"When Calls the Heart" TV Series

When Calls the Heart DVD

MOVIE REVIEW


When Calls the Heart

Weekly Television Series - Season 1

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original 'TV Series' Air Date: January 11, 2014

*Click Here for "When Calls the Heart" on DVD

Episode details below and links to watch the series on-line!

CAST:

Erin Krakow ... Elizabeth Thatcher
Daniel Lissing ... Jack Thornton
Chelah Horsdal ... Catherine 'Cat' Montgomery
Mitchell Kummen ... Gabe Montgomery
Darius Zaviceanu ... James Fermont
Lori Loughlin ... Abigail Stanton
Gracyn Shinyei ... Emily Montgomery
Jill Morrison ... Carla Noonan
Lizzie Boys ... Cassandra
Erica Carroll ... Dottie Ramsey
Mamie Laverock ... Rosaleen Sullivan
Johannah Newmarch ... Molly Sullivan
Loretta Walsh ... Florence Blakeley
Adrian Hough ... Reverend Anderson
Lilah Fitzgerald ... Jolene Miller
Jarrett Knowles ... Franklin Palmer
Sean Michael Kyer ... Albert Bickley
Katelyn Mager ... Rachel Stonelake
Kadence Kendall Roach ... Anna Hayford
Chad Willett ... Adam Miller
Joey Forfellow ... Boy #1
Jennifer Copping ... Matilda Grady
Peter Flemming ... Joseph Montgomery
Charlotte Hegele ... Julie Thatcher
Connor Stanhope ... Bo Grady
Jimmy Townsend ... Charles
Keenan Tracey ... Nate Tolliver
Ken Tremblett ... Patrick O'Reilly

 

 

PLOT:

"When Calls the Heart" based on the series of books by bestselling author, Janette Oke is the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coalmining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Set against the wild canvas of a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.


Watch "When Calls the Heart" On-line:



Episode 1: Lost and Found
Episode 2: Cease And Desist
Episode 3: A Telling Silence
Episode 4: Secrets And Lies
Episode 5: The Dance
Episode 6: These Games
Episode 7: Second Chances
Episode 8: Perils of the Soloists
Episode 9: Change of Heart
Episode 10: Love Comes First
Episode 11: Rules of Engagement
Episode 12: Prelude to a Kiss

*Click Here for "When Calls the Heart" on DVD



Episode Details:

Episode 1: "Lost and Found": Elizabeth Thatcher arrives in Coal Valley, and is welcomed by Abigail Stanton and the new Constable Jack Thornton. The town is at odds when a special message is found at the site of the fatal coal mining accident.

Episode 2: "Cease And Desist": Abigail Stanton and the widowed wives receive notices from The Pacific Northwest Mining Company asking them to evict their company-owned homes unless they pick up where their husbands left off.

Episode 3: "A Telling Silence": Elizabeth helps a mute student who is struggling to cope with the death of her father; Jack investigates the mysterious circumstances surrounding the burning of Coal Valley’s only church.

Episode 4: "Secrets And Lies": After finding the cans of whale oil, Jack investigates Cat Montgomery for her possible involvement in the church arson case. When the evidence points to Cat, Gabe becomes infuriated by the idea of his mother being imprisoned for something she didn’t do.

Episode 5: "The Dance": When a group of new male miners comes to Coal Valley, many of the town's women get caught up in the idea of the single men. One of the new miners begins courting Elizabeth and Jack seems to have concerns that resemble jealousy.

Episode 6: "These Games": The Miners' Games allow the townspeople to cut loose and have a little fun; Elizabeth and Billy Hamilton spend more time together; Jack investigates a series of robberies that are plaguing Coal Valley.

Episode 7: "Second Chances": Abigail must pay a steep price to complete a top-secret project she's been working on; one of Elizabeth's students has trouble reading so she enlists Jack's help for a creative solution; Abigail gives Jack some fine advice on a woman like Elizabeth.

Episode 8: "Perils of the Soloists": Elizabeth must put on the Coal Valley Founders' Day play on short notice; the only surviving miner from the explosion comes home from the hospital with a shocking surprise; Jack has a heart-to-heart with Adam in hopes of bringing them back together.

Episode 9: "Change of Heart": Elizabeth's sister visits Coal Valley and stirs up trouble when she meets a wounded man and brings him back to town; Jack finally asks Elizabeth to dinner in an act of courtship, but he's about to receive some shocking news that could change everything.

Episode 10: "Love Comes First": Abigail does some detective work and learns more about Gowen's dangerous conduct leading up to the mine disaster; Julie Thatcher is becoming closer with Nathaniel when the rest of the Tolliver gang arrives in Coal Valley.

Episode 11: "Rules of Engagement": Jack is back in Coal Valley along with an unexpected visitor that threatens he and Elizabeth's relationship; Elizabeth receives some unforeseen news that will force her to make a very difficult decision.

Episode 12: "Final Adieu: Prelude to a Kiss": Bill Avery continues his investigation into the mine explosion with help from Jack; a budding romance grows between Bill and Abigail; Elizabeth struggles to make a decision about the teaching offer.

 

REVIEW:

This has been a wonderful Family Drama / Television Series on the Hallmark Channel.

Click Here for the complete
"When Calls the Heart" Season One on DVD!

Hallmark Channel Movie "June in January"

MOVIE REVIEW


June in January

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: January 18, 2014

CAST:

Brooke D'Orsay ... June Fraser
Wes Brown ... Alex Blackwell
Marilu Henner ... Diana Blackwell
Gerard Plunkett ... Richard Blackwell
Barclay Hope ... Charlie Fraser
Christie Laing ... Tessa Williams
Chelsea Hobbs ... Bethany Barnard
Anne Marie DeLuise ... Kathryn

PLOT:
June Fraser (D’Orsay) has envisioned her wedding day her entire life and even managed to plan every detail with her loving mother, Kathryn (Anne Marie DeLuis, “Cedar Cove”), before Kathryn’s passing only a few years ago. Now an adult, June has met Alex Blackwell (Brown), a handsome attorney who hails from a very well-to-do family, with his intimidating and icy mother, Diana (Henner), at the helm. After an exciting New Year’s Eve engagement, June can’t wait to plan the June wedding she’s always wanted to honor her mother’s memory with and she starts using a portfolio of bridal magazine clippings she created with Kathryn as a guide. Then, when Alex suddenly receives a job offer in Cleveland and needs to move right away, he asks June if they can move the wedding date up to January—just three weeks away! In a panic, June and Alex accept Diana’s offer to host the wedding at the Blackwell’s gorgeous home, giving Diana the footing she needs to plan the event her way. June tries to salvage her special day and pull off the perfect summer wedding she’s always wanted despite the chilly calendar change and Diana’s cold calculating scheming.


Movie Review:

(May Include Spoilers!)

A Very Sweet, Sentimental, & Romantic Movie! You’ll want to watch “June in January” again and again, come February, April, May, and all year long!

“June in January” is the story of a woman, whose name is June, played by actress Brooke D’Orsay. (Who we loved in the Hallmark Channel Movie: “How to Fall in Love”!) It had always been June and her Mother’s dream, to plan the perfect wedding together, and of course, it would have to be in June! However, June’s Mother has passed away a few years back and while she won’t be there to help, June is holding on tight to all the dreams they had planned together.

Unfortunately, June’s fiancé, Alex Blackwell, portrayed by the handsome actor, Wes Brown, isn’t making it easy. The story begins on New Year’s Eve at a party at Alex’s family home… where he proposes to June in front of his parents, co-workers, and friends. It’s obvious to see from the start that Alex’s mother, Diana Blackwell, isn’t fond of June. When Alex receives a promotion at work that involves moving to Ohio, he asks June if they can have the wedding in January, because he wants them to be married and move to Ohio together. The idea or thought of living together was never an option for this couple.

June is a little disappointed about giving up on a “June” wedding, but decides as long as she can have everything else she and her Mother had dreamed about, then, it would be fine. But, soon, June realizes that their dreams cannot be – an outdoor wedding is out, some of the flowers she hoped for, won’t be in season, and so on and on.

Everything completely unravels when they cannot find a venue for the wedding and Alex’s Mother offers their home. Well, watch out – we’re headed for a bumpy ride! At first, Diana and her assistant had meddled in small ways, but now they are in nearly all the details, which is about to set June on edge, who has been very giving, in spite of giving up most of her dream.

Alex and June are both tested in their relationship. In the end, the details become less important than the fact that they are in love with one another and want to be married, whether it happens in June or January!



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UP Movie : The Town That Came A Courtin'

MOVIE REVIEW

The Town That Came A Courtin'

Network: UP

Original Air Date: January 19, 2014

CAST:

Lauren Holly ... Abby Houston
Valerie Harper ... Charlotte
Cameron Bancroft ... Spencer Alexander
Lucie Guest ... Jamie
Toby Hargrave ... Walter
Iris Quinn ... Miss Lizzie Beth 'Mama'
Lindsay Gibson ... Lorraine
Garrett Black ... Deputy Rickey
Barbara Wallace ... Miss Eula
Kendra Anderson ... Joan
Darien Provost ... Kyle Edwards
Angela Moore ... Maggie
Daniel Boileau ... Michael
John Prowse ... Charlie the Senator
Ryan Beil ... The Waiter
Cameron Grierson ... Steve Marshall
Eduardo Noda ... Photographer
Brenda Matthews ... Susan Marie
Nancy Ebert ... Rebecca
Madison Guppy ... Mary Ellen
Dave Hurtubies ... Mayor Phil Jenkins
Michele Goyns ... Betsy
Carolyn Adair ... Townsperson (uncredited)
Eric Andrews ... Bliss town preacher (uncredited)
Lynne McNamara ... Bookbuyer (uncredited)
Ronda Rich ... Eager bookbuyer (uncredited)

PLOT:

via UP TV:

Based on the book by Ronda Rich and loosely based on her true story.

Abby Houston (Lauren Holly) is a smart, beautiful, successful author and fiercely independent Southern woman. When we meet her, she is curiously being kept captive in a remote cabin in the woods by an obsessed fan. Days earlier, Abby and her publicist Jamie (Lucie Guest) were visiting the lovely town of Bliss, Mississippi on her most recent book tour. The town of Bliss, local Magnolia Blossom B&B owner Charlotte (Valerie Harper) and their well-meaning prayer chain have big plans for her – as the perfect match for their widowed Mayor Spencer Alexander (Cameron Bancroft), a single dad of two.

A series of collisions, several bouquets and numerous good words later, Abby relents to having dinner with Spencer, and finds a handsome, earnest man. Eagerly encouraged by the entire town, they embark on a whirlwind, public romance. But just as they are about to share a first kiss, Spencer is reminded of his late wife and abruptly pulls back. Hurt and sad, Abby is determined to leave Bliss behind, only to find her obsessed fan waiting. With phones buzzing and the town mobilized, what happens next will determine her future.

Movie Review:

The setting is a small town in the South called Bliss, and at times, it was laugh at loud funny, sometimes silly, and moments that were also creepy… due to the fact that writer, Abby Houston, is kidnapped by an obsessed fan.

Mostly, however, this is a sweet romantic comedy. The townspeople of Bliss are extra excited to have a celebrity among them. They have determined, as soon as they meet writer Abby Houston, that she should date their mayor. However, Abby has met the former mayor, who is an older man, and she thinks he is the one they want to set her up with, so she is not interested.

In the meantime, she has seen the current Mayor, Spencer, around town, but doesn’t realize he is the current mayor. She finds herself somewhat attracted to him but misconstrues a comment he makes and believes he is married.

It’s a mixed up mess… until Spencer finally introduces himself to Abby and clears up all confusion. He is the current mayor and he is widowed. Just as they both start to fall for each other, Spencer abruptly ends one of their dates, and Abby decides it is time to leave. On her way out of town, though, her stalker is waiting…

Will Abby be able to get away from her stalker? Will Spencer come to her rescue? It’s a happy little ending you will surely enjoy!



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UP Family Movie : First Dog

MOVIE REVIEW

First Dog

Network: UP

Original Air Date: January 10, 2014

CAST:

Eric Roberts ... President of the United States
Eliza Roberts ... First Lady
John-Paul Howard ... Danny Milbright
Little Bear ... Teddy - The First Dog
Tommy 'Tiny' Lister ... Big Mike
Priscilla Barnes ... June Angell
Paula Devicq ... Vicky-Ann
Tim Peyton ... Henderson
Linda Bella ... Sally
Paula Nelson ... Herself
Kerry Wallum ... Band Manager (KW) / The Paula Nelson Band
Alexander Yurchikov ... Agent Morello
Bill Heiser ... Agent Alcove
Corbin Timbrook ... Mr. Brentwood
Bernie Kopell ... Psychiatrist Juvenile Hall
Dick Van Patten ... Himself
Myles Williams ... Foster Child
Ivan Bracy Jr. ... Foster Child
Mateo Garnica ... Foster Child
Rayna Sheftman ... Foster Child
Chris Houle ... Foster Child
Joe Estevez ... Prime Minister of Canada
Constance Estevez ... Prime Minister's Wife
Amber Harmon ... Amber
Billy Baker ... Juvenile Delinquent Bully
Jessica Hurtado ... RV Teenager
Devon Weightman ... RV Teenager
Lauryn Geimer ... RV Teenager
Billy Berry ... RV Teenager
Joey Edgar ... RV Teenager
Mark Masoni ... Mr. Watson
Lisa Masoni ... Mrs. Watson
Marisa Masoni ... Baby Watson
Susan Hughes ... Bus station Ticketer
Jay Morran ... Dr. Nevil
Erica Howard ... Elementary School Teacher
Julie Houle ... News Reporter
Bobby Howard ... Truck Inspector
Robert Ajlouny ... Hot Dog Vendor
Bryan Michael Stoller ... Letter Carrier Paul
Mario E. Garcia ... White House Police
Carole Stoller ... Whitehouse Operator
Gary Bosloy ... White House Receptionist / Tarmac Gate Guard
Ebru Caparti ... White House Staff
Michelle Alexandria ... White House intern
Bruce Alan Greene ... White House Guard (voice)
Chris Houle Sr. ... Animal Control Officer
Chester Erdman ... Animal Control Officer
George Headley ... Mini-Mart Clerk
Matt Way ... Animal Shelter Officer
Kamilla Bjorlin ... Psychiatrist Secretary
Freddie Snowden ... Band Bus Driver
Jon LaFleur ... Gas Station clerk
Samo Tusak ... Juvenile Hall Guard
Sven Tusak ... Juvenile Hall Guard
Mark E. Doutt ... Officer Darcy
Philip Campbell ... Taxi Driver
Steven Hill ... Police Officer
Brendan Hughes ... Security Guard at Station
Bill Berry ... Secret Service Sniper
Rebecca Howard ... Social Worker
Jack J. Gipson ... Tarmac Guard
Tony Wilder ... Gate Guard
Erik Kalish ... Band Director

PLOT:

via http://firstdogus.com/:
The story begins when “The First Dog,” Teddy, is accidentally left behind after the President appears at a dedication ceremony.

Thousands of miles from home, the dog is found by a young boy, Danny Milbright, who discovers that Teddy belongs to the President of the United States – but no one believes him.

And so begins an exciting road adventure filled with hardships, friendships and suspense, as Danny runs away from his foster home to return The First Dog to the White House -- because, “It’s the right thing to do!”



Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

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What We're Watching - The First Weekend of 2014!

This weekend the Hallmark Channel is airing their premiere Movie,

When Calls the Heart.

( Click Here for "When Calls the Heart" on DVD. )

Next Saturday, January 11th will start the first episode of the "When Calls the Heart" new weekly drama series on the Hallmark Channel. So, if you missed the premiere movie back in October, or if you would just like to see it again, then you'll want to catch it January 4th, Saturday night at 9 PM est. See my When Calls the Heart movie page for more details!

The Hallmark Channel will also have a Marathon of Walton Reunion Movies on Saturday. On Sunday, the Hallmark Channel will have more of their Original Movies, INSP will have the Anne of Green Gables Sequel, and GMC will air some of their great family movies, including Candace Cameron Bure in Finding Normal.

If you are still in the Christmas Spirit (like me!), then you will want to check the Christmas TV Schedule for a few extra Family Christmas Movies airing on TV, this first weekend of 2014! Includes Home Alone, Home Alone 2, and more!

We're expecting lots of Snow this Weekend in my area!

So, it will definitely feel like a Winter Wonderland.

"Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!"

 

Whatever you do...

Stay Warm and Have a Wonderful Weekend!