I have fantastic news for those of you who don't have the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel! Seven Christmas movies that premiered on or typically only air on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries are coming to the Hallmark Channel this July during the network's annual Christmas in July event!
At least two of these Christmas movies have aired on the Hallmark Channel before, but it's such a rare event for these HMM movies to be scheduled there; I wanted to be sure you all were aware.
Christmas in July -
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
on the Hallmark Channel
(listed below in the order they are airing)
Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 8/7c
πTime for Us to Come Home for Christmas -
Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 8/7c
πLong Lost Christmas -
Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 6/5c
πTime for Him to Come Home for Christmas -
Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 8/7c
πCranberry Christmas -
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 6/5c
πThe Gift of Peace -
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 8/7c
πSense, Sensibility & Snowmen -
Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 9a/8c
All of these movies are family-friendly, but my top three recommendations would have to be: The Gift of Peace, Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas, and Long Lost Christmas.
Both The Gift of Peace and Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas deal with the sadness of loss, so they are better suited for a mature audience. However, I have a feeling these stories, plus Long Lost Christmas, will deeply touch your heart - as they have mine.
I've included movie reviews from *It's a Wonderful Movie* friends and family members below - if any of you would like to read them before viewing.
Happy (almost) Christmas in July, Everyone!
Net
Movie Reviews:
(in alphabetical order by movie title)
Cranberry Christmas -
π"Cranberry Christmas" is a family-friendly, lovely movie with a deeper storyline like HMM is known for. I think the leads did a nice job of showing two married people holding on and working together through the difficulties that come with life and love." ~ Alicia
π"My two "must watch" picks from the weekend were "Cranberry Christmas" (because we don't get many movies about an already married couple and the story sounded good) and "On the 12th Date of Christmas" (because Tyler Hynes is my favorite Hallmark leading man and I'm pretty much guaranteed to enjoy whatever Hallmark movie he's in). I've only had a chance to watch those two so far but just wanted to say they're both family friendly and I loved them both for the same reasons they were my "must watch" picks! Tyler Hynes was fantastic in his role, as always, and I thought he was well matched with Mallory Jansen. I loved watching their characters fall in love, enjoyed their interactions with their respective families, and thought the scavenger hunt theme was fun. "Cranberry Christmas" is wonderful, and I highly recommend it if you're someone who enjoys the deeper, richer stories on HMM. Don't get me wrong--I enjoy the fluffy romantic fantasies too, but it was refreshing to see the more realistic picture that marriage takes work and it's worth the effort. Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres did a beautiful job portraying a couple working through a rough patch and growing closer together through it. The ending made me tear up." ~ Amy Lama
π"Cranberry Christmas--I liked it, but...….The Covid stuff is making these movies hard to watch. I did not believe those 2 loved each other at all. I am sure it is from covid, but I would think if you are on set with someone for 3 weeks you could hug, or come close to one another. I loved the festival stuff, the house was beautiful, the farm, but even at the end, they almost kissed and it was weird, cause I didn't feel love with them at all." ~ Sabrina
π"I loved the movie Cranberry Christmas. Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres were wonderful together. I hope to see them in other movies together." ~ Namegirl
π"Cranberry Christmas. LOVED it!! Totally agree with what Alicia said. Definitely a keeper for my dvr and will purchase whenever the dvd comes out." ~~Jane
π"What a diverse bunch we are. As I should have known these Christmas movies aren't turning out as I expected. I was so looking forward to Cranberry Christmas because the plot seemed like a change in direction for Hallmark but what a disappointment, in fact I'd have to say it was rather dull. Nikki DeLoach has become one of my favourite Hallmark actors and she tried her best but the weak link was Benjamin Ayres - whoever thought that the heavy designer stubble would be attractive? - he really needed some life injected into him. I just couldn't feel that spark between them except a really deep friendship. Not a patch on Ms DeLoach's recent Sweet Autumn Fall Harvest Movie. Not one for the re-watch pile." ~ Anonymous
π"Cranberry Christmas - Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayre were great in this. I do like the separated couple story. I just don’t feel that it was believable enough that they were separated to begin with. They were too sweet to each other to be a separated coupleπ. There was no sense of estrangement. It was still a sweet movie and the apology/ring scene when Benjamin Ayre got teary eyed was soooo beautiful. I love what grandma said, “Express what you’re thinking because he can’t read minds. Admit your shortcomings because they’re obvious anyway. Do the work because making your marriage last is the most beautiful, challenging, terrifying and worthwhile work you’ll ever do” ~ CH Mom
π"Cranberry Christmas – First, I agree with CH Mom, it was hard to believe, at times, that this married couple is separated. Sure, they have some communication problems, but it’s nothing a good sit down conversation shouldn’t be able to fix. I enjoyed the fact that they weren’t quick to truly separate, but they both wanted to hold on to their marriage, even when business stood strongly in their way and sometimes, it was the only thread that held them together. I liked how these two realized they had to fight for their marriage, and another bit of advice I liked from the grandmother was, “…there are no perfect marriages, just imperfect people that don’t give up on each other.” Overall, I enjoyed this family-friendly film and the message behind it." ~Net
The Gift of Peace -
π "A Gift of Peace is a wonderful movie! A story of healing and dealing with grief. Tear jerker for sure. All the actors did an outstanding job! It's family friendly, but I would use caution with smaller children." ~Joyce in Carolina
π "My long-ish review of The Gift of Peace: I really loved this movie. I've been having fears of losing someone I love for the past week, and this felt really good. I'm glad Dayspring made this. Except, I couldn't help but wonder if this movie feels really out of place on this network given how so much of this new lineup this season has nothing to do with faith? Movies like this, or similar to it is how Hallmark built it's core audience and became the movie destination it is today. It's core audience is mainly conservative and Christian because of these kind of movies. To see something as wonderful as this, and to have to remember that Hallmark has mostly rejected it's core audience over the last 2 years, makes me sad inside. Because the kind of audience that Hallmark is trying to aim for will never truly care about this network like it's true audience does. Because the type of movies they want have nothing to do with what made Hallmark so famous in the 1st place. I hope Hallmark doesn't completely give up on faith based movies, but at the same time, I don't want them to feel out of place in a new movie lineup. Anyone else feel the same?" –Maria
π "The Gift of Peace may be my favorite Christmas movie of the season. Yes, it was sad in parts, but it was also full of hope. The cast and the acting was fantastic, portraying grief so honestly. The theme of faith and prayer was also well done ( that God is always listening , he just doesn't always answer the way we expect). In some Hallmark movies, widows and widowers seem to kind of rush into a new relationship, but this movie handled that so much better. I also loved the music used. Although - did anyone else notice that the singer's lips didn't match the words in the flashback of Regina singing with her mom? But, if that little nit picky complaint is all I've got, then that means this one is a keeper. Maybe I should only watch the Day spring movies!" ~melnewlife
π "The Gift of Peace is family friendly about Traci is a once-devout Christian who stopped believing in God after her husband named Greg tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, she tries going to a support group for inspiration & comfort. Traci Fremont is an artist who is grieving the loss of her husband named Greg. Two years after his death, Traci’s grief is clouding her creative abilities in her work, but it also really challenged her once devout faith. At the encouragement of a friend, she reluctantly joins a grief support group. The group meets at a church and they begin with prayer, which is something Traci finds difficult. She has lost her way in terms of her faith because her prayers were not answered. But she begins to form a connection with the group’s leader, Michael & learns that he too has lost a loved one. Traci participates in various Christmas activities with the group and her heart begins to heal and open up again. This is a beautiful story, but you will want to keep the tissues close by for this one, y'all. Traci & Michael have a deep faith." ~Anonymous
π "A Gift of Peace. Just watched and had to keep checking to make sure it was Hallmark. More faith based than even the older better Hallmark. Sad that it’s so unbalanced with other terrible offerings. Fast forwarded through commercials so not sure about them. Agree with Joyce in Carolina on main actors and actresses." ~JoCo
π "The Gift of Peace is family friendly about after Traci Fremont’s Husband named Greg’s death, long-time devoted Christian Traci stops believing, and on her second Christmas without him, she visits a support group in search of comfort and inspiration. It’s based on the story by Michael Grimm is about healing, faith, & community. Hope it brings people who have lost someone hope and joy this Christmas. (Review may contain Spoilers) Traci, who is two years into her grief. She lost her husband & is very stuck in her life. She can’t paint anymore, she used to paint with her husband so their work and their lives were completely intertwined.” This is where I feel closer to God right here the closer to proximity to Heaven. It’s a place to you can look out. Traci Fremont is an artist who was a once-devout Christian but stopped believing in God after her Husband named Greg tragically died despite her prayers. As her second Christmas without him approaches, her creative spark has dimmed right before her important Christmas Eve gallery showing. Seeking refreshed inspiration & missing her husband, she joins a support group one night, only to discover it’s a faith-based gathering. Realizing she chose the wrong group, Traci leaves abruptly. While Christmas shopping a few days later, she runs into Michael, the leader of the group, and apologizes for running out. He convinces her to give the session another try and if she still feels the same way, she doesn’t have to stay beyond Christmas. Although skeptical, Traci agrees. As she participates in Christmas activities related to each week’s theme of comfort, peace, hope & joy, she bonds with her vibrant, new spiritual community & her art becomes more inspired. Traci finds the strength to keep moving forward and open her heart again, realizing that true faith is more than just answered prayers and that love surrounds us, always." ~Anonymous
π "The Gift of Peace is family friendly “it’s about something that everybody can relate to. And if you haven’t at this point in your life, you will wrestle with grief.” artist Traci Fremont, who is facing her second holiday since her husband named Greg’s tragic death from a brain tumor, and she’s struggling creatively. But she’s also lost a vital part of the life she shared with him. “Any time we experience a loss like that, our faith is shaken.” Just before an important Christmas Eve gallery showing of her work, Traci seeks guidance at a support group run by kindhearted Michael, who connects with the group more than initially seen. “The irony is that Michael might be the most messed up of all of them and he is playing with his own grief. He feels that in helping others, he doesn’t have to really deal with my own.” Over time, the possibility of love presents itself for Traci & Michael, amplifying the film’s message about community. Says DeLoach, “The power of being with other people and its capacity to heal you by sharing your story…is one of the greatest takeaways.” ~Anonymous
π "GIFT OF PEACE Family friendly. This was a beautiful movie about grief. It was faith based too, which was refreshing to see in Hallmark. This was a tearjerker as expected, and reminded me of the time when I lost my dad. Grief is truly hard, but I loved that Traci was healing as she helped others heal too. One scene I loved the most was when Traci reminisced about the time when she was dancing with Greg and Greg told her to never stop laughing, loving, and living... man that made me cry big time. I really like the fact that they didn't kiss in the end... it just wasn't the right time yet. As wonderful as it was, I just wish Hallmark would do MORE faith based movies like this. It reminds me of the good ol' days when they still had the SSD series. ~CH Mom
π "Review: The Gift of Peace - Family-friendly? Yes - Keeper? Oh Yes! - A wonderful movie about struggling with your faith because of the loss of a loved one, and finding it (and love) again because of the help of others. Nikki and Brennan are among my long-time favorite Hallmark actors, and they are at the top of their game with this movie. You really feel their grief! One of the best of the season for me! ~Mark 25
π "I have to start that I have been over whelmed by the number of Christmas Movies that have come out this year. There are quite a few that I have chosen not to watch because of my personal beliefs, likes and dislikes. Whichever movies each person chooses to watch, I hope they enjoyed them. At this point, I am still working my way through the DVR. But I just watched "A Gift of Peace" last night and it touched me deeply. I cried, I admit it. This is my second Christmas without my Mom. I am still processing my grief, anger and sadness. As many who have lost loved ones, the holidays are always harder. Its not the whole Christmas Holiday, its the little things. I look at old recipes that are written in her hand writing, the Christmas Cookies that my sister and I bake but its just not the same as when she made them, getting my Dad from house and seeing that there are no decorations up (because he doesn't want them, it just makes him sad. They were married for 54 years and together for 59 years), the list goes on and on.... But this movie just hit home hard. It was well written and the actors did a great job in portraying different types of grief and loss. Last year it was Five More Minutes... I would like to say my Mom loved all the Christmas movies and the Christmas Holiday but her favorite was "The Christmas Card". Happy New Year to all!" ~ aliciablythe1013
π "This faith-based movie from Day Spring truly pulled at my heartstrings. I’m not one who typically enjoys a somewhat sad movie, but this film was done in such an uplifting, encouraging way. I pray “The Gift of Peace” truly touches the hearts of those who are dealing with grief, loss, and loneliness at Christmastime. It was beautiful to see how this support group prayed together and was there for each other. I also liked how a new romantic relationship wasn’t rushed into; instead, it was a heartwarming story of finding hope, rediscovering one’s faith, and a renewed joy in Christmas again!" ~Net
Long Lost Christmas -
π "Long Lost Christmas is family friendly. It’s based on the book by Joan Kilby. It’s tearjerker at the end of the movie.This Christmas, interior designer Hayley Brandy plans to surprise her Mother named Patricia with the perfect holiday present: the extended family she knows her mom yearns for. Hayley herself thinks she & her Mom are fine alone, but she has recently discovered the existence of a lost relative, Patricia’s Brother named Gordon. Hayley hopes to find him & reunite the two siblings named Gordon & Patricia for Christmas. She travels to a town outside of Denver in Silver Valley, Colorado to chase a lead on a man named Gordon Renton, who owns a cabin construction company and who just might be her uncle. Hayley is delighted by the town, which is all decked out for Christmas. She’s equally charmed when she meets Gordon, his Daughter named Brianna & Jake the property manager. As Hayley tries to discover whether Gordon is actually her long lost Uncle, she beings to fall in love with the idea of extended family, the charm of the town & Jake. However, when she learns the circumstances surrounding the siblings’ separation, Hayley has second thoughts and decides to abandon her mission. Gordon, on the other hand, is happy to finally have a lead on finding Patricia – but will he be able to bring the family together in time for Christmas? Since Hayley finds her Mom’s memory box in storage shelves where she finds a picture of her Mom & long lost Uncle Gordon. Gordon, his Daughter; Brianna, & Business partner; Jake visit his long lost Sister; Patricia & Niece Hayley’s house. Gordon reunited his long lost Sister; Patricia - long time no see. Both Patricia & Gordon wrote each other Christmas Cards every years unsend & put in memory boxes & even see in persons. Gordon, Brianna, Jake, Hayley, & Patricia have Christmas Dinner at Patricia’s house. ~Anonymous
π "Review: Long Lost Christmas - Family-friendly? Yes - Keeper? Borderline Yes - I like the storyline of this movie - a daughter trying to bring together her mother and the mother's long-lost brother to repair a broken relationship. And the story succeeds, due in large part to the wonderful acting of all the leads. There was also chemistry between Hayley and Jake - another case where you felt the actors enjoyed playing off each other. So why a borderline yes? Two reasons. First, it's another case of a person lying to others - and far too long - in order to achieve her goal. But what was upsetting to me was how, the day after she saves Gordon after he suffers a hear attack (and he call her his guardian angel) - she does a sudden, and very surprising and uncalled-for, about-face and just tears into him about his actions. Kind of hypocritical and, considering he just had a heart-attack, uncaring! Still, because of the positives I mentioned, it's a keeper for me...at least for awhile. ~Mark 25
π "Long Lost Christmas; This film was so heartfelt and beautiful. So nice to watch a movie with a positive message! It was family friendly and had wonderful strong characters and storyline! The connection between Jake and Halley was really special and I cried when the family found each other again. I also appreciated how understanding Jake was when he found out she wasn't there to rent a cabin. This was one of the best Christmas movies this year and is a winner to me. Taylor Cole never disappoints me! A good one to buy and add to our collections. Keep tissues nearby, this movie is one of those precious ones! The very best kind!⛄ God bless and Happy Thanksgiving! Can't believe it's almost here! ~Abigail
π "Long Lost Christmas and My Favorite Christmas Tree were other family friendly movies." ~Mary
π "Long Lost Christmas. I liked this sweet and touching movie and would certainly watch it again next year, but I don’t think it’s a keeper for me. I thought the romance between Hayley and Jake was well done. The whole cast was good. I felt like Hayley was somewhat too pushy throughout the whole movie (it kind of reminded me of Taylor Cole’s character in Pumpkin Everything, where I thought she was also too pushy). And, similar to Mark25, I didn’t like Hayley’s weird and sudden reaction when she “turned” on her uncle (these movies always need some kind of big conflict but this just seemed manufactured out of left field). Family friendly. {Side note. I really wish these movies would hire someone who would make sure all the details fit. In this one, Hayley & Jake went on a fun date to watch shooting stars on what we’re told is the last “no moon” night of the year… and then, as they get settled on their blanket to watch the shooting stars, we’re immediately shown a shot of the night sky with the moon shining bright on the “no moon” night!}" ~~Jane
π "Long Lost Christmas – I really didn’t know what to expect with this movie, but I loved it! The mystery aspect drew me in! I enjoyed watching Taylor Cole’s character, Haley, go on a mission to find her long-lost Uncle Gordon. Also, the instant, fun connection between Taylor Cole and Benjamin Ayres’ characters Haley and Blake was such a joy to watch! They were very cute together on screen. The end felt a little too quick and left me wanting more, but other than that, it was an enjoyable watch, and I look forward to seeing Long Lost Christmas again when there’s an encore airing." ~Net
A Maple Valley Christmas -
π "I decided to watch A Maple Valley Christmas on HM. It was good but it is so hard to watch movies on Hallmark because I am always waiting for some woke message to be slipped it. There was none in this movie but I could not really enjoy the movie. I am going to just stick to GAC family movies. So far I have 3 still saved on Frndly to watch." ~Ken
π "I liked most of Maple Valley Christmas. I didn't get to see the beginning, so I can't say 100%, but from the part I saw, it is family-friendly and had no LGBTQ or woke garbage mixed in. I was just so annoyed at the end. At first, I thought, oh, wow! They are going to allow them to pray over their meal! I was so pleasantly surprised that woke Hallmark would actually allow movie characters to pray, and then the more they got into the prayer, the more annoyed I became. It was the strangest "prayer" I have ever heard! They didn't address the prayer to anyone. They didn't close their eyes. Of course, they didn't end the prayer, "In Jesus' name." Not that I expected them to ever allow the name of Jesus to be mentioned in a respectful way, but I don't even think they said "amen" at the end. If I remember right, they just ended the "prayer" by saying, "Merry Christmas" or some other phrase. It just really sickened me the way they made a mockery of prayer, and if they think they were appeasing Christian viewers by "praying" so disrespectfully, then they are even more lost than I already knew they were. Either pray right and leave God and Jesus in the equation or don't put that part in there at all." ~Anonymous
π "A Maple Valley Christmas is mostly family friendly ie there are no same sex relationships or people living together outside of marriage. However, I thought that divorce was treated a little too lightly. Erica said she didn't blame her dad for leaving because farm life isn't for everyone. As if a father leaving doesn't have a massive effect on children! Her own divorce was mentioned casually too. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like Hallmark has tried to portray divorce too flippantly lately while they used to at least show it as a devastating, painful tragedy." ~melnewlife
π "MAPLE VALLEY CHRISTMAS Family friendly, with the exception of how the divorce topic was handled, probably part of Hallmark's agenda of normalizing those. The plot is just completely overdone, but I think it is still worth watching with all the family conflicts. Andrew Walker is charming as always. Didn't have a good first impression with Erica's character, but she kinda grew on me as the movie progressed. I can totally relate to her type A personality. Aaron's relationship with his Dad was just heartbreaking and painful to watch. The odd prayer/saying grace in the end. Really, Hallmark? You can't even call it "saying grace", or let them say "Amen". Overall, I enjoyed it, but it wasn't a keeper for me." ~CH Mom
π "A Maple Valley Christmas – I wanted to love this movie due to the gorgeous outdoor setting, but it just didn’t work for me. The unexpected kiss (between strangers) near the beginning of the movie completely threw me for a loop, and I thought the romance in general, was too instant. The quarreling between the sisters, off and on, was also irritating, at times. Then, the mother, who ran the maple farm solely for years, suddenly wanted to leave the country and her family and have no part in the business any more. Plus, the family has been waiting 30 YEARS to re-purchase land they had lost and now the sister doesn’t know if she wants it, and the mother has no say in it. Are you kidding me? As farmers, my family and I know how precious land is. God isn’t making any more of it. It’s especially important if it’s connected to your land, as this property is in the movie. I also agree with others, that the prayer(?) near the end didn’t seem quite right. No one closed their eyes in reverence, and it ended with Merry Christmas, instead of Amen. Very strange. Overall, the movie is family-friendly, but it’s not a keeper for me." ~Net
π "A Maple Valley Christmas. Ugh. Delete. I couldn’t make it all the way through this movie. Maybe it got better in the end but I didn’t want to stick around to find out. So much of this movie just made no sense. And I didn’t really like anybody in it. Was it a bad script, director, producer – maybe all of the above? The lead actress was beautiful but stiff and sounded like she was carefully trying to remember word-for-word the script that she had just memorized; and her character in that script was a serious piece of work and just completely unlikeable. In the past I was never a huge fan of Andrew Walker but he’s grown on me over the years and I quite like him now -- but even Andrew couldn’t save this movie (and it was definitely not his best acting job). And, argh, the whole scene in the beginning where a SADDLED horse escapes from its stall in the barn and Andrew is a stranger driving by and slams on brakes and “rescues” the horse as it’s quietly munching on grass in the woods – that whole extended “meet-cute” scene was so ridiculous and had SO much wrong with it that I was yelling at the tv. To start with, who leaves a horse saddled in its stall all afternoon while they’re out tending to other things on the farm?? And somehow the city boy knows how to follow horse tracks in the snow but the farmer girl didn’t? And yet the city boy couldn’t figure out how to follow the horse tracks in the opposite direction back to his car?? And it just went downhill from there. The whole “hat” thing started off as annoying to me – she tells him he can’t buy a cowboy hat, he has to “earn it”. Seriously?!? It’s a maple syrup farm run by a bunch of women, for crying out loud, not a true cowboy cattle ranch! And even if it was a true ranch, most ranchers go to the store, like everybody else in the world, and buy themselves clothing and accessories. Eyeroll. And then she grabs and passionately kisses a man she just met? Somebody please get that woman some meds and a good counselor! (I’m tired of the “almost” kiss in other movies but this particular kiss was not a refreshing change of pace, it was just brazen, awkward and out of place!) And the mother?? Oh, please, what is wrong with these people? And don’t get me started on how this thing reeked with feminism. And of course, the pie-in-the-sky attitude on divorce that others have talked about. I fast-forwarded through part of the second half to see if anything was worth watching. Nope. Only nice thing was some very pretty and cozy sets and scenery. I actually thought the Christmas tree in the requisite “community” tree-lighting ceremony was one of the prettiest and most natural I’ve ever seen in one of these movies. But, alas, the scenery alone couldn’t hold me in this movie. I’m just thankful I hit the delete button before getting to the “prayer” scene at the end that others have talked about. Needless to say, this one’s not a keeper for me." π ~~Jane
Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas -
π "Time for Him to Come for Christmas is family friendly about Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. (Review may contain some Spoilers) On the message, a man she doesn't know makes one final plea for the love of his life to give him a second chance. Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas is family friendly about Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn’t recognize. On it, a man named Carter Bishop, she doesn’t know makes one final plea to the love of his life; Madelyn Hawn for a second chance, asking to meet on Christmas Eve at the unnamed spot where they first met. Elizabeth realizes that this message is not meant for her, and the outcome of someone else’s love story is now in her hands. As she’s swept into the search for the mystery caller, she’s reunited with her best friend named Josh, who is home for Christmas for the first time in years after a tragic event in the past split them apart. On this very special Christmas, a wrong number will put Elizabeth on an exciting journey of romance & adventure that will give her and three other lost souls a second chance at happiness." ~Anonymous
π "Time for Him to Come for Christmas is family friendly about Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a number she doesn't recognize. On the message, a man named Carter Bishop, she doesn't know makes one final plea for the love of his life to give him a second chance." ~Anonymous
π "Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas: Family Friendly Commercials: Sickening It’s a shame to ruin a good movie with terrible commercials. Watched live. Should have waited so I could have fast forwarded through the filth." ~Anonymous
π "Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas was pretty good, though. I'm not sure I want to say right now if it's as good as any of the other 4." -Maria
π "Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas was a nice twist in the series." ~Mary
π "Also, really liked A Big Fat Family Christmas(the song at the end was amazing), A Maple Valley Christmas, Ghost of Christmas Always(looked at the ghosts more as angels, ghosts wouldn't help people), and Time for Him to come Home for Christmas(favorite since the first one), and Long Lost Christmas. Noel Next Door and The Royal Nanny were good also." ~Anonymous
π "TIME FOR HIM TO COME HOME Family friendly. I love this second chance love story! I don't know if the storyline is as powerful as the past "Come Home" series (i forgot some of them, ha!), but I really like this one. Tyler Hynes is always wonderful to watch. The lead actress is new to me but she is likeable. I felt the chemistry and I loved the ending scene when the truth were all finally out in the open." ~CH Mom
π "I didn't feel the chemistry between Tyler and Holland. I like Tyler as much as the next, but let's broaden his range a little. Plus, that end scene when her eyes kept blinking and he looked to be spitting out hair turned me off" ~Anonymous
π "Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas. Loved it!! Of course I loved Tyler Hynes, but the whole cast was great, especially the leading lady, who I’d never seen before. This one is a keeper, and it just might end up in my top 5 of the season. Will definitely buy the dvd. Family friendly." ~~Jane
π "I think Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas illustrates just how much the core membership of It's Wonderful Movie differs from the public at large. I an astonsihed at the mostly relatively lukewarm reviews here - it generally got rave reviews at IMDb and is rated 7.6 which is huge for a Hallmark movie. I'm afraid I'm with IMDb on this - stunning movie and while Tyler Hyes was sensational he may even have been upstaged by Holland Roden. One of the few movies that had me in tears and one of the great Hallmark endings. Despite the fact we've still a plethora of Christmas movies from 2022 to watch we've rewatched this one several times already - Florence
π "Count me in as one of the ones that liked Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas! I liked the mystery of the unknown caller and how all of their lives intertwined. It was a masterful script that seemed smart and well put together. Plus, I agree, the acting is top-notch from Tyler Hynes and Holland Roden. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of her on Hallmark. My only caution is, Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas is not a movie for young viewers, due to some of the sad parts of the story." ~Net
π "Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas - I have faithfully read this blog for the past 4-5 years and have never felt the need to comment but l wanted you to know, Florence, that l totally agree with you on this movie. I should have said something when you first made a comment but didn’t. I thought it was a masterful, intriguing and heartfelt movie which we have watched over and over since it came out as well." ~Anonymous
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas -
π"I thought the Come Home for Christmas one was very boring. No chemistry between the leads and the side stories not compelling to me." Misty
π"Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas. Keeper!! Will probably buy the dvd. Family friendly." ~~Jane
π"Stephen Huszar is so fantastic in Ruby Herring Mysteries with Taylor Cole and his other movies are good, but he and Lacey Chabert were not a good match in "Time For Us To Come Home For Christmas". At least, not for me." ~kitkat
π"Time For Us To Come Home For Christmas We're slowly working our way through this year's Christmas movies and saved this one for Christmas night - proved to be a good choice. Absolutely loved it - Lacey Chabert and Stephen Huszar were a winning combination a la Jill Wagner and Wes Brown or Nikki Deloach and Michael Rady, they fit together so well. The main plot was quite intriguing although I did guess who had sent the invitations to the inn (the title was a big clue) - there were a number of sub-plots but unlike as in Write Before Christmas they did not detract from the main theme but were cleverly woven in giving Chabert and Huszar plenty of screen time. Every one of the secondary cast gave excellent performances too. Obviously being a Christmas movie certain dynamics had to be observed but these were refreshing and did not come over as cliched. If Lacey Chabert was brilliant then Stephen Huszar was sensational - I've always liked him in The Ruby Herring Mysteries ( Memo to Hallmark more of these PLEASE!) but he was a revelation here with all his subtle little face gestures. In the ending after Sarah had initially sais she was returning to Seattle the look of bland desolation on Ben's face was amazing then when she decided that he was an integral part of her future he closed and opened his eyes as if thanking God and the look of almost disbelief yet happiness was unbelievable. The tenderness with which he led Sarah back into the inn teared me right up. There was slightly more time given to the ending than normal for Hallmark but even so it did come over as slightly rushed and in fact not everything was resolved. There had been a couple of references that the inn had been struggling in the months prior to Christmas and there was nothing to suggest how this was going to change? Sarah herself didn't know what the future would hold but the inference was that she would take over her mother's law practice. This was in New York - could she work from the inn? There was a reference to being a train ride from Hartford so presumably it was somewhere in Connecticut so maybe this was possible. One quibble with Hallmark not just for this movie but right across the board - please treat your viewers with respect. It is perfectly obvious that most of the time they are drinking all this coffee and hot chocolate from empty cups! Now they wouldn't be expected to fill them with champagne but why not water? We've still a way to go to finish seeing all the Christmas movies but this is in the lead as our favourite to date ahead of the 12 Dates Of Christmas. A really lovely movie - in fact despite the number still to see we rewatched this on Sunday night! Were there Hallmark Oscars then this along with Chabert and Huszar would be firm favourites to win this year!" ~Anonymous
Thank you, once again, to all who shared
these wonderful, heartfelt reviews.
If you'd like to share your thoughts, please do so
in comments below. -Net
If you'd like to share your thoughts, please do so
in comments below. -Net
Cranberry Christmas and Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen have played on the main Hallmark Channel plenty of times since they premiered years ago
ReplyDeleteYes, I mentioned above that some of these HMM Christmas movies have aired on the Hallmark Channel before.
DeleteI know there are many people who only have the Hallmark Channel, and they look forward to these crossover airings. Therefore, that's why I shared all of the HMM Christmas titles that will be playing in July, in case they haven't caught them, yet.
So in other words they are just taking the movies that are airing this week on Movies and Mysteries. And airing them again on Hallmark Channel.
ReplyDeleteBebe, that's correct. I think they are doing this to encourage viewers who don't have Hallmark Movies & Mysteries to add the channel to their cable package.
DeleteAlso, some of the movies they are playing include stars who have other movies/series coming up soon, such as Taylor Cole with Aloha Heart and Erin Krakow with When Calls the Heart.
How wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love when they do this, too. I always encourage my friends who only have the Hallmark Ch. to watch. :)
DeleteDelighted to see that those who don't have access to HMM will have a chance to see Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas on the main channel.
ReplyDeleteAlthough opinion here was somewhat split, outside of IAWM the response was amazing with a 7.6 rating on IMDb.
I thought it was one of Hallmark's all time best - Florence
Florence, Yes, I'm hoping many will have the chance to finally see this heartwarming movie and several others from HMM.
DeleteIt is interesting how everyone has different takes on Time For Him To Come Home For Christmas. I thought it was well-written, an intriguing mystery and love story.
Blessings, Net
Did you know that every Time fo __ to Come Home for Christmas has a scene in a church?
ReplyDeleteAll of the Time To Come Home for Christmas movies I adore! I'm glad this past Saturday (June 24th) they had a marathon of those movies :) Thanks Net for letting us know that they will be having those movies on the regular Hallmark Channel.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one thinking this???.... The girl(Holland Roden) standing with Tyler in Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas would have made a much better remake Aurora Teagarden. They could be sisters.
ReplyDeleteThe way she's dressed too and that "thinking expression" on her face.
Delete