☀️Summer Weekend Movies: A Heartfelt Rom-Com💕 & Faith-Filled Suspense🙏

Hey there, Movie Friends!

Got any fun plans for the weekend? I know it's a busy time with some children going back to school this week, and lots of families trying to squeeze in one last Summer adventure. Plus, many of us are still soaking up every bit of Summer sunshine we can - while it lasts! If, however, you’re looking for a little downtime, I’ve got some movie picks you might want to add to your list this weekend.

On Great American Family, One of a Kind Love is making its debut on the channel, and Lifetime is wrapping up its suspenseful, faith-filled series with Finding Faith.

Plus, for those of us missing Christmas in July, I've included the Friday night schedule of Christmas movies... enjoy!!!

Check out details on these movies and more below…


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Friday, August 8, 2025:

Classic Christmas Movie Night

Christmas Movie Schedule
Friday, August 8th:

The Sweetest Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 6pm
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas ... Hallmark Channel ... 8pm
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Christmas at the Drive-In ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Family ... 12am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Christmas at the Drive-In ... Great American Family ... 4am


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Saturday, August 9, 2025:

One of a Kind Love

Storyline: Kyra’s dreams of being a jeweler have been put on the back burner, as her demanding job at the Sawyer Country Club is her priority. When a vacant shop becomes available in town, Kyra sees an opportunity to put a plan into action, until she learns that there’s another renter interested in the space. Enter Aiden Sawyer, prodigal son, big-city business magnate and Kyra’s childhood nemesis, returning home to the country club his parents own. As they patch up their past, Kyra and Aiden learn that there may be something more between them than just playful flirting. But when Kyra enters a renowned jewelry contest to raise enough money to outbid the mystery renter, Aiden finds himself in a race against time to make everything right.

One of a Kind Love

Premieres Saturday, August 9, 2025

at 9pm/8c. on Great American Family

Note: This movie originally premiered in 2021 on the BYU channel. See Alicia's and my reviews below...

Movie Reviews:

🎬 One of a Kind Love is a simple, sweet, family-friendly movie. The film stars Jocelyn Hudon, who is recognizable to Hallmark fans from When Hope Calls, From Friend to Fiancé, and Baby, It’s Cold Inside. Jocelyn portrays the very likable girl-next-door sort of character, Kyra, who dreams of being a jewelry designer and owning her own shop in town. In the meantime, she works at the local country club and sells her jewelry designs in her father’s antique shop. Just as she’s about to make plans to acquire the space for her own store, the son of the country club owners, Aidan, who is a wealthy business man used to traveling around the world and making deals by the minute, returns home and makes his own bid on the property and begins to steal Kyra’s heart, as well. Can they work it out before it’s too late? I think you’ll enjoy this happy ending. ~Net

🎬 I watched several of the new movies you told us about on BYUtv, Net. One of a Kind Love, Seasoned with Love, and You May Kiss the Bridesmaid all completely charmed me! Somehow, for me, they were more real and natural and engrossing. Glad to know I'm not just broken and unable to enjoy our wonderful, pleasant, cheesy movies anymore! ;-) ~Alicia


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Saturday, August 9, 2025:

Finding Faith

Storyline: Struck by the sudden death of her husband, Faith (Paula Patton) spirals out of control and loses her trust in God. But with the unwavering support of her family, pastor and close friends, Faith starts to find her way out of the darkness and into the light, rebuilding her life one step at a time.

Finding Faith

Premieres Saturday, August 9, 2025

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

The Christian radio station KLove promoted the film Finding Faith when it premiered early in theaters.

I found this movie review on YouTube from someone who caught an early screening, so I thought I would share it with all of you...

Movie Review:

🎬 I attended the movie screening in Santa Monica, CA, on May 13th. This is a fantastic film about having it all, including a nice home, marriage, and family, only to lose it all, fight back, and find redemption. Paula Patton did an outstanding job as "Faith!" So did the others in the movie. It should be required viewing for churches, as the movie is a sermon in itself. Hopefully, the faith-based community will rally around this film and go in droves as a church outing. ~Eric C.

*CAUTION* Please Note: Based on the movie's promo (see here), Finding Faith will contain some adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.


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Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

In case you missed it, you can see mine and Alicia's reviews above for One of a Kind Love.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner premiered on the Hallmark Channel last week, and this weekend the mystery will air twice on Hallmark Mystery, premiering on the channel Friday at 8pm/7c. and encoring Sunday at 6pm/5c.

Please note: I haven't seen Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Death at the Diner or Finding Faith. If you'd like to post a review on whether these films are family-friendly, please share in the comments below.

Have a Blessed Weekend, Everyone!

Net

☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT ☀️

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

~Proverbs 3:5-6

Lifetime’s Summer Film Lineup is Filled with Faith & Suspense – Watch the Trailers Here

Lifetime is premiering four films in July and August that focus on women who lean on their faith to get through difficult times and unexpected challenges.

I previously mentioned these films by sharing Lifetime's press release in June, but I also wanted to give these films a space where I could post their individual posters, video promos, and any movie reviews that may come in after they air.

Please note: The trailers shared below contain some intense scenes, violence, and adult situations that are not meant for young children.

The Christian radio station KLove promoted the third film, Finding Faith, when it premiered in theaters on June 16th for one day only.

Here's a closer look at these upcoming Lifetime movie premieres that include faith & suspense...


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Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story

Premiere Date: July 19, 2025

Starring: Chrissy Metz and Colin Moss

Storyline: Nichole Jolly is a nurse at the town’s hospital, who begins her day as usual, only to face an unimaginable crisis when a wildfire rapidly engulfs the town. Torn between her duty to protect her patients and her desperate need to find her husband Nick, (Colin Moss) and children, Nichole discovers an unyielding strength within herself to save not only her family but countless residents from the encroaching flames. The film is a tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the unsung heroes who emerge in the face of tragedy.


Movie Review:

🎬 Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story – This movie is based on a true story from the 2018 Paradise, California wildfire and features the heroic actions of Nurse Nichole Jolly. Actress Chrissy Metz gives an outstanding performance as Nichole, embodying grace under pressure with every scene and turning to her faith in God. The actors portraying her husband, sons, and hospital co-workers also deliver incredible, moving performances, all conveying the heavy emotional toll of the disaster.

Even when she is injured herself, Nichole carries on and helps patients who have been burned from the fire. Caution Mild Spoiler: One woman is shown with terrible burns and later passes.

This film is rated TV-14 due to intense and frightening situations with the wildfire that would likely be too scary for younger viewers. There is no adult content.

This movie is very intense, so if you don’t enjoy those types of movies you’ll want to pass, but the heart and emotion in this film are definitely worth the watch. This is one of those stories that is so powerful- it stays with you. It reminds you not to take a single day or breath for granted and hold on to family and loved ones a little tighter, enjoy your precious time together.

My heart goes out to those who have had to deal with these types of wildfires in California and other locations year after year. This movie is best suited for a mature audience who appreciates a story of courage and resilience. ~Net


Promo:






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Before Your Father Finds Us

Premiere Date: July 26, 2025

Starring: Alexa PenaVega, Jaeda Lily Miller, and Tahmoh Penikett

Storyline: Sophia (Alexa PenaVega) and baby daughter, Emily, are forced to go into witness protection after she has to testify against her ex-husband Mason (Tahmoh Penikett) for his crimes. After years of living a seemingly normal life with new friends and relationships, Sophia learns that Mason has escaped from his maximum security prison. Knowing his strength and connections, Sophia is forced to reveal the truth to her now teenage daughter about who her father really is – and having to leave everything behind. Escaping to an old remote cabin in the woods together, Sophia and Emily must do everything it takes to survive Mason and his ruthless intent to make the family whole again.


Movie Review:

🎬 Before Your Father Finds Us - (may contain some mild spoilers) Alexa Penavega stars as Sophia, a devoted mom to her 14-year-old daughter, Emily (Jaeda Lily Miller). They attend church and their faith is evidently strong, especially Sophia, who leans on prayer often during times of trouble.

The movie is rated TV-14 for language and violence and it is definitely intense, at times, especially due to Mason, Sophia’s ex-husband, an escaped convict who killed a prison guard. He’s manipulative and very creepy. Most of his scenes are suspenseful and unsettling. I must say, the actor does an incredibly chilling job.

One of the earlier more lighthearted scenes shows Sophia having dinner with her boyfriend, Steve. I appreciated that she asked to pray before the meal, though I was surprised that he seemed caught off guard by it, which felt odd considering we learn minutes later that they've been dating for a year. Steve doesn’t propose on their anniversary, but instead offers her two keys- one to his restaurant and one to his home. Sophia seems surprised by this and says something like it's a big step. I half expected her to turn him down because of her faith and not because she wasn't ready. Honestly, they just didn’t seem to be in the same place spiritually.

When Mason, the ex-husband, shows up unexpectedly at Sophia’s home later when she is alone, they agree to meet later, but Sophia flees with Emily to a remote cabin, attempting to avoid the FBI, who she knows is compromised. So, yeah, it’s quite heavy and intense, but through it all Sophia prays and prepares with weapons and booby traps in the woods. Think Home Alone (when Kevin prepares for the burglars), but a little darker.

There is gun violence and two men have a fight, one beating the other up severely.

If suspense isn’t your thing, you’ll likely want to pass. But if you enjoy thrillers with an element of faith, this might be a good watch for you.

Did I enjoy it? Well, I liked seeing Alexa and Jaeda; I thought they were excellent portraying mother and daughter. The darker stuff, however, wasn’t really enjoyable for me, but I did appreciate seeing good ultimately triumph over evil in the end. ~Net

Promo:






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Terri Blackstock’s If I Run

Premiere Date: August 2, 2025

Starring: Kat Graham, Evan Roderick, and James Tupper

Storyline: Adapted from best-selling author Terri Blackstock’s book, If I Run follows Casey Cox (Kat Graham), a woman on the run after discovering her best friend Brent has been murdered—and she is being framed for it. Not knowing who to trust, Casey flees, using her intelligence and resourcefulness to stay hidden and the signs of divine guidance to help her in her journey. Meanwhile, Dylan Roberts (Evan Roderick), a war-weary veteran and private investigator with PTSD, is hired to track her down. As Dylan digs deeper into the case, he begins to suspect that Casey might actually be innocent and that the real story is far more complex—and dangerous—than it first appeared.


Movie Review:

🎬 My husband and I watched If I Run last night. First thing I will say is that if you don't like waiting to see how the story ends, don't watch it yet. The sub story concluded, but the main story is supposed to conclude sometime in 2026. I will also say I'm not great at writing reviews so my thoughts might be quite choppy. I'm trying not to say too much, with still giving information so I will say that it CONSTAINS SPOILERS!!!

The main story is about a girl, Cass, on the run because police believe she killed a good friend of hers, and she is trying to find out the truth. There are scenes where you see the dead person with blood around him, the main girl washing blood off her hands and shoes, etc. I didn't find the murder mystery part of this to be too graphic. There is a young guy, hired by the dead man's family to look into the death, who suffers from PTSD and we see some flashbacks when he was in the war.

The sub story is about a young girl who disappeared, a few years back, from the small town that Cass is hiding out in. Her family doesn't know if she is dead or alive. We see a young girl with a baby in several scenes. She is locked up in a room, appears disheveled, and my assumption is that she had likely been raped. There's a man in this storyline who is what I would call verbally abusive to his wife, but also physically abusive to his wife...and Cass. He is shown grabbing their arms with force and demanding things of them. There is mention that this husband and wife are often at a bar and we do see them there once. There no excessive drinking on screen, but we later hear someone mention that "he's been drinking".

I did not notice any LGB.... content, sexual content, heavy language, etc. I would not recommend that children watch, and would be cautious with younger teens. If you don't mind the mystery/thriller type movie then you might enjoy it. I did and hope that part 2 doesn't let me down when it comes out next year. ~Karen

Promo:






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Finding Faith

Premiere Date: August 9, 2025

Starring: Paula Patton, Loretta Devine, Stephen Bishop, Nadine Velazquez, Demetrius Grosse, and Keith David

Storyline: Struck by a sudden death of her husband, Faith (Paula Patton) spirals out of control and loses her trust in God. But with the unwavering support of her family, pastor and close friends, Faith starts to find her way out of the darkness and into the light, rebuilding her life one step at a time.

Promo:




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I would love to hear your thoughts on these movies!

Are you feeling inspired to watch Lifetime’s faith-filled films, even though they include some drama and suspense along the way?

Blessings,

Net

*promotional images and screengrabs via Lifetime

🍋 Squeeze In 🍋 New Summer TV Movies This Weekend -- SEE HERE:

Happy weekend, friends!

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade... and watch new movies?!?!?!?

Of course, one of the new movies this weekend, The Magic of Lemon Drops, is lemon-themed, and since it's a Hallmark Summer Nights movie, it's the perfect time to relax from the heat with a cool glass of lemonade or whatever you enjoy best!

The NEW movies this weekend include premieres in these three genres: mystery, romance, and faith-based. See details below, along with my review of Great American Family's new premiere, Finding Faith.

Plus, keep on scrolling down for info on the all-new Hallmark Mystery Nelly Knows Mysteries, including a link to Pascale Hutton's fashion from my Sister's blog, It's a Wonderful Lifestyle!

Blue Ridge: The Series airs a new episode Sunday night on INSP that involves a very suspicious mystery.

Plus, this Sunday is August 25th, which means... Happy Four Months 'til Christmas! Mark this special day with us! See all of the details below...


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Friday, August 23, 2024:

Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement

Storyline: When an unusual handwritten letter arrives at Nelly’s (Pascale Hutton) office, she identifies the handwriting as belonging to her childhood friend Dahlia (Sarah Grey), claiming her boyfriend Blake (Julian Haig) is being unfaithful. Determined to help, Nelly wants some answers and rushes to Blake’s home only to find his dead body. When Dahlia becomes the prime suspect, the new, handsome Detective in town, Michael Hogan (Kavan Smith) must work with Nelly to prove that her childhood friend is not the killer everyone believes her to be.

Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement

Premieres Friday, August 23, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Mystery

🔍 Get the Lʘʘk: Pascale Hutton's Fashions 

in "Nelly Knows Mysteries ~ A Fatal Engagement" 

Visit my Sister's blog *It's a Wonderful Lifestyle* 

for the full fashion scoop!

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Saturday, August 24, 2024:

Finding Faith

Storyline: Victoria, a Christian advice columnist writing under the name Faith, begins to lose her faith after a series of life events. On her journey back to God, she finds her way back to love as well.

Finding Faith

Premieres Saturday, August 24, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Movie Review:

🌟 Finding Faith – (streamed on Great American Pure Flix)

This is an impactful story with a heavy plot that deals with marriage difficulties and infertility for Victoria (an anonymous Christian advice columnist) and her husband, Billy, who is a musician, often traveling away from home.

Victoria uses the pseudonym Faith, when giving advice to others, but she’s struggling to deal with her own life issues and finding her faith.

Actor John Schneider portrays Victoria’s father; he’s trying to cope after losing his wife of many years, while Victoria grapples with the pain of losing her mother and a painful secret from the past.

It is revealed that one character had an affair many years ago, and how grace and forgiveness have healed this person’s heart.

Throughout the film, we see the wounds and scars of these characters – and gradually we see their healing after surrendering and turning to God.

Due to the subject content, this is a movie best-suited for a mature audience. ~Net

Please note: As I mentioned above, I streamed this movie on Great American Pure Flix. Some of the content seen in the original version may be edited before it appears on Great American Family.



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Saturday, August 24, 2024:

The Magic of Lemon Drops

Storyline: When Lolly’s (Lyndsy Fonseca) Aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

The Magic of Lemon Drops

Premieres Saturday, August 24, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, August 25, 2024:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Episode 5 - Land Grab:

A beloved local horse trainer is killed on the eve of her retirement, and when Justin's team discovers her will, it contains a last-minute change that may be the reason for her death.

Blue Ridge: The Series

airs Sunday, August 25, 2024

at 9pm/8c. on INSP

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Sunday, August 25, 2024:

Happy 4 Months 'til Christmas!

This weekend, on Sunday, as we mark the 25th day of the month and count down the days until Christmas, many devoted Christmas movie followers here at It's a Wonderful Movie try to watch something Christmassy on this special day! If you'd like to participate, simply share which Christmas movie/show you plan to watch to Mark the 25th in comments below.

My pick for this 25th is...



A Gift Wrapped Christmas, a Lifetime Christmas movie starring Meredith Hagner and Travis Milne!

I chose this movie because it's lighthearted, cute, funny, sweet, and entertaining! Basically, I just love it! And with everything going on in the world, I needed something that made me smile and left me feeling good at the end of the day.

If you, by chance, would like to watch A Gift Wrapped Christmas this weekend or any time, there's a link to it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHzO4iSREAs. If you've never seen this movie, I highly recommend it! A Gift Wrapped Christmas is family-friendly, and for me personally, it's the best Lifetime Christmas movie I've ever seen!

Please be sure to share your Christmas movie pick to *Mark the 25th* in comments below!


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Programming Notes:

*Great American Family-

In addition to the premiere of Finding Faith, classic movies will air all weekend long on Great American Family, including Love in Bloom, Romance at the Vineyard, Nothing is Impossible, One Perfect Match, A Harvest Homecoming, and more!


*Hallmark Channel-

Along with the premiere of The Magic of Lemon Drops, the Hallmark Channel will play classic movies throughout the weekend. Their "A Taste of Love" Movie Marathon on Sunday includes delicious movies like Always Amore and Love, Romance & Chocolate.


*Hallmark Mystery-

This Sunday, Hallmark Mystery will air a marathon of Hannah Swensen Mysteries and an encore airing of Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement.


*UPtv-

On Saturday, UPtv will air classic movies and a mini-marathon during the afternoon of films from the Love Comes Softly series: Love's Everlasting Courage, Love Takes Wing, and Love Begins. On Saturday evening, UPtv will air two classic Amish-themed films, Love Finds You in Sugarcreek and Love Finds You in Charm. More classic movies like The Engagement Plot and Just for the Summer will air on UPtv on Sunday.


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Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! If you can squeeze in the new lemon-themed movie, the mystery, or the faith-based film, I would love to hear your take on any one of them. Be sure to share your reviews in the comments below.

Please keep in mind that I have not pre-screened the new Hallmark movies.

Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith have such an easy chemistry with each other on-screen in When Calls the Heart; therefore, I'm looking forward to seeing them both take on these new roles opposite of each other in this new mystery, Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement. Their banter is always charming, and the looks they give each other are... well... beyond words!!! Their eyes talk! I'm hoping this mystery is as good as the previews look!

The lemon movie The Magic of Lemon Drops looks cute, but I hope the whole "magical" lemon drops doesn't get too weird, if you know what I mean. Otherwise, the leads in this movie, Lyndsy Fonseca and Ian Harding, just started appearing in Hallmark movies two or three years ago, and instantly, I found them both to be extremely likable; therefore, I'm hoping the combination of these two will be just as sweet.

Great American Family's Finding Faith is a deeply soul-searching and inspirational movie. If you missed it above, please be sure to read my movie review for more details.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you get the chance to watch something Christmassy, please share in the comments below.

Blessings to you all!

Net

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SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

~Psalm 46:1-3

Via the Great American Pure Flix Insider, "the language in Psalm 46:1-3 is a beautiful reminder of God's love for us and His willingness to protect us through His love and care. In "Finding Faith," Victoria is able to remember that God is her refuge and strength when her fear arises during her parent's health scares. She remembers that with God, she still has hope even in times of fear.