESIGNED WITH LOVE & More! #Hearties SEE HERE:

Images: Hallmark Crown Media 

This weekend - it's THE WEDDING all Hearties have been waiting for THIS SEASON, with the nuptials of Ned and Florence! Plus, see info on the new movies airing this weekend on the Hallmark Channel and UPtv - and the Wild West Chronicles continue on INSP!


Saturday, April 24, 2021:

Cindy Busby stars in an all new destination Hallmark movie in...

 

Hearts Down Under

Storyline: New York restaurateur Caroline (Busby) inherits a café in Lemon Myrtle Cove, Australia. While there, she begins to fall in love with the place and its people, particularly Simon (Ross), the café’s charming local chef.

 

Hearts Down Under premieres

Saturday, April 24, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, April 24, 2021:

One of a Kind Love

Storyline via BYUtv: Kyra's dreams of being a jeweler have been put on the backburner, as her demanding job at the Sawyer Country Club is her priority. When a vacant shop becomes available in town, Kyra sees an opportunity to put a plan into action, until she learns that there's another renter interested in the space. Enter Aiden Sawyer, prodigal son, big-city business magnate and Kyra's childhood nemesis, returning home to the country club his parents own. As they patch up their past, Kyra and Aiden learn that there may be something more between them than just playful flirting. But when Kyra enters a renowned jewelry contest to raise enough money to outbid the mystery renter, Aiden finds himself in a race against time to make everything right.

*Note #1: Since this movie is airing on BYUtv, I highly anticipate it will be family friendly.

*Note #2: The star of this movie is Jocelyn Hudon (When Hope Calls); her co-star is her real-life fiancé Jake Manley.

One of a Kind Love airs

Saturday, April 24, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on BYUtv

(encore airing at 12am/11c.)

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Saturday, April 24, 2021:

Catch three Mystery Marathons today on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries...

Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 10am-4pm

Crossword Mysteries - 4pm-8pm

MatchMaker Mysteries - 8pm-12am



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Saturday, April 24, 2021 and Sunday, April 25, 2021

The Hallmark Channel is having a special Rom-Com-a-thon...

Not all of the movies airing during the marathon are ones I can personally endorse, but there are still some cute ones playing, including: Love and Sunshine, Country at Heart, As Luck Would Have It, Second Chances, Right in Front of Me, A Country Wedding, and It Was Always You.



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Sunday, April 25, 2021:

It's a full day of Aurora Teagarden Mysteries starring Candace Cameron Bure...

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries - 10am-12am
on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries



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Sunday, April 25, 2021:

Return to the Wild West with another episode of...

Wild West Chronicles

*This is a 30 minute show that reenacts the old wild west. Caution: there will be violence.

Season 1 | Episode 3
Bass Reeves: Trailblazing Lawman

The story of legendary lawman Bass Reeves. After living with, and learning from the indigenous people of the Indian Territory, escaped slave Bass Reeves receives the news that changes the course of his life—that he is now a free man. Heading back home to Arkansas, his expert tracking skills and fluency in native languages lead to his appointment as the first-ever Black deputy U.S. marshal. Met with discrimination amongst his peers, Reeves doesn’t let it get in the way of doing his job, stepping up as the only man brave enough to take down a dangerous criminal. When his risky plan proves to be effective, Reeves earns the respect he deserves and goes on to have an extraordinary career protecting and serving the untamed West.

Wild West Chronicles airs

Sunday, April 25, 2021

at 5:30pm/4:30c. on INSP

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Sunday, April 25, 2021:

Will the new rom-com premiering Sunday night on UPtv have you in stitches?

 

Designed With Love

Story-line via UPtv: Clothes designer Skye goes mobile with a “fashion truck” – but she can’t drive the truck and run the business alone. Help comes in the unlikely form of handsome entrepreneur Jason. As they work together, Skye and Jason find they have more in common than they thought… could it be love?

 

*NOTE: I pre-screened this movie and it is family-friendly. You can see my full review for this movie - *HERE*! (Once you click on the link, be sure to scroll way down the page beneath the "Designed with Love" pics and you'll find my review!)

Designed With Love premieres

Sunday, April 25, 2021

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
(encore airing at 11pm/10c.)

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Sunday, April 25, 2021:

It's Florence and Ned's wedding day in...

 

When Calls the Heart

Season 8 - Episode 10

Episode 10 - “Old Love, New Love, Is this True Love” :

Storyline: Florence and Ned’s wedding leads every couple in Hope Valley to evaluate their relationships. Rosemary discovers there is more happening in Hope Valley than everyone realizes, and she decides to get to the bottom of it.

See When Calls the Heart

Season 8 - Episode 10

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, April 25, 2021:

Merry *Mark the 25th* Day of the Month, Everyone!


It's time to Mark the 25th day of the month again, as we countdown to Christmas! As of April 25th - 8 months to go!

 
Did any of you have snow this past week? Yes, SNOW in April! We ended up receiving about 3 inches here on the farm in the Midwest. It was beautiful to watch the snowy scene from my warm spot inside. It definitely felt more like Christmastime, then Spring! I could hardly believe it as I looked out my window - there was snow on our lilacs and daffodils! It has all melted away now and we are expecting warmer temps this weekend, but it was rather fun to get that little taste of Christmas once more.

For all of you Christmas movie fans who wish to participate in marking the 25th, simply pick something Christmassy to watch Sunday, April 25th! (Or, Saturday will work, too!) It can be a Christmas movie, cartoon, family sitcom or anything you like. (There's only one stipulation - it must be family friendly.) Then, please share in comments below your Christmas choice for the day!

My pick to Mark the 25th is... "When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas," in honor of the WCTH wedding airing this weekend.

Available at Amazon on DVD

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I hope you all have a cozy, sunny Spring weekend. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather and being outside more, and enjoying the movies + When Calls the Heart Sunday night! I think there's going to be a lot of couples dealing with emotion during Florence and Ned's wedding. Should be interesting! I'm so happy to see these two say I do, and I'm delighted Katie, Ned's daughter, has returned for this special day, even though she's not quite ready for her father to remarry. As the previews have hinted, the conversation Elizabeth has with her not only changes Katie's heart, but it may also make Elizabeth realize what's in her own.

Please Note: I have not pre-screened Hallmark's new movie, Hearts Down Under. If you happen to watch it and would like to share a review, please share below in comments.

Review: I did pre-screen the new UPtv movie Designed with Love, and it is cute and family-friendly. You can see more of my review - *HERE*!

Also, if you'd like to join in and Countdown to Christmas with us, please be sure to share your *Mark the 25th* Christmas pick in comments below!

Blessings on your weekend! Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."

~1 Corinthians 13:4-8