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  • Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July 2024 Schedule Is Here!

    Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring tingle tingling too... in July? The summer event Hallmark fans have been waiting for is almost here! Christmas in July kicks off June 29 and continues for a whole month! If you're wondering if any of your favorite movies will be playing, you've come to the right place. Listed below is a breakdown of the daily Christmas movie schedule THROUGH JULY 27 . Hallmark revises and extends their online schedule each Sunday, so bookmark this post and check back each Sunday for updates to the schedule. THE TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE EASTERN ! Friday, June 28, 2024: 8pm An Unexpected Christmas 10pm Haul Out the Holly Saturday, June 29, 2024: 12am 'Tis the Season to be Merry 2am Noel Next Door 4am Navigating Christmas 6am A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe 8am Christmas by Design 10am A Cozy Christmas Inn 12pm Christmas Getaway 2pm Flipping for Christmas 4pm Crown for Christmas 6pm The Sweetest Christmas 8pm Falling Like Snowflakes (NEW!) 10pm Cross Country Christmas Sunday, June 30, 2024: 12am Christmas Next Door 2am Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa 4am The Mistletoe Secret 6am The Christmas Cottage 8am Next Stop, Christmas 10am A Royal Christmas 12pm Christmas Made to Order 2pm Coyote Creek Christmas 4pm Picture a Perfect Christmas 6pm Falling Like Snowflakes 8pm A Biltmore Christmas 10pm Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater Monday, July 1, 2024: 12am Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe 9am Sense, Sensibility, & Snowmen 11am A Very Merry Mix-Up 1pm A Magical Christmas Village 3pm The Holiday Sitter 5pm A Fabled Holiday 7pm The Secret Gift of Christmas 9pm Christmas at the Plaza 11pm Checkin' It Twice Tuesday, July 2, 2024: 9am The Christmas House 11am Where are You, Christmas? 1pm Christmas with a Kiss 3pm Christmas Class Reunion 5pm The Most Colorful Time of the Year 7pm The Santa Summit 9pm Catch Me If You Claus 11pm Holiday Road Wednesday, July 3, 2024: 9am Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses 11am Ghost of Christmas Always 1pm My Southern Family Christmas 3pm Christmas with the Darlings 5pm The Royal Nanny 7pm Christmas Island 9pm On the 12th Date of Christmas 11pm Christmas by Starlight Thursday, July 4, 2024: 9am A Nashville Christmas Carol 11am Christmas Waltz 1pm Long Lost Christmas 3pm Small Town Christmas 5pm A Veteran's Christmas 7pm The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 9pm The Nine Lives of Christmas 11pm A Christmas Melody Friday, July 5, 2024: 9am The Nine Kittens of Christmas 11am My Grown-Up Christmas List 1pm The Perfect Christmas Present 3pm Sealed with a List 5pm A Very Merry Bridesmaid 7pm Christmas at Castle Hart 9pm Falling Like Snowflakes 11pm Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas Saturday, July 6, 2024: 6am It's Christmas, Eve 8am Jolly Good Christmas 10am Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up 12pm My Christmas Family Tree 2pm Magic in Mistletoe 4pm Write Before Christmas 6pm One Royal Holiday 8pm Three Wise Men and a Baby: Extended Cut 10pm Everything Christmas Sunday, July 7, 2024: 12am Christmas in Notting Hill 2am Christmas on Cherry Lane 4am A Royal Christmas Crush 6am Christmas in Tahoe 8am Snow Bride 10am A Kiss Before Christmas 12pm Letters to Santa 2pm Take Me Back for Christmas 4pm Mystery on Mistletoe Lane 6pm A Merry Scottish Christmas 8pm To All a Good Night 10pm Miracle in Bethlehem, PA Monday, July 8, 2024: 12am A Godwink Christmas 9am Joyeux Noel 11am Double Holiday 1pm Inventing the Christmas Prince 3pm The Christmas Contest 5pm Time for You to Come Home for Christmas 7pm A Royal Queens Christmas 9pm My Norwegian Holiday 11pm A Maple Valley Christmas Tuesday, July 9, 2024: 9am Under the Christmas Sky 11am A Wish for Christmas 1pm Friends and Family Christmas 3pm Holiday Hotline 5pm A Heidelberg Holiday 7pm A Christmas Cookie Catastrophe 9pm The Sweetest Christmas 11pm My Christmas Guide Wednesday, July 10, 2024: 9am Good Morning Christmas! 11am Christmas in Harmony 1pm Undercover Holiday 3pm A Not So Royal Christmas 5pm A Season for Family 7pm Cross Country Christmas 9pm A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas 11pm Christmas Town Thursday, July 11, 2024: 9am Check Inn to Christmas 11am #XMAS 1pm Lights, Camera, Christmas 3pm Family for Christmas 5pm A Cozy Christmas Inn 7pm Christmas Land 9pm The Christmas Secret 11pm Let it Snow Friday, July 12, 2024: 9am Welcome to Christmas 11am When I Think of Christmas 1pm You, Me, & The Christmas Trees 3pm Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas 5pm Christmas Next Door 7pm Crown for Christmas 9pm Picture a Perfect Christmas 11pm The Christmas Promise Saturday, July 13, 2024: 6am 12 Gifts of Christmas 8am The Mistletoe Promise 10am A Christmas Detour 12pm Christmas on My Mind 2pm An Unexpected Christmas 4pm 'Tis the Season to be Merry 6pm Catch Me If You Claus 8pm Rescuing Christmas (New to HC but aired previously on HMN) 10pm Falling Like Snowflakes Sunday, July 14, 2024: 12am Christmas on My Mind 2am Crashing Through the Snow 4am Project Christmas Wish 6am Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love 8am 12 Gifts of Christmas 10am The Santa Summit 12pm Haul Out the Holly 2pm Christmas Under Wraps 4pm On the 12th Date of Christmas 6pm Rescuing Christmas 8pm Ms. Christmas Comes to Town 10pm A Glenbrooke Christmas Monday, July 15, 2024: 12am Christmas in Montana 9am We Wish You a Married Christmas 11am Our Christmas Mural 1pm Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle 3pm If I Only Had Christmas 5pm Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater 7pm Flipping for Christmas 9pm Three Wise Men and a Baby: Extended Cut 11pm Christmas Island Tuesday, July 16, 2024: 9am Christmas at Dollywood 11am Round and Round 1pm Christmas by Design 3pm A Dream of Christmas 5pm Coyote Creek Christmas 7pm A Magical Christmas Village 9pm Next Stop, Christmas 11pm A Shoe Addict's Christmas Wednesday, July 17, 2024: 9am Noel Next Door 11am Never Been Chris'd 1pm Mystic Christmas 3pm Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa 5pm A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love 7pm Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe 9pm A Merry Scottish Christmas 11pm Christmas Made to Order Thursday, July 18, 2024: 9am A Big Fat Family Christmas 11am Gingerbread Miracle 1pm Christmas CEO 3pm Once Upon a Christmas Miracle 5pm The Christmas Cottage 7pm Love You Like Christmas 9pm A Very Merry Mix-Up 11pm Christmas Tree Lane Friday, July 19, 2024: 9am In Merry Measure 11am A Tale of Two Christmases 1pm Reunited at Christmas 3pm The Mistletoe Secret 5pm Everything Christmas 7pm Write Before Christmas 9pm Rescuing Christmas 11pm Letters to Santa Saturday, July 20, 2024: 6am Christmas Waltz 8am The Royal Nanny 10am Sealed with a List 12pm Switched for Christmas 2pm The Most Colorful Time of the Year 4pm Christmas by Starlight 6pm Christmas at the Plaza 8pm A Very Vermont Christmas (NEW!) 10pm Christmas Getaway Sunday, July 21, 2024: 12am The Most Wonderful Time of the Year 2am A Very Merry Bridesmaid 4am Christmas with a Kiss 6am Mingle All the Way 8am A Fabled Holiday 10am Christmas with the Darlings 12pm Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas 2pm The Nine Lives of Christmas 4pm A Veteran's Christmas 6pm A Very Vermont Christmas 8pm Heaven Down Here 10pm Hope at Christmas Monday, July 22, 2024: 12am Northern Lights of Christmas 9am Christmas She Wrote 11am Christmas Connection 1pm Coming Home for Christmas 3pm Christmas at Grand Valley 5pm A Royal Christmas Crush 7pm Magic in Mistletoe 9pm Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up 11pm Three Wise Men and a Baby Tuesday, July 23, 2024: 9am A Kismet Christmas 11am Making Spirits Bright   1pm Christmas in Tahoe   3pm A Bramble House Christmas   5pm Take Me Back for Christmas   7pm Mystery on Mistletoe Lane   9pm To All a Good Night 11pm A Little Christmas Charm Wednesday, July 24, 2024: 9am Christmas at the Golden Dragon 11am Once Upon a Holiday   1pm Holiday Hearts   3pm Christmas by Design   5pm Jolly Good Christmas   7pm An Unexpected Christmas   9pm A Biltmore Christmas 11pm Long Lost Christmas Thursday, July 25, 2024: 9am Navigating Christmas 11am Christmas in Rome   1pm My Christmas Family Tree   3pm Falling Like Snowflakes   5pm Miracle in Bethlehem, PA   7pm Snow Bride   9pm A Royal Christmas 11pm The Christmas Note Friday, July 26, 2024: 9am Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday 11am Mingle All the Way   1pm A Kiss Before Christmas   3pm Christmas Wonderland   5pm A Christmas Detour   7pm Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas   9pm Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas 11pm Christmas Under Wraps Saturday, July 27, 2024: 6am A Homecoming for the Holidays 8am A Royal Queens Christmas  10am Christmas Town  12pm A Very Vermont Christmas   2pm Christmas Made to Order    4pm Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater    6pm Picture a Perfect Christmas 8pm An Ice Palace Romance (Not family-friendly) 10pm Rescuing Christmas Sunday, July 28, 2024: 12am A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas   2am A Christmas Together with You 4am Coyote Creek Christmas   6am Christmas at Castle Hart   8am Christmas Island 10am A Heidelberg Holiday 12pm A Merry Scottish Christmas   2pm Christmas in Notting Hill 4pm My Norwegian Holiday 6pm An Ice Palace Romance 8pm A World Record Christmas 10pm Crown for Christmas Monday, July 29, 2024: 12am A Cozy Christmas Inn 11am The Most Wonderful Time of the Year   1pm The Sweetest Christmas   3pm Cross Country Christmas   5pm The Christmas Secret   7pm On the 12th Date of Christmas   9pm Small Town Christmas Tuesday, July 30, 2024: 11am Window Wonderland   1pm Christmas Land   3pm Haul Out the Holly   5pm The Santa Summit   7pm 'Tis the Season to Be Merry   9pm A Very Vermont Christmas Wednesday, July 31, 2024: 11am Just in Time for Christmas   1pm Five Star Christmas   3pm Rescuing Christmas   5pm The Secret Gift of Christmas   7pm Catch Me If You Claus   9pm An Ice Palace Romance Follow Our Facebook Page! The best way to stay updated on Hallmark news, movie schedules, and more is to follow our Hallmark Ever After Facebook page! Did you know that Hallmark Channel isn't the only network offering Christmas movies the entire month of July? Check out Great American Famil y's schedule for more holiday cheer!

  • Review: Hallmark's "Falling Like Snowflakes" Is Cute but Average

    A new Christmas movie was unwrapped in June as an early gift from Hallmark Channel! Falling Like Snowflakes premiered on June 29, 2024, just ahead of the network's annual Christmas in July event. For Hallmark fans who can't wait for Countdown to Christmas to begin in October, a new holiday movie in the summertime is appreciated more than a fresh batch of Mrs. Claus' cookies! What Is Falling Like Snowflakes About? Teagan (Dalton) has captured every type of snowflake with her camera except for the elusive 12-sided stellar dendrite. If she can complete her collection in the local art gallery by Christmas Eve, the wealthy Mr. Calvin Garrett will outbid everyone at the annual fundraiser, which will provide the financial resources needed to fix up the community center. When the perfect weather conditions align to increase her chances of finding the rare snowflake, Teagan convinces snowplow driver and former high school sweetheart, Noah (Rosner), to accompany her into the dangerous storm. Falling Like Snowflakes Includes a Few Unique Threads Viewers don't tune into Hallmark Channel for science lessons , but Falling Like Snowflakes shares interesting facts about these beautiful crystals. It's true that snowflakes, different as they are, ultimately fall into one of 35 categories, such as columns, hexagons, and needles. The 12-side stellar dendrite is rare because two, six-sided flakes must follow the exact same path and fuse together on the way down. For Hallmark to apply atmospheric science to snowflakes and thread the concept through the entire plot is creative genius. The best part is that the whole notion of two snowflakes randomly finding each other at the right place and the right time is used as a metaphor for what happens between Teagan and Noah. Plot tension builds when Suzanne Blanchard, another photographer, tries to beat Teagan to the 12-sided stellar dendrite. In the majority of Hallmark movies, the "bad guy" usually experiences a change of heart, so we stop intensely disliking them by the end. Not so in this movie! Suzanne never exchanges her black hat for a white one, which is more realistic. Most manipulative, self-seeking people we encounter stay the same, so it's more believable for her character to remain unchanged, though it's unusual for Hallmark not to redeem the antagonist. Viewers appreciate even the slightest of changes to the typical Hallmark formula, and Falling Like Snowflakes offers a few. Falling Like Snowflakes Isn't an Instant Classic Falling Like Snowflakes is incredibly average, even though it's worth watching once. Rebecca Dalton might be as cute as a button eye on Frosty, but she isn't much of an actress. To date, the majority of her Hallmark movies have been "meh." Her performances are relatively soulless and lack warmth as well as connection to her co-star and her audience. The scenes that are supposed to be perilous are phonier than the snowmen Hallmark uses for snowman building competitions. The "proverb" used throughout the movie is pretty weak. Teagan quotes her deceased mother throughout the movie who used to say, "A snowflake never falls in the wrong place," meaning that everything happens for a reason. Hallmark used to offer proverbs rooted in faith, but now they rely on Zen and other New Age philosophies about the "universe, "harmony with nature, " and "interconnectedness of all things" instead of principles of God and faith. The proverb really exists, but it's still dumb. It's nice to have a new movie to add to the Christmas in July mix of repeats, and the fun facts about crystal formations are fascinating. Regardless, Falling Like Snowflakes is a little boring, the chemistry is barely there, and it's not worth the real estate on the DVR. If you haven't watched Falling Like Snowflakes yet, you can view the trailer below:

  • Hallmark Announces NEW "Summer Nights" 2024 Movie Schedule!

    Following Passport to Love in June and Christmas in July , Hallmark's annual Summer Nights event kicks off in August 2024. On tap are five new movies premiering on Hallmark Channel and two new mysteries debuting on Hallmark Mystery! Junebug Starring Autumn Reeser and Aaron O'Connell Premieres: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) This movie marks Autumn Reeser's 20th project for Hallmark! Her journey with the network started back in 2012 with Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade , though fans haven't seen her since the second Wedding Veil trilogy in 2023. Reeser will be starring opposite model and actor Aaron O'Connell who has only appeared in two Hallmark movies thus far: 12 Gifts of Christmas in 2015 and With Love, Christmas from 2017. PLOT: When an eight-year-old version of herself starts appearing to her, Juniper (Reeser) begins to realize that her life is not what she had hoped it would be as a child. Young Junebug pushes Juniper to achieve her dreams, to start writing again, and to collaborate with the cute artist Alex (O’Connell) that she recently met to get her life back on track. A story centering on one's "inner child" is a little different, but a writer searching for inspiration is a storyline that has been wildly overdone. Let's hope Reeser and O'Connell will make it feel fresh. My Dreams of You Starring Skyler Samuels and Kapil Talwalkar Premieres: Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) It's a daring move to pair two people who aren't widely recognized in the Hallmark world! Skylar Samuels is the young Aurora Teagarden in Something New , which premiered in 2023 on Hallmark Mystery. If you aren't a mystery buff, you may have never seen her. Kapil Talwalkar is new to Hallmark, though you may recognize him from the 2023 reboot of Night Court . PLOT: Grace (Samuels) has recurring dreams about a handsome stranger named Michael (Talwalkar) due to a mix-up in Dream Central. When they finally meet in person, Grace is shocked to learn he has no idea who she is. It remains to be seen if Hallmark fans will warm to this unlikely couple or if the casting director will eat crow. The plot sounds very unique, so that may help draw an audience. A Costa Rican Wedding Starring Rhiannon Fish and Christopher Russell Premieres: Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) Rhiannon Fish and Christopher Russell are very familiar and beloved Hallmark celebrities, though both actors have appeared in romcoms across various networks. PLOT: A clumsy maid of honor (Fish) gets help from her handsome nemesis (Russell) when things go awry at her best friend’s Costa Rican wedding. While this movie sounds like another tired and worn plot, the scenery will undoubtedly be a spectacular distraction, and fans will enjoy seeing two Hallmark stars they love. The Magic of Lemon Drops Starring Lyndsy Fonseca and Ian Harding Premieres: Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) Lyndsy Fonseca has starred in Next Stop, Christmas and Where Are You, Christmas? for Hallmark, while Ian Harding has only appeared once in a Hallmark film, headlining Ghosts of Christmas Always . PLOT: When Lolly’s (Fonseca) Aunt gives her three magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams. Fantasy films have not been in abundance lately on Hallmark Channel, so this movie sounds promising. It's interesting that both of the movies these actors have starred in for Hallmark have also been of the fantasy genre. I think we can expect this movie to be a good one. Head Over Heels Starring Rebecca Dalton and Olivier Renaud Premieres: Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 8pm Eastern on Hallmark Channel Rebecca Dalton has appeared in a few Hallmark movies to date, including the Christmas in July premiere of Falling Like Snowflakes . You may remember Olivier Renaud from the 2024 Hallmark movie, Romance with a Twist . Interestingly, both actors have already starred together in a movie on another network called Christmas in Big Sky Country . PLOT: A suburban girl at heart, Addison (Dalton), is off to prove herself in the world of high-end fashion footwear when she lands a life-changing internship at an Upper East Side studio leading up to the star-studded New York Fashion Week. Addison is determined to hold onto her integrity and her family values while struggling to balance it all and forge a path to success and romance, although she may fall head over heels while trying to make her dreams come true. Nothing new to see here, either. In fact, Dalton just starred in something similar for Hallmark in 2024 titled Christmas by Design . Oh, well, she's beautiful and he's handsome, so we'll probably like it! Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery Starring Rachel Skarsten and Corey Sevier Premieres: Friday, August 2, 2024, at 9pm Eastern (Hallmark Mystery) Rachel Skarsten has starred in several Hallmark movies including her most recent, Christmas Island and The Royal Nanny . Corey Sevier is also a Hallmark staple, appearing in movies like Everything Christmas, The Dog Lover's Guide to Dating , and Noel Next Door . PLOT: When Jazz Ramsey (Skarsten) and her crime detection dog Zeus stumble upon an old crime scene, the K-9 trainer, her star pup, and ex-boyfriend and lead detective Nick (Sevier) are thrown into the investigation. Hallmark Mystery fans are always asking for new cozy mysteries, and this one has potential. I am not a fan of Skarsten, but I will tune in to see Sevier who is one of my favorites! These two celebrities have also worked together previously. Both played in a series called Little Men based on a Louisa May Alcott novel. The series ran from 1998-1999 for a total of 26 episodes. Nelly Knows Mysteries: A Fatal Engagement Starring Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith Premieres: Friday, August 23, 2024, at 9pm Eastern (Hallmark Mystery) Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith have starred in multiple Hallmark movies both separately and together along with being a couple in the series When Calls the Heart . A mystery movie with these two? Yes, please! PLOT: When an unusual handwritten letter arrives at Nelly’s (Hutton) office, she identifies the handwriting as belonging to her childhood friend Dahlia (Sarah Grey), claiming her boyfriend Blake (Julian Haig) is being unfaithful. Determined to help, Nelly wants some answers and rushes to Blake’s home only to find his dead body. When Dahlia becomes the prime suspect, the new, handsome Detective in town, Michael Hogan (Smith) must work with Nelly to prove that her childhood friend is not the killer everyone believes her to be. Hallmark's Summer Nights 2024 Has Something for Everyone! Tell me in the comments which movies look the best to you! Follow Our Facebook Page & Subscribe to the Blog! Stay in the loop to get all the Hallmark scoop! FOLLOW HALLMARK EVER AFTER FACEBOOK PAGE SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG

  • This Week's NEWS from Hallmark & Great American Family (In Case You Missed It)

    Hallmark and Great American Family shared more news this week about Christmas in July, new movies, and new series. In case you missed the scoop, here are some of the exciting details of upcoming projects: Lacey Chabert & Brennan Elliott Are Filming Another Movie Together! Chabert and Elliott captured our hearts when they starred as Jenny and Brian in the All of My Heart trilogy. The two have paired up for 10 Hallmark movies thus far, and another one is set to premiere in 2024 during Hallmark Channel's annual Fall into Love event. Many fans had high hopes for a fourth installment to the All of My Heart saga so we could see how things are going at the inn and learn if our beloved on-screen couple ever started a family. That isn't happening, but at least we're getting a fresh romcom from the two that sounds unique. His & Hers is the working title for the Fall movie, and here's the synopsis: "Married couple Dana (Chabert) and Mark (Elliott) are high-powered lawyers at two separate New York City law firms. They soon find themselves on opposing sides of a messy divorce between two reality stars, Sammy and Brett. When both clients are unable to compromise, Dana and Mark are headed for a courtroom showdown that results in tensions infiltrating their otherwise happy household." Hallmark Orders Three More Christmas on Cherry Lane Films No details have been released about the plots of the new installments, but since the original followed three couples, one might conclude that each new installment would center on one of the three. If you only watch Hallmark movies that are family-friendly, you might want to skip these, since one of the couples is gay. It's revolting to watch Hallmark sugarcoat perversion, but they keep doubling down on unnatural pairings in an attempt to normalize what isn't normal. Merry Movie Week Is Coming Up June 21-28 on Hallmark Mystery Christmas in July happens on Hallmark Channel for an entire month, but Merry Movie Week is exclusive to Hallmark Mystery. Sometimes fans confuse the two. The schedule is out for the June 21-28 event, so be sure to visit this post where I list all of the movies that will be showing. A New Mystery Series Starring Candace Cameron Bure Premieres in October on Great American Family If you miss watching Candace Cameron Bure in her role as Aurora Teagarden, you can follow her sleuthing again on October 4 when Great American Family debuts The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. The new mystery franchise is based on the books by Candace Havens. There are five books in the series, so let's hope additional movies will stem from this endeavor. We already knew this movie was coming sometime in 2024, but Great American Family just announced the official air date. Christmas in July Is Happening on Great American Family Hallmark Channel isn't the only network celebrating Christmas in July. Great American Family will also be airing 24/7 Christmas movies beginning July 1. Although Great American Family doesn't have the extensive catalog that Hallmark boasts, they are growing rapidly as viewers gravitate to movies that reflect pro-faith, pro-family, and pro-American content. The network is a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry. Movies will feature stars you know, like Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Jill Wagner, Chad Michael Murray, Jen Lilley, Lori Loughlin, Trevor Donovan, Laura Osnes, Merritt Patterson, Paul Greene, Cameron Mathison, Jennie Garth, Christopher Russell and more. Great American Family Announces Details of TWO NEW Christmas Movies! During the 2024 Christmas season, Alexa and Carlos PenaVega wil star in Love at the Kettle (working title) on Great American Family. The pair will play high school friends who reunite at the holidays as she returns home and enlists him to help her write a song to win back her ex. The press release states, “As the two reunite for the first time in a decade, they embark on a Christmas journey down memory lane, and soon realize true love may be closer than they thought. The heart of the movie centers on Jack’s role with The Salvation Army, and Bella soon finds herself inspired by his devotion and passion to a life of doing the most good. Filled with charming original music and its share of twists and turns, ‘Love At the Kettle’ demonstrates the importance of never losing sight of the ones who matter the most.” The couple had this to say to Variety about their new project together: “We are so excited about Love at the Kettle because it represents everything Carlos and I love about Christmas and the holiday season. We want to be a light in this industry and to offer families positive, uplifting and faith-filled stories,” says Alexa. Carlos adds, “We also feel fortunate to have worked with The Salvation Army for a number of years, and we look forward to representing the authentic goodness behind the brand and mission.” Christopher Russell and Merritt Patterson are also teaming up for Great American Christmas 2024 in A Vintage Christmas. The network released this synopsis:   "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." Russell and Patterson have previously headlined other movies for the network. CEO, Bill Abbott, lauds the high-profile talent the channel is attracting and says, "Familiar faces like Merritt Patterson and Christopher Russell, are a big reason Great American Christmas has become so popular, so fast." Agreed. We give newbies a chance, but we prefer our tried-and-true favorites! That's a Wrap on This Week's Hallmark and Great American Family News! Keep up on all the latest Hallmark and Great American Family news: Follow This Blog Follow Our Hallmark Ever After Facebook Page Follow Our Great American Family Movie Fans Page

  • Review: Is Hallmark's "Savoring Paris" Worth Watching? Oui!

    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

  • Hallmark Mystery's "Merry Movie Week" 2024 Schedule!

    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!

  • Review: Is Hallmark's "For Love & Honey" Worth Watching? Get the "Buzz" on the Movie!

    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 Unwraps NEW Movies for "Christmas in July" 2024 Schedule!

    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!

  • In Case You Missed It--BIG News This Past Week from Hallmark & Great American Family!

    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 a Fun Mystery but Lacks Sparks

    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.

  • Does Juan Pablo di Pace Do His Own Singing in Hallmark's "Branching Out?

    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:

  • Hallmark Channel Announces June 2024 Movie Lineup!

    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.

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