🍁 Welcome Fall, Y'all, And New Movie Premieres 🍁 SEE HERE:

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

Even though we've had a lot of Christmas movie news lately, we are presently saying goodbye to Summer and officially welcoming in Autumn, as the new season arrives Sunday, September 22nd!

Our weather has felt more like Summer lately with temps in the 90's! Are you all still experiencing hot weather, too?

To make it feel more like Autumn, grab a pumpkin spice latte, a warm apple cider, or your favorite Fall drink and snacks, and enjoy the new movies!

Both Great American Family and the Hallmark Channel will premiere new movies this weekend. See details on those, and I highlight some of the best classic movies airing this weekend below.

Plus, I have some extra fun news for those of you who have Instagram! Keep on scrolling down for details!


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Saturday, September 21, 2024:

Love at the Ranch

Storyline: Sparks fly between a big-city reporter and a ranch owner as she researches the life of the romance novelist that inspired her love for writing.

Love at the Ranch

Premieres Saturday, September 21, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

Note: I have seen Love at the Ranch via some streaming source, and I recall it being a sweet, family-friendly film. It's nice to see this delightful romantic-comedy finally find a home on Great American Family.


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Saturday, September 21, 2024:

Falling Together

Storyline: Natalie (Williams) just relocated to Pittsburgh for work and is eager to become part of her new town. While exploring her surroundings, she comes across the perfect opportunity for involvement and joins the Walk to End Alzheimer's as a volunteer. Meanwhile, at home, her efforts to bring the building residents together as a community have fallen flat, and Mark (Campbell), the prickly super, advises her to leave well enough alone. As the two spend time together while Natalie continues her quest to win over her neighbors, she and Mark become close and a spark begins to grow. But just when it looks like building harmony has been restored, things unexpectedly unravel. Disheartened, Natalie focuses her time and energy on the Walk which just may be the path to healing and happily ever after.

Falling Together

Premieres Saturday, September 21, 2024

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

Please Note: I haven't pre-screened this movie. If you'd like to share a review, please do so in comments below.


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Programming Notes:

(Highlighting some of the best movie classics airing this weekend)


Great American Family:

Saturday - Prescription for Love, Romance at the Vineyard, The Winter Palace
Sunday - Swing into Romance, The Abigail Mysteries, The Engagement Plan


Hallmark Channel:

Saturday - The Sweetest Heart, The Perfect Catch, His & Hers
Sunday - Winter Castle, Autumn Dreams, A Harvest Wedding, Guiding Emily


Hallmark Mystery:

Saturday - Ruby Herring Mysteries marathon
Sunday - Murder, She Wrote movie marathon


Hallmark Family:

Saturday and Sunday - The Little House on the Prairie marathon honoring 50 years of the series continues throughout the weekend.


Merit Street:

See classic Great American Family movies on Merit Street-
Saturday- Nothing is Impossible, Romance at the Vineyard
Sunday- This Little Love of Mine, Passport to Love


UPtv:

Saturday - Writing a Love Song, Country Hearts, The Cowboy and the Movie Star
Sunday - Love Upstream, Mr. Write



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Something fun...

For those of you on Instagram, be sure to follow (if you don't already) my movie friend, Brad Deiter, on his IG page: @positivelybrad.

Brad recently hosted trivia challenges and interviews for 90s con, which featured stars from Full House, 7th Heaven, Family Matters, Brotherly Love, and other television series, and now he has something special planned for the Christmas season!


Here's the scoop directly from Brad:

"Christmas came early this year!

I am so excited to announce that I will be helping to make your Christmas even more MERRY AND BRIGHT as I am joined by some of your (and my) favorite Christmas movie stars!

Join us here on Instagram live as we discuss their favorite holiday traditions, newest projects, play some trivia, and hear about their favorite charities!

❓Any guesses as to who might be joining me?❓

I will be announcing each guest over the new few weeks (and the dates of each live video). I will also open up the comment section for questions!"



Spoiler Alert!!! Brad gave me an exclusive spoiler that one of the interviews he will be doing is with Jen Lilley, so you'll definitely want to follow him on his IG page, @positivelybrad, to see that and see more surprises coming throughout the Christmas season!

Also, while you are on Instagram, be sure to say hello to me here: @itsawonderfulmovieblog. I just started IG at the end of April, so I'm still learning new things. If you have any special tips, please share!


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I hope you all enjoy the new TV movies this weekend. My DVR is set for both movies, even though I've seen Love at the Ranch. I recall it being an enjoyable watch, so I'm looking forward to seeing it again on Great American Family. Please share your movie pick in comments below.

Falling Together is a movie that highlights Alzheimer's disease. World Alzheimer's Day is recognized every year on September 21st, which is this Saturday. Due to the movie's theme, for some, this movie may be uplifting, and for others, this movie may be difficult to watch. I know many of you who visit here have shared (in comments beneath this post) that you have seen someone in your family or a friend go through this. I have seen the same with someone in my family; it is extremely hard and challenging, but we had special, wonderful moments, too, and I would never exchange that time we shared for anything in this world.

Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new movie, Falling Together. If you'd like to post a review on whether this film is family-friendly after it premieres, please share in comments.

As we transition from Summer to Autumn...

Have a Blessed Weekend, Everyone,

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way 

you will fulfill the law of Christ."

~ Galatians 6:2

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings

 of the weak and not to please ourselves."

~ Romans 15:1

"Therefore encourage one another 

and build each other up, 

just as in fact you are doing."

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Great American Family Reveals September and Early October 2024 Movie Lineup 🍁 SEE HERE:

Fall in love this September on Great American Family with four rom-com Cable TV movie premieres.

Plus, look for an all-new mystery premiere in October.

See details below...


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The Engagement Plan

Premiere date: September 7, 2024

Starring: Jack Schumacher, Ted McGinley, Mia Pollini, Eva La Rue, Emily Topper, Eric Lutz, Judd Nelson and Faith Ford

Storyline: In The Engagement Plan, Wade (Schumacher) has a plan for everything! Wade’s plan to propose to his girlfriend, Kayla (Pollini) may be the crowning achievement of plans. With a 3-carat diamond ring in tow and reservations booked at the Waldorf for his parents, Dash and Margot, (LaRue, Nelson) and Kayla’s parents, Ed and Mama Marilyn (McGinley, Ford), Wade marvels at the absolute perfection of his engagement plan. Until his plan hits a dead end on a dirt road, a country road. Kayla changes the plan to have Wade meet at her family’s farm to help her mom and dad, whose cow is expecting a calf any day. Dressed in business best, Wade – a fish out of water – has an unexpected – and definitely an unplanned encounter with a family who is not convinced he is right for Kayla. Then Wade meets her ex-boyfriend who tries to prove it.

Movie Review:

🍁 The Engagement Plan – This heartwarming film is family-friendly and filled with faith!

Wade, a financial analyst, thinks he has his whole life figured out according to his plan, but when he visits his girlfriend Kayla’s family at their farm, he steps out of his comfortable city shoes, and begins to learn in a deeper way the wisdom in the words from Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

While Kayla’s parents aren’t sure if Wade is the right man for their daughter to marry, Wade is determined to prove them wrong.

The setting of this film on a family farm near harvest time is such a beautiful backdrop for this story. It was wonderful to see the way Kayla’s family trusted in and leaned on The Lord, in the big and simple things.

Some of the comedy is a bit silly and, perhaps, outlandish at times, but it made me laugh, so I hope it does the same for you. The faith elements to the story far outweigh any of the silly antics.

The entire cast is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing veteran actors: Eva LaRue, Judd Nelson, Faith Ford, and Ted McGinley portray Wade and Kayla’s parents. Since Faith and Ted have worked together before, on the sitcom “Hope & Faith” and the movies: “Karen Kingsbury’s The Bridge,” Part One and Two, it was plain to see their natural ease with portraying husband and wife. I was also touched by the biblical wisdom they imparted to both Kayla and Wade.

The lead actor, Jack Schumacher, who portrayed Wade, was, in my opinion, the star of the movie. Whether he was humorous or serious, his performances were excellent throughout. My favorite scene of Jack’s was a quiet moment of reflection and rejection where he talks to God as he's looking around the farm and quotes from the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… He maketh me to lie down in green pastures… He restores my soul.” Wade freely admits at a low moment in his life he needs his soul restored.

“The Engagement Plan” is a lighthearted, uplifting, and inspiring movie ideal for all ages. I pray it encourages many to grow and flourish in their faith. ~Net

🍁 The Engagement Plan was as great as I anticipated. I hope we see the guy that played Wade in more GAF movies. ~Anonymous

🍁 Loved The Engagement Plan! –Maria

🍁 Before I leave for church, I wanted to let you know we ended up watching The Engagement Plan and enjoyed hearing all of the scripture references. Amazing job, Great American Family! The world needs more movies like this. -Trish

🍁 It was great seeing Faith and Ted together again. GAF should pair them again in a Christmas movie or something. ~Anonymous

🍁 The Engagement Plan had it all.The cast was great and it was genius casting Faith Ford and Ted McGinley in another movie together as husband and wife. The Pure Flix movies have all been so good and have all been the best movies airing on Saturday night, ~Anonymous

🍁 "The Engagement Plan" was another winner! It was funny, heartfelt and an all around lovely movie. I got a kick out of seeing Eva, Judd, Faith and Ted altogether. I absolutely adored the leading man. He reminded me so much of a young Timothy Hutton. And, yes, I am showing my age by saying that. :-) But, seriously the male lead was the best thing about the movie. He was charming and I would love to see him again on GAF. ~Joan





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Love's Second Act

Starring: Jodie Sweetin and Tilky Jones

Premiere date: Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 8/7c

Storyline: Jamie, portrayed by Jodie Sweetin, is an aspiring filmmaker, who heads back to her hometown for some inspiration. She finds it in ex-boyfriend, Nick, played by Tilky Jones, who still works at the small-town movie theater where they both first fell in love.


Movie Reviews:

🎬 Love’s Second Act – (streamed on Great American Pure Flix)

This is a lighthearted, family-friendly rom-com. The movie was a little slow for me, at times, but it was still a nice watch. It’s the standard story of a woman ,Jamie, played by Jodie Sweetin ("Full House," "Craft Me a Romance," "The Jane Mysteries") who leaves her hometown years ago, then returns and reconnects with her family and her childhood sweetheart, Nick, played by Tilky Jones ("Christmas Love Letter," "The Charm of Love").

Of course, the family business, the local theater, is also in danger of being sold by Nick’s father (played by George Wendt, famously known as Norm on the sitcom, "Cheers"). The theater is a special memorable place for Nick and Jamie, where they worked together as teenagers.

Overall, it is a pleasant, feel-good movie with a happy ending.

A side note for "Full House" fans… I thought it was kind of funny that Jodie played the older sister, and her sister’s name, of all names, was Stephanie.

I wonder if "Love’s Second Act" might be one of the movies we’ll see on Great American Family later this Summer or early Fall. (Update: I wrote this review on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and my hunch was right! I'm glad more viewers will have a chance to view this movie, if they like, on Great American Family.) ~Net

🎬 Love's second act is okay. -Maria

🎬 I watched the movie. It was pretty good. I think the lead actress wasn't the best fit. Still better than not Jodie Sweetin movies. ~Misty

🎬  Love’s Second Act - I LOVED this movie! Jodie Sweetin and Tilky Jones are a perfect pairing. The story was different, and the plot held enticing hints of what lay ahead. Beautifully written, acted, and directed. I would give it 3 1/2 stars, not perfect, but very near it! 👏👏👏👏 ~aunt_di_77


🎬 Love's Second Act

I think Net has more or less covered all there is to say about this movie. Standard Rom.Com fare which you will have seen many times over. I'm not the biggest fan of Jodie Sweetin nor do I dislike her but I though she and Tilby Jones who although somewhat easygoing combined quite well together

*SPOILERS*

It's one of those where you have to suspend belief - how could the theatre possibly have survived to date, , where did the money come from to buy a new popcorn machine,, the miraculous "saving" of the theatre, Jamie presenting her manuscript which she had returned home to complete to her agent on time etc.

END *SPOILERS*

The secondary cast was fine except for Nick's father who was a ridiculous character.

Taking all this together it shouldn't have worked and I agree it was slow moving at times but maybe because it was my favourite theme of "lovers reunited" I somewhat surprisingly have to say I actually enjoyed it - Florence's rating 7


🎬 Love’s Second Act - It is a hard pass for me! This movie was more than slow it was boring and plain awful. The set seemed so generic and so was the storyline. ~Anonymous


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Love at the Ranch

Premiere date: September 21, 2024

Starring: Laura Mitchell and Jon Cor

Storyline: Sparks fly between a big-city reporter and a ranch owner as she researches the life of the romance novelist that inspired her love for writing.


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Mystery By the Book

Previous title: Key to Love

Starring: Alicia Dea Josipovic and Corey Sevier

Premieres: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Storyline: A bookstore owner (Sevier) is in a difficult relationship with a book cover model (Josipovic) until an antique key found in a false book unlocks their romance.

Movie Reviews:

📖 Mystery by the Book – (I streamed this movie on Great American Pure Flix)

This romantic-comedy is lighthearted, sweet, and endearing. Some of the story is somewhat predictable, but that’s part of the charm that made this movie such an enjoyable watch.

Corey Sevier, who is well-known for a number of TV movies, including “Noel Next Door,” “Everything Christmas,” “Northern Lights of Christmas,” etc… is the true star of this movie, with his portrayal of Josh, an architect and book cover model. His charming personality shined through, as it always does. I felt Corey Sevier was the glue that held this movie together.

In the beginning, I wasn’t certain about the chemistry between Josh and Samantha, who owns and runs the local book store. Samantha and her friend, Brittany, sometimes act like giddy teenagers; however, in spite of that, I still found the movie to be heartwarming and amusing.

It was delightful to watch Josh and Samantha search through Josh’s grandfather’s estate attempting to find a hidden treasure. I especially enjoyed seeing them play dress-up with his grandparent’s clothing and accessories.

Some parts of the movie may be a bit unrealistic, perhaps, but “Mystery by the Book” is a relaxing, family-friendly rom-com that isn’t overly serious, and it leaves you smiling and feeling good inside. ~Net

📖 Review: Mystery By the Book -
Family-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Yes -

In short, this is a very entertaining movie that held my interest from beginning to end. I felt that the movie shined whenever Alicia and Corey were on the screen together - the chemistry was right-on. The ending that dealt with the contents of the box was nicely done. The only drawback for me, which Net also mentions in her review, was the friend Brittany - she acts like a giddy immature teenage, and I cringed whenever she was on. (She's not the best actress, either.) But this aside, it's a fun movie, and worth at least a watch.~Mark 25

📖 Mystery by the Book is fantastic! ~Maria

📖 Loved Mystery By The Book! ~kit kat



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Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker

Starring: Candace Cameron Bure, Aaron Ashmore, and Robin Dunne

Premieres: Saturday, October 5, 2024

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

Movie Review:

🔎 "The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker"

*NO SPOILERS*

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

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

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

Throughout the film, I felt little hints, here and there, of the Aurora Teagarden Mystery and the early years of Murder, She Baked. Much like Aurora, Ainsley has her own group of crime-solving friends, who have made their own club, and like Murder, She Baked, this new Ainsley McGregor Mystery has a warm, tight-knit community feel to it. Instead of having a cat, however, like Hannah Swensen, Ainsley’s most loyal companion is George, her adorable dog, who everyone loves.

As for the mystery, my family and I had a strong suspicion about who the culprit was, which ended up being correct, but that didn’t take away from our enjoyment of the movie at all.

One of the many aspects I thoroughly enjoyed was the wonderful community in Sweet River, which mostly centered on Ainsley’s business – Bless Your Arts, a marketplace for local artisans, including: artists, woodworkers, winemakers, jewelry designers, weavers, and all sorts of locally handcrafted work.

Aaron Ashmore was charming and endearing as Jake Trenton, the Sweet River Fire Chief and Ainsley’s friend and potential love interest, while Robin Dunne was the perfect choice to play Ainsley’s brother, Ryan. It’s obvious Robin and Candace have a wonderful rapport in real life, which translates well on the screen as the two portray siblings who often tease but love each other immensely.

Candace was fantastic as the film’s lead, Ainsley McGregor, who… try as she might, can’t resist crime-solving, even if it means danger for herself. In her debut as this new character, Candace hits every mark with perfection—on the personal, professional, and sleuthing side—as we learn more about who Ainsley is and why she has returned home.

This introduction movie to Ainsley McGregor was such a delightful watch; I look forward to re-watching it and the subsequent mysteries to come. (By the way, a second movie was recently filmed, "The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker.")

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker is a fun, cozy mystery, and I’m looking forward to more sleuthing with Ainsley and the town of Sweet River! ~Net

🔎 We loved the new Ainsley mystery. My daughter fell in love with George. It was nice how they incorporated him into the whole movie. We can’t wait to see the next one next year. Christie

🔎 It was pretty awful😬And I love Candace Bure’. The writing was subpar and there was absolutely no rapport between Bure’s character and anyone else. Very disappointed. She should have stayed at Hallmark and continued with the Aurora Teagarden mysteries. I won’t be tuning in for anymore Ainsley… ~Anonymous

🔎 The 'Ainsley McGregor' movie was highly entertaining. We really enjoyed the storyline, the mystery and the acting. I have to admit, it was jarring at first getting used to Robin as a sibling instead of love interest for Candace. :-) But, their sibling relationship was believable. We are already looking forward to the next installment. :-) ~Joan

🔎 I throughly enjoyed the CCB mystery. We were introduced to some quirky but lovely members of the community. The only drawback was the actor portraying Jake. His personality just doesn’t counter CCB character. I don’t see him as a supporting character to CCB. I guess I will get use to him. -Gabe’s Mom

🔎 Ainsley - It has major similarities, another murder, solving group disguised as a book club. Nothing different here. ~Anonymous

🔎 A Case for the Winemaker is excellent! I look forward to the next movie coming next year! :) -Maria

🔎 I agree that this had an Aurora Teagarden feel to it. It was nice to see a cozy mystery again, having given up on everything Hallmark a couple years ago due to their capitulation to the alphabet mafia.

Not terribly exciting, but not everything has to be. Very limited number of possible suspects, so figuring out the killer (if not the real villain) was not difficult, but it's a start, and there's room for growth -- it's going to be a series, and not a one-off, so that's good.~Glornt

🔎 I thought the movie was better than most on GAF. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next episode. ~GB



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If you've seen any of these movies via Great American Pure Flix or another streaming source, please share your thoughts in comments below.

I have seen Love at the Ranch via some streaming source and I recall it being a sweet, family-friendly film. It was supposed to air on UPtv awhile back, but schedules were changed and this movie was removed from their lineup. It's nice to see this delightful romantic-comedy finally find a home on Great American Family.

You can also read my reviews above for the other Great American Pure Flix movies I've seen.

Please share in comments below which of these movies above you are looking forward to seeing this September/October on Great American Family!

Happy movie-watching!

Net

UPtv Announces January and February 2024 Movies & Programming -->>

Things are looking UP in 2024 on UPtv!

The channel will premiere new movies on Sunday nights in 2024 and the Hudson and Rex series (that was previously exclusive to UP's streamer, UP Faith & Family), will air Thursdays on the network.


UPtv PREMIERE JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2024 TITLES


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Hudson & Rex — Premieres Thursday, January 4 at 8 p.m ET

Hudson & Rex features dedicated Detective Charlie Hudson and his extraordinary German Shepherd partner Rex as they resolve complex cases each week with the help of Dr. Sarah Truong, techie Jesse Mills and Superintendent Joe Donovan in the seaside metropolis of St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Stars: John Reardon, Myko Nguyen


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Romantic Friction — Premieres Sunday, January 7 at 7 p.m ET

Storyline: Book-cover artist Lea pretends to be the elusive author of a hit romance novel that was secretly written by snobbish literary novelist Michael. She doesn’t expect to find love herself.

Stars: Julie Roy, Brandon Santana

Movie Review:

💕 * FYI - This movie has a gay character who is a roommate and friend to the lead girl in the movie. ~Net




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Love on Retreat — Premieres Sunday, January 14 at 7 p.m ET

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.

Stars: Ansley Gordon, Jonathan Stoddard


Movie Reviews:

💕 Love on Retreat was ‘all kinds of awful’. My husband and I did not enjoy the movie at all. We turned it off after about fifteen minutes. ~Joan

💕 Joan, totally agree with you and your husband. I made it about 15-20 minutes into Love on Retreat before hitting the delete button. ~ Jane

💕 Love on Retreat was so cozy! –Maria


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The Love Advisor — Premieres Sunday, January 21 at 7 p.m ET

Storyline: When a lowly assistant who has secretly been writing the love advice for her boss’s podcast finds out her favorite journalist is a fan of the show, she’ll have to decide if love is worth risking her career for.

Stars: Rachel Vallori, Tyler Harlow

Movie Reviews:

💕 The Love Advisor was too boring for me, chose to rewatch A Winter Wedding on GAF instead. -Maria



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My Perfect Romance — Premieres Sunday, January 28 at 7 p.m ET

*Note: this movie is from 2018.

Storyline: Robinson Tech is launching a new dating service, but when its CEO, Wes Robinson and tech developer, Vivian Blair are challenged on Live TV to test the service themselves, the algorithm shows some interesting results.

Stars: Kimberly-Sue Murray, Chrisopher Russell

Move Review:

💕 My Perfect Romance / Romance with a Twist - This past weekend's movie's were not my cup of tea. I tried watching both the Hallmark and the UP-TV movie but neither one held my interest. I watched most of the Hallmark movie but I only got through about fifteen minutes of the UP-TV movie. Holding out hope next week's movies are better. ~Joan



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UPDATE: The schedule below is now confirmed for February, 2024...


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Baked with a Kiss — Premieres Sunday, February 4 at 7 p.m ET

Peyton Hilliard's pastry shop, Peyton's Pastries, has a reputation for making dreams come true. With names like Best Day Ever, Big Promotion, and Bun in the Oven, her desserts often deliver on what they promise. Folks say if you go to Peyton's shop and tell her your problems or your dreams, she always has the best advice and the perfect treat to make things right. Archer Brooks is one of Peyton's most difficult clients, but she can't afford to offend him, because he runs one of the largest event planning companies in town. To try and get on his good side, Peyton gives him a pie she tells him she baked "just for him." This one is called Sweet Success, but in the craziness of the moment, Peyton accidentally gives Archer her special, souped up True Love pie instead. Peyton is totally confused when a very different Archer walks through her bakery door the next day. He's so kind and complimentary. It's only when Archer asks for another slice of her delicious honey lavender pie that Peyton realizes her mistake. Meanwhile, Peyton has been vying, along with several other bakeries in town, to provide pastries for the Starlight Ball, a massive gala attended by the city's elite. Archer is on the planning committee and tells Peyton that she's pretty much in for the gig. This is exactly what Peyton hoped for, but she can't help but wonder if this great opportunity and her newfound relationship with Archer will succeed.

Stars: Ansley Gordon, Jonathan Stoddard


Movie Review:

❤️ Baked with a Kiss – (UP sent me a screener for this, and like a good dessert, I couldn’t resist!) Baked with a Kiss is sooo sweet! Literally! Peyton Hilliard (played by Ansley Gordon) owns a bakery, and she bakes everything from the heart, adding in a little extra love like her grandmother taught her. Her sweets and baked goods are even known, like her grandmother’s, to have a little magic in them, which makes Peyton wonder if Archer Brooks (played by Jonathan Goddard) is truly falling for her or if her grandmother’s special *true love pie* made him attracted to her. I don’t think the magic part is real, but it’s just something fun that people believe in.

This movie is very family-friendly and wholesome! I loved Peyton’s lovely pastel tops, headbands, and floral aprons; her personality was also beaming, as she was always bright and cheerful. Her co-worker, Riley, is always so helpful and encouraging, and she’s a bit mysterious. Another great touch was how nice and supportive Peyton's parents are, too.

This movie is a delightful romantic-comedy for a girl’s gathering on Galentine’s Day, for couples on Valentine’s Day, or anyone – on any day!!! This is the sort of movie that leaves you with a smile on your face and hungry for a sweet treat! Baked with a Kiss is sugar and spice and everything nice! ~Net

❤️ My husband and I watched 'Baked with a Kiss' last night and oh my gosh it was the sweetest movie! It was a great recommendation, from you. I enjoy movies that are filmed in the actual location where they are set. Always a nice touch. And, Ansley was just so adorable as Peyton. Her deep friendship, with her co-worker, was endearing. All in all, a very nice movie. I would definitely watch it again! Thanks again for the recommendation. ~Joan

❤️ Baked with a Kiss is so delightful! –Maria

❤️ UPtv’s “Baked with a Kiss” is my kind of rom-com – lighthearted, entertaining, funny, and inspiring. I’m quickly becoming a big fan of Ansley Gordon too - she’s adorable in this movie. ~MPT


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Love by Design — Premieres Sunday, February 11 at 7 p.m ET

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.

Stars: Jackie Moore, Joey Lawrence

Movie Reviews:

❤️ 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

❤️ Well, my husband and I attempted to watch the other two movies (Love & Jane and 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. And, I wanted to like the other movie (Love by Design) but the lead actress was terrible. Simply terrible! Oh well, at least we had "Passport to Love" which was a gem! ~Joan



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Romance in Hawaii — Premieres Sunday, February 18 at 7 p.m ET

Leah, a successful but dissatisfied executive, discovers the missing passion from her life when she starts taking hula dance lessons from handsome local Ikaika.

Stars: Kelley Jackle, Cedric Jonathan

Movie Reviews:

❤️ Romance in Hawaii is so beautiful! -Maria

❤️ UPtvs “Romance in Hawaii” is family-friendly and entertaining. Kelley Jakle is charming in her role as a real estate developer on assignment in Hawaii, who finds romance after being captivated by and learning hula dancing. She even sings a duet with her love interest played by Cedric Jonathan. Beautiful Hawaiian scenery and a fun story made this one a keeper. Aloha! ~MPT

❤️ Romance in Hawaii was so cute. The scenery was wonderful as was the music and dancing which was very heartfelt and moving. My husband cried! Decent chemistry between the leads. ~Joan



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The Soulmate Search — Premieres Sunday, February 25 at 7 p.m ET

When Lindsay gets the chance to sign up to the notoriously exclusive dating service Eternity, she clashes with Will, her first date. They mutually agree this dating service has been a complete bust and make a deal to get their money back.

Stars: Alexandra Harris, Jonathan Stoddard


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Please share your thoughts on the movies above, and if you've seen one (or more!), I would love to hear your review, too.

Blessings in 2024!

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