🎶 Jesse Metcalfe & Kimberley Sustad Find the Right Harmony in New Hallmark Movie & More This Weekend

Happy Weekend, Friends!

We have a new movie premiere on the Hallmark Channel that looks like a fun one to *tune* into! It's also Jesse Metcalfe's first Hallmark Channel movie since Chesapeake Shores.

Also, Blue Ridge is back Sunday night. This time, an old friend of Justin's returns to town and stirs up trouble. Please note: this series contains violence that's not for young viewers.

See more details below...

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Friday, August 7, 2026:

Christmas Movies - Friday Night

( movie images via: Hallmark Media and Great American Media ) 

Christmas in July may be over, but you can still enjoy these Christmas Classics on Friday night...

Christmas Schedule - Friday, August 7, 2026:

Twas the Text Before Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Hearts of Christmas ... Hallmark Family ... 6pm
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 8pm
A Dicken's of a Holiday ... Hallmark Family ... 8pm
The Trouble with Christmas Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 12am
Timeless Tidings of Joy ... Great American Family ... 2am
The Trouble with Christmas Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 4am

Look for the weekly Christmas movie classics airing on TV in the Christmas Movie Schedule.



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Saturday, August 8, 2026:

Mystery Marathon

( image via: Hallmark Media ) 

Jesse Metcalfe stars in a Martha's Vineyard Mystery Marathon - Saturday on Hallmark Mystery - before his new Hallmark movie premieres Saturday night on the Hallmark Channel.

Hallmark Mystery Schedule - Saturday, August 8, 2026:

A Beautiful Place to Die: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 10am
Riddled with Deceit: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 12pm
Ships in the Night: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 2pm
Poisoned in Paradise: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery - 4pm


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Saturday, August 8, 2026:

Absolutely Devoted to You

( image via: Hallmark Media )

Storyline: An ambitious TV producer devises a brilliant plan to reunite a 90's boy band for an annual summer beach bash, but her idea is derailed when she falls for the band's reluctant lead singer.

Absolutely Devoted to You

Premieres Saturday, August 8, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, August 9, 2026:

Blue Ridge

Season 2, Episode 4

( images via: Gary Wheeler )

Episode 4: “Four-Rail Kick”

Sheriff Justin Wise's longtime childhood friend Bill Fraser unexpectedly comes to town for a visit, but he is not just here to see an old buddy. Bill is a pool hustler who has gotten behind on a gambling debt and he's running out of time to pay it off.

Guest starring in this episode is Sean Patrick Flanery (A Crush on You).

Blue Ridge

Season 2, Episode 4

Premieres Sunday, August 9, 2026

at 10pm/9c on INSP

Note: This series contains violence - not intended for young viewers.


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Have a great weekend, everyone! I'm going to be spending some special time with my family... we're soaking up these hot Summer days together and enjoying outdoor activities.

I'm hoping the new movie will be a fun one! Looking forward to watching it and hearing your reviews.

Blessings to you all!

Happy Watching,

Net

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SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"Oh sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth!"

~Psalm 96:1

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

 ( *click here to enlarge image* ) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Summer Sparks | Official Trailer | The Roku Channel

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A Week Away: The Series - Streaming through Angel Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


A Week Away: The Series | Official Trailer | Angel

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Bad Counselors - Currently in Theaters

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

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

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

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

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

Note: This movie is rated PG-13

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

Bad Counselors | OFFICIAL TRAILER:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings,

Net

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


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

Hallmark Channel's August 2026 Movie Premieres

Hallmark Channel announces its August movie lineup! Look for 5 new romantic comedies starring Torrey DeVitto, Will Kemp, Kimberley Sustad, Jesse Metcalfe, Ashley Williams, Niall Matter, Aimee Teegarden, Chris McNally, Rhiannon Fish, and Daniel Lissing!

Lots of familiar faces in this August premiere schedule. What do you think of these pairings?

Check out more details below...

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Toast to Italy

Premiere Date: August 1, 2026

Starring: Torrey DeVitto and Will Kemp

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

Movie Review:

🍇 Toast to Italy is a splendid movie! –Maria

🍇 A Toast to Italy – What a fun movie! There was just something so charming about this story, from the beautiful Italian setting to the delightful chemistry between Torrey DeVitto and Will Kemp as Jenny and Arrigo.

The two meet while they are both on a mission to track down a very special wine in Italy. Jenny takes a last-minute flight to Italy in hopes of finding her family’s treasured “love wine” to serve at her sister’s wedding. She worries that without it, the wedding could be cursed. This possible curse is mentioned several times throughout the movie, so I wanted to give you a little heads-up about that. However, I never took it too seriously and I got the impression that the characters didn’t truly believe in it. Not really. For Jenny, it seemed much more about the emotional connection and family history attached to it.

Arrigo, meanwhile, is searching for the wine for a very different reason- it’s connected to an important story he is working on. I really enjoyed watching Jenny and Arrigo follow the clues, travel around Italy, and meet various people along the way, including some who turn out to be related to Jenny’s family. That was really sweet.

However, I did have two issues with the story… I found it somewhat far-fetched that Jenny, who is a doctor, would take off so sporadically to travel to a foreign country without a really important reason, without even checking first with her replacement. It’s also unrealistic that a woman would risk flying to a foreign country days before her sister’s wedding and potentially miss the ceremony and other special moment’s days before.

And Will Kemp truly made this movie delightful! There’s just something about that twinkle in his eye that makes him so naturally charming. He brings such an easygoing warmth to Arrigo, and I found myself smiling whenever he was on screen. What a charmer!

One thing I did want to mention is that there are some scenes where the characters speak Italian, with the English translation appearing on the screen. So, be prepared to read a little quickly at times to keep up with the conversation and the story.

Overall, A Toast to Italy is a feel-good movie with romance, adventure, and, of course, a satisfying Hallmark happy ending! ~Net

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Absolutely Devoted to You

Premiere Date: August 8, 2026

Starring: Kimberley Sustad and Jesse Metcalfe

Storyline: An ambitious TV producer devises a brilliant plan to reunite a 90's boy band for an annual summer beach bash, but her idea is derailed when she falls for the band's reluctant lead singer.

Movie Reviews:

💕 Absolutely Devoted to You is a fun and family friendly movie. It's a little slow at first, but hang on. It's gets better....and the song and dance routine in the end was AMAZING! The movie is worth watching just to see that!! Kimberly and Jesse had great chemistry and I was a little concerned about that pairing. They both did a great job! ~Joyce in Carolina

💕 Absolutely Devoted to You - really fun movie! The wait to see if Jesse would do the show felt like forever, but the end was well worth it. Kimberley was great too! ~Allie B

💕 “Absolutely Devoted to You” was cute, but let’s be honest… it’s no “A Country Wedding!” That one is still hard to beat! 💕 ~Sarah L

💕 We finally got around to watching "Absolutely Devoted to You" and I have to say it was worth the wait! I laughed out loud, at Merrie. She was so funny! Watching her fan girl over Derrick was hysterical. I can relate, because I too, have been in her shoes. I think every single girl had a crush on someone in the music industry at one time in their life for certain. 🙂 Kimberley was her 'fabulous self' as always. She makes it look so easy and often find myself forgetting she is even acting. She is such a natural. And, it was so good to see Jesse back on my TV screen. He is a great actor and he had wonderful chemistry with Kimberley as well as the teenagers he mentored. His onscreen time with young Jordan was especially poignant. It was nice seeing Graham again in a movie. 🙂 We have watched him grow up, on Hallmark. He was very good in his role. Anyway, the final production scene was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this sweet movie. ~Joan

💕 Absolutely Devoted to You is just one of those movies that is light, easygoing, and a whole lot of fun. It’s the kind of movie you can sit back and enjoy… and before you know it, you’re smiling!!!

I really enjoyed the connection between Jesse Metcalfe and Kimberley Sustad as Derrick and Kaitlin. I thought they worked really well together, and I especially liked the deal they make.

Kaitlin promises to sell out the tickets for the community center’s variety show, where Derrick volunteers. If she pulls it off, Derrick agrees to reunite with his old boy band, Absolutely Yeah, for a reunion performance on the TV show Kaitlin produces. Of course, the big question is whether Derrick really plans to keep his promise!

One of my favorite parts was the group of young boys at the community center. They’re putting together their own boy-band-style performance for the variety show, and they’re so much fun to watch. They really care about Derrick and even get involved in a little matchmaking along the way. Their friendship with him is genuine and sweet.

Overall, this is just a cute, feel-good movie that’s easy to enjoy. I liked the romance, the humor, the music, and of course, the whole boy-band reunion storyline. It definitely hits the right notes without taking itself too seriously. The song at the end is very sweet, a joy to watch! So… did I enjoy this movie? Absolutely Yeah! ~Net

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Aussie at Heart

Premiere Date: August 15, 2026

Starring: Rhiannon Fish and Daniel Lissing

Storyline: Samara, a former lawyer now event planner, reunites with Nate, her ex‑coworker and rival, to plan a couple's anniversary in Queensland and begin to confront their past and fall for each other.

Movie Review:

💕 Aussie at Heart – This movie is sweet, mostly predictable, but still an enjoyable love story. Rhiannon Fish looked so cute in her French braids, perfect for a day on a boat. She and Daniel Lissing had really great chemistry together, too. I loved the celebration of her friend’s parents’ anniversary. Watching them relive their memories and talk about choosing each other was truly beautiful. Overall, it’s a pleasant, uplifting, family-friendly watch. ~Net

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I hope you all find a movie you'll look forward to seeing!

I posted the movie I'm most excited about in the comments below. Can't wait to hear your picks, too!

Happy Watching!

Net

🎄More Christmas Movies On The Way🎄 Hallmark Channel's Countdown To Christmas Begins In One More Day...

Can you feel the excitement? 

Hallmark's 

*Countdown to Christmas* 

is almost here!

Starting at 6am EST. TOMORROW, Friday, October 18, 2024, the Hallmark Channel kicks off its annual Christmas movie event with Christmas Waltz, starring Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp!

Other beloved Christmas classics air during the day on the Hallmark Channel, such as: The Christmas Cottage, Let it Snow, A Very Merry Mix Up, Christmas Next Door, Crown for Christmas, and more... all leading up to the first premiere, 'Twas the Date Before Christmas!

And if you enjoy the Christmas movies on Hallmark Mystery, too, I have even better news for you! Although the network says their launch into Miracles of Christmas is officially tomorrow, the schedule says otherwise. Two Christmas movies will air TONIGHT, leading into Christmas classics airing from then on throughout the holiday season 24/7 around-the-clock!

The first Christmas movie airing on Hallmark Mystery tonight, Thursday, October 17th, at 8pm EST., is Christmas at Grand Valley, starring Danica McKellar and Brennan Elliott.

Christmas movie classics that follow on Hallmark Mystery include: The Christmas Promise, A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas, A Joyous Christmas, To All a Good Night, A Homecoming for the Holidays, A Veteran's Christmas, and more!

Be sure to set your DVRs now for all of the Christmas movies you most want to see! I personally see so many favorites that I love... Christmas Waltz, Christmas Next Door, Crown for Christmas, A Joyous Christmas, A Veteran's Christmas, and so many more! Hallmark really is beginning this weekend with some of their best! Which ones do you most want to see or record?

Stay tuned for my weekend post tomorrow, which highlights all of the NEW Christmas movies airing this weekend!

Have a Blessed, Merry Day!

Net🎄