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Showing posts with label Will Kemp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Will Kemp. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

"Seeking Persephone" Review - Plus Sequel News!




I usually focus mainly on sharing TV movies here at It’s a Wonderful Movie, but every now and then, a story comes along that is simply too delightful not to mention - and this is one of them!

First, I must ask, have you heard of, or perhaps already watched, Seeking Persephone? If you have, then I have exciting news for you… Seasons 2 and 3 are on the way, with Courting Miss Lancaster and Romancing Daphne continuing the series!


However, if Seeking Persephone is new to you, I will gladly introduce you to this charming period drama from Candlelight Media Group. Released on March 1, 2026, the four-episode adaptation of Sarah M. Eden’s novel is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Peacock, Angel, etc. And if you don't mind a few random commercial interruptions, the series can currently be streamed for free on the Roku Channel and Tubi.



With its Jane Austen Regency feel, wholesome storytelling, and even a familiar Hallmark connection (Will Kemp has a supporting role!), I was already intrigued. Once I discovered the series was family-friendly, I knew I simply had to give it a watch!

In addition to Will Kemp, Seeking Persephone stars Ryann Bailey, Jake Stormoen, and Toby-Alexander Smith.

And I'm happy to say, I enjoyed this series very much!

I watched Seeking Persephone this spring expecting a pleasant period romance, and the series did not disappoint. There is a definite Beauty and the Beast quality woven into the story, as Persephone, a lovely protective eldest sister determined to save her family from poverty, agrees to a marriage of convenience with a man who is somewhat of a recluse.

The romance between Persephone and Adam is a true slow burn. In the beginning, you may find yourself wondering how on earth these two could ever fall in love. In fact, it feels “ridiculous,” which happens to be one of Adam’s favorite words. But by the end, you may find yourself quite invested in their unlikely romance - and perhaps even longing for a little more.



And then there is Harry.

Adam’s dearest friend is one of the great delights of the series. Loyal, mischievous, and endlessly encouraging, Harry seems determined to make sure his friend finds some happiness, even if that means teasing him mercilessly about his new marriage and taking a rather keen interest in his love life, while being a bachelor himself.



Adam, meanwhile, prefers to behave as though he requires neither companionship nor assistance. A physical abnormality has caused him to retreat from society and the prying eyes of others, and his rather bullish nature certainly doesn't make him the most likable character. But Harry sees past all of that. He accepts his friend exactly as he is, and their friendship is one of the warmest threads running through the story.

Naturally, when Harry’s life is in danger, Adam proves that beneath that guarded exterior lies a man willing to risk everything for someone he loves.

Meanwhile, Persephone must learn to navigate her new life as mistress of the expansive Falstone Castle, far from the comfort and companionship of her family. And if there is one thing she is decidedly not fond of, it is the wolves prowling around the castle walls and their ominous howls echoing through the night!

Still, Persephone is not one to remain confined to her chambers. She gradually begins making the most of her new surroundings, venturing out during the day and even taking riding lessons. Little by little, Falstone begins to feel less like a lonely exile and more like home.



Seeking Persephone is a wholesome, romantic, and entertaining period drama with beautiful scenery, a gentle slow-burn romance, and characters who are easy to grow fond of. If you enjoy stories with a Regency-era atmosphere, unlikely romances, loyal friendships, a little drama, and adventures, then this is a series you’ll want to add to your watchlist!

Caution: While the series is wholesome overall, there are a few scenes involving violence, including men arguing and a particularly bloody injury.

If you enjoy period dramas and have Roku, be sure to search for Seeking Persephone and give it a try, while it is currently available to watch free with ads. And if you prefer viewing without commercial interruptions, you can also rent or purchase the series through Amazon.

And for those of you who love reading, you may want to check out Sarah M. Eden’s book series that inspired the screen adaptation...




If you've read these books or seen the Seeking Persephone series, I would love to hear your thoughts in comments below.

Happy watching!
Net

SEEKING PERSEPHONE | Official Trailer:




Friday, July 31, 2026

You're Invited -- A Royal Wedding, A Trip to Italy, New Mystery in Blue Ridge, & More


 ( click here to enlarge image ) 


Happy first weekend of August, friends!🌻

If you haven't heard the news, Christmas in July isn't quite over for Great American Family and Great American Faith & Living, who are extending the Christmas movie fun for one more weekend!

But if you’re ready for a little change of scenery, there are also some fun non-holiday rom-coms premiering this weekend on both Great American Family and the Hallmark Channel. And I have to say, both movies sound like the perfect little summer escape!

On the Hallmark Channel, Toast to Italy takes us all the way to the lovely setting of Italy, where Jenny travels to find something special for her sister’s wedding and crosses paths with Arrigo.

Over on Great American Family, A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding brings us back to a familiar royal romance with the third movie in this delightful trilogy. Prince Alexander is ready to marry Olivia, but an old law threatens to stand in the way of their happily-ever-after.

And then Sunday night brings us another thrilling mystery on INSP with Blue Ridge: The Series! This week’s all-new episode takes us into the woods when a kidnapping puts our favorite characters right in the middle of another dangerous case.

So, whether you’re still soaking up the Christmas movies, ready for a trip to Italy, in the mood for a little Royal romance, or looking for some suspense, there’s plenty to watch this weekend!

See all of the details below...



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Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Will Kemp 
Mini-Movie Marathon
image: Hallmark Channel

Hallmark Channel - Saturday night:
(times in Eastern Standard Time)

Love, Romance, & Chocolate ... 6pm
Toast to Italy ... 8pm *NEW
Royal Matchmaker ... 10pm



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



Saturday, August 1, 2026:



image: Hallmark Channel


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.

Premieres Saturday, August 1, 2026
at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel


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



Saturday, August 1, 2026:



image: Great American Media


Storyline: Prince Alexander (Mitchell Bourke) is ready to marry Olivia (Rhiannon Fish), a commoner. But when a bitter lord invokes ancient laws to block the union, Olivia, a romance writer, stumbles upon a hidden diary tucked within an old volume of history, revealing a long-lost truth that may be the key to saving her happily ever after royalty.

Premieres Saturday, August 1, 2026
at 8pm/7c on Great American Family


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Saturday, August 1st - Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Christmas Movie Classics
continue on Great American Family
and Great American Faith & Living


image: Great American Media


See the weekend schedule:

Saturday, August 1, 2026:

Let it Snow ... Great American Family ... 12am
Coupled up for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
12 Games of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
I'm Glad it's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4am
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
Christmas at the Inn ... Great American Family ... 6am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Family ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Little Women's Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
My Favorite Christmas Tree ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
The Trouble with Mistletoe ... Great American Family ... 12pm
Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
Another Sweet Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Destined at Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Royal Christmas Holiday ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
Chasing Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Journey to Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Christmas Castle Proposal ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
Christmas Under the Northern Lights ... Great American Family ... 10pm
A Royal Christmas on Ice ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm


Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Twas the Text Before Christmas ... Great American Family ... 12am
Crown Prince of Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Belgian Chocolate Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Call Me Mrs. Miracle ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Designing Christmas with You ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Cozy Christmas Quilt ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am
The Great Christmas Switch ... Great American Family ... 6am
Let it Snow ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6am
A Dash of Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8am
Aisle Be Home for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8am
A Vintage Christmas ... Great American Family ... 10am
Pencil Me in for Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10am
My Christmas Hero ... Great American Family ... 12pm
A Royal Christmas Ballet ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12pm
A Christmas Blessing ... Great American Family ... 2pm
Christmas by Candlelight ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2pm
Jingle Bell Princess ... Great American Family ... 4pm
A Wisconsin Christmas Pie ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4pm
A Lot Like Christmas ... Great American Family ... 6pm
Designing Christmas With You ... Great American Faith & Living ... 6pm
A Kindhearted Christmas ... Great American Family ... 8pm
Christmas Keepsake ... Great American Faith & Living ... 8pm
A Cinderella Christmas Ball ... Great American Family ... 10pm
Christmas at Mistletoe Manor ... Great American Faith & Living ... 10pm


Monday, August 3, 2026:

A Christmas Prayer ... Great American Family ... 12am
A Royal Icing Christmas ... Great American Faith & Living ... 12am
A Hot Cocoa Christmas ... Great American Family ... 2am
Peppermint and Postcards ... Great American Faith & Living ... 2am
Christmas Sweethearts ... Great American Family ... 4am
A Royal Christmas Tail ... Great American Faith & Living ... 4am



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Sunday, August 2, 2026:

Johnathon Schaech and Teagan Burns
image credit: Gary Wheeler

Episode 3: “Out of the Woods”

A father-daughter camping trip turns treacherous when Sheriff Justin Wise and Maddie accidentally discover the hideout of several dangerous drug dealers.


Season 2, Episode 3
Premieres Sunday, August 2, 2026
at 10pm/9c. on INSP

*Please note: This series contains violence - not for young viewers.



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I hope you all have a great weekend, whether you're watching one of the new premieres or a Christmas classic!

As always, I'd love to hear which movies you'll be watching and which one you're most excited to see. And if you'd like to share a movie review, we'd love to hear from you.

I was planning to watch A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding early, but it just didn't work out with my schedule this week. So I'm hoping that, since we are having a rainy weekend, I'll get the chance to stay in and watch. I heard from a friend who did watch it early on PureFlix, and she loved it! So, hopefully, we'll all enjoy it, too!


Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Net



SHINING HIS LIGHT

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”


~Colossians 3:12-15


Thursday, July 2, 2026

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...



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



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



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




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.



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




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.




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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


Thursday, October 17, 2024

🎄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🎄


Thursday, September 19, 2024

🌟 HALLMARK MYSTERY'S 2024 Christmas Movies 🌟 SEE HERE:



'Tis the Season for Christmas movies on Hallmark Mystery!

See all of the details below...

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This Time Each Year

Premieres: Thursday, October 24, 2024

Starring: Alison Sweeney and Niall Matter

Storyline: Lauren (Sweeney) and Kevin (Matter) were once deeply in love but nearly a year after their separation, they now focus on co-parenting their young son Charlie (Ezra Wilson). Despite the split, Kevin is determined to make their family whole again. Before Lauren’s mother (Laura Soltis) visits during the holidays, Lauren asks Kevin to pretend they’re still happily married and living under one roof. The act quickly feels more real, stirring up old memories and feelings. As Lauren sees the man she once fell in love with in a new light, perhaps the magic of Christmas will rekindle their romance and spark renewed hope for their future.



🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄




My Sweet Austrian Holiday

Premieres: Thursday, October 31, 2024

Starring: Brittany Bristow and Will Kemp


Storyline: Charlotte (Bristow) is an American, who has lived in Viena since inheriting a chocolate shop from her grandparents two years ago. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to grow the business into a successful enterprise. Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year and Charlotte has been selected as one of the finalists for Vienna’s chocolatier of the year. Taking home the prize could provide some much-needed money to fend off a large developer from taking over her grandparents’ shop. Charlotte soon meets and befriends Henry (Kemp), and they bond over their shared affinity for quality chocolate. But a surprising twist of fate just might end their newfound relationship on a bittersweet note.


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Five Gold Rings

Premieres: Thursday, November 7, 2024

Starring: Holland Roden and Nolan Gerard Funk

Storyline: When New York City painter Audrey Moss (Roden) returns to her small Minnesota hometown for the holidays, she’s met with an unexpected quest from her beloved late grandmother: find the owners of five mysterious gold rings and return them to their rightful homes before Christmas morning, only nine days away. In her bequeathment, Grandma also urges Audrey to team up with local private investigator and childhood friend, Finn O’Sullivan (Funk). From gingerbread house building to the annual Giving Gala, these two begin to bond over more than just their quest. As Audrey and Finn unravel the mystery of the missing rings’ owners, they discover there is more to their relationship than they ever expected to find.




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A Reason for the Season

Premieres: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Starring: Taylor Cole and Kevin McGarry

Storyline: In order to earn her trust fund, Evie (Cole) is tasked with granting Christmas wishes to the people who saved her life on the night of her birth. To aid in her cause, she employs Kyle (McGarry), a handsome local attorney, to track down those who helped and attempts to secretly learn what they might want while maintaining her anonymity. With Christmas fast approaching, the heiress and the attorney can’t resist falling for each other's charms as they ramp up their gift giving efforts. But as time ticks down, will she be able to accomplish the mission and grant all of the wishes by Christmas Eve?



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A Novel Noel

Premieres: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Starring: Julie Gonzalo and Brendan Penny

Storyline: A successful New York City book editor (Gonzalo), who is losing touch with her passion after a few setbacks this year learns she was chosen to run a bookstore in the small town of Saint Ives for the month of December. While realizing a childhood dream, but butting heads with the handsome son (Penny) of the bookstore owners, she comes to realize that her love for bringing out the creativity of others is still her true calling, and untapped talent (and love) can be found anywhere... even in the writings of a cranky business-minded man, especially at Christmas.



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Christmas Under the Lights

Premieres: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Starring: Heather Hemmens and Marco Grazzini

Storyline: Emily (Hemmens) is always reluctant to return home to her family’s animal rescue ranch -- but when her mother passes away, her brother Nick requests her help organizing the annual Christmas Carnival. When she arrives, she discovers Nick’s friend, Luke (Grazzini), staying at the ranch -- and that Luke was once a successful artist who works with light. Though initially reluctant to collaborate, Emily and Luke work hard to pull off the best, most light-filled carnival the town has ever seen, a healing celebration of Emily’s mother’s legacy and the magic of Christmas -- and along the way feel sparks of romance as radiant as the lights themselves.



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A Dance in the Snow

Premieres: Thursday, December 5, 2024

Starring: Erica Cerra, Mark Ghanimé, Vanessa Burghardt and Dorian Giordano

Storyline: Melanie’s (Cerra) 17-year-old autistic daughter Jenny (Burghardt) is a senior in high school and looking forward to college. After a bad experience her junior year, Jenny is not interested in attending her final Christmas dance before graduating. Melanie decides to surprise Jenny by getting involved in the school’s planning committee to create a welcoming dance for all students. Meanwhile, Jenny and her friends secretly plan their own party, in part to honor Melanie. Melanie works with Jenny’s literature teacher (Ghanimé) on the dance and starts to fall for him while Jenny develops something special with a new classmate (Giordano) at school. When their secrets snowball, however, their plans begin to drive a wedge between the usually tightknit mother and daughter at the holidays.



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All I Need for Christmas

Premieres: Thursday, December 12, 2024

Starring: Mallory Jansen and Dan Jeannotte

Storyline: Maggie (Jansen) has been trying for years to break in as a singer/songwriter. Now faced with challenges of new apps and social media, Maggie fears she’s outdated and unable to compete in a tech-savvy world. While helping her parents on their farm at Christmastime, she meets Archer (Jeannotte), an entrepreneur who has come back to town to spend the holidays alone. Archer is developing large-scale apps and is a tech enthusiast. At first, Maggie blames him for all of her songwriting woes. To her surprise, he encourages her to get back in touch with music that really matters and write from the heart; tech can be used in a supportive role to help her achieve her dreams without replacing the art of songwriting. Archer is dealing with loss of family, and through her tight family bonds, Maggie helps Archer find ways of moving beyond years of family feuding. In this holiday romance, Maggie and Archer both discover there is merit in preserving the tried and true while making room for new ideas and methods to bring people together and help make dreams come true.



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Trading Up Christmas

Premieres: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Starring: Italia Ricci and Michael Xavier

Storyline: Michelle (Ricci) is the dreamer of her family, always brimming with imaginative ideas to make the world a better place. This Christmas, her sister Keri desperately needs a new home, and Michelle hatches a creative plan to help. Starting with just a Christmas stocking, she sets out to trade her way up to something far greater—a house for Keri. While Keri dismisses it as a far-fetched idea, local reporter Dan (Xavier) is intrigued. Assigned to cover Michelle's story, Dan follows her closely, and as her plan gains attention, he starts to see the world through her hopeful eyes. As Michelle and Dan grow closer, so do their feelings for each other. But when it seems her plan has failed and she fears ruined her relationship with Keri, Michelle is ready to give up. It's Dan’s love and belief in her that reignites hope just when she needs it most.



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Joyous Christmas Blessings,
Net🎄