Hello, movie friends!
Are you looking for something new to watch this weekend? I may have the key to this question below, as we unlock the latest movies together!
Great American Family's newest movie premiere, "Mystery by the Book" (previously titled "Key to Love"), is lighthearted, charming, and romantic. The mystery portion is low-key but still intriguing. I watched this movie early on Great American Pure Flix, and I've included my review below.
The Hallmark Channel will surely rope in viewers with their latest premiere, "The Real West," which features beautiful countryside, romance, comedy, and cowboys!
Check out details on these movies below and some of the best classic movies airing this weekend...
Saturday, September 28, 2024:
Storyline: A bookstore owner is in a difficult relationship with a book cover model until an antique key found in a false book unlocks their romance.
Movie Review:
Mystery by the Book – (I streamed this movie on Great American Pure Flix)
This romantic-comedy is lighthearted, sweet, and endearing. Some of the story is somewhat predictable, but that’s part of the charm that made this movie such an enjoyable watch.
Corey Sevier, who is well-known for a number of TV movies, including “Noel Next Door,” “Everything Christmas,” “Northern Lights of Christmas,” etc… is the true star of this movie, with his portrayal of Josh, an architect and book cover model. His charming personality shined through, as it always does. I felt Corey Sevier was the glue that held this movie together.
In the beginning, I wasn’t certain about the chemistry between Josh and Samantha, who owns and runs the local book store. Samantha and her friend, Brittany, sometimes act like giddy teenagers; however, in spite of that, I still found the movie to be heartwarming and amusing.
It was delightful to watch Josh and Samantha search through Josh’s grandfather’s estate attempting to find a hidden treasure. I especially enjoyed seeing them play dress-up with his grandparent’s clothing and accessories.
Some parts of the movie may be a bit unrealistic, perhaps, but “Mystery by the Book” is a relaxing, family-friendly rom-com that isn’t overly serious, and it leaves you smiling and feeling good inside. ~Net
Saturday, September 28, 2024:
Storyline: A family vacation to a working Ranch introduces Professor Rebecca to Jake West. Rebecca is a widower chasing tenure and Jake is a handsome cowboy who never settled down.
If you love Kimberley Sustad's fashions seen in the western-themed rom-com, "The Real West," you can find many of them on my sister's blog, *It's a Wonderful Lifestyle*. She features her cowboy hats, a dress, tops, and more! (*click here to see*)
image: UPtv |
Programming Notes:
(Highlighting some of the best movie classics airing this weekend)
Great American Family:
Saturday - An Autumn Romance, One Perfect Match, Love at the Ranch, Love in Bloom
Sunday - Mystery by the Book, Fall into Winter
Hallmark Channel:
Saturday - Fourth Down and Love, The Secret Ingredient
Sunday - An Easter Bloom, Winter in Vail, Romance in Style, Love Takes Flight
Hallmark Mystery:
Sunday - Aurora Teagarden Mysteries marathon
Hallmark Family:
Sunday - My Boyfriends' Dogs, Walking the Dog, Warming Up to You
Merit Street:
See classic Great American Family movies on Merit Street-
Saturday- Identical Love, God's Country Song
Sunday- Harmony from the Heart, The Engagement Plan
UPtv:
Saturday - Sweet as Pie, Sweet on You, Love in Translation
Sunday - Designed with Love, Made for You, with Love, Styled with Love
I hope you all have a nice, pleasant, and safe weekend.
My heart and prayers go out to all of you who are in the path of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. May God be with you all. Please, please, be safe out there, especially where there is flooding and destruction.
We are finally receiving some much-needed rain here in the Midwest, but nothing severe, thankfully; although, we may have strong winds heading our way. I hope you all are doing well wherever you live.
Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new movie, "The Real West". If you'd like to post a review on whether this film is family-friendly after it premieres, please share in comments. I'm personally loving the cowboy/country feel to this movie, so I'm hoping it's a good one!
"Mystery by the Book" is a delightful, family-friendly movie. In case you missed it, I shared a review for this movie above.
In addition to the new movies, there are plenty of great classic movie options airing this weekend, as well, including "Love in Bloom" on Great American Family (I may be redundant in saying so, but I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE this movie), the "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries" marathon airs Sunday on Hallmark Mystery (I always enjoy sleuthing with our girl, Candace Cameron Bure, and next week her all-new "Ainsley McGregor Mysteries" premieres on Great American Family), and my last recommendation is "Styled with Love" on UPtv (If you haven't seen it, be sure to record it or give it a watch; it's such a sweet rom-com)!
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
I really like your first picture Net. That’s cute the way you referenced the old west wanted signs. I’m looking forward to both new movies this weekend. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Lucas Bryant in anything new and I’ve been wanting to see Mystery by the Book since last year. Christie
ReplyDeleteAngela Lansbury’s Hallmark Movies
ReplyDeleteThose movies are Hallmark Hall of Fame
The Blackwater Lightship (2004)
The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story (1993)
The Shell Seekers (1989)
ReplyDeleteMurder She Wrote’ Movie Is Still in the Works
I am obsessed with the comfy, cozy, iconic murder mystery television series Murder, She Wrote, starring Dame Angela Lansbury (may she rest in peace).
I fell in love with it while watching with my mom growing up, and as an adult, I have seen the full series several times over. It's that perfect rainy day binge.
As you know, the character Jessica Fletcher (played by Lansbury) is a teacher-turned-mystery novelist and sleuth who solves some 60 murders in her home town of Cabot Cove, Maine. However murder follows her around the globe during her vacations and book tours during its 12 season run from 1984 to 1996.
Alright, back to the fictional, quaint fishing village of Cabot Cove and the latest surrounding this charming Maine fishing village as the set of a new theatrical film version with big behind-the-scenes names attached.
According to Town and Country magazine, the classic show is in the works at Universal. The writers themselves known for Orange is the New Black and Dumb Money, Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, confirmed they've even finished the script.
According to the ScreenRant website, the producer is Academy Award-winning Amy Pascal of Pascal Pictures, known for the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Molly's Game, The Post, andLittle Women.
Other than that we haven't heard any new updates about this film adaption of our beloved detective series as we wait to learn more.
Hi Anonymous,
DeleteWow I did not know they were making a new Murder She Wrote movie! I’ll be looking out for that. I love Murder She Wrote. My favorite movie that I have seen is “South by Southwest”. I don’t even know how I got into the show because my mom never watched it…i remember when I was pregnant with my son who just turned 3 recently, I couldn’t sleep some nights and it was the only thing on late, besides Friends and I just started watching it and now I enjoy the mystery. It’s not so morbid like when I would watch Law and Order years ago….
~Paula
Murder She Wrote 4 TV Movies Collection
DeleteThere’s 4 TV Movies Collection is available on anazon
South by Southern (1997)
A Story to Die for (2000)
The Last Free Man (2001)
The Celtic Riddle (2003)
After the series
The network also agreed to commission four Murder, She Wrote movies over the next few years. The first was South by Southwest (1997), with three more following as A Story to Die For (2000), The Last Free Man (2001), and The Celtic Riddle (2003)
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-She-Wrote-Movie-Collection/dp/B004Z74X0M
Murder, She Wrote Movie in the Works — Who Should Play Jessica Fletcher?
DeleteWho’s up for a trip to Cabot Cove?
A film adaptation of the beloved crime drama series Murder, She Wrote is officially in the works at Universal Pictures, as first reported by Above the Line.
Lauren Schuker Blum & Rebecca Angelo, who both previously wrote for Orange Is the New Black, will write the screenplay, with former Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chair Amy Pascal attached to produce. Blum and Angelo, however, were tapped to pen the film prior to the ongoing writers’ strike, and work on the script has halted until after the Writers Guild of America reaches a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Murder, She Wrote originally ran on CBS for 12 seasons from 1984 to 1996. Angela Lansbury — who passed away in 2022 — starred as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer and amateur detective who helped solve countless murders, namely in the coastal town of Cabot Cove, Maine, where Jessica lived. The series also starred William Windom as Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Ron Masak as Sheriff Mort Metzger, Tom Bosley as Sheriff Amos Tupper, Louis Herthum as Deputy Andy Broom and Will Nye as Deputy Floyd, among many other recurring players.
Lansbury earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work on every season of Murder, She Wrote (for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series), but she never took home a trophy. The show did collect wins, though, for Outstanding Costume Design (in 1986) and Outstanding Music Composition (in 1985).
Does a Murder, She Wrote movie pique your interest? And who would you cast as Jessica Fletcher? Drop a comment below!
Someone could portrayed as Jessica Fletcher
Watching both new movies. -Maria
ReplyDeleteThey look good to me. I’ll have to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteI’m watching the movie; Tulips in Spring
ReplyDeleteLove on the Danube Movie Collection
New Movies Now Streaming
Start your FREE trail today!
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Hallmark+
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Have you watched the Danube collection yet? I’m wondering about the one with Sarah Powers.
DeleteI’ve only seen the first two and they are both family friendly. I preferred the second one over the first.
DeleteI am so excited for “Mystery by the Book”! I already have that set to record. “The Real West” looks great too! Have a blessed weekend everyone. Our 6 year old will be dancing in our annual town parade tomorrow, in 98 degrees π₯΅
ReplyDelete~Paula
Looks like there are great options for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Schedule Update!
ReplyDeleteDuring the premiere of "Mystery by the Book" - there was a promo for Movie #1 - "A Vintage Christmas," starring Christopher Russell and Merritt Patterson, premiering on Saturday, October 19th. (This movie was previously Movie #3.)
There was also a commercial for Movie #3 -
"A Christmas Castle Proposal," Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke, coming October 26, 2024. (This movie was previously Movie #2.)
I haven't seen a promo for "Christmas in Scotland," yet, which was previously scheduled to premiere first. My guess is it will premiere on October 20th, but we'll see. As I write this, the dates haven't been updated on Great American Family's website.
The one I posted over the weekdays on your blog while I was watching the Movie; Love in Paradise when I saw Christmas movies trailers on Great American Family
Delete1) Christmas in Scotland
September 19, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
2) A Christmas Castle Proposal
September 20, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
But they changed the dates with different Christmas movies
2) Christmas Castle Proposal
September 20, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
This one is # 3 while wasting Mystery by the Book
Christmas in Scotland has been changed the date
Also I forget about A Little Women Christmas to air on November 30, 2024 at 8pm ET/5pm PT on GAFAM
DeleteWhile I was watching Mystery By the Book
ReplyDeleteA Vintage Christmas
October 19, 2024
Merrit Peterson & Christopher Russell
8pm ET/5pm PT
Wreaths & Ribbons
Casey Elliott & Kristin Wollet from County Rescue
October 20, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
A Christmas Castle Proposal
The sequel to A Prince in Paradise
Rhiannon Fish & Mitchell Bourke
October 26, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
A Christmas Less Travelled
Candace Cameron Bure & Eric Johnson
November 16, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
Wreaths & Ribbons Is a new Christmas titled for A Wreathmaker Christmas on GAFAM
ReplyDeleteHere’s Christmas in Scotland to sit on September 19, 2024 but whilst watching Mystery by the Book
ReplyDeleteThey switched the Christmas movies titled from Christmas in Scotland to A Vintage Christmas on September 19, 2024
Mystery by the Book is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteAnd were anyone smiling unontrollably during the new trailers for Christmas 2024 and When Hope Calls?! :))) (also, A Wreathmaker Christmas is not titled Wreaths and Bows and will air on a different date). -Maria
I missed watching the newest movie. Looking forward to watching it.
DeleteMisty
Loved Mystery By The Book! Waiting to read reviews on The Real West before I watch it.
ReplyDeleteExcited to see Nick Bateman will be in When Hope Calls.
Drake Hogestyn pased away at age 70 on September 28, 2024 when he starred in Hallmark Christmas movie: Christmas Tree Lane. It’s only day away on his birthday is today when he turns 71 years old
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen The Real West? Trish
ReplyDeleteI saw it. I would say it is NOT family friendly. There is a lot of talk about ghost hunting and then letting teenage boyfriend/girlfriend stay in the same cabin together. It was a disappointing movie with only a few funny moments.
DeleteI don't have time to watch it tonight or the rest of this week, so here is what I'm hearing The Real West has:
ReplyDeleteTeen Romance
Lots of Angst
Steamy kisses.
-Maria
Review: Mystery By the Book -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Yes -
In short, this is a very entertaining movie that held my interest from beginning to end. I felt that the movie shined whenever Alicia and Corey were on the screen together - the chemistry was right-on. The ending that dealt with the contents of the box was nicely done. The only drawback for me, which Net also mentions in her review, was the friend Brittany - she acts like a giddy immature teenage, and I cringed whenever she was on. (She's not the best actress, either.) But this aside, it's a fun movie, and worth at least a watch.
The Real West was family friendly except for a statement made by Aaron(Denton) near the end of the movie. He is having a heart to heart talk with Jake(Lucas) about love and the decisions people make when he admits he once lived with a girl for about at year. Chances are young viewers will not even catch that, but just a word of caution. As for the rest of the movie, I'm not quite sure how I feel about the story as a whole anyway. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but the whole concept to me is not good! Kimberly does an excellent job acting her part. Lucas was ok. Kimberly has a very touching scene with her boys near the end of the movie about their dad that's very moving.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Thank you so much for sharing this detailed review for "The Real West." I really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this.
DeleteAlso, I wanted to ask how you are doing in the Carolinas. The devastation I'm seeing on TV and on social media is heartbreaking. I hope you and your family, friends, and neighbors are all well.
I remember you sharing about being somewhat near the Biltmore Estate, and I've seen reports of how awful it is there in that area. So sad. My heart and prayers go out to everyone there.
Hey Net! Thank you for the prayers for the Carolinas. Me and my family are safe and sound. I do have a son that lives in one area hit hard, but not the worst part. They only lost power for a couple of days and no flooding at his home! The news reels are hard to watch. It's so bad and sad!! Thanks again for praying and for the donations to help and to all here that are praying and donating too! I love my IAWM family! Blessings to you all!
DeleteThanks again Net!! Blessings to you my friend!
Joyce, Thank you for this update! I'm so glad you and your family are safe. You are so right; the news is unbearable to watch. I can't imagine what these people went through, and the difficulties many are still enduring. Praying with you.
DeleteBlessings to you, honey...
Thanks to all who wrote reviews on The Real West. Even though I love Lucas Bryant's acting, I will not watch this movie.
ReplyDeleteHey Net and All Fellow Christmas Lovers :)
ReplyDeleteI just noticed, Hallmark Family is playing some of those older HM movies on Sat and Sun starting Oct 19th. It looks like it is all day Sat and Sun the last 2 weekends in October. Not sure if it will continue into Nov. I hope it does. Movies such as Fir Crazy, One Starry Christmas, Trading Christmas, Angel of Christmas, Northpole, even really older like National Tree, Season for Miracles, Silver Bells, Dog named Christmas, and Christmas with Tucker.
So glad these are not completely forgotten.
Sabrina
Sabrina, Yay! Thank you for sharing this news!!! It's always so great to see so many Christmas movie classics!
DeleteSo many favorites!!! Including:
*A Season for Miracles
*Holiday Engagement
*A Princess for Christmas
*Christmas Dance
*Christmas List
*Christmas with Holly
*I'll be Home for Christmas
*Love Always, Santa
*Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
*Signed, Sealed, Delivered: for Christmas
*Window Wonderland
...and ALL of the ones you mentioned, too! I hope, like you said, that they continue to air these, at least on the weekends, throughout the holiday season!
Thank you for sharing this, my friend! :)
Net