This Weekend: Let Hallmark's New Valentine Movie and 'When Calls the Heart' Sweep You Off Your Feet...

Happy Weekend, Friends!

It's the last weekend of January and the Hallmark Channel is premiering their first Valentine-themed movie for 2025 this Saturday night! This is also Hallmark's last *Winter Escape* movie for the month. Laci J. Mailey (Chesapeake Shores) stars opposite of David Elsendoorn (My Norwegian Holiday) in The Perfect Setting.

Some people have said they didn't quite recognize Laci J. Mailey from the poster with her shorter, blonde hair since they are used to seeing her as a brunette, so I wanted to mention that, yes, it is her! Laci portrayed Jess, the youngest of the O'Brien sisters, on Chesapeake Shores.

Also, Saturday is January 25th... so that marks 11 months 'til Christmas! I'll probably watch one of the Christmas movies I missed over the holidays, but I haven't picked which one, yet. If you have something Christmassy you are watching this weekend, please share in comments below. There are lots of Christmas movies actually airing Friday night on TV, as well, on the Hallmark Channel, Great American Family, and Hallmark Family. Plus, UPtv will air two holiday movies over the weekend and Hallmark Mystery will air one. See the schedule below.

And Sunday night, there's a new episode of "When Calls the Heart" on the Hallmark Channel called the "Dancing Teens"! The Charleston dance (as you can see in the second image above) has taken over Hope Valley... unless Molly, who is opposed, can stop this scandalous behavior.

See all of the details below...


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

Friday, January 24, 2025:

'Tis the Season to be Irish ... Hallmark Channel ... 5pm
Christmas on Windmill Way ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge Part 1 ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
A Merry Scottish Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 7pm
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge Part 2 ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
Jingle Bell Princess ... Great American Family ... 10pm


Saturday, January 25, 2025:

A Holiday Hideout ... UPtv ... 11:30am

Note: This movie (also known as A Christmas Witness) is not rated in the TV guide I checked, but I would say it is TV-14, at least, with adult, mature themes.


Sunday, January 26, 2025:

A Christmas Thief ... UPtv ... 9:30am
Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery ... Hallmark Mystery ... 2pm


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


Saturday, January 25, 2025:

The Perfect Setting

Storyline: An aspiring jewelry designer returns to Belgium to visit her grandfather and hopefully win the Valentines Day Diamond Contest.

The Perfect Setting

Premieres Saturday, January 25, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Sunday, January 26, 2025:

When Calls the Heart

Episode 4 - Dancing Teens

Storyline: Elizabeth helps Allie plan a birthday dance, and Nathan struggles with Allie growing up. Rosemary and Bill team up again to investigate a train robbery. Lucas lends Edie a hand.

When Calls the Heart

Premieres Sunday, January 26, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


I hope you all have a great weekend planned. Mine, as usual, includes spending time with family and worship.

As I'm writing, we are receiving more snow! I feel like singing, "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland!" The flakes were heavier earlier, but now it is a soft, gentle snowfall. It's incredible to hear stories from my family, who live down south and are experiencing snow, which they haven't seen in years. I know those Southern states aren't used to it, so I pray the people there will be safe. Are any of you experiencing an unusual snowfall in your area?

What a perfect time it is to stay inside from the cold and watch something fun on TV!

I'm looking forward to the next all-new episode of When Calls the Heart. I think it's cute that the kids want to dance, but Molly feels their behavior is outrageous. That sounds aptly appropriate for the 1920's era. Since Molly is speaking out against the dance to the mayor and council and the kids are being persistent in doing it, this episode is giving me Footloose vibes in a G-rated sort of way, of course. In the end, I think their dance will be completely innocent and sweet.

Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new movie premiering this weekend. If you'd like to post a review on whether this movie is family-friendly, please share in the comments below. Thank you in advance to everyone who shares with us.

Once again, keep warm this weekend, everyone!

Blessings to You All!

Net

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

❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these."

~Mark 12:30-31

🎬 Which Great American Family Movies & Series Earned Movieguide Award Nominations?

Fantastic news for Great American Family!

Several movies and actors from the burgeoning channel earned nominations for this year's 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards! Plus, the drama filled T.V. series "County Rescue" was also recognized in several notable categories.

Yearly, the mission behind the MovieGuide® Awards is to "honor movies, television, and streaming content that promotes inspiring and positive interactions, morals and values, and Biblical teachings."

Great American Family fits perfectly into that mold as the network and their streaming platform, Great American Pure Flix "features original Christmas movies, rom-coms and classic (and new!) series that celebrate faith, family, and country."

See the complete list of nominees below for the 2025 Movieguide Awards via Deadline.


The 32nd Annual Movieguide Awards Nominees:


BEST FAMILY MOVIE

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
DESPICABLE ME 4
INSIDE OUT 2
MUFASA: THE LION KING
THE WILD ROBOT


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


BEST MOVIE FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

DUNE: PART TWO
KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
TWISTERS
UNSUNG HERO
YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA


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


BEST FAMILY TV

BLUEY Episodes 348 and 349 “Ghostbasket” and “The Sign”
A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS


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


BEST TV FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

THE BAXTERS: Episodes 1.1-1.8
THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH
BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
NCIS: Episode 22:4: “Sticks & Stones”
QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV


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


EPIPHANY PRIZE FOR MOVIES

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
CABRINI
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT
TRANSFORMERS ONE
UNSUNG HERO


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


EPIPHANY PRIZE FOR TV

THE BAXTERS: Episodes 1.1-1.8
A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS


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


FAITH & FREEDOM AWARD FOR MOVIES

BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
CABRINI
GOD’S NOT DEAD: IN GOD WE TRUST
REAGAN
SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT


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


FAITH & FREEDOM AWARD FOR TV

BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
MASTERS OF THE AIR: Episode 1 and 2: “Part One” and “Part Two”
NCIS: Episode 22:4: “Sticks & Stones”
QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV


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


BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD

AMERICANS WITH NO ADDRESS: THE DOCUMENTARY
THE BLUE ANGELS
THE BLOODY HUNDREDTH
FOUNDATIONS OF THE WEST: Episode III: “Christ, the Center of the World”
QUIET ON SET: THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV


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


GRACE PRIZE FOR MOVIE PERFORMANCE

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (2024)
Beatrice Schneider

BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN.
Jonas Dassler

CABRINI
Cristiana Dell’Anna

SOUND OF HOPE: THE STORY OF POSSOM TROT
Demetrius Grosse

UNSUNG HERO
Daisy Betts
Joel David Smallbone

THE WILD ROBOT
Lupita Nyong’o


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


GRACE PRIZE FOR TV PERFORMANCE

COUNTY RESCUE: Episode 1.5: “The Rescuer”
Julia Reilly
Riley Hough

BLUE BLOODS: Episode 14:10: “The Heart of a Saturday Night”
Tom Selleck

A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED
Candace Cameron Bure

A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS
Jillian Murray

CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Jesse Hutch


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


The Movieguide Awards Gala will take place Friday, February 7, at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood.

Congrats to the Great American Family actors: Candace Cameron Bure, Jillian Murray, Jesse Hutch, Julia Reilly, and Riley Hough for your nominations!

And I must also extend congratulations to GAF for being nominated for these movies and series: A CHRISTMAS LESS TRAVELED, CHRISTMAS UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, COUNTY RESCUE, and A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS!

Typically, the awards program is televised each year. Last year, the event aired on Great American Family in March, and Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan served as hosts. As I write this post, this information has not been released. Stay tuned for further details.

I hope you enjoy your next movie night!

Blessings to you all,

Net

images via: Movieguide / Great American Media

Pure Flix Movie Night on Great American Family + "Ainsley McGregor Mysteries" News!

image via: Great American Media

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

TONIGHT is Pure Flix Movie Night on Great American Family, which means we will find heartwarming, inspirational films every Wednesday night on this channel.



January 22, 2025 Schedule:

Nothing is Impossible - 6p/5c.

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the WineMaker - 8p/7c.

The Abigail Mysteries - 10p/9c.

Promo for Pure Flix Movie Night:

Happy Wednesday! It’s @PureFlix movie night on #GreatAmericanFamily!@GAfamilyTV @candacecbure @Ansleygordon @DavidARWhite @TheCarlosPena @alexavega pic.twitter.com/OMDTpU4SF7

— It's A Wonderful Movie 🍿📺 (@awonderfulmovie) January 22, 2025

I hope many of you will enjoy these inspirational films from the Pure Flix streaming library!

In case any of you are wondering about the "Ainsley McGregor Mystery" series, a new mystery is coming soon titled: "The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker," and in addition to that, Candace Cameron Bure will soon be filming a new Ainsley mystery titled: "Ainsley Mcgregor Mysteries: A Case For The Watchmaker." Filming begins on February 28, 2025.

Synopsis for "Ainsley Mcgregor Mysteries: A Case For The Watchmaker": Ainsley McGregor, a former criminologist-turned-professor with a knack for solving murders in the small town of Sweet River, Texas, investigates the cold case of a local woman’s husband’s mysterious death over a valuable family watch.

Hope you enjoyed this news!

Happy movie-watching,

Net

Premiere Date Announced for "When Hope Calls" Season 2 on Great American Family, Plus Christmas Movie Sequel Announcement and More

"When Hope Calls" image via: Great American Media

Wonderful news, Hopefuls & Hearties, "When Hope Calls" will premiere April 3, 2025 (my birthday, yay!) on Great American Pure Flix and April 6th on Great American Family!

The announcement was made during a Great American Family Facebook Live Event tonight with Cameron Mathison, Bill Abbott, and Cindy Busby, who will star in this all new season this Spring.

Two previews were shown during the live event for "When Hope Calls," and a preview was also shown for the movie, "Grounded," starring Danica McKellar and Trevor Donovan, and season 2 of the series, "County Rescue," with Brett Varvel and Kristin Wollet.

Karen Kingsbury promoted the film, "Someone Like You," based on her book with the same title. The faith-filled movie will premiere on Great American Family on February 22nd.

Beth Stern had a furry little friend join her as she discussed the upcoming special, "Great American Rescue Bowl," on February 9th at 12p/11c.

Eric Close spoke to Cameron and Bill about his faith-based football movie, "Average Joe," which will premiere on Great American Pure Flix on January 23rd.

Near the very end of the Facebook Live, Candace Cameron Bure revealed a sneak peek of "The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker," and she shared that she and Cameron Mathison will have a sequel Christmas movie to their 2024 holiday film, "Home Sweet Christmas."

Watch the full Great American Family Facebook Live Event with Cameron Mathison and Bill Abbott hosting with these guests: Candace Cameron Bure, Beth Stern, Eric Close, Cindy Busby, Danica McKellar, Karen Kingsbury, and Brett Varvel.

Seeing how much faith and inspiration are both incorporated into many of the excellent family movies and TV series projects at Great American Family was terrific.

I hope you all enjoy watching!

Net

2 Hallmark Movies Newly Released on DVD Today with "When Hope Calls" Connection!

Both actresses from "When Hope Calls," Jocelyn Hudon and Cindy Busby, have Hallmark action-adventure movies being released on DVD today!

Jocelyn Hudon starred in the first season of "When Hope Calls," and Cindy Busby will star in season 2, set to premiere this year on Great American Family.

See all of the details below. 

This is Amazon's #1 New Release in Romance...


Hallmark 2 Movie Collection:
Falling in Love in Niagara
A Whitewater Romance

DVD Release Date: January 21, 2025

Click here for the current price at Amazon

Click here for the current price at Walmart

By the way, if you'd like more details on "When Hope Calls," Cindy Busby will be doing a Facebook Live Event TONIGHT on Great American Family's Facebook page. (Tuesday, January 21st at 8pm EST.) Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott stated on X that Cindy will be answering questions about "When Hope Calls"!

I'm hoping I can be there at that time, and I hope many of you can also join in!

Blessings, 

Net

Great American Family Announces Facebook Live Event Looking Forward to 2025…

I don't often post on Sunday, but I just had to quickly share some wonderful news with all of you Great American Family fans!

GAF announced this morning that several members of the channel will gather for a Live Facebook Event this coming Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 8pm EST. to share hope, prayers, and exciting news for the channel in 2025.

See all of the details in Great American Family's post below...

Join our Great American Family as we come together in hope and prayer for brighter days ahead in 2025. While we discuss our premieres for this year, we will also uplift those affected by the LA fires through support and prayer shining a light on the power of faith, community, and… pic.twitter.com/PPgfGS7BY9

— Great American Family (@GAfamilyTV) January 19, 2025

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone! 

Net

💕 Warm Your Heart This Weekend with New Movies, Christmas Classics, and When Calls the Heart...

Hello, friends!

Another weekend is upon us! Is it just me, or is it amazing how much time has already passed since Christmas? Only 2 more weeks left in January! And... I must admit, my family and I are still watching leftover Christmas movies!!! In fact, I've been meaning to add more Christmas movie reviews, and if you'd like to share some, too, please feel free to do so. I know many of us are still trying to play catch up with the Christmas movies we missed over the holidays.

Each season of the year brings it's own special uniqueness and beauty! This winter, however, has been exceptionably cold for us here in the Midwest, so I've appreciated the beauty more from the indoors, than when I must be out in it, as we do chores around our farm. We attempted to build a snowman, but the snow was just too cold to pack or roll. Funny enough, you actually need a little warmer weather, around 30 degrees. (Yeah, that is considered warm for us these days!)

Currently, we have a good 3-4 inches of snow on the ground, and we are anticipating, maybe, a couple more inches coming our way soon! Then, next week, we are expecting the extreme Polar Vortex. Brrrr!!! Is your area receiving it, too? Even the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., which historically has taken place at the West Front of the Capitol, is moving indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to severe weather concerns for Monday, January 20th. I think that was a very smart decision. I'm praying anyone who is outside will be able to find shelter in these bitter cold days to come.

If your weather is also frigid, then this weekend is definitely the right time to stay in, keep warm, and enjoy a good movie or two!

See my suggestions below...


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

Friday Night Christmas Classics - 

January 17, 2025:

Great American Family:

Peppermint & Postcards ... 6pm
A Christmas Less Traveled ... 8pm
A Hot Cocoa Christmas ... 10pm


Hallmark Channel:

A Very Vermont Christmas ... 5pm
Santa Tell Me ... 7pm


Hallmark Family:

The Angel Tree ... 6pm
The Gift of Peace ... 8pm


*The Hallmark Channel is having a Winter Escape Movie Marathon all weekend, which includes two Christmas movies: "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" airs Saturday, January 18th, at 12pm/11c. and "Sense, Sensibility & Snowmen" airs Sunday, January 19th, at 9am/10c.

*Hallmark Family will also be airing 2 bonus Christmas movies on Saturday - "Window Wonderland" at 1pm/12c. and "Crashing Through the Snow" at 5pm/4c.

*Hallmark Mystery will air "Mystery on Mistletoe Lane" on Saturday, January 18th, at 8pm/7c.

*Please Note: Both "Peppermint & Postcards" and "Crashing Through the Snow" are stories that are focused around divorced couples. And "The Gift of Peace" is a beautiful movie, but the subject matter is about the loss of a spouse or loved one, so this movie is better suited for a mature audience.


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


Saturday, January 18, 2025:

A Priceless Love

Storyline: After realizing one of the “gently used” items in her secondhand store is actually an antique teapot worth $80K, Rose McGovern finds herself the sights of Joe Burnsides an ambitious antique broker. He’s determined to buy the teapot from Rose, but she refuses to sell until she can find the original owner.

A Priceless Love

Premieres Saturday, January 18, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

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


Saturday, January 18, 2025:

My Argentine Heart

Storyline: Abril goes to Argentina to save her family ranch from being bought by her ex. But when outside forces threaten the ranch the pair must come together, rekindling their love in the process.

My Argentine Heart

Saturday, January 18, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Sunday, January 19, 2025:

When Calls the Heart

Episode 3 - All That Glitters

Elizabeth and Nathan uncover Oliver’s secret, and Rosemary worries Lee has a secret of his own. Allie’s interest is piqued when Earl Wyatt returns to town.

When Calls the Heart

Airs Sunday, January 19, 2025

at 9pm/c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


I hope you all have a nice, enjoyable weekend. Be well, everyone. I've had lots of extended family members have the cold and flu, lately, so I know it is going around something fierce... so be sure to take care all.

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie on Great American Family. I love the story premise of searching for the owner of a valuable china piece. That sounds very interesting. It kind of reminds me of two Hallmark Christmas movies I love, The Christmas Ring and A Little Christmas Charm.

For all of you "Heartland" fans, don't forget, UPtv will have the second episode of Season 17 on Sunday night at 7pm/6c.

Also, on Sunday night... I'm looking forward to the new episode of "When Calls the Heart." I really appreciate the way the importance of family and faith has been woven into this season. I'm hoping we will see even more faith elements. I've included a video clip of one of my favorite scenes from last week's episode below. I hope it touches your soul as much as it has touched mine.

Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies or TV series episodes premiering this weekend. If you'd like to post a review on whether these films are family-friendly, please share in the comments below. Thank you so much to everyone who shares with us.

Keep warm this weekend, everyone.

Blessings to You All!

Net

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

❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️

"God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know His work, He stops all people from their labor."

– Job 37:5-6

Be sure to click the image below to play the video...

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by It's a Wonderful Movie - Net (@itsawonderfulmovieblog)

Trevor Donovan Shares "When Hope Calls" Sneak Peek and Premiere News

Trevor Donovan shared today, to the social media platform X, a sneak peek of "When Hope Calls" with a hopeful message on when Season 2 will air.

Sneak peek video via Trevor Donovan:

Sneak Peek: Constable Jim sneaking up on some bad dudes. 🤘
And, I'm hearing Season 2 starts around April. #WhenHopeCalls pic.twitter.com/6S9XbNsPpj

— Trevor Donovan (@TrevDon) January 16, 2025

The caption to Trevor's post:

"Sneak Peek: Constable Jim sneaking up on some bad dudes. 🤘
And, I'm hearing Season 2 starts around April. #WhenHopeCalls"


Hopefully, we will receive confirmation on this premiere date from Great American Family soon! Stay tuned!

Have a blessed day,

Net

👑 Hallmark is Giving Viewers the Royal Treatment with Three New Movie Releases

Hallmark is rolling out the royal red carpet once again!

All three of these new movies are romantic comedies with a royal theme.

It's currently unclear when these films, released by Hallmark Media, will air on the Hallmark Channel.

Check out the posters and plot details below...

THE RELUCTANT ROYAL

Starring: Andrew Walker and Emilie de Ravin

Storyline: Philly mechanic Johnny is surprised to learn that his long-lost father is a duke. But the duke isn’t quite what he expected, nor are his growing feelings for the duke’s advisor Prudence.

THE ROYAL WE

Starring: Mallory Jansen and Charlie Carrick

Storyline: When her older sister elopes with a non-royal, Princess Bea who has lived her life away from her royal duties must now step in and honor the arranged marriage to a small kingdom prince.

ROYAL-ISH

Starring: Nichole Sakura and William Moseley

Storyline: Lacey is an amusement park princess who befriends 8-year-old Rose, a real-life princess, and is recruited by her handsome father to travel to their kingdom and be the new governess.


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


Please share your thoughts on these movies in comments below.

Will you give the films a royal welcome or the royal brushoff?

I'm fully aware that some viewers enjoy the royal movie theme, while others do not, but hopefully, there will be a few delightful stories here.

Stay tuned for more details...

Net

New Hallmark DVDs Center on Sports and Romance

🏈🏀🎾

'Tis the season for football, basketball, tennis, and all sorts of sports, and Hallmark has you covered with their new "For the Love of the Game" DVD collection that features all of these sports and more!

Plus, Hallmark has a new 2-DVD romantic comedy collection. 

See details below...


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Hallmark 6-Movie Collection:
*A Winning Team
*Taking a Shot at Love
*Game Set Love
*Love on the Right Course
*Hearts in the Game
*Fourth Down and Love

DVD Release Date: April 8, 2025

Click here for the current price at Amazon

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Hallmark 2-Movie Collection:
*Junebug
*His and Hers

DVD Release Date: April 15, 2025

Click here for the current price at Amazon

*Note: I want to remind you that there is one brief caution in the movie Junebug. See reviews here.


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


There are some good movie choices here. I'm a fan of two of the sports movies: Love on the Right Course, starring Ashley Newbrough and Marcus Rosner, and Fourth Down and Love, starring Pascale Hutton and Ryan Paevey.

I also really enjoyed seeing Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott together again in the delightful rom-com, His & Hers.

If you'd like to check out more DVD's coming out in 2025, click here!

Happy movie-watching!

Net

🎬 A Quick Easter Egg in the Great American Family 2025 Promo Hints More Movies to Come...

image: Great American Media

At the beginning of the year, Great American Family released a new commercial highlighting the programming coming up this year in 2025. I've previously shared most of the movies included in the promo seen below...

(click the white arrow button in the red box to play)


*The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker
starring Candace Cameron Bure (A Christmas Less Traveled)

*Karen Kingsbury's Someone Like You 
starring Sarah Fisher (Meet Me Under the Mistletoe)

*Grounded
starring Trevor Donovan (A Little Women's Christmas)
and Danica McKellar (A Cinderella Christmas Ball)

*For the Love of Chocolate
starring Rhiannon Fish (A Christmas Castle Proposal)
and Jesse Hutch (Christmas Under the Northern Lights)

*A Snapshot of Forever
starring Natalie Dreyfuss (The Nanny Express)
and Anthony Konechny (Perfect Match)

*A Priceless Love
starring Erin Agostino (Cider and Sunsets)
and Luke Humphrey (Love and the Radio Star)

image: Great American Media

And now for the Easter egg... hidden in plain sight! In the promo there's a screenshot of Actress Kristina Cole Geddes, who you may recognize from her previous Great American Family movies Christmas in Pine Valley and Romantic Rewrite.

After a quick search, I discovered this image is from the movie, The Wedding Arrangement, which is a Reel One Entertainment film from 2021. Have any of you seen it? It can currently be streamed through Peacock.

image: Reel One Entertainment

Kristina's costar is Cody Griffis. I checked his IMDB, but I didn't recognize any of his previous work.

"The Wedding Arrangement" storyline via Reel One Entertainment: When talented botanist Violet needs help preparing flower arrangements for a high-profile wedding, she calls upon Jack, a handsome nature photographer who has taken over responsibility for his grandfather’s flower shed. As they discover that they share an interest in the mysterious and elusive Youtan flower, can they ensure the wedding is a success while allowing their mutual passion for discovery and adventure to bloom once again and find love in the process?

Apparently, based on the promo currently airing on Great American Family, "The Wedding Arrangement" may also be coming in the future on GAF, so perhaps we'll see even more Reel One Entertainment movies added to their collection.

image: Reel One Entertainment

I personally keep hoping GAF will add the ROE movie Meet Me in New York, starring Corey Sevier and Brooke Nevin, to their channel line-up. I've seen this movie 3 or 4 times via streaming, and I think it would be a fantastic fit for them. It's such a fun, delightful rom-com. Plus, the leads are well-known and well-liked. I can't believe one of the networks hasn't snatched it up already!

Is there any ROE movie you'd like to see on Great American Family?

Which new movie or series are you most looking forward to on Great American Family in 2025?

I must say, I am very excited to see more of Candace's Ainsley McGregor Mysteries, and although it wasn't included in this promo, I am most enthusiastic about the When Hope Calls series.

Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Blessings on your day!

Net

Praying for California + A Weekend Guide to New TV Movies and Episodes from Your Favorite Series...

Hello, my dear friends...

Before I share this weekend's usual movie post, I want to say that my heart and prayers go out to those affected by the devastating fires in California.

Cameron Mathison (Home Sweet Christmas, Hannah Swensen Mysteries) has shared that he and his family have lost their beloved home in Altadena, and my heart breaks for them, but Praise God, he and his family are all safe. It's hard to even imagine what they and so many others are going through right now. I was encouraged to see the outpouring of love and heartfelt comments to Cameron Mathison on social media from other actors from Great American Family and Hallmark, including Jill Wagner, Brennan Elliott, Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Laura Osnes, Autumn Reeser, Antonio Cupo, Alison Sweeney, Barbara Niven, Gabe Hogan, Andrew Walker, Lacey Chabert, Jen Lilley and MANY others.

The news tries to create a tense divide between the networks, but behind-the-scenes, there is no drama. The actors who star in these movies are all friends in real-life, and they wish and pray the absolute best for one another and their families. The true friendship they shared was a true blessing to see at the height of this awful tragedy.

I posted Cameron Mathison's IG video showing the charred remains of his home and his emotional interview with Entertainment Tonight at the end of this post. It is tough and heartbreaking to watch.

My prayers are with all of you who have homes, family and friends, businesses, schools, etc... in this area. May God be with you and protect you all. Please be safe.


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

Movie News:

It's hard to transition into talking about movies after this, but I hope, maybe, some who are anxious over what is happening with the fires can relax and escape into a lighthearted movie, at least for a little while. Perhaps, that little bit of normalcy and familiarity can bring them some peace.

I'm posting this weekend's movie news a little earlier - since Hallmark Mystery has a Thursday movie premiere this week, and UPtv has some news, too.

The Hallmark Channel has the next Winter Escape premiere, and Great American Family has the cable premiere of a sweet romantic comedy.

Plus, I have news on three popular TV series, and INSP and Western Bound honor Law Enforcement on Law Enforcement Day, which is on Thursday, January 9th!

See details below...


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


Thursday, January 9, 2025:

The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription

Storyline: Jane seeks justice for a teenager who’s wrongfully imprisoned for murder. She and Detective John work together to prove the teen’s innocence and help reunite him with his mother.

The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription 

Premieres Thursday, January 9, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery

Note: This movie previously premiered on Hallmark+

Movie Reviews:

🔴🔎 Review: The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription -
Family-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Nope -

I did not watch the Jane Mystery from last year, so maybe there was something in that movie that would have made me appreciate this one a bit more. Or maybe not. Anyway, I am starting from scratch with this series. And it is a big No for me. Because...

* The mystery is boring, and it is not too difficult to solve. Also, the culprit is shown about 2/3 into the movie.
* The acting is bad. Jodie Sweetin may be okay in some romcoms, but in a more serious role like this, she is in over her head. She overacts and simply cannot be taken seriously. Stephen Huszar, on the other hand, was too low key and seemed like he was never into his role. And there is absolutely no chemistry between these two.
* The script has too many cringe-worthy subplots and one-liners which make Jodie's character come across at times as silly or careless or unknowledgeable or rude.
* And what is with the songs? Jodie must have in her contract that she is to sing a few songs in these movies, because, while yes she is a very good singer, they are uncalled for and stop the flow of the movie.

Here's an example that includes some of the problems I have mentioned: Jodie and Stephen enter a nightclub where they are to be inconspicuous. The owner tells Jodie the singer can't perform and can she step in(?!), and the next thing you know she is belting out this song on stage like she has been singing it her whole life!

Okay, I guess you can tell that I didn't care for this movie at all. I will not be bothering with the other two movies in this series, so. sorry, I won't be doing any other Jane Mystery movie reviews. -Mark25


🔴🔎 The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription - This is the second film in The Jane Mysteries, and I’m still not feeling that certain spark between Jodie Sweetin and Stephen Huszar’s characters.

The relationship I appreciate the most is the one between Jane (Jodie Sweetin) and the woman who plays her aunt. Since her aunt has been going through a hard time since her husband’s passing, it’s nice to see Jane being there for her and continuing to search for clues to his cold cases.

Which gets me to my next point… this is a murder mystery; therefore, the movie is best suited for pre-teen age and up. Otherwise, it is a family-friendly movie.

The mystery itself is fairly intriguing with a number of suspects.

If any of you are fans of the Christmas movie, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (you know, the one with Uncle Ralph), then you might recognize one of the suspects as the guy Jen is supposed to marry, Richard (the guy with the shiny shoes). His hair is a little longer in this mystery, so he looks a little different, but yeah, it’s him. I did a quick check of his IMDB, and it looks like this is his first movie with Hallmark since TMWTOT. Interesting, huh?

Anyway, if you really enjoy mysteries, then you might want to check this one out. ~Net



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


Thursday, January 9, 2025:

Hudson & Rex

Season 2 Premiere

Season 2 - Episode 1:

A Man of Consequence
Charlie and Rex have a run-in with a wanted criminal when his past catches up with him.

Hudson & Rex
Airs Thursdays at 8 pm ET. on UPtv

*Note: I have seen this episode. This is a mystery series with some violence, so it is best suited for a mature audience.



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


Friday, January 10, 2025:

Christmas Movie Reminder

Christmas classics return on Friday nights! We get THREE Christmas movies on Great American Family!!!

Friday, January 10, 2025:

Great American Family:
A Kindhearted Christmas - 6pm/5c.
Once Upon a Christmas Wish - 8pm/7c.
A Dash of Christmas - 10pm/9c.

Hallmark Channel:
My Norwegian Holiday - 5pm/4c.
Holiday Crashers - 7pm/6c.

Hallmark Family:
Heaven Down Here - 6pm/5c.
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA - 8pm/7c.


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


Friday, January 10th through Sunday, January 12, 2025:

INSP and Western Bound's Special Programming
in Honor of National Law Enforcement Day

INSP:

Friday, 1/10 – Sunday, 1/12: Behind the Badge: Salute to Law Enforcement


FRIDAY, 1/10

9p Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise
11p Blue Ridge

SATURDAY, 1/11

2p Cahill, United States Marshal
4p Jesse Stone: Night Passage
9p Hang 'Em High

SUNDAY, 1/12

2p Seven Ways from Sundown
4p Jesse Stone: Stone Cold
9p Texas Rangers


WESTERN BOUND:

Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12: And Justice for All: Salute to Law Enforcement


SATURDAY, 1/11

Noon 12p County Line
8p Yuma

SUNDAY, 1/12

Noon 12p Blue Ridge
6p The Warrant
8p The Warrant: Breaker’s Law

NOTE: Most of these shows/movies have crime and violence that is best suited for a mature audience. The theme is typically centered around good triumphing over evil.



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


Saturday, January 11, 2025:

A Snapshot of Forever

Storyline: Wedding photographer Jessie Brooke's happy life in her small town is changed when a famous Hollywood actor attends her sister's wedding.

A Snapshot of Forever

Premieres Saturday, January 11, 2025

at pm/7c. on Great American Family

Note: This movie previously aired on various streaming sources; this is the first airing on cable TV.

Movie Reviews:

📷 A Snapshot of Forever - I have seen this movie via streaming, and I recall it being a nice, lighthearted movie, cute, and family-friendly. ~Net

📷 A Snapshot of Forever (youtube) I watched this recently and I believe it was family friendly and a sweet story ~Anonymous


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


Saturday, January 11, 2025:

Polar Opposites

Storyline: Emma needs to get to Antarctica to reach her father and travels to South America but can't get on a boat for the last leg. She sneaks onto a cruise ship and meets engineer Andy.

Polar Opposites

Premieres Saturday, January 11, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Sunday, January 12, 2025:

Heartland

Season 17 begins

Season 17, Episode 1: The Path Less Traveled Amy is surprised when a very pregnant Mallory shows up at the ranch with a wild horse; Jack and Tim face new competition, and Lou grapples with a familiar opponent in her campaign to be reelected.

Heartland
Airs Sundays at 7 pm ET. on UPtv


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


Sunday, January 12, 2025:

When Calls the Heart

Storyline: When the comic book craze sweeps Hope Valley, Elizabeth teaches her students through nature. Rosemary launches a radio show, and Lucas meets a new political player.

When Calls the Heart

Airs Sunday, January 12, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

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


Hopefully, you all will enjoy one of the movies or TV shows this weekend.

It's heartwarming to see the Christmas movies back on Friday nights. I'm always in the mood for a Christmas movie all year round, so I'm delighted to have these return. GAF will have three this weekend and the next! (Christmas Schedule)

I have seen A Snapshot of Forever, and I can tell you it is a delightfully sweet rom-com, and you can see mine and Mark's review above for The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription.

I've also seen the 1st episode of Hudson & Rex, season 2; it is another fascinating mystery for the series with lots of interesting plot twists. (Please note: due to violence, it is best suited for a mature audience)

As for the rest of the movies and shows, I haven't pre-screened them. I would love to hear your thoughts on them after they air.

I haven't seen Heartland in a long while, but I'm thrilled to see that Mallory is returning for this special episode.

I want to commend INSP and Western Bound for honoring our law enforcement. As we've seen with the fires in California, it is the law enforcement, firefighters, and EMT who go into danger when the citizens leave for safety. I am grateful for all they do to keep us safe. God bless and protect them all.

Have a Blessed, 

Peaceful Weekend, Everyone,

Net

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Sharing His Love:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

~Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

images: Hallmark Media / Great American Media


Cameron Mathison's home after the fires:
(click image below to watch video)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cameron Mathison (@cameronmathison)

Cameron Mathison's heartbreaking interview with ET: