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| ( images via: Hallmark Media, Trevor Donovan, Great American Media, and America Reads the Bible - click here to enlarge image ) |
Happy Weekend, Friends!
There’s a wonderful Americana spirit in the air this weekend, filled with history, faith, romance, and a little mystery, too!
Leading the way is the charming new Spring into Love movie premiere, To Philly with Love, featuring Revolutionary War-era love letters, an exciting journey through Philadelphia, and a visit to the iconic Liberty Bell. It looks like an intriguing adventure!
Also beginning this weekend is the America Reads The Bible event - a special week-long reading of the Bible from cover to cover featuring many beloved American spiritual leaders, singers, current and former politicians, and various performers. I’m sharing where you can watch below, along with some favorite actors who will be taking part.
And if that’s not enough excitement for the weekend, the third episode of When Hope Calls: Brookfield arrives Sunday night, bringing a suspenseful stagecoach robbery and the introduction of Jillian Murray’s character, Justine. Could Mountie Jim Reynolds, played by Trevor Donovan, who has sworn off love for the sake of his dangerous Mountie duties, find himself unexpectedly smitten?
See all the details for these exciting programs, plus a classic mystery movie marathon on Great American Family, below!
Saturday, April 18, 2026:
Storyline: A teacher and an archivist decode Revolutionary War-era love letters, taking them on a thrilling journey through Philadelphia, where they uncover history—and discover a love story of their own.
Premieres Saturday, April 18, 2026
at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, April 18, 2026:
Great American Family
Mystery Movie Marathon
Mystery Movie Marathon on Great American Family
Saturday Schedule:
The Abigail Mysteries - 2pm
Mystery by the Book - 4pm
Ainsley McGregor Mysteries:
A Case of Winemaker - 6pm
A Case of Yarnmaker - 8pm
A Case of Watchmaker - 10pm
A Case of Winemaker - 12am
A Case of Yarnmaker - 2am
A Case of Watchmaker - 4am
April 18, 2026 - April 25, 2026
There will be many speakers throughout the week, pastors and religious leaders, current and former political figures, Christian singers/worship leaders, and more... but I thought I would share below some of the actors and actresses we know best - and the times you can hear them read.
To see the full schedule of readers - click here.
Sunday, April 19, 2026:
(9–10 AM EST)
Patricia Heaton - Genesis 1–2
Candace Cameron Bure - Genesis 6-8
(12–1 PM EST)
Chonda Pierce - Genesis 37
(4–5 PM EST)
Kevin Sorbo - Exodus 36–37
(8–9 PM EST)
Jen Lilley - Numbers 15–16:1–35
Tuesday, April 21, 2026:
(7–8 PM EST)
Bill Abbott (Great American Media CEO) - 2 Chronicles 21–23
Friday, April 24, 2026:
(9–10 AM EST)
Julia Reilly - Daniel 7
Brett Varvel - Daniel 8
(1–2 PM EST)
Laura Osnes-Johnson - Zechariah 7–9
(5–6 PM EST)
Victoria Jackson - Mark 12
Louise DuArt Rushnell (Godwinks) - Mark 13
SQuire Rushnell (Godwinks) - Mark 14
(8–9 PM EST)
Dean Cain - John 5
Saturday, April 25, 2026:
(5–6 PM EST)
Megan Alexander - Philemon 1–Hebrews 1
Watch Live on Great American Pure Flix
Create a free account to access the livestream during the event - April 18th through April 25th - no paid subscription required. (Besides watching online on your computer or mobile device, you can also download the Great American Pure Flix app to your TV via Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or other devices. If you need additional options or help - click here.)
Sunday, April 19, 2026:
Season 3, Episode 3
Episode 3 - Justice: Vocational Day at the orphanage turns into a lesson in honesty when the children hide which one of them broke the sewing machine. Meanwhile, Hannah (Fisher) anxiously awaits the arrival of her powerful New York investor (Jillian Murray), and a dangerous stagecoach robbery sparks a major criminal investigation.
Premieres Sunday, April 19, 2026
at 8pm/7c on Great American Family
What a lovely mix of options we have this weekend- uplifting faith, intriguing mystery, a heartwarming romance with a touch of American history, and more! I hope something here adds a little joy to your weekend!
I'm really excited to watch America Reads the Bible! I hope many hearts are touched by this amazing event - and come to know Jesus, either for the first time, or in a deeper, more personal way.
I usually watch the When Hope Calls: Brookfield episodes early on Pure Flix, but I haven't had the chance to see this one yet. After all, it did just come out yesterday, but what am I waiting for? Right? LOL. I do hope to watch soon... I can't wait to see Mountie Jim's reaction to Justine, the stagecoach robbery, and how the children respond to a little trouble of their own.
Please add your own reviews to any of these new shows/movies to the comments below.
May your weekend be filled with faith, joy, and inspiration!
Have a Blessed,
Wonderful Weekend, Everyone,
Net
SHINING GOD's LIGHT:
"Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom."
~2 Corinthians 3:17
Such great options for this weekend! We will be super busy but my DVR is set 😊
ReplyDeleteThe new When Hope Calls is really good. I just love all those kids!
ReplyDeleteAnd I’m looking forward to America Reads the Bible too. Thank you for sharing when to see Candace, Jen, Laura, & others. Praying for all watching! Christie
Christie, I so agree! The children in When Hope Calls are all so sweet... I wish I could adopt them all! :)
DeleteLove Philly, American History, and I am looking forward to this movie.
ReplyDeleteThe To Philly with Love looks very interesting (even though I’m not a fan of that area…I had a very bad experience there) and always intrigued by the Holy Scripture. America desperately needs the Bible. So I’ll be tuning into that if it’s on YouTube.
ReplyDeleteAbigail, Oh no!!!!!! Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Philly. I hope you'll still be able to enjoy the movie.
DeleteAnd I hope you've been able to watch America Reads the Bible. I'm hearing you don't even have to have the free account now to watch through Great American Pure Flix.
I'm sure you've already found it, Abigail, since you're tech savvy, but if anyone else needs help...
Click on the link below. Scroll down and skip the sign-in area and click *Watch Now* in the banner with Candace Cameron Bure, Ben Carson, and Franklin Graham.
https://www.pureflix.com/america-reads-the-bible-register
I’m watching Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: The Case of the Yarn Maker when I saw at the bottom of the screen
ReplyDeleteA Sweet Christmas Anniversary
The 3rd in Home Sweet Christmas series
Coming to Great American Christmas 2026!
Candace Cameron Bure & Cameron Mathison
Yes, that's the movie they filmed in December! I'm hoping we will see it on Great American Family this Christmas, but they originally said it will only be in theaters... so we'll see.
DeleteCameron Mathison’s real life Daughter; Lalia Mathison will be in the movie with her Dad & Jill Wagner
ReplyDeleteTo Philly with Love is quite lovely. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, Glad you enjoyed it, too! I thought it was a delightful mystery and rom-com! :)
DeleteAmerica Reads the Bible
ReplyDeletehttps://www.americareadsthebible.com/
We are currently watching America Reads the Bible, and I just wanted to thank you for providing information where to watch. I also shared the news with others at church today. Robert
ReplyDeleteRobert, That blesses me so much that you've been enjoying America Reads the Bible and that you shared it with others.
DeleteThank you for sharing that. I pray all who watch will be blessed! :)
Sad news: A Boyfriend for Christmas star Patrick Muldoon died this morning from a heart attack. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, Oh my goodness… I was so shocked to see this news on social media this morning of Patrick’s passing. I first saw it mentioned on Alison Sweeney’s instagram, and I know they were close friends from their time working on Days of Our Lives together.
DeleteAnd yes, of course, many of us Hallmark fans knew & loved him from A Boyfriend for Christmas - I always loved that movie! It was for many years - my go to feel good movie.
This news is so sad. I’m still trying to absorb it. My heart and prayers go out to all of his family and friends.
To Philly with Love is family friendly , but just an ok 1 time watch for me. Scenery of Philly is lovely and the story line is definitely different. It's a little slow. I had a hard time staying engaged in the movie.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Some of my family said it was slow for them, too, so I totally get it.
DeleteI also thought it was nice that they were able to get so many nice camera shots of Philly - that was such an excellent touch to the history portion of the movie.
To Philly with Love was just plain boring. I had such a hard time getting thru it. I ff a lot and watched the ending. Just plain boring.
ReplyDeleteA Little Park Music was also a bore. I couldn't even tell you much about it, and I wanted to like it cause I love the leads.
I was so happy that yesterday seemed to be a Christmas movie day. Sundance had on Christmas Vacation, then I was watching HM Family and on came The Bridge and The Bridge 2. I forgot how much I LOVE those movies. It always makes me cry on part 2 when Charlie wakes and everyone that loves him is there. Part 1 is so happy and uplifting, and then Part 2 is sad, but so many people come together for the love of Charlie and Donna and The Bridge. Its such a heartwarming set of movies. I love how Molly and Ryan fall in love over the course of the semester at college and how they always go to the Bridge to study and how much Donna and Charlie just love the 2 of them. Warms my heart.
Sabrina
Sabrina, Thank you for sharing your take on the last two new Hallmark movies. I haven't watched A Little Park Music, yet, but like you, I've always liked the leads... so I've got to give it a try, at least.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the Christmas movies on Sundance and Hallmark Family yesterday... That's so fun to catch classics that you already know you love & enjoy! :)
When Hope Calls: Brookfield – Episode 3 is so special! I won’t give anything major away, but there’s a beautiful story about telling the truth – which is such an important lesson for all ages.
ReplyDeleteAlso, it’s interesting to see Mountie Jim Reynolds (Trevor Donovan) meet a young woman (played by Jillian Murray), who seems to have him rethinking his own rule about Mounties and falling in love. It was cute to see Mountie Michael (Christopher Russell) tease him a little for showing special interest in her. In the meantime, however, Michael's feelings for Nora (Cindy Busby) appear to be deepening.
And Hannah (Sarah Fisher) makes an important decision that puts the ranch’s needs before her own, as a fashion designer.
And Ronnie (Neil Crone) and Sam (Jon McLaren) are so fun! I enjoyed seeing them work out their partnership in the hotel.
This hour always go by so fast... I always want more! ~Net
To Philly With Love – I must say I wasn’t sure what to expect with this movie, but I enjoyed it. There was a bit of mystery to it, decoding old love letters from the Revolutionary War, and the chemistry between the two leads, Emma (Rebecca Dalton) and Nate (Stephen Huszar), was gentle and sweet, not rushed liked most rom-coms. I enjoyed seeing their interest in each other build gradually as they did research together and as they read through the beautiful love letters from centuries ago. That gave me a little feel of Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the close relationship with Emma and her mother as they packed away her grandmother’s treasured possessions, who passed recently. There’s one special scene that shows the mother sewing a quilt, and it touched my heart deeply because my grandmother made many beautiful quilts that looked so much like the one she was making. It was also truly heartwarming to see Emma carry on her grandmother’s love of history and interest in the Ladies of Liberty group.
Overall, I enjoyed the history, the mystery, and the gentle romance throughout the movie – from the past and present. It was wonderful to see the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross house, and other historic sites in Philadelphia. It’s a family-friendly watch that is wholesome and intriguing and the movie just might spark an interest in learning more U.S. history, especially as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday! ~Net
And I've been meaning to share some older movie reviews, too, so here goes...
ReplyDeleteA Royal Setting – What a delight it was seeing Jen Lilley again! She is always like a breath of fresh air. The story was nice, the connection between Ruby (Jen Lilley) and Prince Luca (Dan Jeannotte) was sweet, but I especially enjoyed watching Ruby trying to connect ever so kindly with thoughtful gifts and conversation with the silent guard who stood in the room where she was working on the crown jewels. I thought this was a lovely insight into Ruby’s warm and friendly personality.
Overall, it’s a cozy, enjoyable watch, even if the royal crown isn’t all that impressive. Since the storyline follows a familiar royal romance path, with a prince falling in love with a commoner, I would have loved a little bit more excitement or added sparkle to the plot… but even still, the movie remains lighthearted, wholesome, and family-friendly. And thanks to Jen Lilley’s delightful, cheerful performance, A Royal Setting is a truly pleasant, enjoyable escape. ~Net
Nelly Knows Mysteries: All Manners of Murder – Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith together as Nelly Parker and Detective Michael Hogan. Their chemistry on screen is always magical! This movie was particularly interesting with a murder-mystery dinner party – including a fascinating group of people making up the ensemble cast of suspects that I recognized easily from former Hallmark moves. It was quite interesting to guess who-dun-it, and while I fihured the right culprit, it was still fun watching Nelly and Michael piece it all together.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a cozy, family-friendly sort of mystery, but even though it’s not graphic like most crime dramas, there’s still a murder, so it’s best suited for mature preteen age and up. ~Net
The Way to You – This story has such an easy-going feel to it that easily felt like a classic 90s rom-com… two people (sort of) working together – but not instantly seeing their own attraction – but once they do they aren’t sure if the other person feels the same.
ReplyDeleteBoth Kim Matula and Aaron O'Connell are truly great as Emma and Conrad. Kim, as usual, is quirky and down-to-earth, and Aaron is a little serious and straight-laced, but that makes for a perfect combination. There is definitely lots of chemistry with their characters… you literally feel yourself pulling for them to figure out they were meant for each other!!! Overall, I must say it’s a very sweet story with an equally satisfying ending.
Side note: Family friendly, but there is some brief talk about horoscope signs with Conrad and another woman.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance with great chemistry – this is it! ~Net
A Season to Blossom – The leads in this, Emily Tennant and Carlo Marks, are very sweet and the story is equally sweet, but it’s also a little slow, at times. Overall, I enjoyed seeing her character, Elise, return home and run the book store she’s inherited from her grandmother, but like most stories, she’s eager to sell the book store, get back to the big city and leave behind her old friend, Max, who obviously has feelings for her.
ReplyDeleteFilm highlights…
Even though the movie has a slower pace, it was still genuine and warm and I enjoyed seeing old friends reconnect and work so well with one another – encouraging each other – and sparking creativity.
There’s also an extra adorable cat – who is such a cutie. He actually reminded me of one of our adorable kitty cats!
Overall, this movie is lighthearted, easy-going, and family-friendly. If you want to watch something that is relaxing and peaceful, this would be a good choice. ~Net
Blessings in Disguise – This is such a beautiful faith-based film. It does have the familiar movie storyline of a woman, Katie, returning back home and reconnecting with a past love, but in this case, it felt warm and endearing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the connection of Katie (Shae Robins) with her mother (Nancy Harding), as they are both coming to terms over the loss of Katie’s grandmother.
It was extra sweet to see Katie sewing, sketching, and working on her fashion line in her grandmothers dress shop that has been sitting idle since her passing. I especially loved when Katie would get lost in her thoughts and reminisce of their time sewing together- when she was a little girl. Those scenes are all so meaningful, along with the Bible verses sewn in each garment. Katie is filled with uncertainty and deeply hard on herself as she tries to define success by worldly measures; however, Luke (Casey Elliott), her former boyfriend, reminds her that it is not how God sees her. Their connection throughout the movie feels natural and heartfelt.
It was nice to see Shae Robins and Casey Elliott together again. At first, I wondered if I’d only think of them as Kim and Theo, their characters in Destined at Christmas, but as the movie progressed, I easily saw them as their new characters.
Blessings in Disguise is family-friendly and very lighthearted. It’s a comforting, inspiring story of faith, love, and rediscovering purpose. ~Net