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Christopher Russell has no trouble finding work these days because he is popping up on romcoms on multiple networks! This season, he recently starred in A Vintage Christmas on Great American Family, and he will also appear in Santa Tell Me on Hallmark Channel on November 9. Operation Nutcracker , however, may be one of his best movies to date. What Is Operation Nutcracker About? When a priceless antique nutcracker, set to be auctioned at the Warby family Christmas charity goes missing in an unfortunate suitcase swap, it's up to the exacting even planner, Lottie Morgan and the free-spirited heir to the Warby dynasty, Tristan, to track it down, all while capturing the heart and spirit of Christmas. The Chemistry Is Tangible Between Newbrough & Russell in Operation Nutcracker A big complaint of Hallmark fans regarding new movies is the casting. Too often, romantic leads are paired in such nonsensical ways that if Santa were banking on their spark to make his sleigh fly, he would never have liftoff. When Christopher Russell first burst onto the romcom scene, viewers agreed that while he was ridiculously good-looking, his acting skills were lagging. A gazillion scripts later, Russell has hit his stride. Not only have his professional abilities improved, but he's able to work with his co-star to create phenomenal chemistry. Lottie and Tristan first connect at the airport--he's heading home for his family's charity auction to benefit the children's hospital. Although Lottis is unaware of his identity, she is traveling to the same destination for an interview with his mother. They narrowly miss trading identical suitcases, and Tristan quips, "Classic bag swap just like in a romcom." Before each leaves the airport, their paths cross again, and Lottie jokes, "We've got to stop meet cuting this way." The good-natured jabs scripted by Hallmark to poke fun at their own movie genre are classic. Turns out, Tristan actually does swap bags accidentally, but it's not with Lottie. As the two scramble to find the lost nutcracker before the auction and before Tristan's mother learns the truth, the adventure draws them closer. The 7-second hug and the final kiss are wowza! Multiple Layers in the Operation Nutcracker Story Operation Nutcracker is a stereotypical romcom, and yet it's not. The story is multi-faceted and not just surface level fluff. Tristan is traveling the world as a philanthropist for his family's foundation, but it's more to avoid his mother's pressure for him to soon head the foundation. Lottie thinks his life has been easy, but when she learns about his sister's childhood illness, she realizes everyone has personal struggles. Lottie hasn't been able to connect with her father since her mother's death. Both of them are workaholics but grow to realize that their relationship is worth saving. The subplot also adds a lot of depth to the story, which revolves around another workaholic, Dave, a man Lottie and Tristan are trying to track down because he has the nutcracker. Dave's wife, Pam, unknowingly crosses paths with them, unaware of the significance of their chance encounter. Pam and Dave's daughter, Josephine, misses a chance to be Clara during the annual Nutcracker ballet, but a fun surprise awaits her. Plus, a little Christmas magic is thrown in for good measure--who is the mysterious donor who buys the nutcracker, and why does it end up under the Christmas tree with a tag addressed to someone else? Final Thoughts from RomCom Review on Operation Christmas Lore has it that nutcrackers bring good luck and lead you to your fate, which certainly tracks for Lottie and Tristan. The Nutcracker is the centerpiece for the entire movie, from sleuthing to find the lost one, to the tiny details of the fundraising gala, to the ballet featuring Josephine. Operation Nutcracker pays a unique homage to the classic tale. A little humor sprinkled throughout the movie is fun, especially the scene when Tristan's sister decapitates the decoy nutcracker. The only criticism of the movie is that multiple instances of dialogue reference "the universe" in a way that is very New Age, such as, "The universe is trying to tell you something." This angle is expressed in an increasing number of Hallmark movies produced over the past couple years. In older, quality Hallmark movies, plot tensions often worked out thanks to "divine intervention," where God was honored in the storytelling, especially at Christmas. Now, with the "wokesters" who are currently running Hallmark, good things that happen are attributed to the involvement of "the universe," which is a form of pantheism--a belief that the universe, not God, is divine, sacred, and inter-connected in a way that worships creation over the Creator. Operation Nutcracker still remains a big hit thanks to a fun story, great character development, fabulous chemistry, talented leads, and the perfect amount of plot tension. Follow Our Hallmark Ever After Facebook Page Connect with fellow Hallmark fans through our fun Hallmark Ever After Facebook page where you will find daily movie schedules, Hallmark news, updates on your favorite stars, pics, celebrity birthdays, & other unique Hallmark fandom!

Any movie starring Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and A Vintage Christmas from Great American Family does not disappoint. What Is A Vintage Christmas About? Here is a summary of the plot, per Great American Family's website: Tessa (Patterson) is a dedicated historian and preservationist in her hometown of Oak Creek, an old-fashioned and passionate protector of the nostalgic. Sparks fly when a business developer, Noah (Russell) arrives in Oak Creek with plans to tear down an abandoned Post Office and replace it with a sleek, modern office complex. There are internal and external struggles among many in the community to arrive at a solution that serves the greater good for all concerned. As the clock ticks toward Christmas, the race to settle the dispute through concessions and compromise is on. Two familiar romcom tropes are at play in A Vintage Christmas : Enemies to Lovers and A Building Needs Saved . A Vintage Christmas Embodies "Christmas as It's Meant to Be" When Tessa informs Noah that Oak Creek cherishes family, community, and traditions, it encapsulates Great American Family's own guiding principles, which is summed up by the network's 2024 theme, Christmas as It's Meant to Be . At the beginning of the dispute over the town's old Post Office, Darla (the librarian) and Tessa reference praying about the situation. Another God-honoring moment in the movie occurs when Tessa and Noah grant Jillian Sharp's childhood wish to sing in front of a crowd, and she chooses O Come, All Ye Faithful . It's a small thing, but if you consider the music in "the other channel's" Christmas movies, the selections nearly always lean secular. To hear the name of Christ mentioned in a movie, even if it's just within a song, is Christmas as It's Meant to Be . Another faith-based nuance is Brad's discovery of The Five Love Languages by Baptist pastor Gary Chapman. This novel was first published in 1992, and it outlines the five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Brad discovers that acts of service is his love language, even though Darla finds him perfect just the way he is. Approaching romance from a Christian perspective is one more way GAF incorporates faith into their programming. One of my favorite aspects of the movie is how people can see a situation in a completely opposite light, diligently seek a middle ground without compromising their individual ideals, and still build bridges to grow relationships. Noah is initially viewed as an enemy of the people because of his plans to tear down Oak Creek's post office to build something modern. Instead of either side acting deviously or hostilely, everyone works together to find acceptable solutions. Noah doesn't bulldoze the townspeople when his project gets the green light, but he seeks to win them over with a sincere heart by answering their old letters to Santa. His goodwill wins their favor. Neither does Tessa begrudge Noah his plans to help the town prosper economically, but she thinks it can happen without destroying the past. Ultimately, both the town and the developer hammer out an answer that works for everyone. Themes are threaded through the entire movie that seem countercultural in today's climate, but Great American Family reminds us of Christmas as it's meant to be! RomCom Review's Rating of A Vintage Christmas A Vintage Christmas is charming, nostalgic, reflects GAF's wonderful brand, and features two seasoned actors who bring the characters to life. Preserving the past while building a new future is a desirable ideal. However, the story, though solid, is slow-moving, features commonplace tropes, and the chemistry is surprisingly lacking between the two leads. The kiss that we anticipate at the climax is a dud, and while I appreciate modesty, GAF needs to turn up the sizzle on the final kiss. Overall, a very enjoyable movie for this genre, earning it 3 out of 5 stars here at RomCom Review.

In Scouting for Christmas , Tamera Mowry-Housley plays the perfect single mom while Carlo Marks is a handsome, endearing, and sensitive baker. Audrey Wise Alvarez's performance as cupid is sweet, too, but the movie is still underwhelming and only earns 2 out of 5 stars here at RomCom Review. What Is Scouting for Christmas About? The romcom trope in play in this movie is the love triangle . Here's the plot , per Hallmark's website: Angela has been a busy realtor since her amicable divorce a couple of years ago to Dakota, a paleontologist whose adventures kept him anywhere but home. Now, she is a devoted if often harried, single mom to a smart and loving 10-year-old girl, Brooklyn. Angela’s busy schedule makes it hard for her to find time for much of anything…or anyone…else. As it is, she can barely get Brooklyn to her scout meetings on time, much to the disapproval of the other mothers. When Brooklyn gets the idea to have William, the owner of her favorite bakery, cater her scout troop’s posh annual holiday event, she asks Angela to work with him on pitching the idea to the moms in charge. Despite sensing that her daughter might be trying to play cupid, she agrees to help and finds herself enjoying time with him, but is reluctant to open her heart and life to someone new. When Dakota returns, missing her, Angela must decide what is best for her daughter and best for her heart. Hallmark Focuses on the Wrong Thing in Scouting for Christmas Hallmark places too much emphasis on inclusion and too little time on story development. It's clear from Scouting for Christmas that the goal is to appeal to single moms rather than tell a creative story. Angela is divorced, raising a stepchild she officially adopted, and trying to balance work and her responsibilities at home. She is independent and never asks for help because she doesn't want to rely on anyone but herself. She hates being pitied by the stay-at-home moms in her daughter's scout troop who have more time and less stress than she does, but she wants to be a model to Brooklyn that a woman can be independent and successful--the usual feminist talking point. Hallmark crafts a story that is so focused on a demographic that it is embarrassingly unoriginal. There is nothing new here to see, and Hallmark seriously needs to explore different career options for their characters. WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE BAKERS! No Chemistry in Scouting for Christmas Mowry-Housley and Marks are both wonderful actors who give their all to generate onscreen sizzle, but the viewer just isn't feeling it. They are mismatched because Jacki Lind, the casting director, apparently uses a rubric for casting that does not include chemistry. Over the past few years, Hallmark has become obsessed with biracial couplings. It's not that there's anything wrong with it, other than the fact that it often results in zero onscreen sparks, but the objective should be to make the best matches, not fulfill a DEI requirement. Final Thoughts on Scouting for Christmas Another faux pas is the volume of sweets Angela consumes. Most women who are trying to attract a new man wouldn't think of stuffing that many cookies down the hatch like Angela does. We'd wait until he wasn't watching! Dakota tries to win Angela back, but when he fails, he immediately encourages William to pursue her. This would not remotely happen in real life. The movie is far-fetched, humdrum, and unimaginative. Mass producing Christmas movies each year is taking a toll on the brand. Hallmark should consider scaling back the quantity to preserve quality. If you struggle to keep up with the steady stream of new movie premieres and want to prioritize the best ones first, Scouting for Christmas can be shuffled to the bottom of your list.

The concept of two college-educated best friends in their late thirties crashing parties, changing identities, and getting swept up in a fantasy without remorse or fear of consequences is very far-fetched. Even so, the strong cast, the fast-paced action, double the romance, and a satisfying conclusion pull the viewer into an entertaining whirlwind. What Is Holiday Crashers About? Holiday Crashers stars Lyndsy Fonseca, Danielle Monet, Chris McNally, and Jag Bal. Here's the synopsis per Hallmark's website: Best friends Toni (Fonseca) and Bri (Monet) have worked at the same card shop for more years than they should as both struggle to find their true life’s path. This holiday season, Toni and Bri decide to shake up their humdrum world by creating new identities to crash the amazing Christmas parties from the shop's confidential invitations. All harmless fun! Until Toni gets mistaken for a lawyer, which isn’t too far off the mark since she did finish law school...just never completed the bar exam. Toni and Bri are then whisked away to a fancy corporate Christmas retreat in the snowy Vermont mountains by handsome business mogul, Justin (McNally), whose crush on Toni is real even if her legal career isn’t. And Bri is along for the ride as she has eyes for Vinny (Bal), a valet who may have a secret of his own. Can a distraction help Bri find what path in life she’s supposed to follow? Will Toni end up with the guy of her dreams or in a blizzard of trouble? This fun Christmas crashing romp will either end in disaster or two happily-ever-afters! The movie trope is fake identity but only for part of the time. Justin carries emotional baggage from a previous relationship, which makes him completely intolerant of lying, so Toni's lack of transparency is a major deal-breaker. The Appeal of Holiday Crashers Holiday Crashers appears to be Hallmark's attempt to attract a younger demographic. Although the initial movie vibe feels like the 2023 Hallmark movie bomb-- Never Been Chris'd --it is engaging and enjoyable despite the outlandish plot. Chris McNally's longer hairstyle makes him sexier--if that is possible. He's also a terrific actor, which is the icing on the sugar cookie. Lyndsy Fonseca is a strong lead, so together, they pull off what would otherwise be totally implausible. Bri's romance with Vinny doesn't take a back seat to Toni's, which is unusual for a subplot. Watching their relationship bloom is equally enchanting as the leads'. Bri's upbeat personality combined with her thirst for adventure adds considerably to the entertainment value and helps carry the movie. Where Holiday Crashers Fails At the core of the movie are two directionless women in their late thirties with a complete lack of integrity. While both excuse their deceitfulness by saying they get swept up in the fantasy, it does not excuse their morally reprehensible choices to steal invitations from their employer and gleefully lie about their identities and occupations until it comes back to haunt them. Hallmark used to produce movies that reflected the true spirit of Christmas. To see the secular depths to which their storytelling has descended is sad. Not to mention, a Hindu wedding is conducted--a pagan religion that is completely antithetical to the real meaning of Christmas, which is the birth of Jesus. It's no wonder that former Hallmark CEO, Bill Abbott, who now runs Great American Family , is amassing viewers faster than elves can make toys. GAF's theme for the 2024 holiday season is Christmas as It's Meant to Be , and the movies the network is churning out are layered with faith, hope, love, peace, and the other values our culture once embraced. So, while Holiday Crashers boasts a great cast, keeps you on edge as you anticipate Toni's and Bri's exposure, and allows you to fantasize about being on the receiving end of McNally's hot kiss, it has no heart and debases the Christmas spirit. If you like Lyndsy Fonseca's sweater, you can order it from Amazon here . Like Fonseca's gingerbread sweater dress? It's available on Amazon here .

The Christmas spirit continues to build this week with our next new batch of holiday movies. Can you believe that Friday marks only TWO MONTHS until Christmas! Check out what's playing! OCTOBER 24:   This Time Each Year HALLMARK MYSTERY:   8pm Eastern STARRING:  Alison Sweeney & Niall Matter 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. OCTOBER 25:   Operation Nutcracker HALLMARK CHANNEL:   8pm Eastern STARRING:  Ashley Newbrough & Christopher Russell When a priceless antique nutcracker, set to be auctioned at the Warby family Christmas charity goes missing in an unfortunate suitcase swap, it is up to exacting event planner, Lottie Morgan and the free-spirited heir to the Warby dynasty, Tristan, to track it down, all while capturing the heart and spirit of Christmas. OCTOBER 26:   The Christmas Charade HALLMARK CHANNEL:   8pm Eastern STARRING:  Rachel Skarsten & Corey Sevier Whitney (Skarsten), a cautious librarian raised by home security experts, finds herself in a real-life adventure when a blind date mix-up leads her into an undercover FBI operation. Forced to pose as the girlfriend of Special Agent Josh (Sevier), she helps him track down an art thief targeting the Saint Nicholas Ruby at a Christmas Eve charity ball. As the stakes rise, Whitney must embrace her inner action hero to save the day—and her family—just in time for Christmas. OCTOBER 26:   A Christmas Castle Proposal GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY:   8pm Eastern STARRING:  Rhiannon Fish & Mitchell Bourke Olivia (Fish) and Prince Alexander (Bourke) 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. OCTOBER 27:   The 5-Year Christmas Party HALLMARK CHANNEL:   8pm Eastern STARRING: Katie Findlay & Jordan Fisher Over five years, Alice (Findlay) and her old theater school rival, Max (Fisher), reunite each holiday season to work at a Chicago catering company’s Christmas parties. While their undeniable chemistry grows, the timing is never right for romance – until the company’s final season pushes them to confront their true feelings. As they say goodbye to the job that brought them together, they might finally find love in the most unexpected way. Subscribe to the Blog & Follow Our Hallmark & Great American Fan Pages on Facebook! If you want to stay up-to-date on Hallmark and Great American Family news and programming, be sure to subscribe  to this blog. For unique and engaging content, including daily movie schedules, follow our fan pages on Facebook : Hallmark Ever After Great American Family Movie Fans

Amy Groening has appeared in nearly a dozen Hallmark movies but always as the fun, quirky, and supportive sidekick. Groening finally lands a leading role in the new holiday movie 'Twas the Date Before Christmas opposite Robert Buckley and proves she has the mettle to headline romcoms for the network. What Is 'Twas the Date Before Christmas About? Hallmark lays out the plot on their website: "To prevent her family from canceling the “Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics,” Jessie (Groening) lies and says she’s inviting a date to the long-standing holiday tradition. She meets Bryan (Buckley) on a dating app, and he agrees to spend the holiday with her and her family. As Jessie and Bryan engage in eccentric activities like the search for the Christmas tree star, gift wrapping contest and snowball fight, they start to develop real feelings for each other. Soon her family begins to catch on to their secret and Bryan suspects she may be hiding the real reason for her unusual Christmas date request. As the celebrations continue, Jessie must work to keep all her stories straight and save her date with Bryan." It turns out that Bryan isn't forthcoming about everything either. His development company has purchased a building that houses Warm Heart Candles , a business he is evicting, and the owner just happens to be Jessie's sister-in-law. Amy Groening Is a Versatile Actress Many supporting Hallmark actors shine best on the second-string and would tank a movie if cast as leads, so the network took a gamble when they promoted Groening to center stage. It's a move that paid off. Whether a scene requires sharp wit or raw emotion, Groening effortlessly slips into whatever mode is required. She can swing from eccentricity to the girl-next-door, and her heart shows in her eyes as the story unfolds. Groening falls into an easy stride with Buckley in 'Twas the Date Before Christmas , and the two make falling in love in one day a believable possibility. Let's hope Hallmark will continue recognizing Groening's talent by including her as the lead in future productions. RomCom Review Rates 'Twas the Date Before Christmas The first new movie of Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas season comes in at a solid 3 out of 5 stars. Hallmark uses the fake dating trope to frame the story, coupled with a business that needs saving. The Chamberlain family Christmas Olympics is a unique angle, and the light show at the end is festive. The cast is terrific, the tension is well-balanced, a hidden layer of Jessie's past adds depth, and the chemistry is organic. If you have a difficult time keeping up with the plethora of movies cranking out this season, 'Twas the Date Before Christmas is definitely worth your time. Follow Our Facebook Page Our Hallmark Ever After Facebook page offers daily schedules and unique content, which is why it has 94K followers and is still growing! Join us!

This holiday season, Hallmark is premiering 41 new movies, while Great American unwraps 18 original stories. It's as much to track as Santa's naughty and nice list! RomCom Review is here to help you navigate the schedules so you don't miss any of the exciting new movies. OCTOBER 18: 'Twas the Date Before Christmas HALLMARK CHANNEL: 8pm Eastern STARRING: Robert Buckley & Amy Groening To prevent her family from canceling the “Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics,” Jessie (Groening) lies and says she’s inviting a date to the long-standing holiday tradition. She meets Bryan (Buckley) on a dating app, and he agrees to spend the holiday with her and her family. As Jessie and Bryan engage in eccentric activities like the search for the Christmas tree star, gift wrapping contest and snowball fight, they start to develop real feelings for each other. Soon her family begins to catch on to their secret and Bryan suspects she may be hiding the real reason for her unusual Christmas date request. As the celebrations continue, Jessie must work to keep all her stories straight and save her date with Bryan. OCTOBER 19: Holiday Crashers HALLMARK CHANNEL: 8pm Eastern STARRING: Chris McNally & Lyndsy Fonseca Best friends Toni (Fonseca) and Bri (Monet) have worked at the same card shop for more years than they should as both struggle to find their true life’s path. This holiday season, Toni and Bri decide to shake up their humdrum world by creating new identities to crash the amazing Christmas parties from the shop's confidential invitations. All harmless fun! Until Toni gets mistaken for a lawyer, which isn’t too far off the mark since she did finish law school...just never completed the bar exam. Toni and Bri are then whisked away to a fancy corporate Christmas retreat in the snowy Vermont mountains by handsome business mogul, Justin (McNally), whose crush on Toni is real even if her legal career isn’t. And Bri is along for the ride as she has eyes for Vinny (Bal), a valet who may have a secret of his own. Can a distraction help Bri find what path in life she’s supposed to follow? Will Toni end up with the guy of her dreams or in a blizzard of trouble? This fun Christmas crashing romp will either end in disaster or two happily-ever-afters! OCTOBER 19:  A Vintage Christmas GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY:  8pm Eastern STARRING:  Merritt Patterson & Christopher Russell Tessa (Patterson) is a dedicated historian and preservationist in her hometown of Oak Creek, an old-fashioned and passionate protector of the nostalgic. Sparks fly when a business developer, Noah (Russell) arrives in Oak Creek with plans to tear down an abandoned Post Office and replace it with a sleek, modern office complex. There are internal and external struggles among many in the community to arrive at a solution that serves the greater good for all concerned. As the clock ticks toward Christmas, the race to settle the dispute through concessions and compromise is on. OCTOBER 20:  Scouting for Christmas HALLMARK CHANNEL:  8pm Eastern STARRING:  Tamara Mowry-Housley & Carlo Marks Angela has been a busy realtor since her amicable divorce a couple of years ago to Dakota, a paleontologist whose adventures kept him anywhere but home. Now, she is a devoted if often harried, single mom to a smart and loving 10-year-old girl, Brooklyn. Angela’s busy schedule makes it hard for her to find time for much of anything…or anyone…else. As it is, she can barely get Brooklyn to her scout meetings on time, much to the disapproval of the other mothers. When Brooklyn gets the idea to have William, the owner of her favorite bakery, cater her scout troop’s posh annual holiday event, she asks Angela to work with him on pitching the idea to the moms in charge. Despite sensing that her daughter might be trying to play cupid, she agrees to help and finds herself enjoying time with him, but is reluctant to open her heart and life to someone new. When Dakota returns, missing her, Angela must decide what is best for her daughter and best for her heart. Subscribe to the Blog & Follow Our Hallmark & Great American Fan Pages on Facebook! If you want to stay up-to-date on Hallmark and Great American Family news and programming, be sure to subscribe to this blog. For unique and engaging content, including daily movie schedules, follow our fan pages on Facebook : Hallmark Ever After Great American Family Movie Fans

Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker have undeniable onscreen chemistry, and Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit proves that the series is continuing to gain momentum. The fifth installment premiered on Hallmark Mystery on October 11. What Is Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit About? Goldy and Tom are ready to take their relationship to the next level and have a very special first date planned. Tom has pulled strings to snag tickets for the two of them to see The Faithfuls --Goldy's favorite rock band that broke up 20 years previously after band member, Abby, died in a car accident. The three remaining band members include Jax (Abby's brother), Derek (a recovering alcoholic), and Selena (Derek's ex-girlfriend). When band manager Nicola asks Goldy to cater the event, she is ecstatic to have backstage access to her favorite group. After Goldy fulfills her professional obligations, she meets Tom on the dance floor for the band's first number, which ends up being quite "shocking." Derek insists on opening with Abby's hit song--a song he's rewritten to include an important admission--but before he sings a word, he is electrocuted. The Twists and Turns in Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit Are Riveting Some cozy mysteries have too few suspects while others are bogged down with too many to keep straight. Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit has enough red herrings and unexpected turns to keep throwing the viewer off the scent. Is the murderer Claire--the head of the worldwide fan club? Could it be the mysterious John Doe, a loan shark from L.A.? Sam, the band's electrician and sound engineer has a big secret of his own and ample opportunity to rig the mic. Why does Selena kiss Derek right before he dies when she's ranted about her hatred for him on social media? Who is Selena's stalker who sends flowers with the same note and signs each one "BF?" Is Jax okay with Derek changing the lyrics to Abby's hit song? Nicola seems to know more than she'll admit. As Goldy and Tom work their respective angles, they both arrive at the same conclusion, but can they apprehend the killer in time before he or she strikes again? The suspense will capture your attention the entire time! REVIEW-How Does Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit Compare to the Previous Four? DeLoach and Walker are ALWAYS fabulous together, but they have outdone themselves on the fifth Curious Caterer movie. The first four installments have been enjoyable, but the dream team really owns their groove in Forbidden Fruit . The slow-burn romance is tantalizing, the script is well-written and thorough, the acting is superb, and the natural humor is baked to perfection. DeLoach and Walker make every scene count. I love their playful banter over whose murder board is better, and I laugh that Tom, ordinarily a keen crime observer, only realizes at the very end that Goldy has bobbed her hair. Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit is a delight from start to finish and arguably one of the best mysteries that Hallmark has produced over the past couple years. With 17 books in the Dianne Mott Davidson series, let's hope Hallmark will keep serving up more Curious Caterer movies! The Curious Caterer Movies in Order Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate (2022) Curious Caterer: Grilling Season (2023) Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows (2023) Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans (2024) Curious Caterer: Forbidden Fruit (2024)

Every year, networks bump up the start date of 24/7 Christmas movies, and it's bordering on ridiculous. Many romcom fans appreciate a weekly dose of holiday cheer year-round to keep the cozy vibes going until the holiday season officially gets underway, but when Great American Family moved the 2024 rollout to October 11, it seemed more like a competitive marketing strategy against Hallmark than an early treat for fans. The first original premiere, Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons , aired on October 12, and featured Casey Elliott and Kristin Wollett. While the movie contained several positive elements, overall, it only earned 2.5 out of 5 stars here at RomCom Review. What Is Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons About? Rebecca owns a wreathmaking store, and she is swamped with seasonal business, online orders, and preparing for the church's annual Christmas market--the worst possible time to slip on ice and injure her arm. With no viable hiring prospects, she is alarmed that her business won't be able to stay afloat--until her neighbor volunteers to split his time between helping her and running his family's bakery. A bad past experience has given Rebecca "trust issues," so while she begrudgingly accepts Jason's offer, she questions his motives. She proves to be a stubborn and closed-off micromanager, but the more time she spends with her kindhearted and sincere neighbor, the more she warms to the idea that their relationship might be more than just business. Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons Has Heart Great American Family's tagline this season is "Christmas as It's Meant to Be," and Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons is the embodiment of that premise. While other networks fixate on the secular aspects of the season, GAF packs this movie with reminders that Christmas is about faith and family, and they do it beautifully without sounding preachy. Jason shows kindness and generosity towards Rebecca, even though she's been antagonistic towards him. He's living out the Second Commandment. When he refuses to accept payment for the hours he works, his selfless act demonstrates the humility of serving others without expecting something in return. Several church scenes are included--a topic you'd expect at Christmas yet something many networks currently avoid. Rebecca regularly donates wreaths to the church, which Pastor Kevin gives to a different family each week. The Christmas Market hosted by the church is a fundraiser to help families in need. Rebecca isn't working on Sunday because she acknowledges that it's "the day of rest." These are the types of values that viewers appreciate seeing underscored. The first unofficial date that Rebecca and Jason have is attending a show where a variety of nativity sets are on display. This reflection on the true meaning of Christmas is seamlessly sown into the storyline. Until we learn why Rebecca is so guarded, she's a little off-putting and unlikeable, yet Jason is able to see past her defense mechanisms to the person she really is on the inside. This is a Christ-like character quality he possesses, and his unconditional love brings out the best in her. Jason feels obligated to run his family's bakery, even though his heart's desire is to open his own restaurant. When his mother realizes that her son's aspirations don't match her hopes, she sets him free, which again, demonstrates the ideal of loving others as yourself. The gorgeous set decor is professionally staged and vastly improved from GAF's beginnings. Did you catch the advent calendar prop from the beloved Destined at Christmas movies, which also star Casey Elliott? That is a nice touch! One of my favorite movie tropes is "enemies to lovers," so I enjoy how both Rebecca and Jason start off on the wrong foot but grow closer over time--a slow burn romance is more believable than falling in love in the span of 30-seconds. Another common trope is included in the plot--overhearing a conversation, which leads to a major misunderstanding--and this is done well. Review: Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons Is Underwhelming Despite the movie's positive points, it's generally slow-moving and uneventful. The scenes are low-key and monotony-inducing. Elliott is a terrific actor who is warm, charming, and loved by his avid fan-base, but unfortunately, he is cast with Wollett who is definitely not leading-lady material for a romcom. In another genre, like County Rescue , Wollett might be able to hold her own, but she doesn't have the voice, the demeanor, the charisma, or the look to qualify as a central love focus. Just because Great American Family didn't come strong out of the gate on their first new movie of the 2024 Christmas season doesn't mean we should get our Santa suit out of shape. Plenty more premieres are ahead that are sure to include some treasured hits.

When networks churn out their new Christmas movie schedules in September, it's both exciting and overwhelming! You don't want to miss a good one, yet the holidays are BUSY--you don't have time to watch them all, and your DVR has its limits! I created two FREE resources (seriously, no strings attached), that will keep your Hallmark binge-watching organized and on track. Get Your FREE Printable 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movie Guide! Hallmark fans plan their movie-watching differently using their favorite resource: Hallmark app Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas Hallmark movie guides Cable guide Streaming menu Hallmark website schedule If you follow my Facebook page , you know I post a daily schedule listing the programming for all three Hallmark channels (Hallmark, Mystery, and Family). These posts generate a sleigh-full of enthusiasm from fans who like seeing, at a glance, the entire schedule for three channels in one convenient location. Their expressions of gratitude inspired me to create a printable Christmas guide that makes it even easier to track which 2024 Hallmark Christmas movies you want to watch without the need to scroll through cable guides, app menus, or website schedules. Although Hallmark fans LOVE the Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas movie guides that Hallmark publishes on their website, the chief complaint I hear is that the celebrities headlining each movie aren't listed. Fans also have to scroll through website or app menus to read what each movie is about. Particularly for romcom fans and Christmas enthusiasts who surf multiple networks during the holiday season, it's easy to forget which Hallmark movies they have enjoyed and which aren't worth watching again. The 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie guide I created includes a 5-star rating system at the bottom of each movie listing. After you watch, you can color in or circle how many stars you think the movie deserves to help you remember which ones you love and which ones don't meet your expectations. SAMPLE PAGE For those who love checking off movies as they watch, the last page of the guide lists all the movies in chronological order so you can happily cross them off as you go! SAMPLE PAGE What's included on each page of the 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie guide? The above sample pages show that everything you want to know about the new 2024 Hallmark Christmas movies is available in one spot: Movie title Premiere date Channel the movie will premiere on Cast list Movie posters or pictures of leads (not all movie posters have been released, though I will update this guide as more become available) Plot synopsis Your viewer rating List of all 41 movies If you choose to print the guide rather than simply saving it to your phone or desktop, you can write notes on the back of each page and then share those thoughts on social media in your Hallmark fan groups ! What's the catch? There isn't one! When free printables are offered online, the creators typically try to capture your email address or get you to subscribe to something in order to receive the free resource. Not the case here! The perk for me is that you visited my website to download the copy (and possibly subscribe d to receive my blog posts), and if you'd like to follow my Hallmark Ever After Facebook page , you are welcome to join the 82,000 people who already have! Even if you don't subscribe to the blog or follow the Facebook page, the 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie guide is still completely FREE with no strings attached because that's the Christmas Spirit! Grab FREE Copies of Calendar Pages That List the New 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movies You've heard cheesy TV commercials that say, "But wait! There's more!" Guess what? I DO have more for you! Hallmark fans have shared with me that even when the new Hallmark Christmas movies are listed in chronological order, they still forget to tune in on the right evenings if they fail to go back and reread the premiere dates. I created printable calendars for October, November, and December that list the movies, the channel, the Eastern viewing time, and the main actors and tested the feasibility of this format on my Hallmark Ever After Facebook page. The response was enormous, with views ranging from 56K-426K per calendar page! Page followers either saved the calendars to their phones or printed them off to make it easier to keep their eyes on the premiere dates. If you'd like to download and print copies of the October-December calendar pages listing only the new Christmas premieres, simply click on each image below to snag a copy for FREE . Are Hallmark+ programs included in the movie guide and calendars? This is a question I receive often, and the answer is no. Hallmark+ just rolled out in September, and the majority of viewers are tuning into the regular network channels. Since I don't subscribe to Hallmark+ or stream, the guide and the calendars only reflect movies premiering on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Mystery . Between the free printable 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie guide and the monthly calendar listings, you will be organized and ready to watch some festive and heart-warming Hallmark movies this season. Just make some fresh popcorn and grab the cocoa! RomCom Review's 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movie PREDICTIONS Viewer response to new Hallmark Christmas movies is on a spectrum. On one end, fans claim every new movie is wonderful, and on the other, fans express perpetual disappointment, saying the "old Hallmark movies were better." In between are the realists who recognize a good story when they see one and admit when a movie bombs. The bottom line is that the holiday season is busy for everyone. While some romcom viewers pledge to only watch Hallmark movies, many channel hop and watch other networks like Great American Family, Lifetime, and UPtv. Based on my years of reviewing Hallmark Christmas movies, I'm going to predict the biggest hits and the biggest losers this season, while relegating some to the undecided category. No one has time to waste on bad movies! My determinations stem from a variety of criteria: Casting: Does the movie have familiar and beloved favorites, or will new actors fail to measure up? Do the leads have chemistry? Plot: Is the story original and fresh, or is it the same recycled plot with stale tropes? Is the ending satisfying? Emphasis: Is good storytelling the focus of the movie or is it a social justice crusade for Hallmark? Fans want to be entertained, not marinated in identity politics with plots and characters that are selected only because they check boxes for diversity, equity, inclusion, environment, homosexuality, feminism, other cultures/religions, body positivity, or other left-wing talking points and "woke" mumbo-jumbo. Many viewers have migrated to Great American Family because they are weary of secular movies that bypass the true meaning of Christmas and cease to highlight faith and American values. Emotional Response: Does the movie make you laugh or cry? Is it relatable or too far-fetched to enjoy? Setting: Whether the story unfolds in a rural area or takes place in a city, different country, or make-believe nation, is it engaging? Are the movie props and set decor appealing? You don't have to agree with me. Movies speak to us differently, but here's how I see the new Hallmark Christmas movies shaping up: ROMCOM REVIEW'S PREDICTION FOR THE SEASON'S BIGGEST HITS : Santa Tell Me Jingle Bell Run Three Wiser Men and a Boy The Christmas Quest ROMCOM REVIEW'S PREDICTION FOR THE SEASON'S BIGGEST MISSES : Holiday Crashers Scouting for Christmas Operation Nutcracker The 5-Year Christmas Party Five Gold Rings Trivia at St. Nick's Christmas with the Singhs To Have and to Holiday Christmas Under the Lights Deck the Walls Private Princess Christmas Sugarplummed Leah's Perfect Gift Hanukkah on the Rocks Following Yonder Star Trading Up Christmas Happy Howlidays ROMCOM REVIEW'S PREDICTION FOR ENJOYABLY AVERAGE MOVIES: This Time Each Year The Christmas Charade My Sweet Austrian Holiday A Carol for Two Our Holiday Story A Reason for the Season A Novel Noel Debbie Macomber's Joyful Mrs. Miracle A '90s Christmas Believe in Christmas Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story The Finnish Line All I Need for Christmas The Santa Class ROMCOM REVIEW'S PREDICTION FOR MOVIES THAT ARE UNDECIDED (Could be average or a miss): 'Twas the Date Before Christmas Holiday Mismatch 'Tis the Season to Be Irish Confessions of a Christmas Letter Christmas on Call A Dance in the Snow Time-Saving Movie-Watching Tips for 2024 Hallmark Christmas Movies: Commercials play about every 10-15 minutes, so DVR the movies, if possible, and fast-forward through the commercials. You will save around 30 minutes per movie! If the movie doesn't engage you by the second commercial break, don't waste more time watching--it probably won't get better! You like to judge movies for yourself, but if you listen to social media chatter in Hallmark fan groups, you'll get a feel for whether or not a movie is worth watching. While some Hallmark fans manage to watch all the new Christmas movies one or more times each season, there are those of us who slowly plod through the DVR clear until Christmas in July the following year! Using the above time-saving tips can help you savor the best movies of the season and bypass the ones that aren't worth watching. Be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you think about the 2024 Hallmark Christmas movie guide and the calendars. Are they helpful? Stay merry!

If you loved Candace Cameron Bure as Aurora Teagarden, you will be enthralled with her as Ainsley McGregor. Great American Family launched the Ainsley McGregor mystery franchise on October 5, and the first installment pulled viewers straight into the action while introducing us to the unique and quirky residents of the small town of Sweet River, Texas. What is Ainsley McGregor: A Case for the Winemaker About? Here's the movie synopsis from Great American Family's website: Ainsley McGregor (Bure) is a former Chicago criminologist who returns to her hometown of Sweet River, Texas. She has chosen to trade full-time crime work to open Bless Your Arts, a market for artisans to sell crafts and wares. But Ainsley cannot deny her first love is crime solving and accepts a position teaching a criminology class at the local community college. Her skills quickly become a major asset to the quaint town, when a murder occurs at a winery owned by her friend, who now stands accused of the crime. The Sweet River Sheriff, who just happens to be Ainsley’s brother, Ryan, wants her to stay out of the investigation. But Ainsley knows the pieces of this puzzle do not fit. To help her friend and with the unexpected assistance from some goodhearted local busybodies – Ainsley McGregor is back on the case. Ainsley McGregor: A Case for the Winemaker is a Resounding Hit! It doesn't take much sleuthing to discover all the clues that lead to Ainsley McGregor becoming an instant cozy mystery triumph. STRONG CHARACTERS: The small town of Sweet River is home to a vibrant cast of characters. From the inquisitive students at the community college to the busybodies who host the Widow's Circle Book Club (where gossip is shared more than literary analysis), each adds something special to the story to create a beautiful synergy among the townsfolk. Even George, Ainsley's dog, plays a special role in being her daily sounding board. ENGAGING STORY: A Case for the Winemaker includes ample suspects and red herrings to keep you guessing, and the ending includes a twist regarding the motive behind it all. It's an enjoyable viewer experience to process the clues to see if you can figure out whodunnit before Ainsley! GREAT DIALOGUE: The quality script is well-written, so the dialogue not only flows naturally, but it's often playful. Ainsley's brother, Ryan, is the town sheriff, and their close-knit relationship and sibling banter is one of the best layers sewn into the storyline. Several fun homespun phrases are sprinkled throughout the movie that will make you smile, like when Ainsley consumes so much caffeine that she jokes she could "thread a sewing machine while it is still running." SLOW BURN ROMANCE: When romance is incorporated into a cozy mystery, it's typically one that grows slowly and steadily. The local fire chief, Jake, is Ryan's best friend, which makes it awkward for Jake to be dating Ryan's sister. Ainsley's and Jake's budding relationship adds more depth to the series without overshadowing the mystery. TALENTED CAST: The acting in A Case for the Winemaker is exceptional. Each character has a uniquely crafted personality, which the actors portray to perfection. RomCom Review's Thoughts on Ainsley McGregor: A Case for the Winemaker This movie is one of the best cozy mysteries I've watched recently, for all the reasons mentioned above. I particularly like the charisma of Ainsley's character, her keen eye for detail, her fearlessness, her love for the community, and her dogged enthusiasm and determination for solving crime. The chemistry Bure generates with her co-star, Aaron Ashmore, is impressive. Given that both of them are in their mid-to-late-40s, I like that they approach romance with excitement, yet with maturity and modest restraint. It's a sharp contrast to the older actors on "the other channel" who offer gag-worthy performances when they try to act like flustered teenagers instead of mature adults because the parts they are playing are better suited for younger talent. In today's "woke" climate, I also appreciate that Ainsley's character isn't a militant feminist. She's a strong and independent woman, yet she appreciates that her brother and Jake protectively watch over her. GAF manages to balance modern cultural mores without compromising traditional values. The only noticeable plot hole is that when Michael Caldwell is arrested for the murder of Rick Dean, the real killer should have remained silent to increase the odds that Michael would be convicted. Instead, the murderer posts two threatening signs on Ainsley's door, which makes it obvious that the police have the wrong person. I am amused that Ainsley's new business, Bless Your Arts , instantly becomes a successful artisan market. Have you ever visited a store like this? I've encountered several of them on vacation, and all the wares look like junk to me! I guess everyone has different tastes. Sweet River feels different than other small towns featured in this movie genre, which is likely due to the depth afforded to each character. For example, Gladys Wheaton heads the Widow's Circle Book Club, and she ignites a dispute when she insists that reading physical books is far superior to reading books on a device. This is actually a real-life point of contention in online book groups! Mrs. Wheaton is blunt, opinionated, and nosy, yet completely endearing at the same time. Even the local restaurant owner, Dooley, who makes only a brief appearance, entertains viewers with his insight into situations despite his claim that he "never eavesdrops." The entire book club vows to keep their sleuthing a secret, yet within the hour, everyone in the town knows all about it. The Ainsley McGregor mystery franchise offers high-quality storytelling and a stellar cast in a charming setting. I can't wait for the next one-- A Case for the Yarn Maker coming to GAF in 2025! The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries Are Based on the Novels by Candace Havens Author Candace Havens has written FIVE Ainsley McGregor cozy mysteries. If you're a bookworm who would enjoy visiting Sweet River again before the next movie is released, here are the links to all the books in the series: BOOK ONE: A Case of the Winemaker BOOK TWO: A Case for the Yarnmaker BOOK THREE: A Case for the Toymaker BOOK FOUR: A Case for the Candlemaker BOOK FIVE: A Case for the Cookie Baker

Sleuthers have loved trailing Hannah Swensen to solve murders since the mystery series debuted on Hallmark Mystery in 2015. Cameron Mathison starred in the first eight of the cozy mysteries based on the novels of Joanne Fluke before leaving the network for a multi-picture deal at Great American Family. His departure dismayed many fans, who have been less than enthused about the two consecutive Swensen movies without him. Despite Victor Webster being a beloved Hallmark hunk, viewers aren't as intrigued by Chad's budding relationship with Hannah as they had been with Mike's. Hallmark claims that it was inevitable that Mike be written out of the series because Hannah never tied the knot with him in Fluke's books, which the network has tried to follow closely. It would appear, however, that this could be a cover story to deflect from the fact that Great American Family, Hallmark's chief competitor, dealt them a hefty blow when they inked a deal with Mathison. What Is A Sprinkle of Deceit About? While catering a party at a local hotel, an argument breaks out between Darcy Hicks and her boyfriend. Without a ride home and too inebriated to drive, Lonnie, a member of the police department and the beau of Michelle, Hannah's sister, loses a game of rock, paper, scissors which lands him the job of escorting Darcy home safely. He's the last to see Darcy alive and becomes the prime suspect in her murder. Hannah and the local police force work to clear his name. Chad, who initially resisted Hannah's interference in a previous investigation, comes to appreciate her resourcefulness and warms to the idea of her assisting the department. He even jokes about getting her deputized. Meanwhile, Delores, Hannah's mother, flirts with acting while she helps Hannah solve their latest mystery. Hannah and Chad Grow Closer in A Sprinkle of Deceit In their previous movie, One Bad Apple , Hannah is unable to break through Chad's rough exterior, but in A Sprinkle of Deceit , she makes significant progress. Chad asks for her number, pretending it's for professional reasons, but the viewer knows that a slow burn romance is on the horizon. Unbeknownst to Hannah, Delores invites Chad to see her play in an attempt to stage an unofficial date between the two. It's embarrassingly obvious, though Hannah tries to make light of it by noting that a real date would include dinner. Chad capitalizes on the moment by asking Hannah on an official date, which will include dinner, and that's where the movie ends. RomCom Review's Take on A Sprinkle of Deceit Not as many red herrings are included in A Sprinkle of Deceit compared to past installments, though there are a few. The culprit ends up being a surprise, so I appreciate the unexpected twist. Three pivotal scenes are completely dumb. First, Hannah, who meets Darcy for the very first time at the party, is tasked with delivering a morning tonic to help her with a sure hangover. When Darcy doesn't answer the door, Hannah does what any normal person would do--she reaches through the cat door to grab the house keys off the floor to let herself into a stranger's home. Second, Hannah follows a suspicious convertible to a remote location (the sleuthing starts during daylight and magically becomes pitch black in 60 seconds) and is then foolish enough to leave her secure vehicle to walk up the driveway to the parked car, which naturally becomes a regrettable decision. Third, as expected, Chad comes to the rescue, even though Hannah never told him her location. Overall, the movie is a disappointment. Webster and Sweeney deliver lackluster performances, almost as if they are going through the motions in a genre that no longer interests them just to be cast in a movie that will pay their bills. Sweeney tries to act a little breathless and flustered by Chad's presence, and her acting in these swoon-attempted scenes is cringe. Webster seems like he'd rather be anywhere than on the set. There is ZERO chemistry between Hannah's sister, Michelle, and her boyfriend, Lonnie. This most likely due to DEI casting rather than pairing people together who actually share a spark. Worst of all is Barbara Niven's character, Delores. In a stab to include light-hearted humor to offset the darkness of a murder plot, Hallmark has turned Hannah's mom into a complete imbecile. The diva-like drama is beyond ridiculous. It doesn't track that level-headed women like Hannah and her sisters would have a mother so off the rails. The award for best acting should go to Lisa Durupt, who plays Hannah's sister, Andrea. Durupt is colorful and slightly quirky but in a fun and balanced way. It's clear that Mathison's absence combined with a below-average script and actors themselves who seem weary of the franchise, the Hannah Swensen mysteries are losing steam. A Sprinkle of Deceit is Based on Fluke's Novel, Coconut Layer Cake Murder It's interesting to see how closely the movie parallels the novel upon which it's based. Here's the book's synopsis on Amazon. If you've already watched the movie, you'll catch the differences right away: When Hannah learns that her sister Michelle's boyfriend, Detective Lonnie Murphy, is the prime suspect in a murder case, she goes straight from a movie studio sound stage to the Los Angeles airport. Back in frigid Minnesota, she discovers that proving Lonnie's innocence will be harder than figuring out what went wrong with a recipe. Lonnie remembers only parts of the night he went out to a local bar and ended up driving a very impaired woman home. He knows he helped her to her bedroom, but he doesn't recall anything else until he woke up on her couch the following morning. When he went to the bedroom to check on her, he was shocked to discover she was dead. Hannah doesn't know what to believe--only that exonerating a suspect who can't remember is almost impossible, especially since Lonnie's brother, Detective Rick Murphy, and Lonnie's partner, Chief Detective Mike Kingston, have been taken off the case. Before everything comes crashing down on Lonnie like a heaping slice of coconut layer cake, it'll be up to Hannah to rack up enough clues to toast a flaky killer... If you didn't find the movie especially engaging, try the book--it's undoubtedly better.