Christmas Movie News: 'A Christmas Angel Match' Starring Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres

images via: Hallmark Media

The Entertainment website People has officially announced that Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres are teaming up for Hallmark Channel's A Christmas Angel Match! (And There Are Puppies!)

According to their article, Meghan Ory ("Chesapeake Shores") not only will star in the film, but she also wrote it!

Meghan Ory and Benjamin Ayres will play Christmas angels Monica and Michael, who are tasked with bringing soulmates together.

image via: Meghan Ory Instagram

Hallmark Media also revealed in their plot that these angels typically work alone; however, "when the Christmas Connection Department faces the threat of downsizing, Monica and Michael are unexpectedly paired to ensure Daisy and Patrick fall in love before Christmas. The partnership isn’t without its challenges: Monica is a by-the-book traditionalist who follows every heavenly rule, while Michael embraces spontaneity and delights in earthly joys like hot chocolate, snowball fights, and holiday dancing. Their clashing styles — and the undeniable spark growing between them — complicate their mission. As Christmas Eve draws near, Monica and Michael worry their differences will keep them from completing their mission in time. But just when it seems all hope is lost, a surprising turn of events changes everything — leading to a Christmas connection no one saw coming."

Look for A Christmas Angel Match to debut during Hallmark Channel's 16th annual Countdown to Christmas.

Stay tuned for more 

Christmas movie news!

Net🎄

🔎 Two New Mysteries Are Coming to Hallmark Mystery

Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres, who starred together in the 2020 holiday film Cranberry Christmas and the 2024 film True Justice: Family Ties, will be back with the main cast from that mystery movie, including Katherine McNamara and Markian Tarasiuk. They're working to expand that Hallmark Mystery franchise with two new movies on the way.

Not only does Nikki star in the movies, but she also co-wrote the two new films with her writing partner, Megan McNulty.

The sequels are currently titled Eye For An Eye and Lost Love, but those names might change before they reach their premiere date.

Deadline revealed the description for the second True Justice movie, "Our Warriors work to exonerate a mother wrongly accused of murder. To reopen the case and solve the potential crime, our Justice Warriors need to go undercover and investigate the wealthy parents at a prestigious high school."

In the third movie, Deadline reveals: "Our Warriors work to not only exonerate Marianne for the murder of her missing fiancé but to bring to light a web of counterfeit jewels along the way.

Premiere dates for both mystery films are still to be announced.

Stay tuned, Sleuthers,

Net🔎

Celebrate 💐Valentine's Day💐 Early This Weekend with New Romantic Comedies + Make THIS Sunday Even More SUPER with the Great American Rescue Bowl 🐈 SEE HERE:

This weekend's three new movie premieres will premiere on three separate TV networks, but they have two major things in common, all three fall in the romantic-comedy genre, and all three movies have the word *Love* in their title, which is most appropriate with Valentine's Day just days away.

See details on these new movies below, plus extra programming notes...


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Saturday, February 10, 2024:

Passport to Love

Storyline: In Passport to Love, a successful international travel writer, Nicole (Robins), has scored a dream seaside rental to research her newest vacation article only to discover it has accidentally been booked also by Kade (Mason), a marketing rep for a competing travel magazine. There is an immediate spark between the pair until each returns home to discover Kade’s company views Nicole as a rival and threat and orders him to exploit the friendship for business gain. Work causes the pair to cross paths repeatedly until Nicole and Kade realize they have much more in common than love of travel.

Passport to Love

Premieres Saturday, February 10, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

*Reminder, the premiere of Passport to Love will follow two other movies starring Shae Robins, Destined at Christmas at 4pm and Destined 2: Christmas Once More at 6pm. 

Plus, Shae Robins will be hosting this special pre-Valentine's Day movie event throughout the evening!

*You can also shop Shae's lovely pink dress (seen in the promo above) at Amazon - *click here for details*!


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Saturday, February 10, 2024:

Love & Jane

Storyline: Lilly, a hopeless romantic and literary enthusiast, is surprised when her wish to talk to her favorite author comes true, and Jane Austen herself appears in her life.

Love & Jane

Premieres Saturday, February 10, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, February 11, 2024:

Great American Rescue Bowl

Details: The plight of animal homelessness continues to be pervasive throughout the country. This showcase for adorable kittens, puppies, cats and dogs is a proven difference maker in helping pets find their forever home. For more info on adoption, visit https://www.animalleague.org/

Hosted by Beth Stern, Brian Baltazar and Dan Mannarino

Premiering Sunday, February 11 at 12p/11c



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Sunday, February 11, 2024:

Love by Design

Storyline: Broken-hearted, out-of-work Brooke Yeardley makes her 30th birthday wish on the vision board she made as a hopeful teen. Miraculously her wishes start coming true - from launching her own design business to meeting the man on her vision board - but while life has a way of working out, Brooke learns that it doesn't always work out the way that you expect.

Love by Design

Sunday, February 11, 2024

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

*Note: Maria has shared a caution on this movie with this review...

MOVIE REVIEW:

❤️ Nicely's Love by Design has it's charming moments, with 2 cons: Female lead is living with her ex boyfriend at the start of the movie, and there is 1 uttering of the H word midway through the movie. Other then those, it's a slightly clean movie. (streaming on PlutoTV). –Maria


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Programming Notes:

(Special Highlights Friday through Sunday)


Hallmark Channel:

Friday:
Rom-Com's and Christmas movies-

Crown for Christmas - 8pm
Christmas at the Plaza - 10pm

Saturday:
It's Romantic-Comedies around the clock 24/7 - ALL DAY Saturday!

Movies included: A Splash of Love, Winter Love Story, A Paris Proposal, The Presence of Love, The Secret Ingredient, The Wedding Veil Journey, Romance with a Twist, The 27-Hour Day, plus the Love & Jane premiere!

Sunday:
Movies begin at 9am... The Perfect Catch, Pearl in Paradise, Fourth Down and Love, Love & Jane (encore), and Falling for Vermont.


Hallmark Movies & Mysteries:
(soon to be Hallmark Mystery)

Saturday:
Aurora Teagarden Mysterties marathon
Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers (encore) - 9pm

Sunday:
Matchmaker Mysteries marathon
Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery -5pm
Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate -7pm
The Jane Mysteries: Inheritance Lost -9pm


Hallmark Drama:
(soon to be Hallmark Family)

Saturday:
Tulips in Spring, Love on the Air, The Irresistible Blueberry Farm, and more!

Sunday:
Harvest Moon, Wedding of Dreams, Wedding at Graceland, I Do, I Do, I Do, Wedding March 4: Something Old, Something New, and My Boyfriend's Back: Wedding March 5.


Great American Family:

Friday:
Fall Into Winter - 4pm
One Perfect Match - 6pm
Journey to Christmas - 8pm

Saturday:
Murder She Wrote marathon - 6am-4pm
Destined at Christmas - 4pm
Destined 2: Christmas Once More - 6pm
Passport to Love (premiere) - 8pm

Sunday:
Columbo marathon


UPtv:

Saturday:
Movies air 3pm - 11pm...
Love on the Road, Love on Retreat, Baked with a Kiss, and Love & Where to Find It

Sunday:
Movies begin at 9am...
The Story of Love, Art of Falling in Love, The Engagement Plot, Love by Design (premiere), and more!



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Whatever you watch or do this weekend- I hope you have a Super time!

Looks like there are plenty of great movie choices this weekend. Hopefully, you'll find something that you will love! All the new rom-coms look intriguing to me, so I'm going to watch Passport to Love on Great American Family and record the other two. Shae Robins and Mason D. Davis were wonderful together in Identical Love, and I'm looking forward to seeing them together again.

I adored Paging Mr. Darcy last week, so I'm hopeful the next Jane Austen-inspired Hallmark movie, Love & Jane, will also appeal to me.

Please note: I have not pre-screened the movies listed above. If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in the comments.

Have a Wonderful Weekend, Everyone!

Much LOVE and
God's Blessings to You All! 

Net

💕 SHARING HIS LOVE: 💕

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

~1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Mystery and Christmas Returns, Along with Romance and Adventure on Hallmark and UPtv - SEE HERE:

Sleuthers, are you ready for Hallmark's first mystery movie premiere for 2024? This new film, True Justice: Family Ties, has an all-star cast, that includes veteran Hallmark stars, Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres, who will likely be joining forces to try to solve this all-new case. Just like last year, before Christmas, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' new premieres will air on Friday nights at 9pm/8c. An encore presentation will air this Sunday night at 7pm/6c.

And even better news for all of us Sleuthers: a new Curious Caterer is currently filming, and a new Hannah Swensen will be filming soon! Usually, I wait to announce these films when the networks make official announcements, but these two working titles, Curious Caterer: Sticks and Scones and One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery are obviously headed to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I know many of us are wondering if Cameron Mathison will continue to star in the series as Detective Mike Kingston. Personally, I can't imagine the series without him, but for now, this is still a mystery.

Plus, if you're missing the deluge of Christmas movies night and day, the Hallmark Channel has a little treat for us beginning on Sunday! A marathon of Christmas movies will air ALL DAY on Martin Luther King Jr. Day - spanning Sunday night through Monday and ending early Tuesday.

See details on these movies below...


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Friday, January 12, 2024:

True Justice: Family Ties

Storyline: A law school student (Katherine McNamara) with the help of her friends sets out to prove her brother was wrongfully convicted. The only way to clear his name is by finding the real killer, but the closer they get, the more danger they are all in.

True Justice: Family Ties

Premieres Friday, January 12, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

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Saturday, January 13, 2024:

A Scottish Love Scheme

Storyline: Lily (Erica Durance) travels to Scotland with her mother and reconnects with Logan (Jordan Young), a childhood family friend. Unbeknownst to Lily and Logan, their meddling mothers have come up with a plan to set them up.

A Scottish Love Scheme

Premieres Saturday, January 13, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, January 14, 2024:

Love on Retreat

Storyline: When beauty brand Bloom decides to close its flagship store and focus on online sales, content creator Jenny must find a way to deal with the backlash from their loyal fanbase and spin the news into a positive thing via their social media. On top of that, Bloom is pivoting to eco-friendly products and a wellness angle, so Jenny spends the seaside corporate retreat in Miami trying to capture the “life” in “work/life balance.” Her drive to achieve clashes with the chill vibe of activities director Nate. Sparks fly between these two as Jenny realizes Nate is a thrill-seeker who has work/life balance figured out, but there’s one problem… he’s the brother of her boss.

Love on Retreat

Premieres Sunday, January 14, 2024

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

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Sunday night through Early Tuesday:

The Hallmark Channel has a Marathon of Christmas Movies on Martin Luther King Jr. Day...

Sunday night, January 14, 2024:
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA - 8pm
Crown for Christmas - 10pm

Monday, January 15, 2024:
On the 12th Date of Christmas - 12am
The Santa Summit - 2am
'Tis the Season to be Merry - 4am
Christmas with a Kiss - 6am
Three Wise Men and a Baby - 8am
Christmas Made to Order - 10am
Picture a Perfect Christmas - 12pm
Christmas Island - 2pm
A Season for Family - 8pm
A Biltmore Christmas - 10pm

Tuesday, January 16, 2024:
The Sweetest Christmas - 2am
Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater - 4am


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Programming Notes:


Hallmark Movies & Mysteries marathons:

Saturday-
Monk Marathon, followed by a mini-marathon of Martha's Vineyard Mysteries.

Sunday-
Gourmet Detective marathon, followed by an encore of True Justice: Family Ties.

Monday-
The mystery series Carter (2018), starring Jerry O'Connell, begins on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries with a day-long marathon. (I am not familiar with this series. Are any of you?)


Great American Family:

Mystery Marathons-

Saturday - Murder, She Wrote
Sunday - Columbo
Monday - Murder, She Wrote


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I hope you all have a great weekend planned. Our temps are going to be dropping drastically, dangerously low, and we have some bad weather coming in - rain, high winds, and snow, possible blizzard-like conditions. Are any of you expecting a forecast like this, too? With weather like this coming our way, it looks like we'll be staying home this weekend and hoping and praying our power stays on.

If I get the chance, I'll be watching some movies I have recorded and want to catch up on, mostly Christmas, of course, and I'm hoping the new mystery is good, as well, because I've really been missing them. 9 out of 10 times I can usually spot the culprit, but trying to fit the puzzle pieces together is rather intriguing.

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

Keep warm and safe this weekend, everyone.

Blessings to You All!

Net

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❤️ SHARING HIS LOVE: ❤️

Let all that you do 

be done in love.

~1 Corinthians 16:14

❤️ Hallmark Channel is honoring Jane Austen with Loveuary Movies in 2024 ❤️ SEE HERE:

Loveuary with Jane Austen

Hallmark Channel is honoring Jane Austen with Loveuary, a month of original movie premieres inspired by the author’s work!

Starting on February 3rd, the Hallmark Channel will premiere four all-new original movies with a Jane Austen theme every Saturday in February at 8/7c.

UPDATE: A fifth movie has been added to Hallmark's February schedule, A Taste of Love. The movie is currently scheduled to premiere on a Monday night, February 19th, and appears not to be Jane Austen-themed.

Plus, Hallmark will have 2 mystery movie premieres in February!

See details for all of these movies below...

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HALLMARK CHANNEL:

Paging Mr. Darcy

Premiere Date: February 3, 2024

Starring Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp

Storyline: When an overly serious scholar attends a Jane Austen annual conference, she strikes a deal with the man playing Mr. Darcy and finds her perspective, and her heart, changed.

Movie Reviews:

❤️ We watched Paging Mr Darcy and enjoyed it. The movie was family friendly and the acting and story was nice. I love Jane Austen books and movies. The movie Emma is a beautiful movie. We also have enjoyed Persuasion, Sense and Sensibilities and Pride and Prejudice. ~Anonymous

❤️ Hallmark’s “Paging Mr. Darcy” is a family-friendly, funny, and most entertaining story that was expertly cast and produced. Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp are absolute dynamite as the story’s main characters, and I found myself eagerly anticipating where each new segment of the movie was going to take us. This film is classic Hallmark, and kudos to everyone involved in its production. ~MPT

❤️ Paging Mr. Darcy – This movie is charming and captivating from the very start. Look out Colin Firth, Will Kemp was absolutely the most perfect choice to play the role of Sam Lee, a simple, yet intriguingly handsome, regular guy pretending to be Mr. Darcy.

And Mallory Jansen was ideal as Eloise Cavendish, an Elizabeth Bennett sort of character choice; I often thought of Keira Knightley (from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film) as I watched her.

Although, as much as this movie was very much about Mr. Darcy and Pride & Prejudice, I couldn’t help from drawing parallels of this story to Sense & Sensibility. First we have Mallory Jansen as Eloise, a smart, structured, sensible woman, who doesn’t like to be showy or the center of attention. Eloise has developed a talent of disciplining herself to keep her emotions in check; she’s very much like the more mature, older sister, Elinor Dashwood.

And then, there’s Eloise’s sister, Mia. The whole world seems to revolve around Mia, who is experiencing relationship troubles and it seems everyone must know her romance drama. Mia loves to be the life of the party, she’s flirty/friendly, and dare I say, self-centered and a bit annoying. Sometimes, she also speaks without thinking. Mia’s a definite young and carefree Marianne Dashwood type.

I couldn’t help from wonder if their names were also chosen purposefully to closely match those characters… Eloise – Elinor and Mia – Marianne. As a Jane Austen fan, I loved hearing all of the familiar phrases and book references throughout the movie, and likening people to various Austen characters and such. If someone does not know the original stories, then it might be a little harder for them to understand some of these inside-jokes/comments.

Overall, I was thoroughly enchanted by Paging Mr. Darcy. Will Kemp and Mallory Jansen have that delightful spark of tug-and-war chemistry, that keeps pulling you back in – hoping the two will eventually meet somewhere in the middle.

This wholesome, lighthearted, Jane-Austen inspired, Loveuary movie won over my heart; it’s one I look forward to watching over and over again! ~Net

❤️ Paging Mr. Darcy – We loved it too! I plan on recording all four movies.~Namegirl

❤️ Paging Mr. Darcy is FANTASTIC!! Plus, if you pay attention, there's a couple of cameos: clips from the 1st Darcy film with Cindy Busby, and later o, Ben Ayrs is 1 of the golfers! –Maria

❤️ I absolutely agree with Maria! Paging Mr. Darcy is Fantastic! We loved everything about it. It was fun, light and breezy. It as funny, approachable and the chemistry was on-point between all of the main characters. I wouldn't change a thing. :-) I like when movies just bring sheer joy and make me smile. ~Joan

❤️ Paging Mr. Darcy - Yes! Same here!! I liked how the two sisters were like Elinor and MaryAnne and of course Darcy(Sam) with his own Lady Catherine as his aunt. ~Abigail

❤️ I have watched & DVR'd all four Hallmark Jane Austen movies. My favorites were the first two, Paging Mr. Darcy and Love & Jane, which was so sweet. I laughed when Jane and Lilly Thorpe (Sweeney) were throwing popcorn at each other. An American in Austen was a horrible idea. A outspoken modern American woman in a time of gentility? Happily it was only a dream. ~Namegirl

❤️ Paging Mr. Darcy. In general, I don’t like loose adaptations of Jane Austen’s books; I’m usually not a fan of J.A. fan fiction or J.A. fan movies. Therefore, I was prepared to cringe my way through this movie but, instead, found it to be a charming and fun movie all on its own even without the Austen connection. A bit too strong of a feminist push for my taste but still an engaging night’s entertainment. Hard to go wrong when Will Kemp is involved! And the rest of the cast was quite good. Family friendly. ~~Jane

❤️ We tried to watch "Paging Mr. Darcy" last night, but it was so silly and annoying that we couldn't take it and deleted it. ~Amy G.

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Love & Jane

Premiere Date: February 10, 2024

Starring: Ali Sweeney and Ben Ayres

Storyline: Lilly, a hopeless romantic and literary enthusiast, is surprised when her wish to talk to her favorite author comes true and Jane Austen herself appears in her life.

Movie Reviews:

❤️ Love & Jane - I LOVE Jane Austen, but to me this film was way to cheesy. I didn't care for Lilly's attitude against Trevor especially since he was kind to her practically in the beginning. As for being family-friendly... In the first few minutes one of the book club members(who is a man) mentions swiping left on a man for a dating app.

I love Alison, but this one wasn't for me. ~Abigail

❤️ Well, my husband and I attempted to watch the other two movies (Love & Jane and UPtv's Love by Design) and ended up deleting both after not finishing either one. I was very disappointed in 'Love & Jane'. I normally like Alison but oh my she was awful! Plus, when I saw what Abigail said, playing out in the movie, I told my husband to delete the movie. ~Joan

❤️ I was disappointed with Love and Jane. The acting was very bad and awkward and Jane didn't play that big of a role. A man made a comment that seemed he has S-S attraction. ~Laura

❤️ I have watched & DVR'd all four Hallmark Jane Austen movies. My favorites were the first two, Paging Mr. Darcy and Love & Jane, which was so sweet. I laughed when Jane and Lilly Thorpe (Sweeney) were throwing popcorn at each other. An American in Austen was a horrible idea. A outspoken modern American woman in a time of gentility? Happily it was only a dream. ~Namegirl

❤️ Hallmark’s “Love and Jane” proved to be a first for me – it was so bad I fell asleep watching it. I’ll admit I have not read any of the Jane Austen novels, but I have to think Jane’s rolling in her grave if she’s somehow aware of this crazy adaptation. Add to that the bird’s nest Benjamin Ayres was wearing on top of head – good grief. ~MPT

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An American in Austen

Premiere Date: February 17, 2024

Starring: Eliza Bennett, Nicholas Bishop, and Nell Barlow

Storyline: Harriet, who thinks that no real man compares to Mr. Darcy, is transported into Pride & Prejudice and gets an unexpected chance to find out.

Movie Reviews:

❤️ An American in Austen is on HM Now. I watched it. Not worked up at all. Doesn't change pride and prejudice or criticize the sisters for obsessing over marriage. The lead female doesn't try to "modernize" them either. Wonderful movie and very family friendly and a classical feel to it. ~Laura

❤️ I kind of groaned when I saw that Hallmark was going to do all Jane Austen for February. I was right in groaning. I have watched the first three and well I will not get those hours back. ~Anonymous

❤️ Hallmark’s “An American in Austen” is family-friendly and follows a hopelessly romantic librarian and author (Eliza Bennett) who wakes up in 1813 England. Her love for Jane Austen novels places her amongst the characters from Austen’s Pride & Prejudice story, most notably interacting with her ideal suitor, Mr. Darcy. Except for one awkward scene where she is wishing/praying to come home to the present day, the movie is quite entertaining and fun. ~MPT

❤️ I did comment a few days ago on An American in Austen which was enjoyable for the most part. It had some funny moments. ~Joan

❤️ An American in Austen Review... This was my Valentine Movie...

This was family friendly, and I tried really hard to like it, but honestly it drove me crazy. Joan... I was talking to the TV again! ;) Maybe if I wasn't familiar with the story I would have enjoyed it. I liked the Fiancé, but felt like it put Americans to shame, she was so crude next to them. Sadly our vocabulary has lessened in the years!

I am a big fan of the book, Pride and Prejudice and the BBC, Colin Firth version is spot on! I watch it at least every other month. Each character was perfectly casted, the Hallmark version you could tell tried to copy it but was sadly lacking in my opinion. And that's not entirely their fault, it would be nearly impossible too ;) Mr. Darcy was too fickle almost like Mr. Collins switching to the next girl, Elizabeth did not show her wise character by running away to eloping with Wickem and Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Collins were too agreeable, so was Mary... Haha ;)

If you truly LOVE the book and Colin Firth version this movie probably won't be for you, but maybe it's just me.

Happy Valentine's Day! ~Abigail

❤️ In case no one else has mentioned this, in the second hour of An American in Austen, Harriet says a sad sort of "prayer" and starts out with, I don't know how this works or WHO I should be addressing. I'll just jump right in. Hi, it's me.

Then, she makes a reference to Taylor Swift - without saying her name and talks about how she's messed up her own love life and so on -

The "prayer" ends with- please, please, please, please let me go home. Well. that's it. Thanks for listening.

Then she walks away in frustration.

I thought you would want to know. ~Anonymous

❤️ I forgot to include that. Thank you for mentioning it so others are aware. That did bother me. I wasn't sure if she was "praying" to God(she never said His name) or Jane Austen. ~Abigail

❤️ An American in Austen is family friendly about Harriet Goodson is a librarian & book author of titular title by her married named Harriet Goodson -Ponce who she married to her boyfriend named Ethan Ponce at the end of the movie. Harriet makes a wish in the car when she wakes up in carriage in 1813 England. ~Anonymous

❤️ An American in Austen is family friendly about Harriet Goodson is a librarian & book author of titular title by her married named Harriet Goodson -Ponce who she married to her boyfriend named Ethan Ponce at the end of the movie. Harriet makes a wish in the car when she wakes up in carriage in 1813 England. ~Anonymous

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A Taste of Love

February 19, 2024

Starring: Erin Cahill and Jesse Kove

Storyline: A pigeonholed chef determined to make her name as a respected culinary chef returns to her hometown. While reconnecting with her childhood sweetheart, she receives an offer she can't refuse.

Movie Reviews:

❤️ Hallmark’s A Taste of Love once again has a gay couple. Very disappointing.~Anonymous

❤️ A Taste of Love - This was a big NO.
I tried watching but oh NO.
No Chemistry between anyone.
The story was boring and a rehash of other movies.~Anonymous

❤️ Not family friendly. ~Anonymous

❤️ A Taste of Love is not family friendly about a chef named Taylor June Rider who works as TV chef for tailgate party is determined to make a name for herself as a respected culinary chef. she receives an offer she can’t refuse while reconnecting with her childhood sweetheart named Jacob Dylan in her hometown in Dunedin, Florida. Taylor manages to save a family restaurant called; “Sea Sea Riders Restaurant”. Taylor & her Dad named Glenn Rider make chicken & waffles with blueberry syrup. The Rider family are attending Dunedin Arts & Wine festival. The announcer announces the winner is Chicken & Waffle from Sea Sea Riders Restaurant. Jacob & Taylor are attending to their friend’s Jordan’s 35th birthday party. Tom & Jordan are gay couple. Father & Son duo: Martin Kove as Taylor Dad named Glenn i & his Son named Jacob Dylan is Taylor’s childhood sweetheart. Taylor’s Mom named Patti & her Grandma named CC who family owned restaurant “ Sea Sea Riders Restaurant” ~Anonymous

❤️ "A Taste of Love" -- this movie features two guys in a same-sex relationship. ~Alicia

❤️ Review: A Taste of Love -
Family-friendly? No, an incidental gay (male) couple -
Recommended? No -

This movie just plodded along for me. I didn't sense any chemistry between the leads, the ending romance seemed rushed, and the plot was just very cookie-cutter and boring. And they easily could have left out the gay couple whose screen time was maybe a couple of minutes! Skip this one! ~Mark 25

❤️ This one is definitely not family friendly. Say no more. ~JoCo

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Sense and Sensibility

Premiere Date: February 24, 2024

Starring: Deborah Ayorinde and Dan Jeannotte

Storyline: After the death of their father the Dashwoods' entire world changes drastically. While one sister is torn between two men the other is holding out hope for the man who has her heart.

Movie Reviews:

❤️ Hallmark’s “Sense and Sensibility” is family-friendly, but despite the lavish costumes, ornate sets, and attractive cast members, I couldn’t help but wonder if this adaptation should be taken seriously or if it was supposed to be comical because of its blatant historical inaccuracy. Casting actors of color in the lead roles would only have worked had the story taken place in modern times, but certainly not during the English regency era. So, of the four Jane Austen inspired films that aired this month, two were winners (“Paging Mr. Darcy” and “An American in Austen”), but this adaptation and “Love and Jane” were dismal flops. Hallmark needs to do better. ~MPT

❤️ I really enjoyed it. It stayed pretty true to the book. The costuming was exquisite. They used an historian for accuracy. She happens to also write historical fiction.

While it's not talked about a lot, there were a few Black families in the aristocracy. Jane wrote about them, most notably in her Sanditon. Jane was known for writing about real people--mostly changing names, family, and taking on social matters.

As a Janeite, I have studied Jane, her writing, and her life.

While some were not happy with the other movies, I found them very entertaining. Having written in the world of JAFF and traditional romance, there are so many books that don't stick to canon and have similar parallels to the HC movies. ~dstoutholcomb

❤️ S&S - beautiful costumes and sets, but couldn’t get past the fact that I was being lied to. This was not a correct depiction of society behavior from the Regency time period. It just wouldn’t have happened then and been acceptable. ~Anonymous

❤️ Sense & Sensibility is family friendly about Following the loss of their family patriarch, the Dashwood women’s financial circumstances drastically change and they are forced to leave their home for a modest cottage in Devonshire. Soon, practical eldest Daughter named Elinor Dashwood falls for the equally pragmatic gentleman named Edward Ferrars. Her passionate sister named Marianne meanwhile spurns the advances of their steadfast new neighbor named Colonel Brandon for the much more exciting John Willoughby. When Elinor and Marianne’s romantic prospects do not turn out as hoped, each sister learns to embrace the other’s approach to matters of the heart. Colonel Brandon & Marianne are at Danifolk Brandon lives next to Edward Ferraris’ Cottage. Edward goes to Daahwood Mansion. He tells them that they’re haven’t heard that his Brother named Robert Ferraris who married to Lucy Steele. Edward & Elinor are now married ~Anonymous

❤️ Sense and Sensibility was okay I guess; The settings were beautiful. Even the Barton Cottage was a bit too elegant for the Dashwoods. I was comparing that movie to the Emma Thompson's production. There were times it seems that the dialogue was quite close to the Thompson's movie with several changes. I'm keeping that dvr'd movie. ~Namegirl

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HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES:

Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers

Premiere Date: February 2, 2024

Starring: Ali Skovbye, Danny Griffin, Nathan Witte

Storyline: A society page writer in 1895 Rhode Island witnesses a murder while attending a ball at the Vanderbilt mansion and is drawn into the investigation when her brother is arrested.

Movie Reviews:

🔎❤️ Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers

I did enjoy watching this. I thought the acting was poorly done but it was fun watching a mystery back in time. And I liked how the women were treated like ladies, unlike today. It was also family friendly.

Was is it though with Hallmark and their triangles!!! First we had Murder She Baked, WCTH, and now this. There may be more that I can't remember. But I do wish they would leave it alone! ~Abigail

🔎❤️ Abigail, I agree with you regarding the acting in this film - it was pretty bad! Also, too many quick-discovery-of-clues for my liking. I stuck with the movie to see how it would end, but I don't think I will be watching any more of these films (that is, if they do make more of these with this cast). Mark 25

🔎❤️ Newport Mystery Movie
At first we were very excited for a new mystery series. It quickly became apparent that this was not going to be a keeper. The least of its problems was the obvious historical inaccuracies of the dialog. My family endured to the end of the movie, not because we thought it would get better, but because of horrified fascination with how terrible it was. I understand that they wanted to make their female characters independent and strong, but the implication that the females would have to give up what they loved if they married and that getting married and having a family was undesirable was frequently brought up, ad nauseam. In the end we agreed it was just too boring and I hope they don’t continue on with this series. ~Anonymous

🔎❤️ Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers is family friendly about in 1895, Newport, Rhode Island; a society page writer named Emma Vanderbilt-Cross witnesses a murder while attending a ball at a mansion in Rhode Island. She soon gets drawn into the investigation when her Brother named Brady is arrested who didn’t commit until Emma meets Detective Jesse Whyte. Later on, Emma meets Derrick Anderson when she found out that Derrick is actually Mr. Andrews. Derrick is only person know is Adelaide Halbrooke & he has a chance to tell Emma about her. Brady is actually Emma’s Stepbrother. ~Anonymous

🔎❤️ Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers – First of all, I didn’t know what channel I was watching! I’m only kidding, of course, but Hallmark Movies & Mysteries did feel like it had transformed for the evening into PBS Masterpiece Theater!

For her first starring role, I thought Ali Skovbye shined as newspaper reporter, Emma Vanderbilt-Cross, an elegant, smart, and captivating young woman. But WHY, WHY WHY, does Hallmark insist on diversity over historical accuracy? Suffice to say, there were people in roles, who in that era and time would not be in certain professions or positions. It also felt off that Emma would even consider seeing Derrick; in that time period mixed-relationships would have been scandalous. (Please know, such a romance would be fine in a modern story for today, but not in 1895.)

It was perplexing and disappointing to watch Emma string along her handsome friend, Detective Jesse Whyte, who she’s nearly betrothed to and quite familiar with, while seemingly being smitten by Derrick, a man she barely knows. The mystery portion was intriguing enough, but I must admit, I had the case solved nearly from the start.

Overall, this movie includes a wonderful ensemble cast with several “When Calls the Heart” alums you are sure to recognize, including, Ali Skovbye (Becky Stanton, Abigail’s adopted daughter), James Drew Dean (Christopher Hughes, Henry Gowen’s son), and Mark Humphrey (Pastor Frank Hogan). You are also sure to spot Geoff Gustafson, as Emma’s no-nonsense newspaper boss, who is nothing like his role as the likeable Norman in “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Real-life mother and daughter, April and April Telek (“Signed, Sealed, Delivered: For Christmas”) were also spectacular in their roles as a high-society mother and her debutante daughter in this film.

Altogether, if you love mystery and period films, then this is not to be missed. The incredible, elaborate costumes and settings alone are enough to draw one’s interest and the dialogue is more in keeping with the time period, then say, Hallmark’s “When Calls the Heart,” but even still, beware, there are many irksome historical inaccuracies. That and the potential lovely triangle were the major drawbacks for me with this film. ~Net

🔎❤️ Hallmark’s “Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers” is family-friendly, but aside from enjoying the lavish wardrobes and sets, the movie is a one-time watch for me. I was hoping for much more than a historically inaccurate and woke version of 1895 high society. The presentation could have been so much better had the lead character Emma, played by Ali Skovbye, been more authentic to the Victorian era, and less focused on being an independent and liberated woman who ultimately relishes being in a love triangle. Hallmark’s DEI folks made a mess of what could have been a good mystery, and sadly, I’m not looking forward to any sequels. ~MPT

🔎❤️ Newport Mystery Movie
At first we were very excited for a new mystery series. It quickly became apparent that this was not going to be a keeper. The least of its problems was the obvious historical inaccuracies of the dialog. My family endured to the end of the movie, not because we thought it would get better, but because of horrified fascination with how terrible it was. I understand that they wanted to make their female characters independent and strong, but the implication that the females would have to give up what they loved if they married and that getting married and having a family was undesirable was frequently brought up, ad nauseam. In the end we agreed it was just too boring and I hope they don’t continue on with this series. ~Anonymous

🔎❤️ Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers is family friendly about in 1895, Newport, Rhode Island; a society page writer named Emma Vanderbilt-Cross witnesses a murder while attending a ball at a mansion in Rhode Island. She soon gets drawn into the investigation when her Brother named Brady is arrested who didn’t commit until Emma meets Detective Jesse Whyte. Later on, Emma meets Derrick Anderson when she found out that Derrick is actually Mr. Andrews. Derrick is only person know is Adelaide Halbrooke & he has a chance to tell Emma about her. Brady is actually Emma’s Stepbrother. ~Anonymous

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CrimeTime: Freefall

Premiere Date: February 23, 2024

Starring: Lyndie Greenwood and Luke Macfarlane

Storyline: Crime series actress Hadley Warner retires to a small town where she encounters her first real case. Using her TV crime knowledge, she teams up with Detective Caden to solve the case.

Movie Review:

🔎 Tried to watch CrimeTime .....couldn't get into it! So silly in the beginning to the point of ridiculous. I did flip back several times but still couldn't get into this movie. ~Joyce in Carolina

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My Quick Take:

As a lover of numerous Jane Austen novels and movies (Frankly, Emma and Pride & Prejudice are my absolute favorites!), these story concepts for Hallmark's Loveuary movie event sound rather fascinating! Indeed, they do!

The two movies that appeal to me the most (on paper) are “Paging Mr. Darcy,” starring Mallory Jansen and Will Kemp, and “Love & Jane,” starring Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres.

Please share your thoughts in comments.

Sincerely, Net✍