You're Invited -- A Royal Wedding, A Trip to Italy, New Mystery in Blue Ridge, & More

 ( click here to enlarge image ) 

Happy first weekend of August, friends!🌻

If you haven't heard the news, Christmas in July isn't quite over for Great American Family and Great American Faith & Living, who are extending the Christmas movie fun for one more weekend!

But if you’re ready for a little change of scenery, there are also some fun non-holiday rom-coms premiering this weekend on both Great American Family and the Hallmark Channel. And I have to say, both movies sound like the perfect little summer escape!

On the Hallmark Channel, Toast to Italy takes us all the way to the lovely setting of Italy, where Jenny travels to find something special for her sister’s wedding and crosses paths with Arrigo.

Over on Great American Family, A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding brings us back to a familiar royal romance with the third movie in this delightful trilogy. Prince Alexander is ready to marry Olivia, but an old law threatens to stand in the way of their happily-ever-after.

And then Sunday night brings us another thrilling mystery on INSP with Blue Ridge: The Series! This week’s all-new episode takes us into the woods when a kidnapping puts our favorite characters right in the middle of another dangerous case.

So, whether you’re still soaking up the Christmas movies, ready for a trip to Italy, in the mood for a little Royal romance, or looking for some suspense, there’s plenty to watch this weekend!

See all of the details below...


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Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Will Kemp 

Mini-Movie Marathon

image: Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel - Saturday night:
(times in Eastern Standard Time)

Love, Romance, & Chocolate ... 6pm
Toast to Italy ... 8pm *NEW
Royal Matchmaker ... 10pm


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Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Toast to Italy

image: Hallmark Channel

Storyline: Jenny travels to Italy for a special bottle of wine for her sister's wedding. She meets Arrigo, also looking for the famous "Love Wine" and together their search leads to a love of their own.

Toast to Italy

Premieres Saturday, August 1, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, August 1, 2026:

A Prince in Paradise:

A Royal Wedding

image: Great American Media

Storyline: Prince Alexander (Mitchell Bourke) is ready to marry Olivia (Rhiannon Fish), a commoner. But when a bitter lord invokes ancient laws to block the union, Olivia, a romance writer, stumbles upon a hidden diary tucked within an old volume of history, revealing a long-lost truth that may be the key to saving her happily ever after royalty.

A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding

Premieres Saturday, August 1, 2026

at 8pm/7c on Great American Family

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Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Christmas Movie Classics

continue on Great American Family

and Great American Faith & Living

image: Great American Media

See the weekend schedule:

Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Let it Snow ... Great American Family ... 12am
Coupled up for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
12 Games of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
I'm Glad it's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4am
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
Christmas at the Inn ... Great American Family ... 6am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Family ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
My Favorite Christmas Tree ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
The Trouble with Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 12pm
Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
Another Sweet Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Destined at Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Royal Christmas Holiday ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
Chasing Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
Christmas Under the Northern Lights ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Royal Christmas on Ice ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Twas the Text Before Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Crown Prince of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Belgian Chocolate Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Call Me Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Designing Christmas with You ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Cozy Christmas Quilt ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
The Great Christmas Switch ... Great American Family ... 6am
Let it Snow ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
A Dash of Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
Pencil Me in for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
My Christmas Hero ... Great American Family ... 12pm
A Royal Christmas Ballet ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
A Christmas Blessing ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Jingle Bell Princess ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Wisconsin Christmas Pie ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
A Lot Like Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Designing Christmas With You ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Kindhearted Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
A Cinderella Christmas Ball ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Christmas at Mistletoe Manor ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Monday, August 3, 2026:

A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 12am
A Royal Icing Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Hot Cocoa Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Peppermint and Postcards ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Christmas Sweethearts ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Royal Christmas Tail ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am


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Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Johnathon Schaech and Teagan Burns
image credit: Gary Wheeler

Episode 3: “Out of the Woods”

A father-daughter camping trip turns treacherous when Sheriff Justin Wise and Maddie accidentally discover the hideout of several dangerous drug dealers.

Blue Ridge: The Series

Season 2, Episode 3

Premieres Sunday, August 2, 2026

at 10pm/9c. on INSP

*Please note: This series contains violence - not for young viewers.



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I hope you all have a great weekend, whether you're watching one of the new premieres or a Christmas classic!

As always, I'd love to hear which movies you'll be watching and which one you're most excited to see. And if you'd like to share a movie review, we'd love to hear from you.

I was planning to watch A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding early, but it just didn't work out with my schedule this week. So I'm hoping that, since we are having a rainy weekend, I'll get the chance to stay in and watch. I heard from a friend who did watch it early on PureFlix, and she loved it! So, hopefully, we'll all enjoy it, too!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

~Colossians 3:12-15

'Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries' Season 2 Coming to UPtv

UPtv has officially announced Season 2 of Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries coming in 2027!

If you've been following any of the cast on social media, then you've likely seen them filming throughout the summer.

It is great now to get this official confirmation that UPtv will continue to bring us this series in 2027. Season 1 reached 1.8 million viewers and ranked as a Top 20 ad-supported cable series!

The new season also brings back the actors we loved from the first season: Galadriel Stineman, Denise Gossett, Kevin Joy and Riley Beeson.

See all the details in the press release below.

Press Release via UP Entertainment:

UPTV HIT SERIES

SUGARCREEK AMISH MYSTERIES

GREENLIT FOR A SECOND SEASON

ATLANTA (July 30, 2026) – UPtv, the television home for uplifting entertainment, has acquired season two of the hit series Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries blends cozy mystery, cultural discovery, and heartwarming reinvention in a series about finding family in unexpected places and uncovering the truest parts of ourselves. Season two gets right into the action as Cheryl Cooper (Galadriel Stineman) has found her footing in the Amish community in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Bigger locations and new thrilling mysteries will not only put Cheryl’s sharp instincts to the test, but also will question her place among the community she loves so dearly. Cheryl must decide if she follows her instincts and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

"What makes Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries so special is its ability to combine intrigue and suspense with the uplifting storytelling our viewers are seeking," said Crissie Miller, VP of Content Strategy and Planning. "Audiences have connected deeply with Cheryl, the Miller family and the sense of belonging at the heart of Sugarcreek. We can't wait to bring fans more mysteries and more of the characters they've come to love."

Season two will build on the stories and characters from the first season, including returning cast members Galadriel Stineman as Cheryl Cooper, Denise Gossett as Naomi Miller, Kevin Joy as Levi Miller and Riley Beeson as Esther Miller. Together, the team will uncover even more mysteries in the town of Sugarcreek. The new season is expected to premiere on UPtv in 2027.

According to Nielsen, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries season one was viewed by 1.8 million viewers in its original run on UPtv. Across season one, 1st run telecasts averaged HH AA(000) 228 and W18+ AA(000) 180 which made the show a Top-20 Ad Supported Cable destination ranking 19th in HH delivery and 18th in Women18+ delivery.*

Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries is directed by Sandra L. Martin and executive produced by Martin and Chevonne O’Shaughnessy.

*Source: Nielsen UBD L7 4/20/26-6/14/26; Unduplicated audience reach and TH 9p-10p time period rank versus All Ad Supported Cable networks.

About UP Entertainment
UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. UP Faith & Family is the leading subscription streaming service for uplifting entertainment. UPtv is the trusted network for adults seeking positive programming with relatable stories about relationships, filled with love and laughter, through exclusive premiere movies, box-office hit films and beloved series. AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. GaitherTV+ provides access to Gaither’s renowned and growing library of full-length award-winning Country, Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian concerts and specials, early premieres of new performances and shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews. UP Entertainment in partnership with PixL Dos, also manages and distributes Cine Romántico, a FAST channel featuring the best of Hollywood TV romance movies in Spanish. Additionally, UP Entertainment also represents partner brands Ovation TV. Ovation is an independent television, production, and digital media company, with an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture and entertainment. UP Entertainment’s award-winning pro-social initiative, “UPlift Someone”, has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.

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I hope many of you are looking forward to this new season of Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries as much as I am!

Happy Sleuthing,

Net

images via: Galadriel Stineman

🎄 Christmas in July Wraps Up this Week - Don't Miss Your Favorites!

The month of July is coming to an end soon, along with the *Christmas in July* movies airing on TV; however, I have good news for those of you who want to hold onto the Christmas movies just a little longer!

While the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Family end their holiday movies on July 31st, Great American Family and Great American Faith & Living are extending their coverage throughout the weekend - into the first few days of August!

Check out the final Christmas movie classics airing this week...
(Time below in Eastern Standard Time)

🌟End of *Christmas in July* Schedule:

Thursday, July 30, 2026:

Home Sweet Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Designing Christmas with You ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Royal Christmas on Ice ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Christmas Wreaths & Ribbons ... Great American Family ... 2am
Christmas at Mistletoe Manor ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
A Royal Christmas Ballet ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Royal Christmas on Ice ... Great American Family ... 6am
Crown Prince of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
Have We Met This Christmas? ... Great American Family ... 8am
A Royal Christmas Tail ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
Peppermints & Postcards ... Great American Family ... 10am
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
A Wisconsin Christmas Pie ... Great American Family ... 12pm
A Wisconsin Christmas Pie ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
Royally Wrapped for Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Call Me Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Sugarplummed ... Hallmark Channel ... 2pm
Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up ... Hallmark Channel ... 4pm
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
Crown Prince of Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
She's Making a List ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
The Christmas Spark ... Great American Family ... 6pm
A Royal Christmas Ballet ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
Haul Out the Holly ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
Christmas at the Drive-In ... Great American Family ... 8pm
There's No Place Like Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Friday, July 31, 2026:

Tails of Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Christmas Star ... Great American Family ... 2am
A Royal Christmas Holiday ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
Christmas Less Traveled ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Christmas for the Ages ... Great American Family ... 6am
Pencil Me in for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
Christmas of Giving ... Great American Family ... 8am
A Royal Icing Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Royal Christmas Holiday ... Great American Family ... 10am
A Cozy Christmas Quilt ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
A Song for Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 12pm
A Very Curious Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
Bringing Christmas Home ... Great American Family ... 12pm
The Nine Lives of Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 2pm
Christmas on Every Page ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Christmas in Scotland ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
A Joyous Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 2pm
Christmas with Holly ... Hallmark Channel ... 4pm
The Christmas Parade ... Hallmark Family ... 4pm
A Royal Christmas Tail ... Great American Family ... 4pm
Destined 2: Christmas Once More ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
Once Upon a Christmas Wish ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Love Under the Mistletoe ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
Charming Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Merry Christmas Wish ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Marry Me at Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
A Christmas Carousel ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
Our Christmas Wedding ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
Catering Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Belgian Chocolate Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Let it Snow ... Great American Family ... 12am
Coupled up for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
12 Games of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
I'm Glad it's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4am
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
Christmas at the Inn ... Great American Family ... 6am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Family ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
My Favorite Christmas Tree ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
The Trouble with Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 12pm
Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
Another Sweet Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Destined at Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Royal Christmas Holiday ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
Chasing Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
Christmas Under the Northern Lights ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Royal Christmas on Ice ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Twas the Text Before Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Crown Prince of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Belgian Chocolate Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Call Me Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Designing Christmas with You ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Cozy Christmas Quilt ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
The Great Christmas Switch ... Great American Family ... 6am
Let it Snow ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
A Dash of Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
Pencil Me in for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
My Christmas Hero ... Great American Family ... 12pm
A Royal Christmas Ballet ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
A Christmas Blessing ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Jingle Bell Princess ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Wisconsin Christmas Pie ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
A Lot Like Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Designing Christmas With You ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Kindhearted Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
A Cinderella Christmas Ball ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Christmas at Mistletoe Manor ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm

Monday, August 3, 2026:

A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 12am
A Royal Icing Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Hot Cocoa Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Peppermint and Postcards ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Christmas Sweethearts ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Royal Christmas Tail ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am


I hope you all enjoy all the joy, love, and peace... within the festive movies airing throughout this week!

There are lots of good movies still left in the *Christmas in July* schedule, so I hope you are able to catch (or record) a few more of your favorites! (I see you - The Nine Lives of Christmas, There's No Place Like Christmas, Let it Snow, A Merry Christmas Wish, A Joyous Christmas, A Lot Like Christmas, and more! Just some of my personal favorites still airing this week!)

May Your Day

(and Week)

Be Merry & Bright!

Net🎄

🍁 Hallmark Channel's 2026 *Fall into Love* Movies

The Hallmark Channel is premiering 8 movies for Fall into Love!

The schedule includes rom-coms and mysteries with many stars you'll recognize: Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally, Corey Sevier, Meghan Ory, Kevin McGarry, Lori Loughlin, Julie Gonzalo, Niall Matter, and more!

See all of the details below...

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Love Finds You

Premiere Date: August 22, 2026

Starring: Aimee Teegarden and Chris McNally

Storyline: A mislabeled package convinces jewelry designer Alex she's found her ideal man, sending her and delivery driver Jack on a citywide search that helps them discover what they truly want.

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Much About Love

Premiere Date: August 29, 2026

Starring: Ashley Williams and Niall Matter

Storyline: A TV director returns to her theater roots for a Shakespeare festival and runs into an old flame, rekindling a merry war of wits in this modern retelling of "Much Ado About Nothing."

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Her Knight At The Museum

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Julie Gonzalo and James Trevena

*Based on the book by author Bryn Donovan

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Garage Sale Mysteries: She Took an Axe

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Lori Loughlin and Steve Bacic

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*Unknown Title* Fall into Love Movie

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Nathan Witte & Alvina August

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Pumpkin Regatta Romance

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Mishael Morgan and Corey Sevier

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A Halloween Carol

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Kevin McGarry and Meghan Ory

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Haunted Harmony Mysteries

Premiere Date: TBA

Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley and Risteárd Cooper

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I hope you'll all find a movie to "fall" for from Hallmark's Fall into Love!

It looks like several movies are actually going to be fall-themed, which I know many of you love.

Plus, we'll have the return of Garage Sale Mysteries, and along with Lori Loughlin, there are two more stars from When Calls the Heart starring in the Fall movies - Chris McNally and Kevin McGarry.

If any of you don't recognize Julie Gonzalo's co-star, James Trevena, he starred in Lacey Chabert's rom-com, Lost in Paradise, and he'll also star in the supporting cast of the upcoming Christmas movie, A Grand Biltmore Christmas.

Which movie are you drawn to the most this Fall? Please share in comments below.

Happy watching,

Net 🍁

images & screengrabs via: Hallmark Media

🚩 Must-See Camp Adventures: 'Summer Sparks,' 'A Week Away: The Series,' & New Premiere: 'Bad Counselors'

 ( *click here to enlarge image* ) 

Today, I'm excited to share a couple of reviews that perfectly capture the spirit of summer!

First up is a camp-themed, family-friendly movie, followed by a faith-based camp series that's especially wonderful for teens. Both feature familiar faces you'll recognize from the Hallmark Channel and Great American Family. And be sure to stick around until the end of this post for a first look at an all-new camp movie premiere!

Before we dive into the reviews, I first have to say... there's just something special about camp stories, isn't there, whether it's roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire, singing along with new friends, or growing deeper in your faith.

If you love those special moments as much as I do, grab your favorite trail mix, settle into your comfiest camp chair, and let's head to camp together! Happy reading, friends!

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Summer Sparks – (currently streaming free through the Roku channel) 

This is a very sweet, lighthearted camp movie – ideal for families! Adam (Jesse Metcalfe) and Monica (Kathryn Davis) are single parents who are slow, at first, at opening themselves up to the idea of love again, but as they spend more and more time together, there’s a subtle attraction between the two.

Both of their families decide to attend Camp Evergreen to reconnect over a cooking competition.

The kids are nice and get along well together, which is great to see. Monica's teenage daughter, Hannah, develops a sweet crush on fellow camper Sam, who also happens to be competing in the cook-off with his family. Sam also just happens to be the son of Monica’s childhood camp nemesis (of course, right?), who’s determined to win the competition at any cost.

A few mild cautions for kids: While this movie is really wholesome and G-rated, I just wanted to mention a few things… a teenage girl uses "Oh my G--" once or twice, Jesse Metcalfe and his son are still grieving the loss of their wife/mother while attempting to bond through this camp experience, and there’s someone at the camp who is a bully, at first, but eventually this person has a change of heart and chooses kindness.

Towards the end of the movie, the kids scheme to give Adam and Monica some alone time together – to which Adam says something to the effect of – “Did our kids try to ‘Parent Trap’ us?” It’s a really cute nod to that classic Disney camp movie!

Overall, this movie is a pleasant watch highlighting family, friendships, forgiveness, and a fresh Summer feel! ~Net


Summer Sparks | Official Trailer | The Roku Channel

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A Week Away: The Series - Streaming through Angel Studios

And speaking of camp, I just recently re-watched the camp series, A Week Away, that first came out last Fall through Angel Studios, and I was once again amazed at the deep, profound spiritual message in this series. It’s basically a mix of Grease, High School Musical, and Camp Rock meets Church Camp!

The main focus of the story is a foster teen named Max who arrives at camp very resistant to any message about God’s love. Max has carried years of pain, disappointment, and unanswered questions. He's joined by several other foster teens who wrestle with similar wounds, asking the same question many believers have faced: Where was God when I needed Him most?

It’s incredible to watch as the walls they’ve built gradually begin to fall. Each of them has to make an individual choice on whether to follow God. It takes some time, but as hearts begin to soften, bitterness gives way to forgiveness and healing.

The musical sequences are impressively staged. The choreography ranges from upbeat and energetic to emotionally intimate performances that actually deepen the story.

And while there are catchy and silly songs of Christian-themed pop and rock, there’s also an incredibly moving cover of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say,” which I have to say was done so beautifully as a duet with two of the show's leads. It’s my favorite song of the whole series, although many others are quite memorable, as well.

Carlos PenaVega (Mr. Manhattan, Get Him Back for Christmas) is wonderfully cast as Jeremy, the camp pastor, bringing relatability, humor, and steady spiritual guidance to the campers. His scenes with Max, the troubled teen, are truly inspiring and unforgettable. Alexa PenaVega (Before Your Father Finds Us, Get Him Back for Christmas) is also seen in a short cameo appearance.

And many will likely recognize Leigh-Allyn Baker from the Disney show Good Luck, Charlie.

While there's plenty of laughter, camp competitions, friendships, and even a few humorous pranks at the camp, the part I loved most was that the story continually points back to God's unconditional love. It's a great reminder that our identity isn't defined by rejection, abandonment, or past mistakes, but by God who calls us His own.

Cautions: The series includes discussions of childhood abandonment and foster care, bullying among teens, honest conversations about questioning faith, innocent teen crushes, two teenagers sharing a kiss, and a variety of harmless camp pranks. While some of the themes are emotionally weighty at times, they ultimately lead toward healing and redemption.

Overall, A Week Away: The Series is much more than a fun summer musical... it's an uplifting, inspiring story filled with memorable songs, dance performances, and a powerful message of discovering faith. It's an excellent choice for families and church youth groups - preteen age and up.

A Week Away: The Series is one of those series that stays with you long after the credits roll, just like our own camp or summer memories.

This series, with 7 episodes nearly 30 minutes each, was created for Angel Studios by Alan Powell (Christmas in the Smokies, Get Him Back for Christmas). It is a spin-off based on the Netflix film A Week Away.

A Week Away: The Series initially premiered August 28, 2025 through Angel’s streaming platform. And more great news, if you haven't heard... Season 2 is currently in the pre-production phase!

The movie soundtrack for A Week Away: The Series is available on Amazon.

You can also stream the first two episodes of season 1 free through the A Week Away Series YouTube page or the Angel website.


A Week Away: The Series | Official Trailer | Angel

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Bad Counselors - Currently in Theaters

Speaking of camp and Angel Studios, the streaming platform also released its approval for the new camp-themed movie, Bad Counselors, which will run in theaters for a limited time - July 22nd through July 27th.

This is Angel's statement on 'Bad Counselors':

"Angel is proud to support this hilarious fish-out-of-water story about two carefree fraternity brothers who find themselves just two weeks away from expulsion.

With 120 hours of community service standing between them and staying in school, they hatch an unlikely plan: pose as Christian camp counselors. The only problem? They wouldn't know a hymn from a hot dog.

What follows is a heartfelt comedy full of unexpected friendships, hilarious mishaps, and surprising lessons that prove sometimes the people least prepared for the job are the ones who need it most."

Note: This movie is rated PG-13

Also, look for Dominic Lopez (Chasing Christmas, Once Upon a Christmas Wish) in the supporting cast as one of the campers. You can also see him at the end of the trailer below.

Bad Counselors | OFFICIAL TRAILER:

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If you've seen any of these camp-themed movies and want to share a thought or review, please do so in comments.

Or... if you have another camp movie you love, please share those in comments, too.

I've yet to see the original A Week Away movie from Netflix, so if any of you have seen it, I'd love to know your take on it.

My classic camp movie suggestions are:
The Parent Trap (love both versions!),
Camp Nowhere (super funny, but beware of minor language like Home Alone),
Troop Beverly Hills (such a sweet movie... see Kelli Martin as a young girl in that movie and Shelley Long portrays the troop leader), and
Camp Cucamonga (look for Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, and lots more recognizable stars in this 90s camp classic)!

Plus, I've always liked the Hallmark camp-themed movie, Kiss at Pine Lake, starring Barry Watson, Mia Kirshner, Brennan Elliott, and Matty Finochio!

Hope you enjoy these camp shows as much as your favorite outdoor adventure!

Blessings,

Net

images via: Roku Channel, Studio TF1 America, Angel Sudios, Loam Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management, and Narrow Gate Entertainment


Camp Movies - DVD and Streaming:
(Click on posters for details)