"When Calls the Heart" Cast To Welcome "Little House on the Prairie" Star To Season 12

While the Hearties Family Reunion fan event is taking place in Vancouver, Canada, Michael Landon Jr. (one of the producers of "When Calls the Heart" and son of Michael Landon) revealed some exciting news to the fans assembled there. "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert (who famously portrayed Laura Ingalls as a young girl and teacher on the prairie series) will join the cast of "When Calls the Heart" for two episodes in Season 12!

According to Hallmark, Melissa Gilbert will play Georgie McGill, “who shares a surprising past with one special Hope Valley resident.”

Announcement video:

This is not, however, Melissa Gilbert's first time on Hallmark; she previously starred in these movies for the network: Thicker than Water, Sacrifices of the Heart, and The Christmas Pageant.

Returning for season 12 of "When Calls the Heart" are: Erin Krakow, Kevin McGarry, Chris McNally, Jack Wagner, Pascale Hutton, Kavan Smith, Andrea Brooks, and lots more of the regular cast members...


My Quick Take:

Oh my goodness... this news makes me so happy! I'm so thrilled to learn and share with you all that Melissa Gilbert will be visiting Hope Valley. I think this will be a wonderful addition to the show. Who will her character, Georgie, have a connection with in the town? There are so many possibilities. I'm guessing it might be Jack Wagner's character, Bill Avery, but we shall see.

Due to the prairie time period and small community centered around the church and one-room schoolhouse, "When Calls the Heart" is often compared to "Little House on the Prairie," so to have them connected in this way is extra special.

I hope many of you enjoyed this news, as well.

Blessings to you all,

Net

🎄 Great American Family Announces TWO Premiere Dates For Their 2024 Christmas Movie Season 🎄 SEE HERE:

During the premiere of "Love's Second Act" on Great American Family, the network aired two separate promos for their first two Christmas Movie Premieres for the 2024 Christmas movie season!

"CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND," starring Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters, is set to premiere Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8pm/7c. as the first of 17 original Christmas premieres for Great American Family.

Storyline: 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.

"Christmas in Scotland" has previously aired on streaming sources. Jane, who is a great friend and terrific contributor to It's a Wonderful Movie shared this review:

🎄 Christmas in Scotland. Cute movie. (Watched on Xumo Play app, free on Roku but you just have to endure commercials.) I’ll give pretty much any movie based in Scotland a watch and I loved that this one was filmed locally and we could see authentic scenery and set locations instead of it being somewhere in Canada. The script and the premise are rather lacking and the movie had some typical “eye roll” moments but it also had its share of sweet and warm moments (the hot chocolate game was a cute and unique twist on a Christmas-movie staple) and I appreciated hearing some genuine UK accents instead of Americans faking it. The lead actor was kind of different than the usual leading man but I thought he felt pretty genuine in his role. The lead actress was okay but I didn’t really think she was a perfect fit for a warm fuzzy Christmas role (she has the look of Autumn Reeser but her mannerisms and tone of voice comes off as much less lighthearted than Autumn, in my opinion). I could better see her in a role that is more serious or serious with a side of quirky or light sarcasm; maybe in a mystery movie as the serious detective or the coroner along with a male lead who can provide the touch of lightness and humor and also just a hint of romance. And the two leads didn’t have the greatest of romantic chemistry, it was okay but could have been better with different casting. (Also, I was not crazy that she had a loser boyfriend throughout the movie so it felt weird for her to be falling for another guy, even though the boyfriend was an ocean away.) One cringeworthy element to the movie was the actor that played her father - he was way over-acting to the point of being ridiculous (I’ve seen him in other roles years ago and he wasn’t nearly as horrible as this one; I was actually wondering if he’s had a stroke or something that affected the way he acts?). I’m not a huge fan of Reel One movies, I feel they tend to be a bit low-budget and the sound is usually rather bad, but I’m happy to say this one was good and fun for a one-time watch, for me. Family friendly (except there is a weird, awkward scene at the beginning of the movie where the loser boyfriend briefly says he’s rented them a suite at The Plaza hotel so they could spend Christmas there, implying they’d be sharing the room???). ~~Jane

If you've seen "Christmas in Scotland" and would also like to share a review, please do so in comments below.




The second movie announced was "A CHRISTMAS CASTLE PROPOSAL," starring Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke.

This Christmas movie will premiere on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 8 p.m./7c.

Storyline: 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.

For more details on Great American Christmas 2024 - visit here!

Be sure to stay tuned 

for more movie news!

Net

🍁 Catch The September Movie Premieres This Weekend + Reviews! 🍁 SEE HERE:

Happy weekend, everyone! Even though this is technically the last full weekend of Summer, I'm sharing Hallmark Channel's next Fall Into Love movie premiere, plus the newest rom-com on Great American Family and a new mystery premiering, of course, on Hallmark Mystery.

See all the details below, including movie reviews from Allie B., Megan, and me.

Plus, be sure to share your thoughts on these new movie premieres in the comment section beneath this post.

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Friday, September 13, 2024:

The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening

Storyline via Hallmark: As Birdie and Alden Case’s relationship strengthens, they discover a mutual interest for True Crime. But when their favorite podcaster is found dead, it is up to The Cases to listen to the clues.

The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening

Premieres Friday, September 13, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery

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Saturday, September 14, 2024:

Love's Second Act

Storyline via Great American Family: Jamie, an aspiring filmmaker, heads back to her hometown for some inspiration. She finds it in ex-boyfriend, Nick, who still works at the small-town movie theater where they both first fell in love.

Love's Second Act

Premieres Saturday, September 14, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🎬 Love’s Second Act - 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, who leaves her hometown years ago, then she returns and reconnects with her family and her childhood sweetheart, Nick, played by Tilky Jones.

Of course, Nick's family business, the local theater, is 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.

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.

Overall, "Love’s Second Act" is a pleasant, feel-good movie with a happy ending. ~Net

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Saturday, September 14, 2024:

The Heiress and the Handyman

Storyline: After losing her fortune, an heiress moves to a rural farm where she mistakes her handsome neighbor for the handyman. To live up to her family's legacy, he helps her compete at the county fair.

The Heiress and the Handyman

Premieres Saturday, September 14, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

Movie Reviews:

🍁 I watched The Heiress and the Handyman on HMN, the guy who plays Jodie Sweetin’s assistant does have mannerism of a gay man, but nothing is ever said about it. He appears twice for a total of about 3 minutes, at the beginning & end. The movie is okay, but the story has been done. Think Harvest Moon, but this movie isn’t nearly as good. It felt cheesy somehow and Jodie’s acting felt stiff, kind of fake. It’s a one time watch for me. -Allie B

🍁 Heiress & Handyman was really cute. It compares well with UPTV type of movies. The "gay" assistant...nothing was ever said clarifying he was gay. The movie needed more, but was worth a watch for the pig & animal scenes alone. It feels very traditional with hints of Harvest Moon, but not as comedic unfortunately. It's not a bad watch at all & is actually fall themed. I didn't even notice the wig people seem to be obsessing over. –Megan

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Programming Notes:

(Highlighting some of the best movie classics airing this weekend)

Great American Family:

Saturday - Ciders and Sunsets, Fall Into Winter, The Engagement Plan
Sunday - Harmony from the Heart, Identical Love, Home for Harvest


Hallmark Channel:

Saturday - Road Trip Romance, Pearl in Paradise, A Picture of Her
Sunday - My One & Only, Feeling Butterflies, Sweet Autumn, The Story of Us


Hallmark Mystery:

Saturday and Sunday - Hailey Dean Mysteries marathon

Hallmark Family:

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie and watch the 10 Day Marathon of the entire series starting this Friday at 9/8c!

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Little House on the Prairie, Hallmark Family is airing EVERY episode - beginning Friday, September 13th at 9pm EST. and ending next weekend on Sunday, September 22nd at 11:30pm EST.


Merit Street:

See classic Great American Family movies on Merit Street-
Saturday- Just in Time and A Taste of Tuscany
Sunday- Retreat to Paradise and One Perfect Match

UPtv:

Saturday - Aloha with Love, The Nature of Romance, Love's Sweet Recipe

Sunday - Mechanic's of Love, Hearts on Fire, Love in Wolf Creek, Love on Fire

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I hope you all have a nice weekend. Please know that my prayers are with those of you who are in the path of the storms from Hurricane Francine. Be safe, everyone, and take care.

As for the three NEW movies airing this weekend... well, without going into a lot of detail, I'll just say I know some of you aren't too keen on the actors involved with these films due to various statements made in the past. I absolutely understand that. However, for those of you who are planning to watch one or more of the new movies mentioned above, I hope the reviews above will be helpful to you.

Note: I have not pre-screened the new mystery, The Cases of Mystery Lane: Death is Listening. If you'd like to share a review after this movie premieres, please do so in comments below.

In addition to starring in two new movies this weekend, Jodie Sweetin actually has a third premiere. Her latest mystery, The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription, premiered on Hallmark+ (streaming service) on September 10th. Have any of you seen it, yet?

Whether you watch something new or old, I hope you find something to enjoy this weekend. I just love that Hallmark Family is playing all of the episodes of Little House on the Prairie in honor of their 50th Anniversary! I may get lost in that marathon! Be sure to visit my Little House post here to see more details and my favorite Little House episodes.

Blessings on your weekend!

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"For I know the plans I have for you, 

declares the Lord, 

plans for welfare and not for evil, 

to give you a future and a hope."

~Jeremiah 29:11

"Little House on the Prairie" Celebrates 50 Years - Share Your Favorite Episodes And Special Memories (Can You Guess Which Character I Portrayed In My School Play?)

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Little House on the Prairie, Hallmark Family is airing EVERY episode of the series in TEN days - beginning Friday, September 13th at 9pm EST. and ending on Sunday, September 22nd at 11:30pm EST.

The Little House on the Prairie series began on the NBC network on September 11, 1974, and ended on May 10, 1982.

See all of the episodes and characters you love, like Charles Ingalls, Laura, Mary, Caroline, Carrie, Grace, Albert, Mr. Edwards, Mrs. Beadle, Nels Olson, Willie, Dr. Baker, Reverend Alden, Almanzo Wilder, Adam Kendall, and more!

Plus, we'll also see some of the characters we didn't like so much (especially in the beginning), such as: Nellie, Harriett, and Nancy Olson! Ohhhh, that Nellie!

Every time I watch this series, it brings back wonderful memories of my childhood. Even though I grew up watching these shows in reruns, my family and I would still gather in our den to watch them together.

I wrote a play based on the Little House series when I was in school; I portrayed Laura (wearing my hair in braids, of course) and my sister portrayed Mary. And, yes, we had a Nellie, Willie, and lots of other characters, too! Those are such sweet memories.

So many favorite Little House on the Prairie episodes come to mind, it's difficult to name them all. I loved when Laura and Mary met Nellie, the horse race, the Christmas episodes (so touching!), the adorable raccoon, when Mary tries to win the award and nearly burns down the barn, the Ingalls family camping with the Olsons, Founder's Day, when Laura and Mary gamble Sunday school funds, Nellie's phonograph, the runaway caboose, and so many, many more... including the later years when Laura began teaching and fell in love with Almanzo.

Do you have any favorite episodes of Little House on the Prairie that you'd like to share? Does the series bring to mind wonderful memories for you, as well. Please share in comments below.

I hope you enjoy reminiscing down memory lane 

and watching this wonderful series again!

Net

Reflections on September 11th, 2001 - GOD BLESS AMERICA!

On this September 11th, known as Patriot Day, may we all remember the lives lost in the horrific terrorist attacks on America in 2001.

For those of us who lived through September 11th, the memory of what took place is seared into our memory. I will never forget the disturbing images I saw or how terrified I felt that day as my family and I gathered around the TV to watch the endless news coverage. I remember falling to my knees in prayer and crying for the people who perished and the family and friends they left behind.

We were forever changed as a nation, but thankfully, our country, at that time, was firmly united. Americans proudly wore red, white, and blue and flew the American flag with great pride. Even though it was a dark time, the spirit of patriotism and God's amazing love shined through.

Let us continue to pray for peace in America and for those who lost someone they loved on that day.

If you've never seen the film Flight 93, it is a heartrending depiction of what took place on September 11th, 2001. This movie, made in 2006, stars many actors you are sure to recognize from Hallmark movies, including Brennan Elliott (His and Hers, Crossword Mysteries), Karen Holness (Christmas at the Plaza, The Christmas Promise), April Telek (Big Sky River, A World Record Christmas), Laura Mennell (A Country Wedding, Cedar Cove), Tom Butler (Anything for Love, Chesapeake Shores), Wanda Cannon (Christmas List, Surprised by Love), Zak Santiago (Signed, Sealed, Delivered), Hrothgar Mathews (When Calls the Heart), Eric Keenleyside (Martha's Vineyard Mystery), and Daryl Shuttleworth (Christmas in Evergreen).

You can see the movie Flight 93 on YouTube - here. Please note: due to the intense, heavy story based on these real-life events, this is not a film for children; it does include language and violence.

May God bless and protect America.

With an enormous love for my Country,

Net

🎉🎈 Hallmark+ Launches Today! Are You Celebrating? 🎈🎉

images via: Hallmark Media

Today, September 10, 2024, is the official launch date of Hallmark+.

If you're not sure what this is, basically, it's a rebranding of Hallmark Media's previous streaming service, Hallmark Movies Now. This streamer now includes even more new content: original series, romantic-comedies, mysteries, lifestyle programming, interviews, and more! I highlight some of the newest offerings below.

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Hallmark+ New Content Includes:

Celebrations with Lacey Chabert

details via Hallmark: "The show follows Chabert as she surprises deserving individuals who are making a positive impact in their communities with the celebration of a lifetime. With the help of professional party planners, celebrity friends and a team of volunteers, Chabert will have just three days to create an unforgettable event, blending heartwarming stories with dazzling celebrations."


The Chicken Sisters - an original drama series with eight episodes starring Schuyler Fisk, Lea Thompson, Wendie Malick, and a large ensemble cast.

details via Hallmark: The Chicken Sisters is a "family drama dipped in southern charm and served up with a saucy side of romance. The setting is the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides. When the popular cooking competition show Ultimate Kitchen Clash comes to town, it could be the recipe for ending this feud once and for all. But things are fixing to heat up both inside and outside of the kitchen as the reality show spotlight causes sparks to fly as secrets are spilled and feathers get ruffled."


The Jane Mysteries, starring Jodie Sweetin and Stephen Huszar

Three new mysteries in this series drop in September:

· The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription - Premieres Tuesday, September 10- Jane and John work together to clear a teenager's name.

· The Jane Mysteries: Murder at Moseby - Premieres Thursday, September 19 -Jane returns to her college alma mater to solve a long-standing mystery.

· The Jane Mysteries: Too Much to Lose - Premieres Thursday, September 26 - Jane investigates the disappearance of a journalist after a significant game show win.


Love on the Danube movie trilogy - three films set against the picturesque backdrop of a European river cruise.

· Love on the Danube: Love Song - Premieres Tuesday, September 10 - Nazneen Contractor and Wes Brown are fellow passengers on a cruise who serve as matchmakers for their widowed, music-loving parents.

· Love on the Danube: Royal Getaway -Premieres Thursday, September 19 - Jessica Sipos and Dan Jeannotte star in this romantic tale of a heartbroken art gallery manager, who takes her honeymoon river cruise solo and meets an incognito prince.

· Love on the Danube: Kissing Stars - Premieres Thursday, September 26 - Sarah Power and Brendan Penny star as a publicist and a rising film star whose professional collaboration on a cruise develops into an unexpected romance.


Hallmark Movie VIP Pass

This series is being described as a behind-the-scenes talk show-type series. Actress Tamara Mowrey-Housley hosts this new series, as she sits down and watches some of Hallmark’s most popular films with the stars themselves. During commercial breaks, they will have Q&A, trivia, and games.


Another series is coming...

Hallmark+ has ordered a new drama series titled Ripple.

"From Lionsgate TV, Ripple explores how unexpectedly connected we are as human beings. Set in New York City, Nate, Kris, Walter and Aria have crossed paths hundreds of times, yet they’ve never met. Because of the seemingly minuscule decisions these core four make in the pilot, we’ll witness the ripple effect of how these strangers, all dealing with life’s challenges in their own way, are led to one another." 

Production on Ripple will begin this month.

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My Quick Take:

I am not currently a subscriber to the Hallmark+ streaming platform; however, I have subscribed to Hallmark Movies Now in the past.

Please know, I'm not planning to share month by month the new offerings available on Hallmark+, as my focus here at It's a Wonderful Movie is still on movies premiering on TV; however, if you are a subscriber and you'd like to share any news on the movies, series, or whatever else is on Hallmark+, please feel free any time to share with us! I'm sure many who visit here would enjoy getting your take. I know I certainly would because there's a great possibility these movies may one day end up on the Hallmark Channel or Hallmark Mystery.

Thank you for reading this post today. To learn more about subscribing to Hallmark+, visit this link.

Have a blessed day!

Net

Plan Your Weekend With Two Special TV Reunions - SEE HERE:

Happy first full weekend of September, everyone!

Whether you love a movie set in the country or the city, the new movies this weekend have you covered.

Both of these new premieres also have two special TV reunions...

Well-known actors Faith Ford and Ted McGinley, who starred together in the TV sitcom series Hope and Faith and two Hallmark movies, The Bridge Part 1 & 2, will once again portray husband and wife in this all-new movie premiere on Great American Family, The Engagement Plan.

From All of My Heart to Crossword Mysteries and more, Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott star this weekend in their 10th movie together, the first 2024 Fall Into Love Hallmark Channel movie, His & Hers!

See details on these movies and more below...


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Saturday, September 7, 2024:

The Engagement Plan

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.

 

The Engagement Plan

Premieres Saturday, September 7, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

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


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Saturday, September 7, 2024:

His and Hers

Storyline: Married couple Dana (Chabert) and Mark (Elliott) are high-powered lawyers at two separate New York City law firms. They soon find themselves on opposing sides of a messy divorce between two reality stars, Sammy and Brett. When both clients are unable to compromise, Dana and Mark are headed for a courtroom showdown that results in tensions infiltrating their otherwise happy household.

His and Hers

Premieres Saturday, September 7, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

If you love Lacey Chabert and Stephanie Bennett's fashions seen in "His and Hers," you can find them at It's a Wonderful Lifestyle.



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Programming Notes:

Great American Family:

*In addition to the new premiere Saturday night, classic movies will air both Saturday and Sunday, with a Pure Flix movie marathon on Sunday, September 8th, beginning at noon, EST.

Pure Flix Marathon on Sunday:

Mr Manhattan - 12pm
God's Country Song - 2:15pm
Nothing is Impossible - 4:15pm
Finding Faith - 6:15pm
Divine Influencer - 8:15pm
The Engagement Plan - 10:15pm




Hallmark Channel:

Classic movies airing this weekend include: Moonlight in Vermont, The Magic of Lemon Drops, Valentine Ever After, Retreat to You, Blind Date Book Club, The 27-Hour Day, and As Luck Would Have It.




Hallmark Mystery:

A marathon of Garage Sale Mystery movies airs Saturday and Sunday.

Hallmark Family:

Classic movies airing this weekend include: J.L. Family Ranch: The Wedding Gift, After All These Years, The Memory Book, Love Under the Rainbow, Warming Up to You, All for Love, Anything for Love, and more

UPtv:

UPtv is Serving Up a Romantic Movie Marathon this weekend with these movies: Love is a Piece of Cake, Mixed Baggage, Love in Wolf Creek, The Secret Sauce, Sweet on You, Sweet as Pie, and more!


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I hope you all enjoy the new movies this weekend. Once again, I highly recommend the Pure Flix offering this weekend, "The Engagement Plan," airing on Great American Family. Please see my review above.

I'm also looking forward to seeing "His & Hers" on the Hallmark Channel; I'm hoping it will be another great addition to the Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott list of movies!

Have a great weekend, everyone! If you're still experiencing the sizzling Summr heat, I pray you can keep cool. I know some of you have had dangerous triple digits, which is rather miserable. We've had a mix here lately in the Midwest, so it's been nice to get a little taste of Fall. The air conditioner is off today, and I even had a blanket wrapped around my shoulders as I typed some of this weekend post this morning. Autumn is coming... I can feel it easing our way... slowly but surely!

Blessings on your weekend!

Net

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Shining His Light:

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, 

so that no one who believes in Me 

should stay in darkness.”

-- John 12:46

Lifetime Announces Original Movie "Christmas in the Spotlight"

Lifetime has added a New Original Movie, "Christmas in the Spotlight," to its network's "It's a Wonderful Lifetime" Holiday Slate.

The movie centers around Bowyn, a popular female pop star, and Drew, a pro football player. Sounds kind of familiar, doesn't it?

See all of the details in Lifetime's press release below...


Press Release:

LIFETIME ADDS NEW ORIGINAL MOVIE

CHRISTMAS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

TO NETWORK’S IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFETIME HOLIDAY SLATE

STARRING JESSICA LORD, LAITH WALLSCHLEGER, JEANNIE MAI

AND HALEY KALIL IN HER TELEVISION DEBUT

HOLIDAY FILM FOLLOWS THE STORY OF

A MEGA POPSTAR AND FOOTBALL PLAYER

NEW YORK, NY (September 6, 2024) – Lifetime greenlights Christmas in the Spotlight as part of the network’s 2024 It’s A Wonderful Lifetime movie slate, starring Jessica Lord (Find Me In Paris, The Next Step), Laith Wallschleger (The Rookie, All American), Emmy award winning host and producer Jeannie Mai and TikTok content creator and influencer Haley Kalil (haleyybaylee, 23M followers across social platforms), who makes her television debut. Christmas in the Spotlight is a holiday romance that explores the possibility of a love that can shine even under the bright lights of fame.

Christmas in the Spotlight follows Bowyn (Lord), a popular musician and celebrity, who despite always singing about love and relationships, hasn’t found Mr. Right yet. Her fame and busy recording schedule make it nearly impossible to date, but when she meets Drew (Wallschleger), a pro football player, backstage at her show with his niece, there’s an undeniable spark between the two of them. When Drew publicly declares he has a crush on Bowyn, they decide to give dating a shot, much to the excitement of her manager Mira (Mai). With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger… but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family, including Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole (Kalil). The pair has until the end of the holiday season to decide if they want to stay together, or let it go down in flames.

Christmas in the Spotlight is produced for Lifetime by Off Camera Entertainment. Stephanie Slack and Margret Huddleston executive produce. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are executive producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Michelle Ouellet directs from a script written by Eirene Tran Donohue.

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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating 40 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality limited series and breakout non-fiction series and documentaries. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital™ are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

Follow Lifetime on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tik Tok

A+E Networks Official Press Site: http://press.aenetworks.com

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I would love to know your take on this. Please share in comments below.

Have a Merry Day!

Net

🎄🎄 UPtv's Most Uplifting Christmas Ever 2024 🎄🎄 SEE HERE:

Christmas is coming once again to UPtv! The network has announced their Christmas Movie slate for the 2024 Holiday season with over 50 days and 100 hours of programming.

Starting November 1st, UPtv will celebrate the season with 12 premiere movies on its channel along with a Gaither TV music special!

The press release below has the full details...


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UPtv Press Release:

UPtv’S MOST UPLIFTING CHRISTMAS EVER

RETURNS NOVEMBER 1

UPtv’s very merry offering is filled with over 500 hours of holiday cheer

including 12 premiere movies and a Gaither Music Christmas Special

ATLANTA – Sept. 5, 2024 – UPtv, the television home for uplifting entertainment, will be celebrating the “Most Uplifting Christmas Ever” this year with 50 days of Christmas programming filled with almost 100 titles including 12 premiere movies and an all-new Gaither music Christmas special Gaither Vocal Band: New Star Shining.

“Christmas is the time of year when families really come together. When people go out of their way to be kinder and to feel the joy that the season can bring,” said Hector Campos, SVP, content strategy and acquisition at UP Entertainment. “Our curated collection of uplifting movies provides a relaxing escape where not only will viewers see great holiday romances, but also they’ll get so much more as our movies highlight the true meaning of Christmas and that the magic isn't just about that final kiss.”

For a third year, UPtv will celebrate the season of giving and spreading holiday cheer with a “Most Uplifting Christmas Ever” Sweepstakes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and an additional $10,000 will be donated to the charity of their choice by UPtv. The sweepstakes will be available for entry on the uptv.com website from November 1 – December 31.

In addition to UPtv’s holiday offering, subscription streaming service UP Faith & Family begins Christmas on Nov. 1st with over 200 Christmas favorites as part of "Cozy UP to Christmas." Thirty-two titles are being added for subscribers to watch this season.

The My UPtv app is available for viewers to download and is especially popular around the holidays to track movie viewing. The tracker app allows viewers to learn more about upcoming movies and series on the network, watch previews and request personalized showtime alerts. Viewers can also “favorite” movie titles to add to a personal collection to easily access them later, set calendar reminders and request notifications. Download the app: uptv.com/myapp

UPtv’s holiday season programming highlights include:

Country Roads Christmas – Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. ET

When the daughter of a country singer loses her job at a record label, she goes off to become her estranged father’s manager and finds love along the way.

Stars: Lanie McAuley, Bo Yokely, Bailey Chase


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The Case of the Christmas Diamond - Saturday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. ET

Blue-collar Andy finds herself accused of theft when a multi-million-dollar gem suddenly goes missing from her rich friend's estate. With the help of a famous mystery writer, Andy must find the real culprit amid the litany of wealthy guests.

Stars: William Baldwin, Kelly Daly, Dey Young


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Christmas in Rockwell – Sunday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. ET

When a big town star goes home to her small town to celebrate Christmas, confusion and romance lead the holiday festivities.

Stars: Trish Stratus, Stephen Huszar, Sheila McCarthy


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Dognapped: Hound for the Holidays – Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. ET

When an egotistical social media influencer's dog is kidnapped, her long-suffering assistant teams up with a charming local vet to find the puppy before Christmas. As the two investigate suspects, they form a romantic bond along the way.

Stars: Vivica A. Fox, Sara Ball, Noah Fearnley


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A Very English Christmas – Sunday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. ET

Christmas in the English countryside wasn’t in Emma’s plans until her sister, Amy, plans her wedding for Christmas Eve. Dylan, Amy’s co-Christmas market owner, teams up with Emma to bring order to the whirlwind wedding.

Stars: Kimberly Nixon, Poppy Gilbert, Lewis Griffiths


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The Search for Secret Santa – Saturday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. ET

Cub reporter Sofia thinks she's found a Christmas story that will save her career when she discovers a long-lost, undelivered Secret Santa gift addressed from B. to Claire.

Stars: Skye Coyne, Alex Trumble, Jackée Harry


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Festival of Trees – Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. ET

Jacquie Miller is an interior designer desperate to catch a break. The city’s annual Festival of Trees decorating competition, known for putting local artists on the map, may be just the answer! But competing with the city’s top designers is not for the faint of heart. With the help of her quirky assistant, a charming stranger and an inspirational young girl, Jacquie embarks on a humor-filled and heart-warming journey to create a tree that will knock the stockings off Santa himself.

Stars: Kate Miner, Greg Perrow, Josie Davis


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A Prince and Pauper Christmas – Saturday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET

When a down-on-his luck confidential informant in a criminal investigation suddenly goes missing, a desperate young federal agent recruits his doppelgänger to play the role.

Stars: Brittany Underwood, Jonathan Stoddard, Tom Arnold


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A Bluegrass Christmas – Sunday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. ET

Katie’s family’s horse sanctuary is on the brink of closure, but in a last-ditch effort to raise the money, Katie must coax her reclusive grandfather, Bluegrass legend Ben Pendleton, back onto the stage for a Christmas benefit concert.

Stars: Amanda Jordan, David Pinard, Shaun Johnston


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12 Dares of Christmas – Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. ET

A teacher’s quiet holiday season gets a jolt of spice when she accepts a 12 Dares of Christmas challenge from her sister while scrambling to ready her town for a Christmas exchange program with a suave, opinionated French teacher.

Stars: Brittany Underwood, Sean Yves Lessard, Marnie Mahannah


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A Novel Christmas – Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. ET

When a successful children's book author Chloe Anderson heads to the cozy town of Noelville to spend time with her sister's family and help care for her recently widowed father, she didn't expect the instant-connection with the local bookstore owner and single dad, Ethan; or find her number one fan in his daughter, Alex. Will the small town's charms be enough to rekindle a grieving family's Christmas spirit along Chloe's dreams of writing her first novel - let alone a chance at love?

Stars: Brigitte Kingsley, Landy Cannon, Alys Crocker


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North by North Pole: A Dial S Mystery – Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. ET

Santa is back to help a new couple solve a mystery and find romance. Zoey has one Christmas wish...to produce the perfect Christmas Festival for her hometown of Willow Creek. That wish becomes more difficult when Dalton, the sponsor’s handsome but aggravating son, becomes her partner and his modern ideas clash with Zoey’s more traditional vision. However, when suspicious things start happening, they realize someone is trying to stop the festival. They must team up to save it and soon find that they have a lot more in common than they thought.

Stars: Abby Ross, Joey Scarpellino, Andrea Reindel


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Gaither Vocal Band: New Star Shining – Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. ET (will premiere first on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. ET)

Celebrate the beauty and promise of the Savior’s birth with this new Christmas show from the legendary Gaither Vocal Band. Hosted by Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame quintet lends its heartfelt, award-winning harmonies to signature performances of original songs and nostalgic favorites including “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Tennessee Christmas” and more, delivering the eternal hope of this timeless story not only for the season, but also in our hearts every day of the year.

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About UP Entertainment

UP Entertainment, celebrating its 20th anniversary this October, is the destination for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. UP Faith & Family is the leading subscription streaming service in uplifting entertainment. UPtv is the trusted network for adults seeking positive programming with relatable stories about relationships, filled with love and laughter, through exclusive premiere movies, box-office hit films and beloved series. AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. GaitherTV+ provides access to Gaither’s renowned and growing library of full-length award-winning Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian concerts and specials, early premieres of new performances and shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews. UP Entertainment in partnership with PixL Dos, also manages and distributes Cine Romántico, a FAST channel featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish. Additionally, UP Entertainment also represents partner brands Ovation TV and its AVOD and FAST services including Journy. Ovation is an independent television, production, and digital media company, with an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture and entertainment. Journy is Ovation’s free ad-supported video on demand channel focused on travel and entertainment. UP Entertainment’s award-winning pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone,” has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.

------------ End of Press Release ------------

UPtv has a mix of Christmas movies premiering on their network this year!

Some of you may be familiar with some of the titles that have been available to watch on various streaming sources, like Christmas in Rockwell and Country Roads Christmas. Plus, at least four of the films above that are new to UPtv have previously aired on the ION network.

The two Christmas movies I'm most looking forward to seeing are A Bluegrass Christmas, which includes actor, Shaun Johnston (best known as Grandpa Jack on Heartland) and A Novel Christmas, which stars Brigitte Kingsley, Landy Cannon, and Alys Crocker.

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

Have a Merry Day!

Net

🎄🏈 Hallmark Announces Premiere Date For Football Themed Christmas Movie 🏈🎄

image: Hallmark Media

Hallmark Media announces to their Christmas Movie fans on the first day of the NFL football season...

Save the date for kickoff! 🏈 🎄

"Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story," starring Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, will premiere Saturday, Nov 30 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel as part of Countdown To Christmas!

Storyline: “Hunter King plays Alana Higman, who’s sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s ‘Fan of the Year’ contest. Tyler Hynes stars as Derrick (Hynes), Director of Fan Engagement, who is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family stack up against the other two finalists. As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfather’s (Ed Begley Jr.) vintage Chiefs, good luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.”

Trailer - "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" :

Stay tuned 

for more Christmas movie news!

Net 🎄

New "Curious Caterer Mystery" Sweetens October With New Premiere - - Details Here:

image: Hallmark Media

Prepare yourself, Sleuthers, for another treat! Hallmark Mystery has added a new movie and premiere date to their October schedule.

Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit, starring Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker, will premiere on Hallmark Mystery Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9pm/8c.


Storyline via Hallmark: Goldy Berry (Nikki DeLoach) caters a VIP concert and goes on a date with Tom (Andrew Walker).

Update: This movie was previously titled "Curious Caterer: Drumstick Drama."

image: Hallmark Media

Happy Sleuthing!

Net