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Savoring Paris premiered in June 2024 as part of Hallmark Channel's Passport to Love event featuring all-new destination movies. The movie stars Bethany Joy Lenz, Stanley Weber, and Ben Wiggins. It's fun, flirtatious, and as always, it romanticizes Paris! What Is Savoring Paris About? Ella (Lenz) is a burned-out executive at an American food chain who jets off to Paris to recapture the happiness she once felt when vacationing there after college. Ella is so accustomed to making sensible choices, especially with a constant push from her mother, that she has lost who she is. While she tries to make sense of her life and figure out her next step, she is swept up in a busy social life, thanks to her landlord and new friend, Clotilde. Ella captures the attention of Clotilde's cousin and food critic, Gaston, a "cad" known for being a bit of a player. In the meantime, Ella's love affair with cheese sends her daily to La Fromagerie, a cheese shop run by Serge, known to locals as the "grump." When she learns Serge is hiring, she volunteers to work for him part-time. Since she doesn't have a work visa, he pays her in cheese. Caught in a love triangle and running out of time on her visa, Ella must choose between a safe and practical life in the States or one in Paris where she is happy and fulfilled. Review of Hallmark's Savoring Paris Savoring Paris playfully immerses the viewer into French culture, even though the experience is a vicarious one through Ella. We learn the French don't hug but greet each other with a kiss to each cheek. It's fashionable to be late. The French also appear to indulge in sweets, wine, and lots of cheese! Ella eats a steady stream of crepes and cheese without gaining an ounce, which confirms the story is pure fiction. I am on a quest to find the Mimolette cheese Serge claims is life changing. If you've ever eaten it, share your thoughts on it in the comments. Savoring Paris is a delight. Ella wants to improve her French, but everyone keeps speaking to her in English, and not mastering the language leads to a big misunderstanding between her and Gaston. The French background music is peppy and appropriate, and Ella's wardrobe is very chic, flirty, and exudes a distinct Parisian vibe. I love the concept of a "reverse bucket list," and my favorite scene is Ella's admission to the man she chooses near the end (no spoilers here!) because her speech is romantic, heartfelt, and passionately delivered. In Savoring Paris, the acting is wonderful, the culture is intriguing, and the script is well-written. If the plot included a moral, it would be that no matter what city you live in around the world, you can make that place better by building community and finding fulfillment in meaningful work and relationships. If you haven't had a chance to catch Savoring Paris, it's definitely worth watching. Just be sure you have a glass of wine and a plate of cheese nearby because you might develop cravings as you watch! Watch the Trailer for Savoring Paris Be sure to follow our Facebook page, Hallmark Ever After. We share daily schedules, Hallmark news, updates on your favorite stars, pics, celebrity birthdays, & other unique Hallmark fandom! #SavoringParis

While Hallmark Channel fans eagerly anticipate the annual Christmas in July movie event, Hallmark Mystery starts making the yuletide gay in June with seven days of holiday movies during Merry Movie Week 2024! Christmas Movie Schedule for Hallmark Mystery's Merry Movie Week 2024 The selection is great, but it's odd that Hallmark is repeating movies throughout the 7-day (June 21-28) event when they have an extensive catalog of movies that makes repetition unnecessary. Listed below is the Merry Movie Week 2024 schedule. Share in the comments which movies you're looking forward to the most! June 21 (Friday) 3/2c: Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas 5/4c: Christmas on My Mind 7/6c: To All a Good Night 9/8c: Mystery on Mistletoe Lane 11/10c: A Godwink Christmas June 22 (Saturday) 1a/12c: Love You Like Christmas 3a/2c: Journey Back to Christmas 5a/4c: Christmas Wonderland 7a/6c: The Perfect Christmas Present 9a/8c: Christmas in Montana 11a/10c: A Glenbrooke Christmas 1/12c: The Christmas Promise 3/2c: Ms. Christmas Comes to Town 5/4c: Heaven Down Here 7/6c: Miracle in Bethlehem, PA 9/8c: Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas 11/10c: Long Lost Christmas June 23 (Sunday) 1a/12c: Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas 3a/2: Time for You to Come Home for Christmas 5a/4c: Once Upon a Christmas Miracle 7a/6c: A Christmas to Remember 9a/8c: Homegrown Christmas 11a/10c: Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas 1/12c: Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas 3/2c: Small Town Christmas 5/4c: A Veteran’s Christmas 7/6c: My Christmas Guide 9/8c: A Season for Family June 24 (Monday) 3/2c: Project Christmas Wish 5/4c: A Little Christmas Charm 7/6c: Christmas Tree Lane 9/8c: Northern Lights of Christmas June 25 (Tuesday) 3/2c: A World Record Christmas 5/4c: A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love 7/6c: Christmas at Grand Valley 9/8c: Hope at Christmas June 26 (Wednesday) 3/2c: A Maple Valley Christmas 5/4c: Every Christmas Has a Story 7/6c: A Homecoming for the Holidays 9/8c: A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas June 27 (Thursday) 3/2c: Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle 5/4c: The Christmas Secret 7/6c: Mystery on Mistletoe Lane 9/8c: The Christmas Promise June 28 (Friday) 3/2c: My Christmas Guide 5/4c: Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas 7/6c: Christmas in Montana 9/8c: Miracle in Bethlehem, PA Follow our Hallmark Facebook Page! Follow our Facebook page, Hallmark Ever After, for extra doses of Hallmark Christmas cheer. Our page posts the schedules and movie posters daily, plus you can always find them here on this website under the schedules tab!

Some call Hallmark's For Love & Honey a "sleeper" that even Andrew Walker couldn't save while others marvel at the delightful plot and gorgeous backdrop. Is the movie worth watching? Romcom Review weighs in "bee-low!" For Love & Honey Boasts a Unique Plot Andrew Walker plays Austen Morgan, a visiting archaeology professor at a Maltese university. Austen has a limited window of time to make a discovery that will lead to increased funding and secure his tenure. His goal is lofty, but his motto is, "go big or go home." He's banking on finding a box that is depicted in a 17th century Jesuit priest's diary that contains a "golden way" that leads to never-ending prosperity. The priest had stopped in Malta on his way to Michigan, but Austen must connect the dots and produce something tangible. When Ava, a beekeeper at the local apiary, is called upon to remove a wild beehive from a wall near the library, she scrapes the surface and discovers an ancient fresco. Even more fascinating, an infrared camera exposes a hidden symbol: three Greek nymphs called "Bee Maidens" that were said to have the gifts of prophecy. Austen knows the painting is the key to his discovery, and Ava begrudgingly agrees to help him with his research. They visit every site pictured on the painting but come no closer to cracking the mystery, until a local mentions "Old Honey Road" and the significance it plays in Malta's history surrounding the harvest blessing. As Austen and Ava unravel the mystery, they discover something even sweeter than honey--love! Review: Hallmark's For Love & Honey Is Multi-Faceted For those of us who are weary of the same worn Hallmark plots, For Love & Honey is a welcome change. There are multiple layers to keep the audience hooked: Educational components that share fun facts about history and beekeeping Mystery Humor Gorgeous scenery and architecture Realistic characters Most of us aren't well-versed in Maltese history, so it's nice to be entertained AND learn something. The number of empires and rulers over this island country have been numerous! The movie mentions the Greeks, Roman occupation, the Knights, and pirate activity, just to name a few! (FYI--Malta is now an official republic and is part of the European Union.) Viewers also learn that honey rarely spoils (due to its natural preservatives and antimicrobial properties) and that the oldest honey ever found was over 5,000 years old. Don't "bee-lieve" it? It's true! I looked it up. Prior to the 2012 discovery, the oldest known honey had been found in King Tut's tomb and was 3,000 years old. During pipeline construction in the country of Georgia, west of Tblisi, ceramic vessels of honey were found in a noblewoman's tomb that contained several types of honey, including varieties made with meadow flower, berry, and linden flowers. The honey was estimated to be 5,500 years old! Instead of the usual fluff you'd expect in a romcom, For Love & Honey includes a captivating mystery. What is the significance of the fresco? What is the "golden way" that leads to never-ending prosperity? How are the Bee Maidens an important link? (No spoilers here!) Austen adds comedy to the movie with well-timed quips. From ribbing Eva about her driving and not maintaining the oil in her vehicle to intentionally greeting locals with a Maltese phrase that translates, "I smell like fish," he lightens the mood. The architecture of Malta covers multiple centuries and influences, and the landscapes are gorgeous, coagulating in the perfect backdrop for a Hallmark movie! The characters are realistic. As our favorite actors like Andrew Walker age, it's no longer believable for them to be discovering first love. It makes sense that Austen and Ava are divorced and at a good space in their lives where they are happy if they find love but content if they don't. Austen is fulfilled by his career, and Ava aspires to fill her mother's shoes at the apiary. The relationship between Ava and her sister, Chloe, is also sweet. Ava tries to run the family business just like her mother, but Chloe is bubbling over with ideas to expand and modernize to reach new customers and venues. The two form a solid partnership where their individual strengths bring balance. For Love & Honey is well-researched, insightful, unique, well-written and offers an enjoyable escape to beautiful Malta! For Love & Honey Has Some Problems Despite the fresh plot and intriguing location, For Love & Honey isn't Hallmark's best, and critics of the movie offer justifiable feedback. Hallmark fans will turn a blind eye to some issues, like how a huge pile of rocks that is integral to the plot has remained undisturbed for centuries, that a piece of ancient pottery happens to casually be laying above ground, or how the box that the Jesuit priest supposedly took to the New World is still in Malta. What they won't overlook, however, is the total absence of chemistry. Andrew Walker can typically generate sizzle with any co-star, but his powers are completely lost on Margaret Clunie. Though Clunie brings a regal air to her role and does a fine acting job, romance is dead, and that is a deal-breaker in a romcom. Clunie is a poor casting choice. Speaking of Clunie, who planned the wardrobe for this movie? The hot topic on social media is the ghastly pants Clunie wears in the movie that look like three people could fit into them. She sports at least three different pairs in various scenes, all equally hideous and distracting. Viewers who tuned out by the first commercial break say the movie didn't capture their interest. They grew bored or got lost in the sometimes-convoluted archeological explanations of the clues. I disagree with this analysis. My curiosity was piqued early by the mystery, and I liked the historical information overload--it's a movie that engages your brain, and you have to pay close attention to process the details. Writers do not gloss over history but take the time to incorporate fascinating facts, and I appreciate the out-of-the-box creativity. Some argue that archeology and beekeeping are too unrelated to be entwined in a movie plot, but mixing the two is what makes the movie inventive and original. If "honey-one" can do it, it's Hallmark! As much as I love the imaginative story, without romance, a Hallmark movie dies, so For Love & Honey isn't likely to make Hallmark's fan-favorite list. If you haven't watched it, at least give it a try. It's worth watching once. 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Hallmark Channel announces plans for its 12th annual Christmas in July celebration. It's an event that Hallmark fans eagerly anticipate--an early start to our favorite movie season! Hallmark's Christmas in July Features Two Premieres and Two Movies That Previously Aired on Hallmark Movies Now Two original movies are in the Hallmark Channel lineup: Falling Like Snowflakes (premiering June 29) and A Very Vermont Christmas (premiering July 20). Two movies that previously aired on Hallmark Movies Now will debut on Hallmark Channel during the July event: Rescuing Christmas and An Ice Palace Romance. Fans of Three Wise Men and a Baby will be treated to an Extended Cut of the movie. If you have Hallmark Movies Now, you will be gifted with an original release, too: Operation Nutcracker. Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July Fan Favorite Marathon From now until June 23, viewers can visit the Hallmark Movie Checklist App to vote weekly for their favorite Christmas movies that will then air during the Fan Favorite Marathon from June 28 through July 8. The only downside is that Hallmark pre-selects the options. Many viewers express on social media their desire to see older holiday films from Hallmark's extensive vault, but for some unexplained reason, Hallmark ignores them and insists on replaying the newer movies. Although there have been some very unique and creative recent movies, fans insist that the older films have more substance and less cookie cutter fluff. Why Hallmark resists playing the high-quality movies from their library is anyone's guess, but some believe it's due to older films not matching the current leadership's political ideology that demands Marxist elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion in stories. Christmas in July for Hallmark Movies Now Subscribers If you are a Hallmark Movies Now subscriber, there will be plenty of hot cocoa, Christmas cookies, and tree lightings for you, too! Operation Nutcracker will premiere on HMM on July 1, starring Christopher Russell and Ashley Newbrough. During the month of July, those with the streaming service will have access to 350 Christmas movies, totaling over 500 hours of holiday spirit, plus weekly themed collections. Win a Trip to Hallmark's Christmas Experience During the Christmas in July Event Hallmark recently unveiled its plans for the first ever Hallmark Christmas Experience, which will run on weekends from November 29 through December 23, 2024. The event takes places in Kansas City, Missouri, right outside of Hallmark's headquarters, and will include tons of your favorite Hallmark stars. Although the festive square is open to the public for free, interacting with the stars or enjoying a more immersive experience requires a ticket--and the packages are expensive! The Be Merry option is $259, and the Find Magic package is $699! During Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July event, watch for a way you can win a trip for two to the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July 2024 New Movie Lineup Here's a look at the schedule and synopsis of all the new movies playing during Hallmark's Christmas in July 2024 event: FALLING LIKE SNOWFLAKES (NEW) Premieres: June 29 Starring: Rebecca Dalton and Marcus Rosner Synopsis: A photographer, determined to complete her exhibit by capturing a rare photo of a 12-sided snowflake, enlists the help of a childhood friend, and they go on a mission they’ll never forget. THREE WISE MEN AND A BABY: EXTENDED CUT Showing: July 6 Starring: Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Andrew Walker Synopsis:  Three brothers get the surprise of their lives when they are forced to work together to care for a baby over the holidays. RESCUING CHRISTMAS Showing: July 13 Starring: Rachael Leigh Cook and Sam Page Synopsis: In a world where Santa is real and wants to drum up some holiday spirit, two of Santa’s elves, Chuck and Debbie, devise a plan to grant one human on Earth three wishes to kickstart the holidays. Unfortunately, that human is Erin, who has lost all affection for the season. Even a blind date set up by her sister, with the affable and charming Sam, won’t change her mind about Christmas. But when she makes the mistake of... LESS wishing Christmas would “just disappear,” Erin wakes up to a world where the holiday never existed! Horrified, she realizes that she’s taken away everyone’s joy, so she enlists Sam to help her reinvent the festivities from scratch. In the process, Erin learns just how much this holiday and its traditions have meant to everyone around her - and how much Sam has come to mean to her. A VERY VERMONT CHRISTMAS (NEW) Premiering: July 20 Starring: Katie Leclerc and Ryan McPartlin Synopsis: A local champion skier and Vermont brew master team up as an unlikely match to create a seasonal microbrew, in order to save her family’s business by Christmas. AN ICE PALACE ROMANCE Showing: July 27 Starring: Celeste Desjardins and Marcus Rosner Note: NOT FAMILY-FRIENDLY! Viewers who have watched this previously on HMN share that an over-the-top gay man appears within the first ten minutes of the movie to describe his wonderful first date with another man. If you do not enjoy seeing sugar-coated perversion, you might want to skip this one. SYNOPSIS: A journalist faces old fears when she returns to her hometown ice rink to cover a story. With the help of the owner and his young daughter, she begins to reevaluate her life’s purpose. OPERATION NUTCRACKER (NEW--ONLY ON HALLMARK MOVIES NOW) Premieres: July 1 Starring: Ashley Newbrough and Christopher Russell SYNOPSIS: When an antique nutcracker set to be auctioned at the Warby family Christmas charity goes missing, a demanding event planner and the heir to the Warby dynasty try to track it down. Want MORE Christmas in July Movies? Watching holiday movies smack in the middle of summer can help you beat the heat, but if you tire of seeing the same movies on a loop, Hallmark Channel isn't the only network hauling out the holly in July. Great American Family channel will also be running Christmas movies during the month of July for their annual event, so, come July, check out their website schedule for movies you may have never seen!

Did You Hear the Scoop? It's been a busy week for Hallmark and Great American Family! Both networks have shared exciting news about upcoming projects. To make sure you haven't missed any of the announcements, read on for a recap! Hallmark Channel Announces 12th Season for When Calls the Heart On May 10, ET Online announced that Hearties could expect the long-running program, When Calls the Heart, to continue for a 12th season. The new season will feature 12 episodes. According to a press release from Hallmark Channel, "With more stories to tell in Hope Valley, season 12 will continue with themes about family, community, and of course romance as we move further into the 1920s." Lacey Chabert Will Star in a Christmas Movie on Netflix Hallmark Channel previously announced that Lacey Chabert (the Queen of Christmas) will star in a movie alongside Kristoffer Polaha during Countdown to Christmas 2024. The movie is set in Iceland and is called The Christmas Quest. Netflix announced on May 13 that Chabert will also headline a movie for them called Hot Frosty. The movie is about a handsome snowman coming to life and co-stars Dustin Milligan. Although it's not unusual for Hallmark stars to bounce around networks, Chabert has been a Hallmark staple since 2010, so straying to another company has raised several eyebrows. Chabert signed an exclusive 2-year contract with Hallmark in February 2022. The deal specified that Chabert would star in and executive produce movies and develop other content for Hallmark's channel and platforms over the span of two years. It's interesting that once the contract expired, Chabert wasted no time in broadening her horizons, which makes you question what's going on behind the scenes at Hallmark! The Chicken Sisters Series Is Coming to Hallmark Channel The Chicken Sisters is a bestselling novel by K.J. Dell'Antonia which is being adapted into a new original television series on Hallmark Channel. The cast includes Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick. Here's what The Chicken Sisters is about: This family drama with southern charm and romance, is set in the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi's and Frannie's – has left the founders' families fractured and the locals taking sides. When a popular cooking show comes to town, things get more complicated as sparks begin to fly and secrets are uncovered. If you want to read the book before the series airs, click on image above to find it on Amazon. Hallmark Unveils Their New Christmas Experience! Viewers are always looking for small towns where they can experience the magic of Christmas--Hallmark style! On May 15, Hallmark announced their first annual Hallmark Christmas Experience taking place in Kansas City, Missouri, during the 2024 holiday season. Visitors can experience a tree lighting, Christmas Market, a card sending station, ice skating, reindeer games with Hallmark stars, photo ops, and more. The catch is the expense. Although a few of the activities are free, the other two tiers cost $259 and $699 respectively. Hallmark viewers expressed disappointment on social media. Many had hoped for a 24/7 Christmas movie channel while others felt Hallmark was trying to exploit their faithful fan base. The price tag, especially when travel expenses are included, are too hefty for many who would love a more economical way to interact with their favorite romcom celebrities. A New Mystery Series Starring Sarah Drew Is Coming to Hallmark Fans of cozy mysteries AND Christmas are in for a treat that's almost better than a cup of Mrs. Santa's cocoa. Mistletoe Murders is a new mystery series coming to Hallmark Mystery that casts Sarah Drew as Emily Lane. According to Deadline, here's what the series is about: When Emily isn’t busy running her charming small-town Christmas-themed store, “Under the Mistletoe,” she finds herself compelled to investigate local murders with the help of handsome local police detective and his teen daughter. On the surface, Emily is a perfectly lovely, good-natured mystery lover – but she is hiding a secret past that, if exposed, threatens to destroy the new life she has built in Fletcher’s Grove. This sounds amazing! More Movies on the Way for Great American Family Viewers CEO of Great American Media, Bill Abbott, shared a "Family Insider Update" from the GFAM network on May 12. For several weeks, Great American Family has been airing old, syndicated shows like Murder, She Wrote, Columbo, and Perry Mason. Viewers who expected more movies and series are growing impatient, especially those who paid additional money to have the channel. Abbott's letter explained that he and the leadership team are listening and are doing their best to respond to the demand. He outlined what's coming next: Movies will return (though a date wasn't referenced) GFAM will run its annual Christmas in July At the end of July, GFAM will borrow movies from Great American Pure Flix to air on GFAM, including God's Country Song on July 29, Heaven Sent on August 6, along with five more. GFAM is calling these "Pure Flix Classics" to distinguish between brands. A new slate of original movies will then premiere throughout the remainder of 2024, including Mr. Manhatten with Alexa and Carlos PenaVega. The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker starring Candace Cameron Bure is set to premiere this year, too. Abbott also shared that older series attract double or triple the viewership than movies, a Nielson ratings fact that floored GFAM movie enthusiasts who can't fathom anyone tuning in to watch ancient shows. The numbers don't lie, and GFAM needs the ratings to attract advertisers, which funds the making of new programming. Here's the kicker: Cable providers pay GFAM's competitors (cough, cough Hallmark) to carry their channels, but they don't pay GFAM to carry theirs. This gives the other network(s) a significant financial advantage. The worst part is the cable providers even charge more for you to have GFAM in your package, even though they are carrying the channel for free. Understanding this dynamic is helpful. Wonderful, faith-filled programming is on the way from GFAM! Subscribe to the Blog! Did you catch all the exciting news this past week? Be sure to subscribe to this blog so you never miss Hallmark and Great American Family updates! You can also follow our Facebook pages for Hallmark and Great American Family for more fun posts and to connect with fellow fans.

Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans is the fourth movie in the Hallmark Mystery franchise that is based on the novels by Diane Mott Davidson. Goldy Berry and Detective Tom Shultz team up when a Medieval feast at Hyde Castle is interrupted by a murder. When all the guests find themselves snowed in and unable to leave, Goldy and Tom try to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again. Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans Gets Personal Sir Alistair is holding a fundraiser at his castle for the fencing team, and Goldy has cooked up a special feast for the occasion. Alistair promises to make a "big announcement" before dinner that will require him to "take out the sword of justice." He never gets the chance to reveal the important news because he winds up dead, and everyone present becomes a suspect. Several mysterious threads tie-in with Detective Tom Shultz. Tom's father, Edmund, was convicted of murder and imprisoned 25 years ago. Federal Marshall, Gerard Trach, appears, uninvited, to the gala to reveal that Edmund has escaped prison and will likely reach out to Tom for help. Strangely, one of the guests, Agatha, is the judge who sentenced Edmund. Charlie, the court jester, knows the nickname only Tom's dad ever used for him--Tomster. It doesn't take the sleuthers long to realize that Edmund is hiding in Hyde Castle. Is he exacting revenge on those responsible for his fate? Will Tom get back the father he's not spoken to in 25 years, or will the case push them even farther apart? No spoilers here--you'll have to watch the movie to find out "who-dunnit" and why! The Suspect List in Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans Is Extensive! As if all the red herrings aren't enough to throw viewers off the scent, the possible suspects are overwhelming! Sir Alistair has made a lot of enemies. Tom, Goldy, Mason, and Federal Marshall Trach must sift through evidence, interview suspects, comb the castle, and try to piece together the clues. Is the murderer Coach Pierre--the man being fired for not driving the fencing team hard enough to victory? Could it be Agatha's husband, Ivan, who suspects an affair between his wife and Sir Alistair? The jester, Charlie, knows Edmund from prison. Are the two in cahoots? Who better to want Alistair dead the Klaus, the faithful butler who is mistreated beyond belief? Baron Sweetwater is also a top suspect. Sketch artist and Alistair's personal assistant seems the least likely to be a cold-blooded killer, but is that merely a facade? Just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist! Are Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker Fizzling Out as a Couple in Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans? Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker have paired up for multiple Hallmark projects over the years, including The Perfect Catch, A Dream of Christmas, Sweet Autumn, and four Curious Caterer movies. While the two started off as a beloved onscreen couple, it feels like their chemistry is waning, unlike fellow stars like Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp/Brennan Elliott who fans never tire of seeing together. Maybe it's because DeLoach and Walker hang out together so much offscreen. DeLoach refers to Walker as her "work husband," but the two have developed such camaraderie that they seem more like brother and sister. They are so at ease in one another's company that is detracts from the excitement of a budding romance onscreen. They would be better off as sibling sleuthers. A New Curious Caterer Movie Is on the Way! Despite the absence of romantic vibes, the Curious Caterer movies boast great storylines, since they are based on well-written novels. There are a total of 17 books in the series, so if you're a bookworm, you can view all the titles in this post. The costumes in Foiled Plans are gorgeous, and Goldy's resourcefulness is impressive. When Foiled Plans was initially announced, Hallmark revealed that the network had ordered TWO new Curious Caterer movies, so that means more information should be coming in the near future about a fifth installment.

Branching Out, starring Sarah Drew and Juan Pablo di Pace, was the best Spring into Love movie from Hallmark Channel in 2024. It was the fifth premiere during the network's seasonal event, and Hallmark saved the best for last! What Is Branching Out About? Sarah Drew plays Amelia, a single mom who couldn't wait for Mr. Right to come along to start a family. Through in vitro fertilization, she chose a donor and became the proud parent of Ruby, a precocious 10-year-old. Although Amelia works hard to make Ruby feel that the two of them are enough to be a family, Ruby asks to find her biological father when her teacher assigns a Family Tree project. Abandoned by her own father as a child, Amelia has built barriers to protect herself emotionally, so it's with much anxiety that she tracks down Ruby's birth father, who happens to be a local musician. Ruby is thrilled that her father's family is huge, but it's overwhelming to Amelia. Since T.J. is a traveling musician, Amelia is concerned that Ruby will suffer the same disappointments and abandonment that she did, but Ruby accepts her father with open arms. Through the process, Amelia learns how to open her heart back up to love, too. Does Juan Pablo di Pace Do His Own Singing in Branching Out? Sarah Drew told TV Goodness that Juan Pablo di Pace was "just the dreamiest of all dreamiest acting partners." In the movie, Amelia and her best friend, Maura, refer to him as "smoldering." He definitely qualifies as an official Hallmark hunk--too bad he's gay and unattainable! In addition to acting, di Pace is a musician, singer, and director. He's starred in several musicals, including Chicago, Grease, and Saturday Night Fever. He's appeared in a number of TV shows, written and directed short films, and has been releasing songs and performing since 2010. In Branching Out, di Pace actually performs Better, an original song written by April Geesbreght and Nelly Joy. You can watch the Facebook clip of the song here. Drew says of that particular filming day, "The concert scene was also just an absolute blast of a day. We had so much fun that day." It's an upbeat scene that provides a light-hearted break from the heavier emotional topics addressed in the movie. With his ridiculously good looks, musical talent, and superior acting skills, let's hope Hallmark will cast di Pace in more movies soon! Branching Out Breaks the Mold Branching Out isn't the typical romcom infused with the usual fluff. It's emotionally substantive and deals with real-life trials: single parenting, search for a birth parent, childhood abandonment, trust issues, coping with large family drama, and more. The movie is sweet. Amelia picked T.J. as a donor because she loved his laugh, but he ends up having much more to offer. He welcomes Ruby with his heart wide open, and the loving bond that quickly forms between the two is precious to watch. Ruby is amazed that they not only share a love of music, but also many of the same mannerisms. Ruby's trust and ability to love with abandonment provides a stark contrast to Amelia's guardedness. Amelia stresses to T.J. that he needs to be a man Ruby can count on, but he also proves to Amelia that she can count on him, too. Unlike other Hallmark movies that require one of the leads to turn down a job in order to stay in town, Branching Out provides a better solution to the plot conflict so that everyone can live their dreams. The movie was filmed in Utah. Branching Out Cast Sarah Drew is an incredibly talented and versatile actress who always delivers a heart-felt performance. Branching Out is her fourth Hallmark film. She previously starred in Christmas in Vienna, One Summer, and Guiding Emily. Branching Out is only Juan Pablo di Paci's second Hallmark film. His first was Raise a Glass to Love opposite Laura Osnes. Cora Bella plays Ruby, and Branching Out is her first break-out role. See the Trailer for Branching Out If you haven't had a chance to watch Branching Out, it's one you will want to catch when it plays again on Hallmark Channel. Here's the trailer:

Planning to travel this summer? Hallmark has several destinations planned for you to "visit," from the comfort of home. You'll be taking in the sights of Malta, Paris, Greece, and Italy throughout the month of June on Hallmark Channel! For Love & Honey Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 8/7c Starring: Andrew Walker and Margaret Clunie Synopsis: Beekeeper Eva uncovers an ancient fresco while rescuing a hive. Austen, a visiting archeologist, thinks it is key to his research, so he persuades Eva to help him on his quest across Malta. This movie sounds like it will "bee" amazing! Savoring Paris Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 8/7c Starring: Bethany Joy Lenz and Stanley Weber Synopsis: Disillusioned with her life, Ella embarks on a soul-searching journey to Paris where she navigates love, self-discovery and cheese amidst the enchanting backdrop of The City of Love. A movie set in Paris? Yes, please! A Greek Recipe for Romance Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 8/7c Starring: Danielle C. Ryan and Rafael Kariotakis Synopsis: After a recent setback, Abby heads to Greece to visit her mom and decide what's next. While there, she meets Theo and they team up to open a restaurant. But will Abby be able to stay? Two Scoops of Italy Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 8/7c Starring: Hunter King and Michele Rosiello Synopsis: When an American chef travels to a quant village in Italy for inspiration, she falls in love with the flavors, culture, gelato, and the Italian gentleman who helps her discover it all. Hallmark Mystery Announces One New Movie So Far for June Tipline Mysteries: Dial 1 for Murder Friday, June 7, 2024, at 9/8c Starring: Holland Roden and Chris McNally A cryptic call about a planned jewelry heist draws a Detroit Free Press tipline operator, Maddie Moore, into a dangerous homicide case alongside a newly promoted detective. RomCom Review's Thoughts on New June 2024 Hallmark Movies The June lineup for Hallmark Channel is filled with a LOT of unfamiliar faces. It's clear that Hallmark is testing new talent on the network by pairing unknown actors with ones we love to make the change more palatable. I'm conflicted. How about you? On one hand, we know that younger talent must eventually replace our favorite stars when they "outgrow" certain roles. In other words, you can't have a 50-year-old star pretending to be 25. At the same time, many fans have been bombarding Hallmark with requests to see more of their old favorite stars. Let's hope Hallmark isn't shoving them quietly out the back door! Destination movies, especially during the month of June, is a great theme for Summer. However, many of these plots sound very stale, aside from the one with Andrew Walker and the new mystery. We must stay open-minded and give the newbies a fair chance, but I'm just not feeling warm fuzzies. Let's hope that changes.

Hallmark has dubbed the Month of May as Countdown to Summer 2024. Even though May is still technically Spring, we could all use some warm summer vibes! As we gradually transition between seasons, Hallmark has five premieres for us to enjoy: three brand new movies, and two that are premiering on Hallmark Channel for the first time. A Lifelong Love Premieres: Saturday, May 4 at 8/7c on HALLMARK CHANNEL Starring: Andrea Brooks and Patch May Synopsis: While trying to reunite her grandfather with his lost love, Annika teams up with college sweetheart Ryan to create a book about the experience, documenting different love stories along the way. This is NOT a new movie! It originally aired on Hallmark Mystery in 2023, but it's the first time that it will appear on Hallmark Channel, which is why the network labels it a "premiere." A Whitewater Romance Premieres: Saturday, May 11 at 8/7c on HALLMARK CHANNEL Starring: Benjamin Hollingsworth and Cindy Busby Synopsis: Maya attends an exclusive business retreat in the Rocky Mountains where she meets Matt who, initially, is her competitor. As they're forced to pair up, an unlikely connection begins to evolve. Family Practice Mysteries: Coming Home Premieres: Friday, May 17 at 9/8c HALLMARK MYSTERY Starring: Amanda Schull and Brendan Penny Synopsis: A former Army surgeon moves back to her hometown and joins a practice of family doctors, but when she's drawn into solving the mysterious death of a patient, her quiet life becomes upended. Everything Puppies Premieres: Saturday, May 18 at 8/7c on HALLMARK CHANNEL Starring: Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Stephen Huszar, and Kathryn Davis. Synopsis: A dedicated entrepreneur and inventor looking to make it big creating innovative dog toys and treats finds success with the support of a handsome client. Big Sky River: The Bridal Path Premieres: Saturday, May 25 at 8/7c on HALLMARK CHANNEL Starring: Emmanuelle Vaugier and Kavan Smith Tara, now settled in Montana and dating Cowboy Boone, works to bring their family lives together but tensions arise, as blending their families will be more of a challenge than anticipated. This movie also isn't new. It originally premiered on Hallmark Mystery in 2023, but this is the first time for it to air on Hallmark Channel. RomCom Review's Thoughts on Hallmark's May 2024 Movies I appreciate that Hallmark writers are trying to branch out into new directions, including a movie about whitewater rafting. It is literally "new waters" for Hallmark! Viewers love Benjamin Hollingsworth, but many of us feel we've overdosed on Cindy Busby. Amanda Schull and Brendan Penny look like a promising pairing for the new medical mystery. Hallmark Mystery could really use a new mystery series, but we'll have to see how fans react to this one. I'm not a Huszar fan, but any Hallmark movie with dogs is nearly always a hit with viewers. Still, it looks like there's something for everyone!

Experience the joys of Niagara Falls without getting drenched, all from the comfort of your couch. As part of Hallmark's Spring into Love 2024, Falling in Love in Niagara provides a "boat load" of entertainment. What Is Falling in Love in Niagara About? Jocelyn Hudon plays Madeline, an ultra-organized woman enslaved by itineraries who maps out daily life down to the minute. Her controlling nature allows no wiggle room for spontaneity, and when her fiancé, Jason (Chris Violette), loses a business account because she has tossed his lucky socks, it's the last straw--he cancels their wedding. After an ugly cry on the couch (and watching Hallmark's Fit for a Prince on TV), her sister, Harley (Masa Lizdek), convinces her to prove to Jason that she can live in the moment and be adventurous by proceeding with the honeymoon plans without him. Harley accompanies Maddie to Niagara Falls on what she dubs a "sistermoon." Madeline's initial encounter with Mike (Dan Jeannotte) is a rocky one. She tosses change into what she thinks is an empty coffee cup while he's playing the guitar on a park bench, ruining his shirt. Naturally, Mike ends up being her tour guide. Sparks soon fly, not from anger or irritation, but because the two bring out the best in each other. Maddie is determined to recreate everything her grandparents had done as a young couple in Niagara Falls, but Mike persuades her to go on an adventure tour with him instead. He suggests that she stuff her social media feed with all of her escapades so Jason will see that she is more free-spirited than he realizes. Unfortunately, Mike's plan works too well, and Jason flies to Niagara Falls in a grand gesture to win Maddie back. Jason fits neatly into Madeline's life plan, even though he makes her feel bad about herself. Mike is unpredictable, but he accepts her as she is, itineraries and all. Madeline must choose. Falling in Love in Niagara Has Great Character Arcs Some Hallmark fans said they changed the channel because they couldn't stomach Madeline's controlling nature. Those fans missed out because the setup is part of her perfectly executed story arc. We learn that Maddie had a chaotic childhood. Her parents neglected her and Harley, often not returning home until after midnight, so the two had to fend for themselves until their loving grandparents took them in. The trauma shaped Maddie's mindset to always expect the worst. Her heart had remained as tumultuous as Niagara Falls--until Mike helped her learn to let go and live life to the fullest. Mike's ex left him too, so he understands Maddie's predicament, but Mike's story arc is different. His experience has adversely affected his attitude, job performance, and musical creativity. Maddie is his Muse. He becomes more punctual and dependable at work, his fun personality shines through once again, and he's inspired to write and perform new songs. Harley even gets her own story arc. She is divorced and working a job she hates. Her passion is photography, but she thinks it may be too late to pursue it, especially since her self-image from the split has suffered. She meets Keegan, a CEO of a successful company, who can flood her inbox with work simply by tagging her photos on social media. Over the course of the movie, her confidence in both her talent and self-worth are bolstered. Juggling three story arcs at once adds depth to Falling in Love in Niagara and creates more relatable characters. Falling in Love in Niagara Takes You on a Virtual Vacation The natural beauty and magnificence of Niagara Falls forms the perfect backdrop for Falling in Love in Niagara. The cinematography makes the viewer feel like they are smack dab in the middle of this attractive tourist destination. The botanical gardens, vineyard, giant Sky Wheel, zipline, boat rides, and more are real places to visit, many nestled near Clifton Hill. Viewers can almost feel the mist on their faces during the water scenes, and many of us are happy living vicariously through the video cam footage of the ziplining romp rather than sailing across Niagara Falls in person. RomCom Review Weighs in on Falling in Love in Niagara Dan Jeannotte never disappoints, so I knew this movie would be a hit. I enjoy the character he plays. In spite of how awful he appears at the beginning, I love that he invests in Madeline's life to help her grow despite toting his own emotional baggage. Mike believes in Maddie and knows that an adventurous experience is the next right step in guiding her to live her best life. He is always patient, kind, and encouraging, even when she resists his spontaneous ideas. To make the transition smoother, Mike creates an itinerary for Maddie--a lifeline--but he also leaves room for spontaneity. It's a loving gesture. Though she nearly has a panic attack when the giant Sky Wheel stops while she is near the top, her reservations melt when she learns Mike has arranged the stop so she can enjoy the view. While Jason won't allow her to be romantically expressive in public, Mike writes a song about her that he proudly sings at open mic night. Even when she tells him that she is reconciling with Jason, he respects her decision and doesn't react negatively despite the stinging rejection being akin to his last bad breakup. Mike sees beyond his own hurt to understand that Madeline is picking the safe plan that feels comfortable. Through it all, Mike always makes the loving choice, and love never fails. Viewers can also relate to the movie thread about learning to "push through to the other side of fear." Everyone is afraid of something at some time in their life. Fear might be justified, but too many times, we allow it to hold us back. When we demonstrate courage by "doing it afraid," we break fear's hold on us and can move forward. I also appreciate the symbiotic friendship between Mike and Emily and the loyalty the two have to each other. As his boss, Emily could have fired Mike for his long-term downcast attitude and its effect on her business, yet she faithfully sticks by his side like a true-blue friend. It's an admirable quality. Sometimes relationships cost something, but the people we love are worthy investments. With the strong characters, good acting, gorgeous scenery, the injection of humor, and a well-written story, Falling in Love in Niagara is an entertaining movie worth watching. Subscribe to the Blog! Get Hallmark news and movie reviews delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to this blog!

Anticipation for Great American Christmas 2024 builds with GAF's announcement that Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson will star in a new holiday movie called A Christmas Less Traveled. The movie will premiere in November. Bure has previously headlined A Christmas...Present and My Christmas Hero for Great American Family--both huge wins for fans and the network. She is also slated to star in The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker, which is set to air in September. What is A Christmas Less Traveled About? According to a news release from Great American Family, here's the synopsis for A Christmas Less Traveled: The Dine and Dash diner has a stack of mounting unpaid bills, forcing its owner, Desi (Bure) to sell her beloved, mint condition, cherry red 1964 Ford F-100, a gift from her deceased father. As Desi visits the vintage truck one last time, she discovers a recorded message from her dad on an old audio cassette. Desi’s Dad’s voice sends her and “Old Red” out to retrace her family’s most memorable moments one last time. Just as the journey begins, Desi meets Greyson (Johnson) who offers her a generous payment in exchange for a ride to “close the most important deal” of his life. Little do Desi and Greyson realize the less traveled road will reveal more about each of them than they could have ever known. A Christmas Less Travelled is a Syrup Studios production in association with Candy Rock Entertainment being presented on Great American Family network under the Candace Cameron Bure presents banner. Bill Abbott and Candace Cameron Bure Talk About A Christmas Less Traveled “Filmmakers have been inspired by road trips for as long as movies have been made,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “In A Christmas Less Traveled, viewers will go on a scenic journey with our characters to celebrate Christmas in communities and with acquaintances, treasuring every heartfelt moment of discovery or remembrance in a vintage vehicle that seems to magically know all the right places to stop." “A Christmas Less Travelled gently challenges us to truly embrace every moment we share with our families, friends and loved ones. It reminds us that forgiving ourselves and others is the pathway to set ourselves free,” added Candace Cameron Bure. A Christmas Less Traveled Brings This to Mind... When the new movie title was announced, my first question was whether it was derived from the famous poem by Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken. If you're not familiar with the poem, here it is: Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Robert Frost was an American poet who often wrote about realistic depictions of rural life, so it would be on brand for Great American Family to work a title that alludes to the iconic poet. Maybe it's just a coincidence. Either way, it fits. The poem is about coming to a fork in the road, choosing a path that seems less traveled, and then reflecting on how that decision impacted the speaker's life. Similarly, I suspect Desi and Greyson will find that taking the "road less traveled" will make all the difference in their lives, too. A Christmas Less Traveled is the 4th Movie Great American Family Has Announced in the Christmas 2024 Lineup While we know Great American Family will have far more Christmas movies to announce in the coming months, here are the ones they have shared so far: Aurora Christmas starring Jill Wagner and Jesse Hutch My Grown-Up Christmas Wish starring Mario and Courtney Lopez A Prince in Paradise 2: A Royal Proposal starring Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke A Christmas Less Traveled starring Candace Cameron Bure and Eric Johnson It's only April, but things are shaping up for another wonderful Christmas season on Great American Family! Subscribe to This Blog Don't miss any of the news! Subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date.

Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke will reunite for a follow-up to the hit movie A Prince in Paradise, which premiered during Great American Winter in 2023, but this time, they'll be celebrating Christmas as a couple. What Was the First A Prince in Paradise Movie About? If you haven't watched the original A Prince in Paradise movie, here's what you missed. Olivia Perkins (Fish) is an author who is under pressure to follow-up her last bestseller with a new one, but when her boyfriend breaks up with her, she experiences writer's block. Since she's already booked a tropical vacation for her anniversary with now ex-boyfriend, she and her BFF decide an adventure is just what she needs. While on the island, Oliva meets Alexander--a prince who is familiar with her book but who hides his identity so he can get to know her. The movie includes all the typical tropes: a prince who wants to escape his royal duties, a girl who feels deceived, a Queen who doesn't approve of the union, but it's still a fun movie. What Can Viewers Expect in the Sequel: A Prince in Paradise 2: A Royal Proposal In A Prince in Paradise 2: A Royal Proposal, Olivia and Prince Alexander travel together to his family’s majestic palace in Torovia to spend Christmas with their two families. Despite busy schedules that push the couple in different directions, the couple seems poised to come together for a magical and unforgettable Christmas, until clashing cultures within the families lead to comedic mishaps. If you're a fan of royal movies, A Prince in Paradise 2: A Royal Proposal sounds like an enjoyable sequel. The first movie had several comedic moments that were done well, which bodes well for the second one. It will be interesting to see if Great American Family will continue with a third installment about the wedding, or if will end with the proposal. Either way, it sounds like Great American Christmas 2024 will be the network's best year yet. You can get a sneak peek below: Fish and Bourke Acting Credits Fish's star is rising. She's been in romcoms on GAF, UPtv, and Hallmark as well as in Hallmark mysteries. Here are the movies she's headlined: A Love to Remember (UPtv 2021) Journey of My Heart (Hallmark 2021) A Splash of Love (Hallmark 2022) Sweet as Pie (UPtv 2022) Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths (Hallmark 2022) The Christmas Retreat (UPtv 2022) A Prince in Paradise (GAF 2023) A Picture of Her (Hallmark 2023) When Love Springs (Hallmark 2023) My Norwegian Holiday (Hallmark 2023) Bourke is just gaining his footing in the industry. Aside from a few shorts and the original A Prince in Paradise movie from Great American Family, his biggest acting credit is a drama series that ran from 2019-2020 called The Heights. Subscribe to the Blog! Don't miss any Great American Family news, movies reviews, and more. Subscribe to this blog to stay up-to-date on all the family-friendly movies that celebrate faith, family, and country.