☕🍲 Get a Taste of What's on the Movie Menu This Weekend! ☕🍲 SEE HERE:

Happy Weekend, Friends! I hope you'll be enjoying the outdoors on this Spring April weekend, but if you find yourself indoors for a little while, I have a few movie suggestions that you may want to sit back and enjoy with a delicious snack. The new movie premiere, A Pinch of Portugal, has a food theme, and many of the movie classics airing this weekend do as well. This is definitely a great movie-watching weekend for all of you foodies!

See all the movie details below...



Saturday, April 22, 2023:

The Hallmark Channel is airing several classic destination rom-com's on Saturday, including Hearts Down Under and Pearl in Paradise... 

and the premiere of...

A Pinch of Portugal

Storyline: When a celebrity chef walks off his show, prep cook Anna (Heather Hemmens) must step into the spotlight and make the show her own, with the help of her Aussie cameraman (Luke Mitchell) and Portuguese location scout.

A Pinch of Portugal

Premieres Saturday, April 22, 2023

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

****************************

Saturday, April 22, 2023:

Chad Michael Murray might encourage you to get out the grill and barbecue with this...

Hallmark Hall of Fame Mini Marathon

on Hallmark Drama

Hallmark Hall of Fame Mini Marathon Schedule:

THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS - 5pm

THE LOST VALENTINE - 7pm

THE BEACH HOUSE - 9pm

****************************

Sunday, April 23, 2023:

Sleuth all day long with Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha with the...

Mystery 101 Marathon

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Mystery 101 Marathon Schedule:

MYSTERY 101: PLAYING DEAD - 11am

MYSTERY 101: WORDS CAN KILL - 1pm

MYSTERY 101: DEAD TALK - 3pm

MYSTERY 101: AN EDUCATION IN MURDER - 5pm

MYSTERY 101: KILLER TIMING - 7pm

MYSTERY 101: DEADLY HISTORY - 9pm

****************************

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! My family is planning a little get-together, so I'm really looking forward to that. It's nice to spend time with those we love and catch up on everyone's lives. Time is really the best gift we can give each other. If you can't be with your family, maybe you could give a call to someone you haven't talked to for a while. Who knows? Just hearing your caring voice on the other side of the line may be the highlight of their day.

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

Blessings to you all,

Net

☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT ☀️

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

~Psalm 34:8

🌟 MOVIE NEWS UPDATE: Hallmark and Great American Family - Christmas, Mystery, Schedule Changes and More! 🌟 SEE HERE:

Some interesting movie news has been circulating recently, and some schedule changes, too, so I thought today would be a good time to highlight some of these updates and important programming developments.

Great American Family - UPDATE:

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

🌟Instead of movies airing on Saturday, March 11th, Great American Family will have a marathon of Murder She Wrote episodes instead.

🌟Starting Monday, March 13th, Great American Family will not be airing their usual nightly films, Monday through Friday. Instead, GAF will air a block of Full House episodes from 6pm to 10pm (EST.)

🌟This weeknight schedule change (beginning March 13th) appears to also remove the typical Friday night airing of Christmas movies.

My guess is... these schedule changes were simply made during this March Madness season since a majority of viewers will be watching basketball. Hopefully, movies will return again in April! Stay tuned!


Hallmark - UPDATE:

🌟MYSTERY 101:

Kristoffer Polaha was asked in a recent interview with Just Jared if there are more Mystery 101 movies coming? His response may leave you with half agony, half hope. Kristoffer first described the intensity of the cliffhanger in movie #7, Deadly History. Then, according to Just Jared, he shared, “We love telling those stories and whatever the network decides…it’s inconclusive,” Kristoffer added. At this time, it appears another Mystery 101 is NOT in the works, but Kristoffer left fans with a light at the end of the tunnel, explaining that while other mysteries had been officially canceled, Mystery 101 has not. So, we can still, at least, keep the hope.

🌟CHRISTMAS 2023:

When Hallmark's EVP Lisa Hamilton Daly spoke recently to Decider she shared these thoughts regarding Hallmark's Christmas movies, which I thought sounded rather interesting...

"This coming Christmas, we’re continuing to refine that (Christmas movie) mix, and how it even plays out through the three nights of the weekend. We’re thinking about what’s great for Friday nights, what really works for Saturday nights, and what works for Sunday nights, and we’re thinking about how that cadence works because they do feel like different nights: like Friday night’s the traditional comfort watch; Saturday night might be our big tentpole night; and Sunday might be that thing we’re trying that’s a little different. That’s what we think that the weekends feel like, but we’re still in the very early stages of thinking about how it’s gonna work out."

🌟FUTURE vs. OLD MYSTERIES:

In the same article with Decider, Hallmark's EVP Lisa Hamilton Daly also addresses the Hallmark mysteries...

"And then on our other channel, which is Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, we are leaning back more into the mysteries, which people really liked. We’re trying to bring back the fan favorites but also freshen them up...

Hmmm? Lisa's statement about "bringing back the fan favorites" sounds hopeful! Could that mean we might see more Signed, Sealed, Delivered, or Mystery 101, after all? We already know a new Hannah Swensen Mystery and Aurora Teagarden Mystery are coming; see details here. Hopefully, Lisa's comment is good news for all of us devoted sleuthers.

🌟The Return of HALLMARK HALL OF FAME?:

Lisa Hamilton Daly also mentions in the Decider article the possibility of Hallmark Hall of Fame movies returning with this comment, "I literally had a conversation today about an A-list actress who might want to come do a Hall of Fame [movie] with us."

The Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are, of course, older than the Hallmark Channel, going back to 1951 with their first presentation, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

Hallmark Hall of Fame has had many wonderful productions throughout the years, including: Front of the Class, The Magic of Ordinary Days, The Lost Valentine, Ellen Foster, Beyond the Blackboard, The Secret Garden, The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, Sarah, Plain and Tall, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Fallen Angel, A Season for Miracles, Christmas with Holly, and many more.

🌟MORE CHRISTMAS:

Some of us noticed last Friday night that Hallmark added in another Christmas movie to their lineup on the Hallmark Channel. And, according to the current schedule, they continue adding an extra Christmas movie every Friday night at 6pm, before their usual time at 8pm (EST.) It's always a joy to see a little extra Christmas, and I know many of us were missing the fact that Hallmark Movies & Mysteries took the Christmas movies away on Thursday nights. Wonder if they might air some of the HMM Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel? That would be nice. Keep an eye on the Christmas Schedule - here!


Well, friends, I hope you enjoyed some of the news in this movie update. Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Happy movie-watching!

Net

Happy January 25th - Let's 🎄Countdown to Christmas🎄 Again! 🌟 SEE HERE:

 🎄 Merry *Mark the 25th*! 🎄

Happy January 25th! Are you ready to Countdown to Christmas? If you've been following *It's a Wonderful Movie* for awhile then you know starting on January 25th, we highlight each 25th day of the month as we Countdown to Christmas! January 25th marks 11 months until December 25th, Christmas day!

If you'd like to join along to celebrate the day - all you have to do is choose something Christmassy to watch TODAY! It can be a Christmas movie, cartoon, family sitcom or anything you like. (There's only one stipulation - it must be family friendly.) Then, please share in comments below your Christmas choice for the day!

Kristin Chenoweth's Fashion from the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "A Christmas Love Story!"

image: Hallmark Crown Media

*PLEASE NOTE: I am an affiliate with Amazon and Macys. When you click on links to these merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. This does not change the cost to you. Thank you for clicking on my links below...

Kristin Chenoweth looked stunning at the Christmas Office Party in "A Christmas Love Story" wearing this lovely Pearl Jewel High-Low Holiday Dress by Rare Editions. Please Note: It comes in Girls Sizes: 7-16.

Available at Amazon!

*Click here for details!*

image: Hallmark Crown Media

image: Macys / Hallmark Crown Media

Kristin stays bundled up and warm in this cozy white coat by Guess - available at Macys! (They have a new markdown on it today!)

*Click here for details at Macy's!*

image: Hallmark Crown Media

images: Macys

I found two velour blazers similar to the style Kristin wears in the movie...

INC Velvet Blazer, Created for Macy's

INC Petite Velvet Blazer, Created for Macy's

image: screen grab from the Hallmark Channel

Unfortunately, Kristin's lovely red cable sweater is sold out at J.Crew, but Macy's has this lovely version for Ladies from Ralph Lauren.

image: Macys

Click Here for more details from Macys!

image: Hallmark Crown Media

You can also dress up like Santa and Mrs. Claus - just like Scott Wolf and Kristin Chenoweth in the movie, with these fun and festive clothes and accessories from Amazon...

Funny Christmas Santa Plush Hat

with 20 Blinking Color-Changing Light up LED Lights

for Adults and Kids

Rubie's Regal Plush Santa Suit

Costume Glasses for Mrs. Claus

Christmas Cape with Hat

Plus, if you love Kristin Chenoweth's voice as much as I do, here are some wonderful options - available at Amazon...

A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas

Kristin Chenoweth

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

with Kristin Chenoweth

White Christmas

Kristin Chenoweth

I hope you enjoy this fashion post from Kristin Chenoweth’s Hallmark Hall of Fame movie!

Joyous Christmas Blessings! Net

♪ ♪ HALLMARK PRESENTS *FOUR* CHRISTMAS MUSICAL MOVIES THIS WEEKEND... ♪ ♪ Plus, *FIVE* MORE CHRISTMAS MOVIE PREMIERES! 🌟

Get ready for a weekend filled with NEW Christmas movies...

Saturday December 7, 2019:

Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf star in the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation of...

A Christmas Love Story

Storyline via Hallmark: Youth choir director Katherine discovers one of her student volunteers, Danny, has a golden voice and tries to enlist him for the big Christmas Eve show, despite his widowed father Greg’s resistance. When she shows up one night at Danny’s home to make a final plea for... click here to read more...

See the premiere of A Christmas Love Story

Saturday December 7, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Saturday December 7, 2019:

It's Christmas and Hanukah in...

Mistletoe & Menorahs

Storyline via Lifetime: When a determined toy company executive, Christy, must learn about Hanukkah in a hurry in order to land a big account, she enlists the help of... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Mistletoe & Menorahs

Saturday December 7, 2019

at 6pm/5c. on Lifetime

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Saturday December 7, 2019:

Could it be more than puppy love in...

Christmas Unleashed

 

Storyline via Lifetime: When Becca’s (Vanessa Lachey) dog runs away on Christmas Eve, she must team up with her ex-boyfriend Max (Christopher Russell) to find him. As the pup leads the exes on an all-day-and-night search through their North Carolina hometown, they revisit... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Christmas Unleashed

Saturday December 7, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Saturday December 7, 2019:

Laura Osnes and Stephen Huszar star in a Hallmark movie that honors our military...

A Homecoming for the Holidays

Storyline via Hallmark: When singer/songwriter Charlotte meets Matt she’s entertaining the troops, and he’s starting his third tour. Charlotte’s brother Eric is deploying too, and she’s off to ignite her career. Fast forward three years and... click here to read more...

See the premiere of A Homecoming for the Holidays

Saturday December 7, 2019

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

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

Sunday December 8, 2019:

Let UP take you on a holiday adventure abroad in...

Christmas in Paris

Storyline via UP: A gorgeous, French multi-millionaire comes to Montana to do a deal and photoshoot with a major cosmetics company and meets the woman of his dreams - the beautiful Art Director on his shoot. When the two jet off to Paris on a whirlwind Christmas adventure, they each think... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Christmas in Paris

Sunday December 8, 2019

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Sunday December 8, 2019:

Head to the Smoky Mountains with Danica McKellar and Niall Matter in the Hallmark musical movie...

Christmas at Dollywood

Storyline via Hallmark: Event planner Rachel Davis returns to her Tennessee hometown to take on the biggest job of her career – Dollywood’s 30th Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration – and is teamed up with unimaginative operations director Luke Hakman to plan the event that has to be... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Christmas at Dollywood

Sunday December 8, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Sunday December 8, 2019:

Will two cupids discover love unexpectedly at Christmastime in ION's...

Christmas Matchmakers

Storyline via ION: It’s the week after Thanksgiving when Jen, a personal assistant, and Jon, an advertising exec, happen to sit next to each other in the food court and bond over mutual problems with their bosses. After complaining that they have no time for their personal lives, they come up with an elaborate plan to... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Christmas Matchmakers

Sunday December 8, 2019

at 7pm/6c. on ION

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Sunday December 8, 2019:

Will love take off - after a flight is canceled in...

Grounded for Christmas

 

Storyline via Lifetime: When a winter storm hits Cleveland and grounds flights, the nearby hotels quickly fill up with stranded travelers. Nina (Guill), a pilot, reluctantly agrees to let her arrogant but charming fellow pilot, Brady (Sevier), stay at her nearby parents' home. But when they discover her family is hosting a tree trimming party that night and that her ex will be there, Brady pretends to be... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Grounded for Christmas

Sunday December 8, 2019

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪🌟🌟♪

More... Sunday December 8, 2019:

Are the home fires still burning for Alison Sweeney and Lucas Bryant in...

Time for You to Come Home for Christmas

Storyline via Hallmark: Two years after losing her husband, Katherine braces for bittersweet memories as she and her son return to her Virginia hometown for Christmas. Meeting up with old friends her first night there, she is surprised to see... click here to read more...

See the premiere of Time for You to Come Home for Christmas

Sunday December 8, 2019

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

*Please Note: I have not previewed all of the movies above; therefore, I don't know, yet, if they will all be family friendly. Please be sure to check ratings and use your own discretion when watching. And if you see any content of concern, please share in comments below.


I hope you all enjoy this first full weekend of December! There are certainly lots of new holiday movies to put you into the Christmas spirit! I'll probably be busy Christmas shopping, etc... on Saturday, but I plan to watch some new movies over the weekend with my family, too!

Must see for me, personally, this weekend is ALL of the Hallmark musical movies. I just love music and singing... so the combination of a musical movie, for me, is heavenly! How I wish I could binge watch all the movies all at once, but I'm sure I'll have to record many to watch later on.

With a song in my heart...

Christmas Blessings to You All, Net

♪🌟 SHINING HIS LIGHT 🌟♪

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;

let us shout aloud

to the Rock of our salvation."

~Psalm 95:1

Hallmark Hall of Fame's A Christmas Love Story - a Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Movie starring Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf! 🎄♫

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: A Christmas Love Story

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: December 7, 2019

*a Hallmark Hall of Fame Production!

*Part of Hallmark Channel's 10th Anniversary of Countdown to Christmas!

CAST:

Kristin Chenoweth ... Katherine Clark
Scott Wolf ... Greg Scanton
Kevin Quinn ... Danny Scanton
Keith Robinson ... Brian
Lacey Caroline ... Mariah
Isabella Taylor Fommelt ... Nora
Keyon Shammare Pickett, Jr. ... Scott
Eric Close ... Shane
Maria Howell ... Carol
Eva Albright ... Emily
Jennifer Aspen ... Julie
Stephen Starkweather ... Pete
Shante DeLoach ... Gwen
Johanna Jowett ... Mariah’s Mom
Lucia Scarano ... Irene
Gordon James ... Wealthy Donor
Catherine Charlton ... Donor’s Wife
J’Nelle Joy York ... Driver
Scarlett Juniper Blum ... Emma
Terrence John Kapur ... Levi
Melina Milagros ... Female Elf
Anthony J. Police ... Cabbie
Maiya Ennis ... Young Girl

PLOT:

Storyline via Hallmark: Youth choir director Katherine discovers one of her student volunteers, Danny, has a golden voice and tries to enlist him for the big Christmas Eve show, despite his widowed father Greg’s resistance. When she shows up one night at Danny’s home to make a final plea for the teen to work with the choir, a snowstorm forces her to spend the night. While she is successful at winning over Greg, a budding romance also develops. However, Danny has a life-changing secret which affects both his father and Katherine and threatens to undermine this new relationship.

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

--
*images via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Brian Douglas
In Studio Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Michael Larsen