Are You Ready for Adventure? ✈❤️ Hallmark’s Passport to Love Begins Its Romantic Journey / Plus, Hallmark's Sequel Movie Announcement and Great American Family Actress Honors the 81st Anniversary of D-Day

Happy first full weekend of June, everyone!

It's that time when many of us have Summer vacation plans on our minds.

This weekend, however, there's no need to pack that suitcase... Hallmark has you covered with a trip to Barcelona via their newest movie premiere. So settle in, relax, and enjoy the journey.

Keep in mind, this new film is the first of a two-part movie series, and it's also the first Passport to Love movie premiere for this June.

Scroll down for all the details…


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Saturday, June 7, 2025:

To Barcelona, With Love

Storyline: Erica, an American translator, secretly revises a novel set in Barcelona. Everything is fine until bookstore owner Nico invites the credited author, Anna, to the city for a book-signing.

To Barcelona, With Love

Premieres Saturday, June 7, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Honoring D-Day...

Laura Osnes (Just in Time, A Little Women's Christmas) sang "America, the Beautiful" this week at a special ceremony to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of D-Day. In honor of their brave sacrifice on that day, I wanted to share Laura singing this beautiful patriotic song.
(click the image below to play)

View this post on Instagram

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

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Christmas in July!

For those of you who love Christmas movies year-round, be sure to check out the Christmas Schedule! Lots of Christmas movies are coming this June and July on the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Hallmark Family and Great American Family!

I've updated the schedules with all of the currently released Hallmark movies, and I'll also be adding the Great American Family Christmas movies once they are released.

Click here to see the current Christmas Movie Schedule! (Please be sure to check back for any changes and additions!)

Also, if you're curious about the new Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery July movie premieres, including Christmas and a new mystery, visit here!


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New Movie Announcement! Click here for sequel movie news for the "Haul Out the Holly" series, starring Lacey Chabert and Wes Brown!


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Hope you all have a fabulous weekend planned!

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing both Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams in the past for their Hallmark films, so I hope their new movie project together will be a fun one!

UPtv also has a new movie premiere this Sunday titled: The Wedding Contest. Note: This movie has a same-sex character. You can read reviews for this film here.

Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new movie, To Barcelona, With Love. If you'd like to post a review on whether this film is family-friendly, please share in comments.

Blessings to You All!

Net

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☀️

SHINING HIS LIGHT

☀️

"The Lord will keep your going out 

and your coming in, 

from this time on and forevermore."

~Psalm 121:8

Hungry for a New Mystery? Catch the New Mystery Movie on a New Night This June

If you'd like to take another slice at solving a mystery, then you'll want to see "Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery" this June!

In addition to introducing a new mystery, Hallmark has shifted its premiere back to Sunday nights. And in case you were wondering... yes, it will debut on both the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery!

And while Hallmark has added this new "Hannah Swensen Mystery" premiere in June, the network has removed the premiere date for "Mystery Island: Play for Keeps" on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery websites. (Currently, the press site is still showing the June premiere date for "Mystery Island," but I believe the page hasn't been updated yet.)

Details for "Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery"...

Storyline: When Hannah's customer and Delores' theater rival is murdered, Hannah must find her killer in order to save her mother's reputation. Chad and Hannah's romance blossoms.

Starring: Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven

Premiere Date: Sunday, June 22 at 8pm/7c


What do you think? Is it a good idea for mystery movies to air on Sunday nights again (instead of Thursdays) on both Hallmark Mystery and the Hallmark Channel?

I've been wondering for a while, and there's some speculation spreading around that Hallmark may end the Hallmark Mystery channel, especially since the network is now simulcasting the mystery premieres on both Hallmark Mystery and the leading Hallmark Channel. What do you think, sleuthers? Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Happy Sleuthing!

Net🔎

Hallmark Channel JUNE 2025 New *Passport to Love* Movie Premieres - SEE DETAILS:

This June, join the Hallmark Channel for exciting new adventures!

See the details for the new movies below, plus Hallmark Channel's new promo for Passport to Love!




Hallmark Channel - June Premieres:

image via: Alison Sweeney IG

To Barcelona, With Love

Starring: Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams

Premiere Date: June 7, 2025

Storyline via TVfanatic: In To Barcelona, With Love, Alison Sweeney plays Erica, an American expat in Barcelona who translates novels for a living but dreams of being published herself.

When Anna (Ashley Williams), the bestselling author of the book she translated, visits for a local event, it sparks new friendships.

It also sparks fresh complications, especially when Erica’s translation tweaks come to light and long-held feelings for local bookstore owner Nico (Alejandro Tous) resurface.

Movie Reviews:

🎬 What a disappointment! Once again Hallmark ruined a perfectly good movie , the Barcelona movie, by introducing a gay attraction. Don’t know what happened after that because I switched channels. ~Anonymous

🎬 Another Ashley Williams NOT family friendly movie. Totally unnecessary. ~JoCo

🎬 I hope all is well with you. My husband and I watched "To Barcelona, with Love" last night. Honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. I adore Alison and Ashley. They both did a good job in the movie. Bonus points for a different storyline (with regard to Alison and Ashley only) and for a gorgeous location. And, I thought Alison and Ashley's friendship was sweet and believable.

*** Spoiler Alert ** However, there were several things that bothered me. There was a same-sex storyline that disappointed me. Why?? And, I did not think Nico had chemistry with either one of the female leads. Seriously, I felt Alison and Ashley had better chemistry. I don't think I will watch the second installment. ~Joan

🎬 About the 45-50 minute mark in To Barcelona With Love, I deleted it. There is a same sex side couple who meet and it's very obvious this is no longer family friendly. Very disappointed but with Ashley Williams and Alison Sweeny I was leery of this movie and had my guard up. Sad as it was a fresher story. ~Anonymous


🎬 My mom and I started to watch the To Barcelona With Love movie and turned it off partway through when it appeared that there was a romantic relationship forming between two men (one being a friend of Allyson Sweeney's character). Just a heads up for others who don't want to support that. It's sad because I was really looking forward to the Hannah Swenson movie and now I don't know if I want to watch it. ~Anonymous



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To Barcelona, Forever

Starring: Alison Sweeney and Ashley Williams

Premiere Date: June 14, 2025

Storyline via TVfanatic: To Barcelona, Forever picks up five months later as Erica and Anna venture outside the city to a picturesque village. A misunderstanding turns into a possible new romance for one of the friends — and the perfect chance to reflect on what love looks like the second time around.

Movie Review:


🎬 So I watched the 2nd Barcelona movie and I agree with other reviews above regarding the first one, totally unnecessary to add the gay friend finding a boyfriend in the first movie 😕 Aside from that I really enjoyed both movies. The scenery was beautiful, the friendship between Ashley and Allison was very natural and sweet. I agree there was not much chemistry between Allison and the guy in the first movie, but I feel the second movie was a better fit with Ashley and her guy. I feel it was more about friendship than love. ~Paula


🎬 you may have been disappointed in the first Barcelona with the Alison/Ashley pairing, But the 2nd Barcelona Forever was great, steeped in beautiful tradition, very unexpected storylines in one, give it a look, forget the first Barcelona movie, watch the 2nd I'm sure it will not disappoint, no spoiler from me i enjoyed it immensely compared to the first ~Jarodkyle


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Villa Amore

Starring: Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry

Premiere Date: June 21, 2025

Storyline: Liara goes to Italy and impulsively buys the villa where her parents met. She soon learns she is in way over her head and must ask a lawyer-turned-handyman to help her renovate.

Movie Review:


🎬 Villa Amore was a delightful movie. Kevin McGarry did a great job in the role he played. He was different...little more intense to me. Some of the best acting I've seem him do. Of course Eloise Mumford was great! She's always great! I highly recommend this movie! ~Joyce in Carolina


🎬 We enjoyed the Villa Amore. It was cute. ~Anonymous


🎬 Villa Amore was such a sweet movie! Aside from the scenery, I really enjoyed seeing Kevin and Eloise together. At first I was skeptical about their chemistry as they seemed to be an odd pairing but they were very endearing to watch, seemed like a natural growth in their friendship. And I agree with Joyce, a different side of Kevin than his usual romantic comedy, which was nice to see. The part at the beginning when he had to pull over his truck and he appeared to be having a panic attack, man I just wanted to hug him! Also think it was so cute how she blurted out she loved him. It was also family friendly from what I remember. ~Paula


🎬 "Villa Amore" is a terrific movie! It's Hallmark's one of the best. The location, the story, the cast, everything was top-notch. I was quite impressed with Kevin's acting. So deep, honest, sincere. The scene with his panic attack, when he helped Liara with her emotional breakdown, he was so tender, loving, compassionate. As for Eloise, she was, as always, at her best. She never disappoints. I also liked how the people of the village were at first so hostile to Liara but then she found the way to their hearts and became part of their community. I'm under such impression from this movie! *Oksanka*


🎬 Villa Amore Review… 2 thumbs up!!! Wow! What a great, beautiful and funny movie!!!!! SPOILERS BELOW. Sorry, I loved this so much I just had too! ;)

But as wonderful as this movie was, there is something to be concerned about. Leo tells her they don’t work on Sundays. At first I was excited. Thinking they rest on the Lord’s day but was disappointed it was about European football. The Bible is very clear on Sundays meant to be spent in worship, not replaced by secular activities. I would be careful with that scene if you have children watching. But a good time to teach them why we are in the world, not of it. 😊

Ok, now for the good parts! Which is about 95%!! The beauty of Italy, the townspeople and the very strong friendship and chemistry of the couple. My favorite was when she said she loved him sticking up for her. Unlike others would say something like “I can take care of myself.” Also the two old men, and her blurting out she loves him. About halfway through. This is definitely one that I can watch twice in a week. My mom needs to see this. She always loves the Europe locations best and so do I!!! I don’t want to say more, don’t want to give it away, but this is one we all need to see!!!!

Warning⚠️ If you are on a low carb diet like me, don’t engage unless you have something sugar free something yummy. This movie involves baked goods!! Hahaha;) ~Abigail


🎬 “Villa Amore” was just lovely! It is one of my favorites from this year. I wholeheartedly agree with everyone here who reviewed it so far. It was a very sweet movie! Beautiful scenery, bits of comedy thrown in, delicious baked treats and amazing chemistry between Kevin and Eloise. I too, wasn’t sure they would work together. But I have to say it is a resounding YES! I enjoyed the sweet gestures and nuances between the leads as they got to know each other. I also liked her mother, Kevin’s nonna, the supporting actors and actresses and the character growth throughout. Additionally, I thought it was realistic how they portrayed the local’s indifference at first to Eloise’s character, but it made sense. It warmed my heart to watch them change their attitude toward her and cheered when they accepted her! Most definitely family friendly and so heartwarming. It most certainly deserves it’s high rating on IMDB! ~Joan


🎬 Villa Amore – Eloise Mumford and Kevin McGarry deliver absolutely stellar performances in this film. You can truly feel the raw, heartfelt emotions in both characters as they navigate uncertainty and wrestle with doubts about the future. When challenges arise, it’s inspiring to watch them lean on one another with such grit, resolve, and unwavering support.

My only reservations were these… the reference to Sunday as a day for play rather than worship, and another describing a shower as a “shower of the gods,” a phrase I personally didn’t care for.

Otherwise, this is a wonderful film. While it is family-friendly, it will likely resonate most with a mature audience who can fully appreciate the depth of the story. ~Net



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A Machu Picchu Proposal

Starring: Rhiannon Fish and Alec Santos

Premiere Date: June 28, 2025

Storyline via Hallmark: Katie (Rhiannon Fish) agrees to join her brother Dan and his girlfriend Luciana on a trip to Peru. Dan plans to propose to Luciana in a grand way at Machu Picchu at the end of the week and needs Katie’s Spanish speaking skills to ask Luciana’s Peruvian father for his blessing. However, when Luciana’s friend, Chef Carlos (Alec Santos), arrives, he accidentally ruins each proposal attempt. Refusing to give up, Katie does everything in her power to make this proposal happen, until Dan calls it off. Katie must lean into Chef Carlos’ spontaneity to not only save the day and the proposal, and Carlos may just win Katie’s heart too!

Movie Reviews:

🎬 Machu Piccu Romance is clean. -Maria

🎬 We enjoyed Rhiannon Fish’s movie about the proposal. As per usual, she was lots of fun to watch. Christie



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Promo:





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Hallmark Mystery - June Premiere:

Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Starring: Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven

Premiere Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025

Storyline: When Hannah's customer and Delores' theater rival is murdered, Hannah must find her killer in order to save her mother's reputation. Chad and Hannah's romance blossoms.

Movie Review:

🔎 “Hannah Swensen: A Pie to Die For” - I have mixed feelings about this one. This was the first time I felt a spark between Chad and Hannah. This time around, they had a bit of chemistry. However, as much as I like Victor in many other movies, I agree with others that he is dull in his role as Chad. On a positive note; Barbara reigned it in this time and she did not overplay Delores. There were moments when she got close, but I could tolerate her this time. I did not miss the other sister who I am sorry to say adds nothing to the series. However, I was so happy to see Andrea back. She had more to do in this movie which was good. Honestly, I felt the mystery itself was boring and too easy to solve. There were a couple of funny moments and a handful of sweet moments but overall, I felt disengaged and slightly bored throughout. But, most of all, I missed Norman! I enjoyed the "Murder She Baked" mystery series so much better. In fact, I bought the DVD with the entire series and my husband and I have re-watched those movies numerous times. Anyway, this was a one-time watch for me. ~Joan


🔎 Okay I was finally able to finish the new Hannah Swenson mystery movie and I feel I was left with some questions at the end…I don’t want to reveal any spoilers but I feel the end was rushed with revealing the killer. I figured it out but feel it was rushed. There were some loose ends I don’t feel were answered and I missed seeing Norman 😢~Paula



Stay tuned for more details.

Happy movie-watching!

Net

Alison Sweeney & Ashley Williams to Team Up for Two New Hallmark Movies

TVInsider broke the news this morning to Hallmark viewers:

"Alison Sweeney is headed abroad for a new project for Hallmark Channel. The actress, who previously went on location in Greece and Bulgaria in 2022 as part of The Wedding Veil trilogy, will be traveling to Spain to film two movies co-starring Ashley Williams."

The two actresses have been working on the idea of creating a movie for years and decided to involve writer Julie Sherman Wolfe.

Wolfe has already written several Hallmark movies, including Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, A Holiday Spectacular, A Dickens of a Holiday!, One Royal Holiday, and more.

The article does not reveal the storyline for these films, other then the fact that filming will begin next month in Spain, and Alison Sweeney is delighted that her character will speak Spanish. Plus, Alison revealed that her character is unlike any character she has played before.

In the meantime, as Alison Sweeney is filming this, we can also look forward to her new movie Reality Bites: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, which is premiering Thursday, February 6th at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery.

Happy Movie Watching!

Net

image: Bettina Strauss

🌟 Roll Out The Royal Red Carpet This Weekend For Five New Christmas Movies Starring Rhiannon Fish, Mitchell Bourke, Corey Sevier, Rachel Skarsten, Christopher Russell, Ashley Newbrough, Niall Matter, Alison Sweeney, And More...

Hello, Movie Friends!

The NEW Christmas movies airing this weekend are coming even sooner, with a premiere on Hallmark Mystery Thursday night, then three premieres on the Hallmark Channel Friday through Sunday, and an elegant, royal premiere Saturday night on Great American Family.

Thursday, October 24th, also marks 2 months 'til Christmas Eve, and Friday, October 25th, marks 2 months 'til Christmas Day! We will undoubtedly have plenty of Christmas movies airing on TV to watch - to honor these days!

Below are all the details for the new Christmas movies, plus a new (non-holiday) rom-com on UPtv.


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Thursday, October 24, 2024:

This Time Each Year

Storyline: Lauren (Alison Sweeney) and Kevin (Niall Matter) were once deeply in love but nearly a year after their separation, they now focus on co-parenting their young son Charlie (Ezra Wilson). Despite the split, Kevin is determined to make their family whole again. Before Lauren’s mother (Laura Soltis) visits during the holidays, Lauren asks Kevin to pretend they’re still happily married and living under one roof. The act quickly feels more real, stirring up old memories and feelings. As Lauren sees the man she once fell in love with in a new light, perhaps the magic of Christmas will rekindle their romance and spark renewed hope for their future.

This Time Each Year

Premieres Thursday, October 24, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery

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Friday, October 25, 2024:

Operation Nutcracker

Storyline: When an antique nutcracker set to be auctioned at the Warby family Christmas charity goes missing, a demanding event planner (Ashley Newbrough) and the heir to the Warby dynasty (Christopher Russell) try to track it down.

Operation Nutcracker

Premieres Friday, October 25, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

Movie Reviews:

🌟 Operation Nutcracker was incredible! Hope Hallmark decides to air it later this year. -Maria

🌟 Review: Operation Nutcracker -
Family-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Yes -

Not a great movie, but the pluses far outweigh the negative. First, I enjoyed going along on the adventure of Ashley and Christopher trying to find the missing nutcracker. I had no idea where this adventure was taking me, and that made it so enjoyable. What really won me over was the ending - I am not going to spoil it, but let me say it was very heartwarming! And Christopher must have gotten the message - his performance was very low-key and spot-on, and the smiling was limited! (In fact, this may be my favorite performance of his!) The major downside for me was - what is becoming too common - the constant near-misses in finding the nutcracker. Tiresome! Anyway, it is a fun ride, so I recommend it, at least for a watch or two. ~Mark 25

🌟 Operation Nutcracker—I wasn't really sure what to expect from this movie, but immediately, I was drawn in by the plight of finding the priceless Nutcracker, which was the main auction piece for the Christmas charity function benefiting the local Children's hospital. The Nutcracker goes missing at the airport when two passengers mistakenly swap their luggage.

Ashley Newbrough portrays Lottie Morgan, an event planner who is planning the Warby Charity Auction given by Evelyne Warby. Christopher Russell portrays Evelyne's son, Tristan Warby, who is in charge of transporting the Nutcracker. When the Nutcracker goes missing, Tristan convinces Lottie to help him search for it! It's hilarious to watch these two scheme and work together; I could definitely feel a connection between them.

My only qualm was - several times we heard comments about believing in or trusting in the universe. Otherwise, this was a lighthearted, delightful Christmas movie ideal for all ages. Even younger viewers might enjoy the mystery of looking for the Nutcracker. ~Net



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Saturday, October 26, 2024:

A Christmas Castle Proposal

Storyline: Olivia, a commoner, travels with Prince Alexander to his family’s magical palace, Torovia so their families can spend a first Christmas together. The couple’s plans for a enchanted Christmas are threatened by comedic mishaps caused by cultural differences between the families.

A Christmas Castle Proposal

Premieres Saturday, October 26, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

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Saturday, October 26, 2024:

The Christmas Charade

Storyline: Whitney (Rachel Skarsten), a cautious librarian raised by home security experts, finds herself in a real-life adventure when a blind date mix-up leads her into an undercover FBI operation. Forced to pose as the girlfriend of Special Agent Josh (Corey Sevier), she helps him track down an art thief targeting the Saint Nicholas Ruby at a Christmas Eve charity ball. As the stakes rise, Whitney must embrace her inner action hero to save the day - and her family - just in time for Christmas.

The Christmas Charade

Premieres Saturday, October 26, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, October 27, 2024:

Return to Sender

Storyline: When Meg moves into her new apartment she just wants a quiet place to study for her upcoming CPA exam but instead finds a mystery. A love letter marked Return to Sender but with no way to track down the recipient or original sender. Determined to help reunite the lost lovers she teams up with apartment manager Oliver and a pair of podcasters to try and track them down. The mystery and her growing feelings for Oliver however interfere with her studies and cause her to question whether or not she wants to take the safe course she has charted or find a new path for her life.

Return to Sender

Premieres Sunday, October 27, 2024

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

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Sunday, October 27, 2024:

The 5-Year Christmas Party

Storyline: Over five years, Alice (Katie Findlay) and her old theater school rival, Max (Jordan Fisher), reunite each holiday season to work at a Chicago catering company's Christmas parties. While their undeniable chemistry grows, the timing is never right for romance - until the company's final season pushes them to confront their true feelings. As they say goodbye to the job that brought them together, they might finally find love in the most unexpected way.

The 5-Year Christmas Party

Premieres Sunday, October 27, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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There are certainly many exciting and fascinating Christmas movie selections this weekend!

In case you missed it, I included movie reviews above from Maria, Mark 25, and myself, for Operation Nutcracker, which first premiered during Christmas in July on Hallmark's streaming service Hallmark+.

This weekend I'm personally looking forward to seeing the premieres of A Christmas Castle Proposal and The Christmas Charade. I'm not always the royal movie lover, but there are a few I still love like A Princess for Christmas and Crown for Christmas. So, I'm intrigued to see this new royal movie offering. Rhiannon Fish's royal ball gown is certainly stunning.

As for The Christmas Charade, I am rather surprised that this movie, which has a mystery theme, is not premiering on Hallmark Mystery. But I'm glad it will air on the Hallmark Channel where more people will be able to see it. Again, I'm thrilled to see Corey Sevier and Rachel Skarsten working together, as I was when they recently premiered a new (non-holiday) mystery movie, Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery. If you aren't aware, the two worked together as pre-teens and teenagers on the TV series, Little Men, which ran for two seasons from 1998 to 1999. So, it's fun to see them working together again, plus all of the promos for their new Christmas movie look so fun. I hope it's as good as it looks!

Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies listed above (except Operation Nutcracker). If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments.

Visit the *Christmas TV Schedule* for the dates and times of NEW Christmas movies.

You can find the 2024 Christmas Movie Review post *here*.

Happy Christmas Movie-Watching!

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 

And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, 

and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

~Matthew 23:11-12

Let Us Love Like Jesus...

Jesus, who is Lord and King of All, was born in humble beginnings in a straw-filled manger amongst barn animals. From there, He spent His time on earth looking for ways to serve, encourage, and give to others. God is calling us, through His example, to the same kind of servant leadership. May we find significant and little meaningful ways to serve and uplift others throughout this Christmas season!



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*images via: Great American Media / Hallmark Media / UPtv

🍁🔎 Rake In NEW Movies This Autumn Weekend With Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore, Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, Barbara Niven, Erin Cahill, Wes Brown and More 🎬 SEE HERE:

Hello, friends! Are you starting to get that Fall feeling?

It seems we've been talking about the new "Ainsley McGregor Mystery," starring Candace Cameron Bure, coming for some time, and now that premiere is finally here this Saturday! I can't wait for you all to see it and hear your thoughts! The suspense is... well, let's just say... getting to me!

And if one mystery is not enough for you this weekend, there's also an all-new "Hannah Swensen Mystery" starring Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven premiering Friday night, with an encore on Sunday!

All of you rom-com lovers are also in luck, as there are two new movie premieres this weekend on the Hallmark Channel and UPtv. Plus, Hallmark's latest romantic comedy, starring Erin Cahill and Wes Brown, is deliciously fall-themed!

See all of the details below...


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Friday, October 4, 2024:

A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Storyline: Hannah (Sweeney) caters Lonnie’s (Daylin Willis) high school reunion, which is disrupted by a fight between his old friend Darcy (Brittany Mitchell) and her boyfriend. Lonnie makes sure she gets home from the reunion safely, but the next morning she is found dead and Lonnie is implicated in her murder. As Hannah works with Chad (Webster) to prove his innocence, she finds herself in the crosshairs of Darcy’s killer. Meanwhile, Delores (Niven) finds herself unexpectedly whisked into the world of acting while also working the case in the way only she can.

A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Friday, October 4, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery

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Saturday, October 5, 2024:

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker

Storyline: Ainsley McGregor, a former Chicago criminologist, returns to her hometown of Sweet River, Texas. She has chosen to trade full-time crime work to open Bless Your Arts, a market for artisans to sell crafts and wares. But Ainsley cannot deny her first love is crime solving and accepts a position teaching a criminology class at the local community college. Her skills quickly become a major asset to the quaint town, when a murder occurs at a winery owned by her friend, who now stands accused of the crime. The Sweet River Sheriff, who just happens to be Ainsley’s brother, Ryan, wants her to stay out of the investigation. But, Ainsley knows the pieces of this puzzle do not fit. To help her friend and with the unexpected assistance from some goodhearted local busybodies – Ainsley McGregor is back on the case.

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker

Premieres Saturday, October 5, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

"Candace Cameron Bure is back to crime-solving as Ainsley McGregor, a former criminologist from Chicago who recently moved to Sweet River, Texas, to be near her brother, Ryan (the town’s sheriff, played by Robin Dunne), and her friends to live a simpler life away from crime and violence.

However, this isn’t the case when Ainsley and her best friend, Shannon, discover a dead body at the local winery. Much to her brother’s disapproval, Ainsley reluctantly gets roped into solving this mystery with help from her friends in the community and the handsome local fire chief, Jake (played by Aaron Ashmore).

Just a few minutes into the movie, I was already deeply engrossed in this mystery, the interesting, diverse townspeople of Sweet River, and Ainsley’s dearest friends.

Throughout the film, I felt little hints, here and there, of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery and the early years of Murder, She Baked. Much like Aurora, Ainsley has her own group of crime-solving friends, who have made their own club, and like Murder, She Baked, this new Ainsley McGregor Mystery has a warm, tight-knit community feel to it..." ~Net

*Click here to read more of my movie review of the all-new "Ainsley McGregor Mystery"!


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Saturday, October 5, 2024:

Autumn at Apple Hill

Storyline: Recently divorced Elise returns to Landover, Maine to manage her grandmother's B&B. She faces a new challenge with a handsome guest, Luke, who wants to open a bistro in town.

Autumn at Apple Hill

Premieres Saturday, October 5, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, October 6, 2024:

Snapshot of Love

Storyline: Adrian is a Hollywood paparazzi assigned to get photos of a very elusive star, Parker Bennett. Little does she know, she’ll get her chance when they both end up at the same BnB in the mountains of NC.

Snapshot of Love

Premieres Sunday, October 6, 2024

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

Movie Review:

*Maria (a loyal reviewer here at It's a Wonderful Movie) has seen this movie, and she shared this brief, positive review: "Yes, it IS a good movie!"


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Programming Notes:

(Highlighting some of the best movie classics airing this weekend - and something extra!)




Great American Family:

Friday - A Christmas... Present, Swing into Romance
Saturday - Harmony from the Heart, Mystery by the Book, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker (premiere), Mr. Manhattan
Sunday - Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker (encore), Love at the Ranch, Divine Influencer, Passport to Love, Love Can Surprise You


*In honor of Candace's new movie this weekend and the encore presentation of her Christmas movie Friday night, Great American Family shared these new images of her two upcoming Christmas movies...

A Christmas Less Traveled:

images: Great American Media

Home Sweet Christmas:

images: Great American Media

Hallmark Channel:

Friday - Haul Out the Holly
Saturday - Over the Moon in Love, Falling for Vermont, Love, Romance, and Chocolate, It Was Always You, Autumn at Autumn Hill (premiere), Falling Together
Sunday - A Whitewater Romance, His & Hers, Autumn at Autumn Hill (encore), Love on the Right Course, Love on the Sidelines




Hallmark Mystery:

Friday - Hannah Swensen Mystery marathon leading up to A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (premiere)
Saturday and Sunday - Aurora Teagarden Mystery marathon and Sunday night - A Sprinkle of Deceit: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (encore)


Hallmark Family:

Saturday - Love Under the Stars, Love Struck Cafe
Sunday - Truly, Madly, Sweetly


Merit Street:

See classic Great American Family movies on Merit Street-
Saturday- A Harvest Homecoming
Sunday- The Abigail Mysteries

UPtv:

Saturday - Same Time Next Week
Sunday - Just Jake, The Princess and the Bodyguard, Snapshot of Love (premiere)

TBN / TBN+:

A non-movie programming note for all of you who enjoy Christian music...

The 55th Annual Dove Awards, hosted by singer Tauren Wells, airs Friday night at 8pm and 10pm EST. on TBN and TBN+. (This streamer can be downloaded for free on Roku!)

Notable Nominations:

*Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart is one of the nominees for Television Series of the Year.

*Matthew West's "Come Home for Christmas," which has been Great American Family's Christmas theme since the 2022 holiday season, has been nominated for best Long-Form Video.

*Unsung Hero has a nomination for Feature Film. (Candace Cameron Bure is in the supporting cast of this movie.)

Musical performers include CeCe Winans, Crowder, Forrest Frank with The Choir Room, Joseph Habedank, Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, Anike, Anne Wilson, CAIN, Chandler Moore joining Maverick City Music with Naomi Raine, Tye Tribbett, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos, and Gabriel Guedes. (Note: I am not familiar with all of these artists.)


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I hope you all can relax this weekend with your family and friends or a good movie.

It's been such a heavy week with watching all of the heartbreaking news of the hurricane's destruction on TV. If you are wondering where the best place is to give as the people rebuild their lives, I suggest two organizations my family and I have given to: Samaritan's Purse and 8 Days of Hope. These organizations' mission statement is to "serve others as the hands and feet of Christ." I know many of you who visit here are earnestly praying, and my family and I are praying with you, too.

Have a blessed, peaceful weekend, dear friends...

If you can watch something new over the weekend, please stop back by and give us your take on it. We'd love to hear from YOU!

Please Note: I have yet to see ALL of the new movies airing this weekend. If you like, you can read my review of the new Great American Family movie,"Ainsley McGregor Mystery" - *here*.

Again, blessings on your weekend, everyone. Let Your Light Shine in the darkness!

In His Amazing Love,

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

~Psalm 9:9