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Happy Weekend, Friends!
Great American Family is kicking off 2026 with the first NEW mystery movie TV premiere of the year - Ainsley McGregor: A Case for the Watchmaker - following a Saturday marathon of the previous Ainsley McGregor mysteries, starring Candace Cameron Bure.
Plus, I also streamed the new Ainsley McGregor Mystery on Pure Flix! Be sure to check out my review below; I promise it's spoiler-free.
Over on the Hallmark Channel, there’s another Winter Escape (this time set in beautiful Australia!), plus a fiery new episode of When Calls the Heart that’s sure to have Hearties on the edge of their seats.
Be sure to check out more information about the new character (the young girl pictured above) joining the When Calls the Heart cast in my comments at the end of this post.
See details on these new movies and When Calls the Heart below.
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Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Storyline: In Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, Ainsley McGregor thought craft markets and book clubs, not corpses, would define her new life back home in Sweet River. That is until a beloved member of the book club raises a cold case involving her late husband who was found murdered over his rare antique watch. Ainsley springs into action to untangle a web of small town secrets before the killer winds the clock down on the next victim.
Movie Review:
SPOILER FREE -
I streamed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker on Pure Flix, and absolutely loved it! This, in my opinion, is the best "Ainsley" mystery, so far! You could sense a deeper connection with all of the characters, and not only was the mystery intriguing, but the pace of the story was engaging, with clever dialogue. My guess of who-dun-it was right, but that also made it a fun watch.
I especially liked how the book club was more actively involved in solving a cold case, adding both heart and humor to the investigation. A new character is introduced who is wonderfully quirky and instantly memorable. I truly hope we see him again in future episodes.
Also, I liked that Jake was still his usual self, silly and friendly, but he also seemed more mature, confident, and capable. When Ainsley's life is in jeopardy, Jake stays the night at her home on the couch with Ainsley's adorable dog, George. I enjoyed seeing more of his strong, protective side.
This movie was sooo good; it reminded me of how much I always enjoyed the "Aurora Teagarden" mysteries. It has that same cozy mystery feel. I sure hope Great American Family plans to continue this mystery series- since I had such a wonderful *time* watching "A Case for the Watchmaker"! ~Net
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Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Storyline: Georgie, a travel writer, travels to Melbourne for an assignment where she meets Zach, an Australian ex-footballer who agrees to be her tour guide and shows her that there's more to life than work.
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Sunday, January 11, 2026:
Season 13, Episode 2 - Up in Smoke
Storyline: Nathan responds to fire in Goldie National Park while Elizabeth leads relief efforts in Hope Valley.
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I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
I’m really looking forward to this new episode of "When Calls the Heart." It sounds like an emotional, intense time is ahead for the people of Hope Valley and for us viewers, too, with the fire at Goldie Park and many lives in danger. I have a feeling we might want to keep a tissue nearby.
We’ll also be meeting a brand-new character, a young girl named Gwendolyn, played by 14-year-old actress Alex MacIsaac. I’ve been hearing such wonderful things about her performance. She has a strong background in singing and musical theatre, so I imagine we’ll eventually get to see some of that talent on "When Calls the Heart," perhaps even more so down the road, with Rosemary as her director, of course!
I'm also planning to rewatch the "Ainsley McGregor Mystery" again - since I really enjoyed this one! So many great characters. I so enjoyed sleuthing with Ainsley and friends. In case you missed it, I shared a review above.
Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new Winter Escape 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.
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***************************
Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Storyline: In Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, Ainsley McGregor thought craft markets and book clubs, not corpses, would define her new life back home in Sweet River. That is until a beloved member of the book club raises a cold case involving her late husband who was found murdered over his rare antique watch. Ainsley springs into action to untangle a web of small town secrets before the killer winds the clock down on the next victim.
Premieres Saturday, January 10, 2026
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Movie Review:
SPOILER FREE -
I streamed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker on Pure Flix, and absolutely loved it! This, in my opinion, is the best "Ainsley" mystery, so far! You could sense a deeper connection with all of the characters, and not only was the mystery intriguing, but the pace of the story was engaging, with clever dialogue. My guess of who-dun-it was right, but that also made it a fun watch.
I especially liked how the book club was more actively involved in solving a cold case, adding both heart and humor to the investigation. A new character is introduced who is wonderfully quirky and instantly memorable. I truly hope we see him again in future episodes.
Also, I liked that Jake was still his usual self, silly and friendly, but he also seemed more mature, confident, and capable. When Ainsley's life is in jeopardy, Jake stays the night at her home on the couch with Ainsley's adorable dog, George. I enjoyed seeing more of his strong, protective side.
This movie was sooo good; it reminded me of how much I always enjoyed the "Aurora Teagarden" mysteries. It has that same cozy mystery feel. I sure hope Great American Family plans to continue this mystery series- since I had such a wonderful *time* watching "A Case for the Watchmaker"! ~Net
Saturday, January 10, 2026:
Storyline: Georgie, a travel writer, travels to Melbourne for an assignment where she meets Zach, an Australian ex-footballer who agrees to be her tour guide and shows her that there's more to life than work.
Premieres Saturday, January 10, 2026
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, January 11, 2026:
Season 13, Episode 2
Season 13, Episode 2 - Up in Smoke
Storyline: Nathan responds to fire in Goldie National Park while Elizabeth leads relief efforts in Hope Valley.
Season 13, Episode 2
Premieres Sunday, January 11, 2026
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
I’m really looking forward to this new episode of "When Calls the Heart." It sounds like an emotional, intense time is ahead for the people of Hope Valley and for us viewers, too, with the fire at Goldie Park and many lives in danger. I have a feeling we might want to keep a tissue nearby.
We’ll also be meeting a brand-new character, a young girl named Gwendolyn, played by 14-year-old actress Alex MacIsaac. I’ve been hearing such wonderful things about her performance. She has a strong background in singing and musical theatre, so I imagine we’ll eventually get to see some of that talent on "When Calls the Heart," perhaps even more so down the road, with Rosemary as her director, of course!
I'm also planning to rewatch the "Ainsley McGregor Mystery" again - since I really enjoyed this one! So many great characters. I so enjoyed sleuthing with Ainsley and friends. In case you missed it, I shared a review above.
Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new Winter Escape 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.
Blessings to You All!
Net
❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️
"Teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom."
~Psalm 90:12
I can’t wait to see this new Ainsley, especially after reading your review, Net. I just tuned in for the marathon leading up to it.
ReplyDeleteWCTH looks great too! It’ll be interesting to meet the new character. I have a feeling you’re right… I’ll definitely be keeping tissues close by. Christie
Watching Ainsley now and enjoying every moment. Looking at the new schedule, looks like a great season
ReplyDeleteYay, glad you love it! :)
DeleteA Melbourne Match is so wonderful! -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, Wonderful to hear! Thank you for sharing! :)
DeleteA Case for the Watchmaker is sooo good! -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, Glad you loved it, too!!! Best one, yet!!! :)
DeleteI’ll be watching a Melbourne Match, it looks fun & love Melbourne, I wish they’d make more Hallmark abroad type movies in Australia (Hearts down under/love on the menu) & New Zealand (a love yarn, destination love & Netflix’s Falling Inn Love), I’d enjoy them a lot more than some of the destination ones. Saying that I liked “love on safari” & “a safari romance”, both set in South Africa & “Love in Paradise” set in Fiji.
ReplyDeleteThe new Ainsley is fantastic! One thing I thought was great about it, was that it was a cold case, so this small town doesn’t really have that many current murders to solve.
ReplyDeleteThe book club was very involved, which I liked. It’s cute they still can’t come up with a new name to call themselves. I think they should just stick with book club.
Candace looked so pretty, as usual. I liked seeing her longer hair again. Christie
Christie, I'm so glad to hear you also enjoyed the new Ainsley! Yeah, it does seem like they are never going to name that book club. I thought some of the suggestions have been good, though.
DeleteAlso, loved seeing Candace with her longer hair, too... I agree, she looked very pretty. I also really like the boots and touches of western-style clothing since it fits perfectly with the Texas setting.
There's 2 more movies left to go based on the books
ReplyDeleteAinsley McGregor Mysteries & the Case of Toymaker & Candlemaker
Did you know Mallory Jansen wrote her movie? I thought that was cool.
ReplyDeleteI did! I heard it was her way of honoring her hometown, which is very sweet! :)
DeleteNot sure if anyone has heard, but some really disturbing stuff came out this weekend about Melissa Gilbert's husband. Real creepy stuff.
ReplyDeleteNo idea if this'll mean her future scenes in WCTH could get cut, but I think Hallmark should consider doing something if this case esculates too much. -Maria
Maria, I saw an article about that on People. I haven’t read all the details, yet, but from what I have seen, I’m really not sure what to think. I’ve also been wondering if it might affect WCTH again.
DeleteI hope Hallmark doesn't cut Melissa out. I don't think she should be punished for something that her husband allegedly did.
DeleteJoyce, I agree. I also believe it’s not Hallmark’s business to get involved since Timothy isn’t hired by them.
DeleteJust adding this for others who may be sensitive to this kind of info (like me). I'm wishing I hadn't read these comments and did not then search. If we are going to bring up topics of this nature, I would appreciate some warning as this is very disturbing subject matter. ~LR
DeleteJoyce, I completely agree. I pray she's innocent of all wrong-doing. Honestly, I can't let myself even imagine otherwise.
DeleteLR, I’m with you! I also looked it up and wish I hadn’t because anything involving children is so triggering for me because I’m a mother of 2 small children 😭 made me want to throw up and cry all at the same time. It’s sad so many people in power abuse it, I believe many are already sick and need help and get in these positions to have access to children. I wish I hadn’t looked it up but I didn’t know it involved children. I also agree with the others, Melissa should not be punished for her husband’s crimes. Unless of course she knew and didn’t report or was involved but I don’t think that’s the case…
Delete~Paula
Paula-thanks for this. After I posted that I wondered if I just the only one, but I have several adopted children with major trauma in their pasts, and it tears me up to hear things like that. I have to pray and ask God to remove it from my mind because it really haunbts me. Thanks for understanding, I feel less alone! Blessings friend. ~LR (Lizzy)
DeleteAinsley McGregor Mysteries: Case for a Watchmaker review
ReplyDeleteI wasn’t a big fan of the first two, but this one was a big improvement!! I liked that she had more scenes with her corner friend. But really appreciated how honest and faithful Jake was when his ex showed up. And her told Ainsley the truth right way that the mayor texted him. Ainsley never had to doubt him. I would have liked to see more possible suspects, but the mystery was enjoyable.
Abigail, So good to hear you enjoyed this third Ainsley, too! I feel like the cast is getting into a better rhythm now - having worked on the other two movies. Sure hope they plan to make more!!!
DeleteI look forward to watching the best show ever (WCTH) tonight!! I am waiting till after work so I can give it all my attention. Christie, I think you’re right. I’ll have my tissues nearby!
ReplyDeleteAbigail, Oh, I'm sure you'll enjoy the new WCTH!!! I won't give anything away - but it is an incredible episode! I feel like I was on the edge of my seat for most of it, but even with all the intensity of the fire, they made it family-friendly. (However, it might still be somewhat scary for young kids.)
DeleteOverall, such a beautiful episode... I hope you enjoy it!
Oh wow!! What an amazing episode! I rewatching it right now. The way they captured the fire was incredible!!
Delete
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you all who have been praying for my Mother in law!
Update:
Bev looks good. Two liver doctors came in and said her hemoglobin number is 8.6 and they are waiting to see if it stabilizes. They were encouraged by her results. The endoscopy allowed them to band some veins to eliminate bleeding. She is being given a drip to coat the stomach and to heal any ulcers or irritation. Keep praying for God to work and heal her. She is so grateful for a family who loves her and trusts the Lord. She has been a testimony to many and is receiving excellent care. Elizbeth
Elizbeth, Praise the Lord! Thank you for sharing this positive update with us on your mother-n-law. That is such wonderful news that Beverly is receiving such incredible care and her condition is improving! I'm so happy for her & and all of your family who obviously love her deeply. God bless... I'll keep on praying!!!
DeleteHow wonderful Elizbeth! Praise be to God!! I will continue to pray but rejoice at this happy news for your family.
DeleteLoved WCTH this week! Great episode! Also watched A Case For The Watch Maker! Awesome! Best one yet
ReplyDeleteJoyce, So glad you enjoyed WCTH & the movie, too! Hallmark really has started 2026 off with a strong start! :)
DeleteIt seems Erin was pregnant this entire season of filming. Elizabeth is in very different clothes. She might have got married and pregnant around the same time. I know they had Faith hiding with bags, but I wonder how they will film this next season? I bet she delivers before they are done filming. HM Fam plays WCTH in the evenings, and the season they are on, AB was pregnant and they keep hiding her.
ReplyDeleteI know when I go back and watch Heartland Michelle Morgan (Lous) was pregnant 3 times, and I see her with the purses and bags and say, she must have been pregnant this season. But because they film so long, one season I think, she was pregnant and then delivered, and came back not looking pregnant. Many times Lou had to go to NY for the Maggie's franchise, or left to go see Peter in Vancouver and I guess that was when she was out for maternity leave.
Its weird seeing Elizabeth in very frumpy outfits. And it almost seems she is the only one dressed down. I think EK is a lot farther along than it was thought.
Sabrina
Sabrina, I’ve been trying to figure this out, too. From what I can tell, Ben Rosenbaum shared an Instagram post mentioning that he and Erin were celebrating their six-month wedding anniversary on December 1st. He sweetly captioned it: “6 months of wedded bliss. 5 months of growing our baby. 1 lifetime of love in front of us.”
DeleteThat would mean Erin has been expecting since sometime in July, so I’m sure the wardrobe team made adjustments to allow for her growing baby. Filming took place from July through late November, so I imagine, just like you, that they’ll likely keep things hidden, similar to how you mentioned they did with Andrea Brooks.
If the episodes were filmed in order, she probably wouldn’t have been showing much at first. That said, I’m not entirely sure they film that way. It could depend on the actors’ availability.
However, if they do film in order, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s showing a whole lot more toward the end of the season. She'll likely be holding books, baskets, and sitting behind her desk a lot more. Should be interesting.
Sabrina I’m giggling because there was a show that I used to watch too & the main character was pregnant and they just kept having her stand behind a counter or have her purse in front of her or holding a dog, all to cover the growing bump 😂
Delete~Paula
I always thought it was sweet when Andrea/Faith came into the scene being covered by a big doctor bag, coat, etc. Never bothered me. Made it more special. Look forward to this season with it being Erin’s turn and all the clever ways they film her.
DeleteHi Net,
DeleteYes, I didn't even think of them filming out of order. But I can imagine it being hard to wear those fitting dresses of the time period even if only a few weeks or a month or so pregnant. There may be some flowing long skirts to come. Didn't they start filming the next season already? I would imagine she is not due til March or April. Maybe she films some, then the sweet family have their baby, and then she comes back and films. I am sure MM did that on Heartland, I thought I saw some behind the scenes where she brought the new baby to the set. I can imagine how happy the WCTH family would be to see the sweet baby on set.
Sabrina
Abigail & Paula, It is always cute and funny how they hide the baby bump, and full sized baby. I remember Lacey in A Wish for Christmas and how she had big bags and she was very pregnant, it looked like. And Jen Lilley in the Paris movie. I bet they can look back when those movies are on and remember the sweet baby that was in real life to see. Most people take pics and videos, but with these women, it on on tv, on recording and there as a reminder of the sweet baby inside.
DeleteSabrina
I still need to watch both WCTH episodes but I did make time to watch the latest Ainsley movie as well as "A Melbourne Match". I have to say we enjoyed both movies tremendously.
ReplyDelete"Ainsley Mcgregor" - I have to agree with everyone here. This installment was definitely the best one of the series so far. We figured out who did it early on, but it was still an enjoyable ride, nonetheless. :-) The main characters all seem very comfortable in their roles now. I liked the supporting characters this time around too. I hope the series continues.
"A Melbourne Match" was so great! The location was stunning. The leads had amazing chemistry. The story was also good and not your typical overused plot. I think Mallory did a wonderful job, on the script she penned. She is a really lovely actress and the camera just adores her. She is stunning! Anyway, January movies, are so much fun, because I get to sit back and enjoy traveling to far away places without leaving the comfort of my couch! LOL
Joan, so good to hear that you agree this was the best "Ainsley" so far. I love what you said about the cast being comfortable in their roles now. That is spot on!
DeleteAlso, good to hear you enjoyed "A Melbourne Match"! I still have that one on my watch list. I guess I need to take a break sometime from Christmas movies and squeeze it in! Hope you also enjoy the next adventure from your couch - love that!!! :)
Hi Net,
DeleteThanks! And, I truly hope you enjoy "A Melbourne Match" as much as we did! :-) My husband felt it was one of the better Hallmark movies we have seen.
A Melbourne Match is such a great, heartwarming movie. The location, the actors, the story. Everything was just great. I like travel movies. Australia is such an interesting country. I liked the actors. I found out that Ryan Corr is from Melbourne, so he was in his element. I like Mallory Jansen and, btw, she's the writer of the movie, and you can feel how much she enjoys playing her role. And I enjoyed watching the movie.
ReplyDeleteOksanka, It’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed A Melbourne Match! I truly loved reading your enthusiastic review. I knew Mallory was from there and had written the story, but I didn’t realize Ryan is from there as well. That makes it even sweeter, especially knowing how deeply they both love their homeland. Thank you for sharing!!! :)
DeleteOh, I didn't know that Mallory is from Melbourne too. Now it explains a lot. She really shines in her role in this film:) Thank you for the information.
DeleteSo I have not watched the new Candace mystery yet. I am saving for when my husband can watch with me, even though he makes fun of Candace’s faces when she discovers bodies 😂 We do enjoy trying to crack the mystery together. I did watch the Mallory Jenson one, but I honestly deleted it after about 20 min….she just always falls so flat for me! But I may go and record it again since some on here have loved it!
ReplyDelete~Paula