Happy LABOR DAY Weekend! Catch NEW MOVIES "Divine Influencer" and "Head Over Heels" and CLASSICS, including "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and More - SEE HERE:

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone, as we transition from August to September!

Whether you're on vacation, have special plans, or spending time at home, I hope you all find some time to unwind a little and relax over this holiday weekend.

If you're enjoying some downtime, I've noted below Two New Movie Premieres on Great American Family and the Hallmark Channel, Marathons, and More airing on this 3-Day Labor Day Weekend, including two special airings of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and the season one finale of "Blue Ridge: The Series"!

See all of the details below...


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


Saturday, August 31, 2024:

Divine Influencer

Storyline: When an entitled influencer loses everything, she must humbly trust God to understand what the meaning of true influence is. Desperate, she takes a job at a homeless shelter only so she has a place to lay her head and quickly realizes the joy and purpose that comes from serving others.

Divine Influencer

Premieres Saturday, August 31, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🌟 Divine Influencer – (streamed through Great American Pure Flix)

At first, the main girl, Olivia ‘Liv’ Golden (portrayed by Actress, Lara Silva), is rather conceited and self-centered as a social media influencer, but when she loses her apartment and ends up working and living at the local homeless shelter – we begin to see the incredible influence this has on her life as she opens up to caring for others and discovers a renewed sense of faith.

Overall, the entire cast is spectacular and the production quality is excellent. It was also nice to see Jesse Metcalfe have a role in this, as well, in the supporting cast.

This inspirational, family-friendly movie is heartfelt, humorous, and uplifting! ~Net



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


Saturday, August 31, 2024:

Head Over Heels

Storyline: A suburban girl at heart, Addison (Dalton), is off to prove herself in the world of high-end fashion footwear when she lands a life-changing internship at an Upper East Side studio leading up to the star-studded New York Fashion Week. Addison is determined to hold onto her integrity and her family values while struggling to balance it all and forge a path to success and romance, although she may fall head over heels while trying to make her dreams come true.

Head Over Heels

Premieres Saturday, August 31, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Sunday, September 1, 2024:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Season Finale

Storyline: Justin's world is rocked when his ex-wife and daughter are held hostage at the Blue Ridge police station by an angry army veteran. Desperate to keep his family safe, Justin surrenders his gun and locks himself in with the hostages.

Blue Ridge: The Series

Season Finale

Airs Sunday, September 1, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on INSP

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


Programming Notes:

Great American Family:

Saturday's highlights - Passport to Love, An Autumn Romance, Prescription for Love, Divine Influencer, Mr. Manhattan

Sunday's highlights - The Winter Palace, A Royal Seaside Romance, Swing into Romance, Divine Influencer

Monday - Columbo marathon

Hallmark Channel:

The Hallmark Channel will begin September with a “Fan Favorites Movie Marathon” on Sunday and Monday.

Sunday's highlights - A Country Wedding, Winter Love Story, The Perfect Catch, Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made, The Color of Rain

Monday's highlights - All of My Heart, Loves Takes Flight, Winter Castle, It Was Always You, Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters




"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" will have two special airings on the Hallmark Channel over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend!

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Vows We Have Made"
Airs: Sunday, September 1, 2024 at 8/7c

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters"
Airs: Monday, Labor Day, September 2, 2024 at 9/8c




Hallmark Mystery:

Saturday - Curious Caterer Mysteries Movie Marathon and Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement encore

Sunday- Crossword Mysteries Movie Marathon

Monday - Psych Marathon




UPtv:

Saturday - Love's Sweet Recipe, Soldiers's Love Story, Love on Trend, Love Stories in Sunflower Valley, Love by Accident

Sunday- Love's Match, Brimming with Love, A Kiss at Midnight

Monday - Reba Marathon


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


Even though Labor Day weekend is usually considered the last hurrah of Summer, technically, Summer doesn't officially end this year until September 22nd. So... whether you're trying to soak up the rest of Summer as long as you can or you're ready to transition into Fall, September is the perfect time to do both!

Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new Hallmark movie, Head Over Heels. If you'd like to post a review on whether this film is family-friendly, please share in comments below.

Caution: The season one finale of "Blue Ridge: The Series" contains violence and intense situations that are unsuitable for young children. The series is known for the justice and redemption of its characters and moral values; however, this episode is better suited for a mature audience. In case you haven't heard, season 2 of "Blue Ridge: The Series" is coming next year! (see details here)

Recommend: I've seen Great American Family's new movie, Divine Influencer, and having thoroughly enjoyed this humorous and inspiring story, I highly recommend it. Please see my movie review above for my complete take on this film. This movie is ideal for the entire family!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Blessings to You All!

Net

☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT: ☀️

Come to me,

all who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest."

—Matthew 11:28

"Blue Ridge: The Series" Renewed For Season 2 - See Cast Members Returning Here:

Exciting news for all of you Blue Ridge: The Series fans, like my family and me!

Season 2 of Blue Ridge: The Series will be on its way in 2025!

The press release below provides details on the new season, plus below the statement, see a new special promo tease from the Blue Ridge cast and an interview with Blue Ridge's star, Johnathon Schaech, who portrays Sheriff Justin Wise.

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


Press Release via Imagicomm Entertainment:

"Blue Ridge: The Series"

Renewed

for Highly Anticipated

Second Season

(August 29, 2024 – Indian Land, SC) – Following the extremely successful debut of Blue Ridge: The Series, a second season has been ordered. The announcement comes from Jonathan Collins, General Manager of Imagicomm Entertainment.

“Blue Ridge quickly became a fan favorite during the first few episodes,” said Collins. “The response from viewers has been very encouraging and audiences have embraced the stories, the cast, and the lineup of popular guest stars. We are thrilled to announce the renewal.”

About Blue Ridge: The Series

Sheriff Justin Wise and his two deputies fight to protect the small Appalachian town of Blue Ridge from the forces trying to rip it apart. Longstanding feuds, disgruntled criminals, unruly travelers, and cold-blooded murderers wreak havoc - threatening the safety of the citizens Justin has promised to protect. Based on the 2020 film of the same name, Blue Ridge breaks the mold of traditional procedural dramas, bringing action, heroism, and heart to every investigation.

Season 2 of Blue Ridge: The Series will premiere in 2025 on Western Bound, formerly Cowboy Way channel. The rebranded FAST channel officially launches September 3rd at www.WesternBound.com.

About Western Bound

With a blend of contemporary and classic storytelling and lifestyles, Western Bound is the only free streaming network that captures the essence and textures of both the modern and classic Western genre. Brave and heroic characters depict the drama, action, adventure, law and order, justice, and resilience of the Western frontier. Viewers enjoy original Western and Americana content from Top Ten Cable Network INSP including series like: Into the Wild Frontier, Wild West Chronicles, Elkhorn, and Ultimate Cowboy Showdown; timeless classic Western series and movie favorites such as: The Rifleman, Cheyenne, and McLintock!; plus exclusive Western movie premieres including, The Warrant: Breaker’s Law, Far Haven and action packed modern crime dramas like, Blue Ridge.

Casting information and premiere date will soon be announced.

###

About Imagicomm Entertainment

Imagicomm Entertainment is a distribution company focusing on films and television series with content ranging from action and adventure to drama and family holiday celebration. Each project embodies an unparalleled commitment to strong storytelling, memorable characters, and high production values. Imagicomm Entertainment distributes content globally through popular streaming services such as Prime Video, Netflix and Vudu, as well as through DVDs from major retailers, and on traditional television outlets.

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



This is a Special Video Announcement from the "Blue Ridge: The Series" cast: Johnathon Schaech, Sarah Lancaster, Taegen Burns, Tom Proctor, Avianna Mynhier, and Greg Perrow.

(click the image below to play)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cowboy Way Channel (@cowboywaychannel)

In this video clip below, Johnathon Schaech talks with Good Morning America about the Season 1 finale this weekend on INSP and Season 2 of "Blue Ridge: The Series" coming next year...
(click the arrow button to play)




I hope you all enjoyed this news! I'll have more details later for season 2 episodes and when the new season will premiere, so stay tuned.

Life is an adventure... make it a great day, everyone!

Blessings,

Net

🎄 GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY'S 2024 CHRISTMAS MOVIES with Candace Cameron Bure, Cameron Mathison, Trevor Donovan, Jill Wagner, Danica McKellar, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, Jesse Hutch and Many More! 🎄 *SEE HERE:

Great American Media unwraps its Christmas movie season for 2024! 

See all of the details below, with premiere dates coming soon!


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄


Great American Media Press Release:

‘GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024,’

WITH HIGH-QUALITY, 

ORIGINAL HOLIDAY FILMS 

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY,

RETURNS TO 

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

AND STREAMING ON PURE FLIX 

BEGINNING, OCTOBER 17

MOST ORIGINAL PREMIERES 

IN GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA HISTORY

NEW YORK, NY – August 28, 2024 – Great American Media, the leader in high-quality faith and family productions, announced the return of beloved holiday franchise, GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS, for its fourth year on Great American Family. The festive season kicks off on October 17 and will also be available on the company’s owned streaming service, Pure Flix. Great American Family offers an unbeatable lineup of new Christmas movies starring some of the genre’s most cherished stars, including Mario Lopez, Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, and many more—talent who have delivered the highest ratings in the history of the genre. Pure Flix, the top streaming home for faith-based content, will feature high-quality Original Christmas premieres alongside subscriber favorites from previous years. Together, the two platforms will present more Original faith and family Christmas content than any other media company.

GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS on Great American Family is a 24/7 Christmas movie event running throughout October, November, and December. The programming features cherished holiday traditions and new, surprise-and-delight moments, culminating with the 138th Tournament of Roses Parade, broadcast live from Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2025. Whether watched on Linear TV or in streaming, Great American Family and Pure Flix are the go-to destinations for authentic, high-quality, Original Christmas content.

“Great American Christmas has quickly become a highly valued holiday tradition” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO of Great American Media. “Our early success is owed to our incredible family of talent and a commitment to storytelling that embodies the true spirit of Christmas—the holiday as it’s meant to be celebrated. Stories about love, faith, hope, and joy set us apart from others simply making movies in holiday settings. The extraordinary number of high-quality, original faith and family premieres this holiday season elevates Great American Christmas to a leadership position in the holiday space,” Abbott concluded.

BELOW ARE A FEW NEW, ORIGINAL HOLIDAY PREMIERES, DATES RELEASE SOON:

A CHRISTMAS CASTLE PROPOSAL, starring Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke. Olivia, a commoner, travels with Prince Alexander to his family’s magical palace, Torovia so their families can spend a first Christmas together. The couple’s plans for a enchanted Christmas are threatened by comedic mishaps caused by cultural differences between the families.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND, starring Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters. A New York installation designer helps a small Scottish community create a dazzling light display to win “Best Christmas Village” festival. The designer is forced to work with a wealthy heir who doesn’t like Christmas, though feelings may change if the pair succeeds in creating joy for the community.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS, starring Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell. A dedicated preservationist battles a developer’s ambitions to tear down a historic Post Office with ties to her family. The choice of old versus new threatens to divide the small town unless there is a solution for the greater good of all concerned.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

THE FABRIC OF CHRISTMAS, starring Ferelith Young and Harmon Walsh. Firefighter Liam and quilting teacher, Amy, come together to make the perfect quilt for Liam’s sister’s Christmas wedding. Two headstrong people discover the importance of putting personal differences aside to create what is most important at Christmas.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS BALLET, starring Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard. A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season’s performance of “The Nutcracker” and finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson. A local business owner finds an audio cassette in the player of her recently departed dad’s classic red truck. The message instructs Desi to go on a holiday road trip down memory lane where she meets a man who needs her help and who offers help in return.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS, starring Trevor Donovan, Jen Lilley, Jillian Murray, Laura Osnes, Julia Reilly, Jesse Hutch, and the great, Gladys Knight. A modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

GET HIM BACK FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega. Special appearance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Mario Lopez, Victoria Jackson, and Natasha Bure. Bella made it big in music. Jack stayed behind in his hometown working at The Salvation Army to help his family after his dad passes. Bella returns home after a heartbreaking split with her chart-topping singing partner and asks Jack to write the perfect song to get her boyfriend back. Carlos PenaVega wrote and performs an original song, “Get Him Back for Christmas” performed for the film at AT&T Stadium.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS BALL, starring Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice. Choreographed by Gleb Savchenko. With only the Internet, a plane ticket and a lifelong determination to find her birth family Chelsea travels to royal hamlet, Havenshire, at Christmas. Along the way, Chelsea sneaks into a castle, teaches a stubborn Prince how to dance, and looks to be in the perfect place when the bells toll Christmas Eve.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

WREATHMAKER CHRISTMAS, starring Kristin Wollett and Casey Elliott. A wreathmaker slips on ice and injures her arm which puts her holiday wreath deliveries in jeopardy until a selfless neighbor steps up to keep her business afloat.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison. Two former childhood friends reunite after a beloved family members passes, leaving the future of his magical maple sugar farm in their hands.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS WISH, starring Mario Lopez and Courtney Lopez. A local mayor discovers his childhood Christmas wishes are coming true. With his childhood friend, the pair can inspire residents to showcase the town’s warmth and values while pushing back a major developer’s desire to take the community in a different direction.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

SLEIGH BELLS AND SUGAR PLUMS, starring Jill Wagner and Jesse Hutch. A historian seeks inspiration for her next project in her family’s hometown of Aurora, which is famous for experiencing the Northern Lights. While there, she bonds with a local tour guide who shows her the town’s Christmas traditions and witnesses a harbinger of miracles to come.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

A SHELTER AND SEASON’S GREETINGS, starring Ash Tsai and Eric Guillmette. Caleb is injured in the Army and recovers through help from shelter therapy dogs. As a sign of thanks, Caleb returns home to help Amber run the local shelter and, in the process, discovers his feelings for Amber go beyond gratitude.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, starring Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh. Juliet pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion and enlists the help of a candle store owner (Tom) who refuses at first but reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

COUPLED UP FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner. Two heartbroken strangers pretend to be dating others to win the affection of their true soulmates.

*SPECIAL PRESENTATION WORLD PREMIERE TBA – ONE NIGHT ONLY – Thanksgiving Night, November 28


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

PURE FLIX CHRISTMAS 2024 STREAMING PREMIERES, DATES RELEASE SOON:

A PARIS CHRISTMAS WALTZ, starring Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison. A novice dancer, Emma encounters professional dancer Leo whose love for competitive dance is diminishing until a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself for the dancer and his beloved choreographer to take Emma’s dancing to next level.

A HOT COCOA CHRISTMAS, starring Susie Abromeit and Torrance Coombs. The modern-day reimagining of William Shakespeare’s beloved classic “Much Ado About Nothing” set at Christmas.

*THE BELOVED MOVIE FRANCHISE THAT STARTED IT ALL, TBA OCTOBER 14: A WORLDWIDE STREAMING EXCLUSIVE

12 GAMES OF CHRISTMAS, starring Felisha Cooper and Johnny Ramey. A group of friends are magically transported inside a Christmas-themed board game during a holiday party. They must play through all levels to return home just in time for Christmas.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE, starring Rukiya Bernard and Dewshane Williams. Nia hopes to save her father’s beloved inn and is initially excited to meet Julian who she believes will help her only to discover Julian’s first thought was to change the legacy property.

A KINDHEARTED CHRISTMAS, starring Jennie Garth and Cameron Mathison. A small business owner gets inspired to donate to the town anonymously which has everyone in the community following suit all while a local reporter tries to find out who the secret Santa is.

CHRISTMAS IN MAPLE HILLS, starring Emily Alatalo, Bukola Ayoka, Ayinde Blake. A charismatic veterinarian needs to track down the enigmatic owner of her family’s land to preserve its legacy.

ANGEL FALLS CHRISTMAS, starring Chad Michael Murray and Jessica Lowndes. A devoted doctor with little time for Christmas works a miracle for her patient and finds acceptance and love in the unlikeliest of places.

ROYALLY WRAPPED FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Jen Lilley and Brendan Fehr. The director of an international charity is called to the Kingdom of Valdonia by its royal family where she grows ever closer to a prince.

CATERING CHRISTMAS, starring Merritt Patterson and Daniel Lissing. A struggling catering business lands the Christmas event of the year but will have to cater to the whims of the town’s top socialite.

CHRISTMAS AT THE DRIVE-IN, starring Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe. A property lawyer works to prove her local drive-in is an institution and cannot be closed and then meets the proposed seller, who happens to be the heir to the property.

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT, starring Erin Agostino and Harmon Walsh. Juliet pitches Christmas candles to her boss to earn a promotion and enlists the help of a candle store owner who refuses at first but reluctantly agrees when he realizes the money will help make his daughter’s Christmas wish come true.

A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED, starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson. A local business owner finds an audio cassette in the player of her recently departed dad’s classic red truck. The message instructs Desi to go on a holiday road trip down memory lane where she meets a man who needs her help and who offers help in return.

THE FABRIC OF CHRISTMAS, starring Ferelith Young and Harmon Walsh. Firefighter Liam and quilting teacher, Amy, come together to make the perfect quilt for Liam’s sister’s Christmas wedding. Two headstrong people discover the importance of putting personal differences aside to create what is most important at Christmas.

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE FOR DAISY, starring Jill Wagner and Nick Bateman. An interior designer scores a landmark property remodel before discovering the new owner is someone special from her past life who is now parent to an adopted daughter.

CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND, starring Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters. A New York installation designer helps a small Scottish community create a dazzling light display to win “Best Christmas Village” festival. The designer is forced to work with a wealthy heir who doesn’t like Christmas, though feelings may change if the pair succeeds in creating joy for the community.

A CHRISTMAS STAR, starring Sara Canning and Daniel Lissing. An astronomer predicts a new meteor shower will appear above a town and needs to convince locals not to light an annual tree to see the phenomenon.

COUPLED UP FOR CHRISTMAS, starring Sara Canning and Marcus Rosner. Two heartbroken strangers pretend to be dating others to win the affection of their true soulmates.

I’M GLAD ITS CHRISTMAS, starring Jessica Lowndes, Paul Green, and Gladys Knight. A salesclerk dreaming of an opportunity on Broadway encounters a jingle writer also in need of a professional miracle. Little do the pair realize, an angel of a business owner has divine plans for everyone this Christmas.

*ONE OF THE BEST FAITH MOVIES OF 2024, TBA OCTOBER 21 – A WORLDWIDE STREAMING EXCLUSIVE

PHOTOS: Courtesy of Great American Media 2024

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

As the flagship linear TV network of Great American Media, Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations the whole family can enjoy together, including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Great American Family is available in 50 million households via cable and satellite providers; visit https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/channel-finder/ or text FAMILY to 877-999-1225 to find your local channel.


🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄


My Quick Take:

2024 is sure to be another heartwarming and cozy Christmas movie season with Great American Family's faith and family movies. I'm so excited to see so many of our favorite TV movie stars return to the network for their 4th annual Christmas movie event!

So many Great American Family Christmas movies are now on my must-see list, including A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS, SLEIGH BELLS AND SUGAR PLUMS, A VINTAGE CHRISTMAS, A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS BALL, HOME SWEET CHRISTMAS, and more! I could go on and on...

I hope you find many delightful Christmas movies you are looking forward to seeing during this Christmas Season on Great American Family! Please share your thoughts in comments below...

Joyous Christmas Blessings 

to You All!

God bless us, everyone! 

Net

🐾 Great American Rescue Bowl 2025 🐾

Happy National Dog Day! Great American Media announces the return of the Great American Rescue Bowl 2025 with their continued partnership with North Shore Animal League America.

The special will include kittens and puppies looking for their "fur"-ever homes.


Press Release from Great American Media:

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

NORTH SHORE

ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

ANNOUNCES 

GREAT AMERICAN RESCUE BOWL 

2025 KICKS OFF, FEB 9

FURRY FOOTBALL 

AND MORE 

HEARTFELT RESCUE STORIES 

THAN EVER BEFORE

NEW YORK, NY – August 26, 2024 – On the 20th anniversary of International Dog Day, Great American Family, a leading producer of high-quality, Original content, including Movies & Specials, and North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, announced the network’s 3rd annual “Great American Rescue Bowl” takes the field on Super Sunday, February 9, 2025 (12 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET).

“Great American Rescue Bowl,” America’s most beloved pet adoption special, features spectacular scrimmages between SU-PURR teams of shelter kittens matriculating the ball down the field. Once the kittens hit the showers, it’s time for puppy playoffs in a dogged game of punt, pass, and kick – no, really! All fun aside, “Great American Rescue Bowl” showcases the nation’s passion and commitment to animal rescues, features stories of saving pet lives through fostering, and honors Animal League America and their lifesaving work with their vast network of national and international shelter partners enabling potential adopters to find a best friend while saving more pets lives. Every year, an estimated 1.5 million homeless pets are euthanized. The goal of “Great American Rescue Bowl” is to create awareness for pet adoption while showing the most beautiful pets in the world are available in shelters right in your own neighborhood.

“Saving pet lives has been a personal mission of mine for more than a decade and North Shore Animal League America is a profound partner in saving as many homeless pets as possible each year,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “I am always grateful to showcase these cuddly animals available for adoption because every life saved brings us one step closer to emptying the shelters forever,” Abbott concluded.

“North Shore Animal League America is truly grateful to Great American Media for their continued commitment to shining a light on the plight of homeless animals,” said Joanne Yohannan, SVP, Operations, North Shore Animal League America. “Great American Rescue Bowl gives voice to the voiceless by telling the compelling stories of our lifesaving work with passion, humor and lots of cuteness all while encouraging adoption.”

Photo: Courtesy of Great American Media

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

As the flagship linear TV network of Great American Media, Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, featuring original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic series that celebrate faith, family and country. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations the whole family can enjoy together, including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Great American Family is available in 50 million households via cable and satellite providers; visit https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/channel-finder/or text FAMILY to 877-999-1225 to find your local channel.

ABOUT NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA®

Over the past 80 years since its founding, North Shore Animal League America has saved more than 1.1 million lives. As the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization, we understand that a rescue isn’t complete until each animal is placed into a loving home. Our innovative programs provide education to reduce animal cruelty and advance standards in animal welfare. We reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, commercial breeding facilities, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. www.animalleague.org

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


I love that Great American Family works hard to find homes for these puppies and kittens. They have such an incredible passion for these animals, who simply need care and a loving home. As they encourage adoption with this special, I hope many will decide to welcome a new member to their family and, more importantly, into their hearts.

Over the years, we've had many dogs and cats on our farm, and I have loved them all! They have all felt like family to me!

Have a blessed day
and give your fur-babies a special hug
on National Dog Day!🐾🐾

Net

Great American Family Reveals September 2024 Movie Lineup 🍁 SEE HERE:

Fall in love this September on Great American Family with these four Cable TV movie premieres...


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

The Engagement Plan

Premiere date: September 7, 2024

Starring: Jack Schumacher, Ted McGinley, Mia Pollini, Eva La Rue, Emily Topper, Eric Lutz, Judd Nelson and Faith Ford

Storyline: In The Engagement Plan, Wade (Schumacher) has a plan for everything! Wade’s plan to propose to his girlfriend, Kayla (Pollini) may be the crowning achievement of plans. With a 3-carat diamond ring in tow and reservations booked at the Waldorf for his parents, Dash and Margot, (LaRue, Nelson) and Kayla’s parents, Ed and Mama Marilyn (McGinley, Ford), Wade marvels at the absolute perfection of his engagement plan. Until his plan hits a dead end on a dirt road, a country road. Kayla changes the plan to have Wade meet at her family’s farm to help her mom and dad, whose cow is expecting a calf any day. Dressed in business best, Wade – a fish out of water – has an unexpected – and definitely an unplanned encounter with a family who is not convinced he is right for Kayla. Then Wade meets her ex-boyfriend who tries to prove it.

Movie Review:

🍁 The Engagement Plan – This heartwarming film is family-friendly and filled with faith!

Wade, a financial analyst, thinks he has his whole life figured out according to his plan, but when he visits his girlfriend Kayla’s family at their farm, he steps out of his comfortable city shoes, and begins to learn in a deeper way the wisdom in the words from Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

While Kayla’s parents aren’t sure if Wade is the right man for their daughter to marry, Wade is determined to prove them wrong.

The setting of this film on a family farm near harvest time is such a beautiful backdrop for this story. It was wonderful to see the way Kayla’s family trusted in and leaned on The Lord, in the big and simple things.

Some of the comedy is a bit silly and, perhaps, outlandish at times, but it made me laugh, so I hope it does the same for you. The faith elements to the story far outweigh any of the silly antics.

The entire cast is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing veteran actors: Eva LaRue, Judd Nelson, Faith Ford, and Ted McGinley portray Wade and Kayla’s parents. Since Faith and Ted have worked together before, on the sitcom “Hope & Faith” and the movies: “Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge,” Part One and Two, it was plain to see their natural ease with portraying husband and wife. I was also touched by the biblical wisdom they imparted to both Kayla and Wade.

The lead actor, Jack Schumacher, who portrayed Wade, was, in my opinion, the star of the movie. Whether he was humorous or serious, his performances were excellent throughout. My favorite scene of Jack’s was a quiet moment of reflection and rejection where he talks to God as he's looking around the farm and quotes from the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… He maketh me to lie down in green pastures… He restores my soul.” Wade freely admits at a low moment in his life he needs his soul restored.

“The Engagement Plan” is a lighthearted, uplifting, and inspiring movie ideal for all ages. I pray it encourages many to grow and flourish in their faith. ~Net




🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Love's Second Act

Starring: Jodie Sweetin and Tilky Jones

Premiere date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 8/7c

Storyline: Jamie, portrayed by Jodie Sweetin, is an aspiring filmmaker, who heads back to her hometown for some inspiration. She finds it in ex-boyfriend, Nick, played by Tilky Jones, who still works at the small-town movie theater where they both first fell in love.


Movie Reviews:

🎬 Love’s Second Act – (streamed on Great American Pure Flix)

This is a lighthearted, family-friendly rom-com. The movie was a little slow for me, at times, but it was still a nice watch. It’s the standard story of a woman ,Jamie, played by Jodie Sweetin ("Full House," "Craft Me a Romance," "The Jane Mysteries") who leaves her hometown years ago, then returns and reconnects with her family and her childhood sweetheart, Nick, played by Tilky Jones ("Christmas Love Letter," "The Charm of Love").

Of course, the family business, the local theater, is also in danger of being sold by Nick’s father (played by George Wendt, famously known as Norm on the sitcom, "Cheers"). The theater is a special memorable place for Nick and Jamie, where they worked together as teenagers.

Overall, it is a pleasant, feel-good movie with a happy ending.

A side note for "Full House" fans… I thought it was kind of funny that Jodie played the older sister, and her sister’s name, of all names, was Stephanie.

I wonder if "Love’s Second Act" might be one of the movies we’ll see on Great American Family later this Summer or early Fall. (Update: I wrote this review on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and my hunch was right! I'm glad more viewers will have a chance to view this movie, if they like, on Great American Family.) ~Net


🎬  Love’s Second Act - I LOVED this movie! Jodie Sweetin and Tilky Jones are a perfect pairing. The story was different, and the plot held enticing hints of what lay ahead. Beautifully written, acted, and directed. I would give it 3 1/2 stars, not perfect, but very near it! 👏👏👏👏 ~aunt_di_77


🎬 Love's Second Act

I think Net has more or less covered all there is to say about this movie. Standard Rom.Com fare which you will have seen many times over. I'm not the biggest fan of Jodie Sweetin nor do I dislike her but I though she and Tilby Jones who although somewhat easygoing combined quite well together

*SPOILERS*

It's one of those where you have to suspend belief - how could the theatre possibly have survived to date, , where did the money come from to buy a new popcorn machine,, the miraculous "saving" of the theatre, Jamie presenting her manuscript which she had returned home to complete to her agent on time etc.

END *SPOILERS*

The secondary cast was fine except for Nick's father who was a ridiculous character.

Taking all this together it shouldn't have worked and I agree it was slow moving at times but maybe because it was my favourite theme of "lovers reunited" I somewhat surprisingly have to say I actually enjoyed it - Florence's rating 7


🎬 Love’s Second Act - It is a hard pass for me! This movie was more than slow it was boring and plain awful. The set seemed so generic and so was the storyline. ~Anonymous


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Love at the Ranch

Premiere date: September 21, 2024

Starring: Laura Mitchell and Jon Cor

Storyline: Sparks fly between a big-city reporter and a ranch owner as she researches the life of the romance novelist that inspired her love for writing.


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Mystery By the Book

Previous title: Key to Love

Starring: Alicia Dea Josipovic and Corey Sevier

Premieres: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Storyline: A bookstore owner (Sevier) is in a difficult relationship with a book cover model (Josipovic) until an antique key found in a false book unlocks their romance.


🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁


If you've seen any of these movies via Great American Pure Flix or another streaming source, please share your thoughts in comments below.

I have seen Love at the Ranch via some streaming source and I recall it being a sweet, family-friendly film. It was supposed to air on UPtv awhile back, but schedules were changed and this movie was removed from their lineup. It's nice to see this delightful romantic-comedy finally find a home on Great American Family.

Please share in comments below which of these movies above you are looking forward to seeing this September on Great American Family. I'm personally looking forward to The Engagement Plan and Mystery By the Book.

Happy movie-watching!

Net

🍋 Squeeze In 🍋 New Summer TV Movies This Weekend -- SEE HERE:

Happy weekend, friends!

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... and watch new movies?!?!?!?

Of course, one of the new movies this weekend, The Magic of Lemon Drops, is lemon-themed, and since it's a Hallmark Summer Nights movie, it's the perfect time to relax from the heat with a cool glass of lemonade or whatever you enjoy best!

The NEW movies this weekend include premieres in these three genres: mystery, romance, and faith-based. See details below, along with my review of Great American Family's new premiere, Finding Faith.

Plus, keep on scrolling down for info on the all-new Hallmark Mystery Nelly Knows Mysteries, including a link to Pascale Hutton's fashion from my Sister's blog, It's a Wonderful Lifestyle!

Blue Ridge: The Series airs a new episode Sunday night on INSP that involves a very suspicious mystery.

Plus, this Sunday is August 25th, which means... Happy Four Months 'til Christmas! Mark this special day with us! See all of the details below...


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


Friday, August 23, 2024:

Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement

Storyline: When an unusual handwritten letter arrives at Nelly’s (Pascale Hutton) office, she identifies the handwriting as belonging to her childhood friend Dahlia (Sarah Grey), claiming her boyfriend Blake (Julian Haig) is being unfaithful. Determined to help, Nelly wants some answers and rushes to Blake’s home only to find his dead body. When Dahlia becomes the prime suspect, the new, handsome Detective in town, Michael Hogan (Kavan Smith) must work with Nelly to prove that her childhood friend is not the killer everyone believes her to be.

Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement

Premieres Friday, August 23, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery

🔍 Get the Lʘʘk: Pascale Hutton's Fashions 

in "Nelly Knows Mysteries ~ A Fatal Engagement" 

Visit my Sister's blog *It's a Wonderful Lifestyle* 

for the full fashion scoop!

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


Saturday, August 24, 2024:

Finding Faith

Storyline: Victoria, a Christian advice columnist writing under the name Faith, begins to lose her faith after a series of life events. On her journey back to God, she finds her way back to love as well.

Finding Faith

Premieres Saturday, August 24, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🌟 Finding Faith – (streamed on Great American Pure Flix)

This is an impactful story with a heavy plot that deals with marriage difficulties and infertility for Victoria (an anonymous Christian advice columnist) and her husband, Billy, who is a musician, often traveling away from home.

Victoria uses the pseudonym Faith, when giving advice to others, but she’s struggling to deal with her own life issues and finding her faith.

Actor John Schneider portrays Victoria’s father; he’s trying to cope after losing his wife of many years, while Victoria grapples with the pain of losing her mother and a painful secret from the past.

It is revealed that one character had an affair many years ago, and how grace and forgiveness have healed this person’s heart.

Throughout the film, we see the wounds and scars of these characters – and gradually we see their healing after surrendering and turning to God.

Due to the subject content, this is a movie best-suited for a mature audience. ~Net

Please note: As I mentioned above, I streamed this movie on Great American Pure Flix. Some of the content seen in the original version may be edited before it appears on Great American Family.



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


Saturday, August 24, 2024:

The Magic of Lemon Drops

Storyline: When Lolly’s (Lyndsy Fonseca) Aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

The Magic of Lemon Drops

Premieres Saturday, August 24, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Sunday, August 25, 2024:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Episode 5 - Land Grab:

A beloved local horse trainer is killed on the eve of her retirement, and when Justin's team discovers her will, it contains a last-minute change that may be the reason for her death.

Blue Ridge: The Series

airs Sunday, August 25, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on INSP

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




Sunday, August 25, 2024:

Happy 4 Months 'til Christmas!

This weekend, on Sunday, as we mark the 25th day of the month and count down the days until Christmas, many devoted Christmas movie followers here at It's a Wonderful Movie try to watch something Christmassy on this special day! If you'd like to participate, simply share which Christmas movie/show you plan to watch to Mark the 25th in comments below.

My pick for this 25th is...



A Gift Wrapped Christmas, a Lifetime Christmas movie starring Meredith Hagner and Travis Milne!

I chose this movie because it's lighthearted, cute, funny, sweet, and entertaining! Basically, I just love it! And with everything going on in the world, I needed something that made me smile and left me feeling good at the end of the day.

If you, by chance, would like to watch A Gift Wrapped Christmas this weekend or any time, there's a link to it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzO4iSREAs. If you've never seen this movie, I highly recommend it! A Gift Wrapped Christmas is family-friendly, and for me personally, it's the best Lifetime Christmas movie I've ever seen!

Please be sure to share your Christmas movie pick to *Mark the 25th* in comments below!


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


Programming Notes:

*Great American Family-

In addition to the premiere of Finding Faith, classic movies will air all weekend long on Great American Family, including Love in Bloom, Romance at the Vineyard, Nothing is Impossible, One Perfect Match, A Harvest Homecoming, and more!


*Hallmark Channel-

Along with the premiere of The Magic of Lemon Drops, the Hallmark Channel will play classic movies throughout the weekend. Their "A Taste of Love" Movie Marathon on Sunday includes delicious movies like Always Amore and Love, Romance & Chocolate.


*Hallmark Mystery-

This Sunday, Hallmark Mystery will air a marathon of Hannah Swensen Mysteries and an encore airing of Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement.


*UPtv-

On Saturday, UPtv will air classic movies and a mini-marathon during the afternoon of films from the Love Comes Softly series: Love's Everlasting Courage, Love Takes Wing, and Love Begins. On Saturday evening, UPtv will air two classic Amish-themed films, Love Finds You in Sugarcreek and Love Finds You in Charm. More classic movies like The Engagement Plot and Just for the Summer will air on UPtv on Sunday.


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


Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! If you can squeeze in the new lemon-themed movie, the mystery, or the faith-based film, I would love to hear your take on any one of them. Be sure to share your reviews in the comments below.

Please keep in mind that I have not pre-screened the new Hallmark movies.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith have such an easy chemistry with each other on-screen in When Calls the Heart; therefore, I'm looking forward to seeing them both take on these new roles opposite of each other in this new mystery, Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement. Their banter is always charming, and the looks they give each other are... well... beyond words!!! Their eyes talk! I'm hoping this mystery is as good as the previews look!

The lemon movie The Magic of Lemon Drops looks cute, but I hope the whole "magical" lemon drops doesn't get too weird, if you know what I mean. Otherwise, the leads in this movie, Lyndsy Fonseca and Ian Harding, just started appearing in Hallmark movies two or three years ago, and instantly, I found them both to be extremely likable; therefore, I'm hoping the combination of these two will be just as sweet.

Great American Family's Finding Faith is a deeply soul-searching and inspirational movie. If you missed it above, please be sure to read my movie review for more details.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you get the chance to watch something Christmassy, please share in the comments below.

Blessings to you all!

Net

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

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

~Psalm 46:1-3

Via the Great American Pure Flix Insider, "the language in Psalm 46:1-3 is a beautiful reminder of God's love for us and His willingness to protect us through His love and care. In "Finding Faith," Victoria is able to remember that God is her refuge and strength when her fear arises during her parent's health scares. She remembers that with God, she still has hope even in times of fear.