Hello, friends! Are you starting to get that Fall feeling?
It seems we've been talking about the new "Ainsley McGregor Mystery," starring Candace Cameron Bure, coming for some time, and now that premiere is finally here this Saturday! I can't wait for you all to see it and hear your thoughts! The suspense is... well, let's just say... getting to me!
And if one mystery is not enough for you this weekend, there's also an all-new "Hannah Swensen Mystery" starring Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven premiering Friday night, with an encore on Sunday!
All of you rom-com lovers are also in luck, as there are two new movie premieres this weekend on the Hallmark Channel and UPtv. Plus, Hallmark's latest romantic comedy, starring Erin Cahill and Wes Brown, is deliciously fall-themed!
See all of the details below...
Friday, October 4, 2024:
Storyline: Hannah (Sweeney) caters Lonnie’s (Daylin Willis) high school reunion, which is disrupted by a fight between his old friend Darcy (Brittany Mitchell) and her boyfriend. Lonnie makes sure she gets home from the reunion safely, but the next morning she is found dead and Lonnie is implicated in her murder. As Hannah works with Chad (Webster) to prove his innocence, she finds herself in the crosshairs of Darcy’s killer. Meanwhile, Delores (Niven) finds herself unexpectedly whisked into the world of acting while also working the case in the way only she can.
Friday, October 4, 2024
at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery
Saturday, October 5, 2024:
Storyline: Ainsley McGregor, a former Chicago criminologist, returns to her hometown of Sweet River, Texas. She has chosen to trade full-time crime work to open Bless Your Arts, a market for artisans to sell crafts and wares. But Ainsley cannot deny her first love is crime solving and accepts a position teaching a criminology class at the local community college. Her skills quickly become a major asset to the quaint town, when a murder occurs at a winery owned by her friend, who now stands accused of the crime. The Sweet River Sheriff, who just happens to be Ainsley’s brother, Ryan, wants her to stay out of the investigation. But, Ainsley knows the pieces of this puzzle do not fit. To help her friend and with the unexpected assistance from some goodhearted local busybodies – Ainsley McGregor is back on the case.
Premieres Saturday, October 5, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Movie Review:
"Candace Cameron Bure is back to crime-solving as Ainsley McGregor, a former criminologist from Chicago who recently moved to Sweet River, Texas, to be near her brother, Ryan (the town’s sheriff, played by Robin Dunne), and her friends to live a simpler life away from crime and violence.
However, this isn’t the case when Ainsley and her best friend, Shannon, discover a dead body at the local winery. Much to her brother’s disapproval, Ainsley reluctantly gets roped into solving this mystery with help from her friends in the community and the handsome local fire chief, Jake (played by Aaron Ashmore).
Just a few minutes into the movie, I was already deeply engrossed in this mystery, the interesting, diverse townspeople of Sweet River, and Ainsley’s dearest friends.
Throughout the film, I felt little hints, here and there, of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery and the early years of Murder, She Baked. Much like Aurora, Ainsley has her own group of crime-solving friends, who have made their own club, and like Murder, She Baked, this new Ainsley McGregor Mystery has a warm, tight-knit community feel to it..." ~Net
*Click here to read more of my movie review of the all-new "Ainsley McGregor Mystery"!
Saturday, October 5, 2024:
Storyline: Recently divorced Elise returns to Landover, Maine to manage her grandmother's B&B. She faces a new challenge with a handsome guest, Luke, who wants to open a bistro in town.
Premieres Saturday, October 5, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, October 6, 2024:
Storyline: Adrian is a Hollywood paparazzi assigned to get photos of a very elusive star, Parker Bennett. Little does she know, she’ll get her chance when they both end up at the same BnB in the mountains of NC.
Premieres Sunday, October 6, 2024
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Movie Review:
*Maria (a loyal reviewer here at It's a Wonderful Movie) has seen this movie, and she shared this brief, positive review: "Yes, it IS a good movie!"
Programming Notes:
(Highlighting some of the best movie classics airing this weekend - and something extra!)
Great American Family:
Friday - A Christmas... Present, Swing into Romance
Saturday - Harmony from the Heart, Mystery by the Book, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker (premiere), Mr. Manhattan
Sunday - Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker (encore), Love at the Ranch, Divine Influencer, Passport to Love, Love Can Surprise You
*In honor of Candace's new movie this weekend and the encore presentation of her Christmas movie Friday night, Great American Family shared these new images of her two upcoming Christmas movies...
A Christmas Less Traveled:
 |
| images: Great American Media |
Home Sweet Christmas:
 |
| images: Great American Media |
Hallmark Channel:
Friday - Haul Out the Holly
Saturday - Over the Moon in Love, Falling for Vermont, Love, Romance, and Chocolate, It Was Always You, Autumn at Autumn Hill (premiere), Falling Together
Sunday - A Whitewater Romance, His & Hers, Autumn at Autumn Hill (encore), Love on the Right Course, Love on the Sidelines
Hallmark Mystery:
Friday - Hannah Swensen Mystery marathon leading up to A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (premiere)
Saturday and Sunday - Aurora Teagarden Mystery marathon and Sunday night - A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (encore)
Hallmark Family:
Saturday - Love Under the Stars, Love Struck Cafe
Sunday - Truly, Madly, Sweetly
Merit Street:
See classic Great American Family movies on Merit Street-
Saturday- A Harvest Homecoming
Sunday- The Abigail Mysteries
UPtv:
Saturday - Same Time Next Week
Sunday - Just Jake, The Princess and the Bodyguard, Snapshot of Love (premiere)
TBN / TBN+:
A non-movie programming note for all of you who enjoy Christian music...
The 55th Annual Dove Awards, hosted by singer Tauren Wells, airs Friday night at 8pm and 10pm EST. on TBN and TBN+. (This streamer can be downloaded for free on Roku!)
Notable Nominations:
*Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart is one of the nominees for Television Series of the Year.
*Matthew West's "Come Home for Christmas," which has been Great American Family's Christmas theme since the 2022 holiday season, has been nominated for best Long-Form Video.
*Unsung Hero has a nomination for Feature Film. (Candace Cameron Bure is in the supporting cast of this movie.)
Musical performers include CeCe Winans, Crowder, Forrest Frank with The Choir Room, Joseph Habedank, Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, Anike, Anne Wilson, CAIN, Chandler Moore joining Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Tye Tribbett, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos, and Gabriel Guedes. (Note: I am not familiar with all of these artists.)
I hope you all can relax this weekend with your family and friends or a good movie.
It's been such a heavy week with watching all of the heartbreaking news of the hurricane's destruction on TV. If you are wondering where the best place is to give as the people rebuild their lives, I suggest two organizations my family and I have given to: Samaritan's Purse and 8 Days of Hope. These organizations' mission statement is to "serve others as the hands and feet of Christ." I know many of you who visit here are earnestly praying, and my family and I are praying with you, too.
Have a blessed, peaceful weekend, dear friends...
If you can watch something new over the weekend, please stop back by and give us your take on it. We'd love to hear from YOU!
Please Note: I have yet to see ALL of the new movies airing this weekend. If you like, you can read my review of the new Great American Family movie,"Ainsley McGregor Mystery" - *here*.
Again, blessings on your weekend, everyone. Let Your Light Shine in the darkness!
In His Amazing Love,
Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
~Psalm 9:9
Very nice end to a hard week. :) -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria- A good comment given the sorrow of those hit by Hurricane Helene. Here in Georgia it is amazing how neighbors are helping neighbors, even if the neighbor happens to be in another part of the state.
DeleteOur prayers and donations to nonprofit organizations assisting the people will help so much. This will be a long process to recovery.
-Gabe Mom
Gabe's Mom, I'm so glad to hear you are well in your area in Georgia. What a tragic event, but what a blessing to hear how neighbors are taking care of each other. Praying for your lovely state... God bless!
DeleteThank you.💐
DeleteGood morning Net.
DeleteCan you tell me whether GAF will be releasing their movies on DVD? Can they not use the same company that released I think it was called Jingle Bell Princess and their was a few others they also released. I know Angel Falls Christmas was released with another movie but I just want it by itself and there is a whole bunch more that I would like to see on DVD.
I wish I had more news on this, but like you, I keep hoping. I'll try to see if I can get any information on this for you... stay tuned!
DeleteThe 55th Annual Dove Awards. (2024)
ReplyDeleteSpecial, Series, Award Ceremony
Join us in celebrating excellent in Christian & Gospel music at GMA Dove Awards, where outstanding achievements across Faith genres are honored
October 4, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
10pm ET/7pm PT
October 11, 2024
8pm ET/5pm PT
10pm ET/5pm PT
I'll be watching the Ainsley McGregor movie.
ReplyDeleteSo glad when this week is over. Fortunately, my parents have power again. But, their county in Northeast Tennessee is a mess.
Denise, I'm so sorry to hear about your parent's county in Tennessee; I will be sure to keep them and their community in my prayers.
DeleteSo many people will need to rebuild; I pray they will receive the much needed help they need.
God bless you all!
Thank you!
DeleteI throughly enjoyed the CCB mystery. We were introduced to some quirky but lovely members of the community. The only drawback was the actor portraying Jake. His personality just doesn’t counter CCB character. I don’t see him as a supporting character to CCB. I guess I will get use to him.
ReplyDelete-Gabe’s Mom
I’ll be watching the new Ainsley mystery. Now that Candace has this, I think Hallmark can safely put the Aurora early years mystery to bed. I know. I know. They just did more for Hallmark+. Whatever. It just makes Hallmark look spiteful and petty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Net for mentioning ways to give. We chose Samaritan’s Purse. The rebuilding of their homes and lives is going to take a long time.
ReplyDeleteUnsung Hero won an award for Feature film at Dove Awards
ReplyDeleteFor King & Country didn’t win for Artist at Dove Awards
A Case for the Winemaker is excellent! I look forward to the next movie coming next year! :) -Maria
ReplyDeleteHi Net,
ReplyDeleteI have been away on a much needed long vacation, with my husband. We visited my Aunt in Colorado Springs. Then we visited Santa Fe which was amazing. I have never been there. We saw multiple churches which I love experiencing. So, I really miss posting and reading comments while I am on vacation. We watched the newest 'Hannah Swensen' movie last night. It was just okay. I figured out the killer fairly early on. I don't feel Victor and Alison have chemistry. I missed Norman. And, I really dislike Barbara Nevin's character. Her over the top acting borders on campy. I liked her so much better in the 'Murder She Baked' series. I will get caught up on the other new movies over the next few days.
I need to end my post on a somber note. As you know, my husband and I have been vacationing in Western North Carolina for the last 13 years. We go multiple times a year and the area holds such as special place in my heart. So, seeing the devastation, in that area, from Hurricane Helene, has left me broken. Businesses I have been shopped at, wineries I have sipped glasses of wine and listened to music, pristine nature areas I have photographed are now in ruins. We have close friends who we adore who are hurting so badly. All of friends are okay but some are still without electricity and water. Thankfully they have cell service and have been able to let us know they are safe. Some have ventured out and have shared photos, stories and our closest friend told me photos and videos don't capture the extent of the damage. Our way down is closed. Portions of I-40 are gone and the section of road is supposed to be closed for a year. I am planning on donating money. I wish I could do more but they are telling tourists to stay away. We had plans to return later this month and had to cancel. I pray daily for everyone who was impacted in NC, TN, GA, SC and FL.
Hi Joan, welcome back! Indeed, prayers going out to everyone affected by Helene! I was just reading about how Asheville was affected by the hurricane. The Biltmore Village, where I stayed and toured earlier this year, was devastated, but fortunately the Biltmore Estate - the house and grounds - was generally spared.
DeleteHi Mark,
DeleteThank you! The Biltmore Village is such a lovely place and we were there in July. I was glad to see the Biltmore Estate was generally spared. I am still shell shocked by the sheer magnitude of the devastation! We so love the Asheville area and the surrounding towns of Hendersonville, Marshall, Black Mountain and other areas. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed indefinitely. The Arboretum was also impacted and the gardens were spectacular. I have photos from each season. So much sadness.
Aww! I’m sorry my friend! I know that must hurt to see. My heart goes out to all who were and still are affected by this hurricane. I’m praying daily for them!
DeleteI’m also praying for our country for Christian leadership and for a revival. Reformation day is coming and what a great time to pray for our nation, spiritually and financially.
Hi Abigail! You are such a sweet friend. :-) Thank you for the kind words and daily prayers. I am also praying for our country for Christian leadership and for a revival. Amen to that! Our country is in sad shape and we desperately need God, Jesus and wholesome Christian values present in our daily lives. My poor father is so scared for our future.
DeleteHello Joan,
DeleteThank you for this update! I'm so glad you enjoyed your vacation time. It's always fun to get away for a few days, especially to visit family or friends.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Hurricane Helene. It is deeply sad to see all of the devastation in NC. I have several family members who live in the state; I'm praising God that they are all okay. I'm so glad you were able to hear from your close friends. It's going to take many years to rebuild, but I'm sure many places will never be the same.
I'm praying along with you, Mark, and Abigail for those affected by Hurricane Helene and now Milton coming.
Hi Net,
DeleteI am so glad to hear your family is okay! Praise be to God for sure. :-) Thank you for your kind words. And, you are welcome. It was scary initially, because we had no way of knowing if our friends were okay because we could not get a hold of them. I am also afraid some areas will never recover as well. Our closest friend, Selena, who has become family, is a strong woman of faith. She said her faith is what is helping her navigate her 'new norm'. Thanks for praying along with us!
On a happier note: I am so thankful my husband and I were able to get away and spend time in Colorado with my Aunt. She is a believer as well and her faith has been very important to her for her entire life. She volunteers at her church. She says the rosary, once a week, for the priests and she prays daily for her friends and family. It was so heartwarming to share meals with her because she says grace before dining. I adore her so much!
Awww, Joan... that is so sweet! Thank you for sharing your precious visit with your dear Aunt with us. That is wonderful that she is a strong believer.
DeleteI'll be sure to keep your friend, Selena, and her community in my prayers. Please send her my well wishes. God bless her and all who must rebuild. I cannot imagine the emotional toll that must be. Praying for God's strength to carry them all through.
I see this site is close to getting 30, 900, 000 page views! -Maria
ReplyDeleteAutumn at Apple Hill is clean and sooo charming! Felt good to actually look forward to a new Erin Cahill movie for the first time since... 2020, maybe? -Maria
ReplyDeletethank you Maria! Angie
DeleteYou're welcome, Angie! -Maria
DeleteAutumn at Apple Hill was a delight!!! It was heartwarming and had the perfect blend of pumpkin spice, sweet characters, and humor. Wes and Erin were wonderful together. I can see them making this into a trilogy. I was kind concerned when Halloween was brought up, but they kept it light and it was focused on the family and really sweet. Plus it was family friendly!!
ReplyDeleteThe only problem was I did not have an apple cider and a pumpkin scone while watching it. Hahahaha ;)
thanks for watching, Abigail! Angie
DeleteAww, you’re welcome Angie! God bless!❤️
DeleteHannah Swensen Mystery: A Sprinkle of Deceit review…
ReplyDeleteThis one was ok. Family friendly. I solved the mystery pretty fast. I agree with Joan. I miss Norman who was a cheerful gentleman who was always an encouragement and a helping hand to Hannah. I’m not a fan of Chad with Hannah, if I’m honest.. he kinda bores me. Sorry for being a negative Nancy, here’s the positive side. I thought this was Michelle’s best film and I enjoyed seeing the sheriff supporting Hannah being helpful. And I was glad to see more of Andrea.
I really miss the old Murder She Baked films though. They were always cheerful, started with that happy music and her mom was more in the background.
Oh Abigail I so agree with your Hannah Swensen Mystery: A Sprinkle of Deceit review. I couldn't even make it through the whole movie! Had to turn it. I just couldn't take how silly they have let Deloris' character become. I have had a really hard time with this series anyway. It's just not the same. Like you, I miss even the happy music and seeing more of Hannah like in The Murder She Baked series. Miss Mike too! No chemistry between Alison and Victor.
DeleteWe loved the new Ainsley mystery. My daughter fell in love with George. It was nice how they incorporated him into the whole movie. We can’t wait to see the next one next year. Christie
ReplyDeleteHi all!
ReplyDeleteOverall, a great weekend of movie viewing. We are slowly getting caught up. :-) On a negative note: we turned off 'Snapshot of Love' fairly quickly. Terrible acting and horrible reviews sealed the deal for us to stop watching. However, on a positive note: the 'Ainsley McGregor' movie was highly entertaining. We really enjoyed the storyline, the mystery and the acting. I have to admit, it was jarring at first getting used to Robin as a sibling instead of love interest for Candace. :-) But, their sibling relationship was believable. We are already looking forward to the next installment. :-) And, oh my gosh, we LOVED 'Autumn at Apple Hill' so much! It was sweet, funny, touching and so enjoyable. Erin and Wes were fantastic together! And, every single one of the supporting actors brought so much to the storyline. In particular, Wes's mother and Erin's co-worker were are favorites. My husband and I had the biggest smiles, on our faces, at the end of the movie. It was that good! Kudos all around.
thanks for watching, Joan. I love how much you & a few others enjoyed Autumn at Apple Hill!
DeleteHi Angie,
DeleteYou are welcome! It really was a special movie. :-)
I loved “Autumn at Apple Hill”! The aerial shots were beautiful, the buildings, the strolls they took through town, I loved it all. I think Erin and Wes were great, as well as the supporting actors. I agree with the other commenter, this would be such a good movie to have a part 2 😊
ReplyDelete~Paula
I'd love that too! Thanks for watching!
ReplyDeleteThe Curious Caterer Mystery: Forbidden Fruit Review
ReplyDeleteAs usual, this series what again great! What a fantastic cast! Tom and Goldie are so great together. I don’t want to give too much away but it was family friendly and a lot of fun. The whole done it part was pretty good too!
I did love that scene when the young detective Mason is trying to give Tom dating advice. So funny! And Tom and his obliviousness about Goldie’s hair is so funny as well!
Another 5 stars!!!
Hi everyone! So I finally was able to watch the new Hannah Swenson mystery and I agree with Abigail and Joyce, no chemistry between Allison and Victor. I may have missed it, but do we know why Mike and Norman were taken off the series? She had chemistry with both of them so, such natural chemistry with Norman. And I agree, Dolores’ character was funny in the beginning movies but now it’s just too much. But I will still support because it is family friendly, even if it’s not as “cozy” as I remember.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Hi Paula,
DeleteI miss those two men too! Norman was my favorite, especially the Peach Cobbler episode. My guess why they left is because of GAF.