Search Results

Alison Sweeney wasn't sure how fans would react to her script for One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, and it stressed her out so much that she admits, “Every person who says they’ve seen it, and they like it, I’m like, ‘Oh, good, ok one more person likes it!'” One Bad Apple is Sweeney's ninth Hannah Swensen mystery. Who better to write the story than the one who's most intimately acquainted with all the characters? Sweeney mixes all the right ingredients to whip up a movie treat that hits the spot. What Is One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery About? Hannah Swensen has been asked to teach a baking class at the college in Lake Eden, and she collaborates with an English professor to inspire students to bake desserts referenced in literature. Shortly after her cooking equipment causes an explosion, someone is murdered, and Hannah is one of the suspects. To clear her name, Hannah teams up with Norman and her family to solve the mystery, and along the way, she meets the town's prosecuting attorney, Chad Norton (Victor Webster). Sweeney Bakes Humor into the One Bad Apple One big twist in this Hannah Swensen mystery is that her mom, Delores (Barbara Niven), starts her own private investigator business. Delores' behavior is odd, exaggerated, and amusing, which could have been a disastrous combination, but Niven nails the role and makes it humorous rather than cheesy. As Hannah prepares for her baking class, she references novels about baking that always include a recipe at the end. This is an acknowledgment that Hannah Swensen movies are all based on the books by Joanne Fluke. Hannah's interaction with her family is fun to watch, too. The family dynamic is very relatable. What Man Will Hannah Swensen End Up With? Sleuthers who have faithfully followed Hannah Swensen mysteries are wondering which guy will eventually capture her heart? Some hope that it will be Mike (Cameron Mathison), but that is unlikely since Mathison has signed a deal with Great American Family. Sweeney told SheKnows, "I went through all the same feelings the fans did about Mike." She continued, " I hope that I hit the right notes with that.... acknowledging and being respectful of how the fans feel about Mike and how Hannah feels about Mike." In One Bad Apple, Hannah has to adjust to dealing with Mike's replacement, Lonnie Murphy, and when people ask about Mike, she explains that Mike couldn't pass up his dream job of working for the FBI in Virginia. She tears up at times when his absence is felt. Despite having a long-term girlfriend, it's obvious that Norman is also interested in Hannah. He competes with Professor Ramsey for her attention, rushes to her aid, and is ultimately a hero. He's funny and caring and would make a suitable match. Prosecuting attorney, Chad Norton, also captures Hannah's attention. He's handsome and professional, yet cool and detached. He's the only person whom she can't tempt with one of her sweet treats. You find yourself hoping that Hannah will be able to crack through his tough exterior. He's a challenge to her, and that seems to pique her interest. It's obvious that the "love triangle" movie trope is being utilized, so we'll have to wait and see which man earns Hannah's affection. WHICH MAN DO YOU HOPE WILL BE HANNAH'S LOVE INTEREST? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS! One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery is Based on Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke Author Joanne Fluke has published thirty Hannah Swensen novels, and One Bad Apple is based on book 13 in the series: Apple Turnover Murder. The novel is vastly different from Sweeney's story, so if you enjoyed the movie, be sure to read the book to see how they compare. Here's the plot summary of the novel: Early summer brings plenty of work for baker Hannah Swensen, even before Mayor Bascomb’s wife drops by The Cookie Jar to place an order for her charity event…for eleven hundred cookies! And Hannah almost flips when her business partner, Lisa, suggests setting up an apple turnover stand. But she places her faith in Lisa, and even agrees to be a magician’s assistant in the fundraiser's talent show. The only snag is the show’s host, college professor Bradford Ramsey. Hannah and her sister, Michelle, each had unfortunate romances with Ramsey, and when the cad comes sniffing around between acts, Hannah tells him off. But when the curtain doesn't go up, she discovers Ramsey backstage—dead, with a turnover in his hand. Now she must find a killer who's flakier than puff pastry, and far more dangerous… For a list of all the Fluke novels and the movies Hallmark Mystery produced based upon them, click here. RomCom Review's Thoughts on One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery I will admit that One Bad Apple is the first Hannah Swensen movie I have ever watched. Unlike viewers who struggle to see Hannah with any other man besides Mike, I am not a fan of Cameron Mathison and prefer Victor Webster. I love the synergy both of them shared in the Wedding Veil movies and anticipate seeing that same chemistry again in a mystery format. I thought all the characters were well-developed, and I liked that it wasn't obvious who the murder victim would be. The list of suspects kept me guessing, though I did figure out the murderer ahead of the "big reveal." The movie keeps the viewer engaged from start to finish. A lot of nuanced touches were added, like sprinkles on a cupcake, and the threads were woven seamlessly through the story before being tied up, which culminated in a satisfying ending. Kudos to Sweeney for knowing the characters so well that she could create realistic dialogue and scenes for each of them. Sweeney shares that fans are her biggest priority. "I am always thinking of the fans, satisfying the fans and keeping them invested, wanting them to watch more. Wanting them to know how much they mean to me, and how much I care about how they feel about watching these movies. That is the number one priority that I have as I tell these stories. This is what I am thinking, from the beginning, from inception." Will there be more Hannah Swensen movies? Sweeney responds to that question with, "Stay tuned!" so that sounds promising! Stay in the loop by subscribing to this blog!

Just in Time, a Great American Family original movie, premiered on March 26 under the Candace Cameron Bure Presents... banner to celebrate the Easter season. Bure's mission is to "deliver to our audience deep, meaningful, faith-filled entertainment of the highest quality,” and Just in Time hits the mark. What Is Great American Family's Just in Time About? Hannah (Laura Osnes) and Rowan (Greyston Holt) find their marriage at a breaking point ahead of Easter weekend. The two remain childless after countless doctor's visits and interventions to help them conceive. In the process, the two have become so fixated on having a baby that they've lost each other, and Rowan chooses to spend Easter at his parents' house without Hannah. During their time apart, the two reflect on the situation, questioning if they are still right for each other. With the guidance of friends, family, and strangers, combined with Divine Intervention, they find God and rebuild their lives together on a new foundation. Just In Time Includes Mystery Franklin spends his days combing the beach with his metal detector, searching for lost items so he can return them to their rightful owners. When he unearths a gold watch from the sand, he calls the phone number engraved on the back of it, which connects to Hannah's old landline--a phone she keeps in case the father who abandoned her as a child ever attempts to contact her. Even though Hannah has never seen the watch, she is mystified that it's engraved with the letters R-O (the first two letters of her husband's name) and lists her anniversary date--October 11. How can this be? Hannah and Franklin join forces to track down the rightful owner of the watch, a journey which is transformative for them both. Just in Time Offers Hope to People in Relatable Situations Just in Time is such a well-crafted story that it appeals to viewers across various stages of life, reminding us that no matter what season we're in, our answer and hope can always be found in Jesus. The movie speaks to many issues that are common to the human condition: Being unable to conceive Growing apart from your spouse Being abandoned by a parent Having a wayward child Needing to control one's own life instead of surrendering to God Wanting to make things happen in our time instead of God's Expecting others to change when we're the ones who need to change Feeling as if God doesn't answer our prayers Hannah loves her greenhouse because she can control everything in it and feel self-sufficient. To her, it's a haven of order in an unpredictable world. This is a metaphor about people who try to live their lives without God. As the movie explains, when adversity comes, people look in all directions for safety, like a sailor at sea, except towards the lighthouse (God) who can lead them home. Hannah's desperation drives her to pray, and God shows up in what looks like a string of coincidences but is really Divine Intervention. Just in Time is Brimming with Spiritual Significance Great American Family's Just in Time packs biblical teaching into its short runtime without sounding preachy. When Franklin and Hannah visit a vintage jewelry store, they see a couple looking for the perfect engagement ring, but the one they find is too expensive. Franklin buys it for them anonymously in response to knowing what it's like to have a debt he can't pay, referring to sin and Christ's work on the cross. The watchmaker's logo is a set of open hands--a lesson about letting go instead of holding tightly. Hannah clings to her issues and tries to resolve them on her own, but by the end, she, too, learns how to open her hands in surrender to God. Because Hannah doesn't know the Word, she misinterprets the scripture, John 15:1-2, that Franklin shares with her describing how God cuts off branches that are bad for us and then prunes the rest. She thinks his advice means that her marriage is no longer good for her and needs to come to an end, that she can get by on her own. Franklin corrects her, but she struggles to heed his counsel when she learns he hasn't spoken to his son in 20 years. In her eyes, Franklin is a hypocrite. How often the "world" sees Christians as hypocrites just because they aren't perfect! As Franklin explains, however, there's nothing we can do to make up for our past mistakes--God does the atoning. As Hannah reflects on her marriage, she admits something is missing, but she wrongly assumes that a baby would fill the void. It's true that when people haven't accepted Christ, they look for fulfillment in other ways and never experience the deep satisfaction and peace that comes with having a personal relationship with their Savior. Hannah stopped praying after her father abandoned her when she was young, assuming her prayers were ineffective. Franklin invests into her life and becomes a father figure to her. God did answer her prayer for a father, just not the way she thought He would. Along her journey, Hannah's friend, Brooke, urges her to pray, and two women she meets invite her to church. Franklin keeps sowing the Word into her life, and together, lives are changed. One plants, the other waters, and God brings the increase. As Franklin notes, God can turn something terrifying into something beautiful, which harkens back to Romans 8:28 and Isaiah 61:3. I also love how Hannah's character arc shows how her changed heart leads her to treat people differently. She borders on snippy with her employee, Zoe, who makes mistakes, but she apologizes for her tone and vows to give Zoe more responsibility. When we receive God's mercy and grace, it should be natural for us to extend the same mercy and grace to those around us. In their time apart, God works on both Hannah's and Rowan's hearts, and when we see them a year later on Easter once again, it's obvious that God is now the priority in their lives, not prenatal vitamins or pregnancy tests, and God just might have a surprise in store for them! Just in Time Focuses on the Cross I love that Just in Time doesn't skirt around Christianity by offering generic and blanketed statements about faith that could apply to any religion in order to appeal to a wider audience. The messages contained in this movie are specific and targeted to intentionally share the Gospel. It shows the cross and mentions Jesus by name--the Name Above All Names! While Christmas movies are in abundant supply, there are far fewer Easter movies to enjoy, so Just in Time will likely become an instant classic to fill the void, thanks to Great American Family and Candace Cameron Bure. Subscribe to This Blog! RomCom Review rates movies airing on Great American Family and Hallmark Channel and brings you news about all the happenings at both networks. Subscribe to the blog to stay in the loop, and then click around the website to find DVDs, books that inspired the movies, filmographies of your favorite romcom celebrities, and daily movie schedules! Does Just in Time Inspire Your Inner Gardener? God placed Adam and Even in a garden, so is it mere coincidence that Hannah feels happiest in her greenhouse? I LOVE to garden, and if you do too, here are some products that might interest you before you go (just click on the images to view product details).

A Tyler Hynes Hallmark movie is one that Hallmark fans anxiously await. Hynes' fans, affectionately self-dubbed, "Hynies," know that a movie featuring the beloved Hallmark hunk is guaranteed to delight and entertain--at least until recently. In 2023, Hynes headlined the network bomb, Never Been Chris'd, though fans quickly rallied to his defense, citing bad scripts and poor co-stars, affirming that Hynes delivered his usual outstanding performance, but even HE couldn't save the mess he was handed. When news broke that Hynes would star in a Hallmark Channel Spring into Love premiere, viewers expected Shifting Gears to remove the bad taste left over from the Christmas flop, but only half of his fan base were pleased with the results. What Is Shifting Gears About? After female mechanic Jess Barro (Katherine Barrell) reluctantly agrees to participate in a car restoration show, she is shocked to learn that her ex-boyfriend, Luke (Hynes), is her main competitor. Sparks quickly reignite between the two, so why did they break up in the first place? Lukes's grandfather was the founder of Tune Up Wiz, and he wanted his son and Jess's father, Ray, to be business partners. Luke's dad, Steven, cut Ray out of the deal, leaving Ray to start his own business from scratch. Luke knew what was transpiring and never took a side. Now, Barro's Auto is in financial trouble, and if Jess doesn't win the $50K grand prize, the family business might not survive. Steven positions himself to take over Barro's Auto, but will Luke find the courage to stand against his father this time? Hynes' Fans Review Shifting Gears and Share Split Reactions (Hallmarkie Mentions) When you scroll social media responses to Shifting Gears posts, fans appear equally divided--half loved it, and half hated it. Here are the top "Hallmarkie Mentions" that represent both camps: FANS WHO LOVED SHIFTING GEARS I enjoyed the movie very much, recorded it for watching often. Chemistry was there, liked the storyline, really liked the roller skating & dancing in the rain scenes. Great job Hallmark. --Mary T. I really enjoyed this movie. I liked the story and also I thought the funny parts were actually funny. (That’s not always true). --Michelle P. It was nice having a Hallmark movie that I was able to get my grown car enthusiast son to watch with me. --Shauna G. Nice mix of common Hallmark themes with an interesting and new focus - cars. --Paul F. I loved it and enjoyed the strong, independent woman character! And Tyler is always adorable. The car turned out beautifully too! --Noel-Beth S. I loved it, this movie is relatable to us women that sometimes prefer a profession that is considered a man’s job. Great job Kat Barrell, No better lead than Tyler Hynes for this movie. Off screen- He is the embodiment of uplifting and encouraging everybody not just women. Always showing his love and admiration for his enthusiasts and especially his mom. --Tammy R. FANS WHO WERE DISAPPOINTED WITH SHIFTING GEARS Just liked Never Been Chris'd, I feel Tyler was cast to get his fan base to watch. This could have been a great movie, but it just missed on several points. There was miscasting on most parts especially the dads. As for Luke & Jess, not a lot the of chemistry there. --Dawn D. These two were mismatched. There was not much chemistry between them. Her size dwarfed him and made him look thin and slight. Ryan Paevey would have been a better choice. Missed the marked on this one. --Mary C. It was a snooze fest for me, literally I dozed off watching it. No chemistry between these two…I didn’t even care for the plot…all around big disappointment for me despite Tyler Hynes being a favorite actor of mine. --Victoria J. I love all his work, but this one wasn’t a favorite. Thought he and the dad weren’t a good match. --Barbara H. Not good at all. In fact, downright boring. These two had no chemistry. I love Tyler, but this movie failed him. --Marlena C-H. I love Tyler and was excited about the storyline, but there was absolutely no chemistry between the characters, and they didn’t look good together. I think Hallmark just throws people together because they are available. I actually didn’t even watch the whole movie because I got bored. --Kelly P. RomCom Review Weighs in on Shifting Gears After reading so many negative reviews on Shifting Gears, I was surprised to find that the movie was not dull and unwatchable as many Hynes fans had stated. It moved at a reasonable pace, incorporated an atypical plot, and delivered a satisfying ending. If you didn't know, Barrell's real-life husband (Ray Galletti) plays American High Gear TV host, Wayne Larouche. Barrell was also sick during filming due to early pregnancy, so that may have affected her performance. I won't watch it again, however, for several reasons. The casting is terrible. As many viewers stated, Katherine Barrell is not a good actress and her size dwarfs the too-skinny Hynes. Onscreen, it just looks odd. As for chemistry, the two had a slight pulse but teeter on flatlining the entire movie. The man cast as Hynes' dad looks young enough to be his big brother, which the casting director must have overlooked. Details are sloppy. For example, Luke gets off his motorcycle at the office with a clean shirt, but by the time he's at the top of the stairs, it's covered in oil. The leads are working on cars for most of the movie, yet Jess only has a smear on her face once. Their hands are clean the entire movie. Teri tries to calm Jess's nerves through Zen. Hallmark used to create movies that inspired faith, not pagan and secular practices like Zen. The worst part of this movie is the WOKE messaging about female empowerment. Shifting Gears is nothing but a candy-coated feminist rant. The whole premise of this movie is about a woman scoring a big win over her male competitors in an arena typically populated by men. It's all about "girl power--" as if women are trampled in life by the "patriarchal machine" and need to rise above the "social construct" to prove they are not just equals, but superior, to men. In this movie, a girl even rescues her own father from financial ruin. Jess teaches an automotive class to all women, too, symbolizing the call for women to lift each up so they don't need a man for anything. Her work in a male-dominated field is also the inspiration for Teri's daughter's project. It's political, woke B.S. that infects many new Hallmark films. The movie is directed by Crystal Lowe and is the first film in Hallmark's Make Her Mark Women's Directing Program, a mentorship initiative intended to create opportunities for more women behind the camera. The program was conceived by actress Ashley Williams. While the goal is well-meaning, it's sexist to the core. It's assuming that women are marginalized, and the solution that is offered for "inequality" is to segregate women into a privileged class of people, as if they couldn't accomplish anything on their own without the boost. To create opportunities specifically for women with the goal of excluding men is sexist. It's 2024. Anyone, male or female, can work hard and achieve their goals in America. To pretend that women are being hindered by men in the 21st century and must perpetually rage against misogyny is ludicrous. Feminists hate traditional gender roles and rail against them. While there is nothing wrong with a woman pursuing her passion and being successful, feminists demand emasculating men in the process. God created men and women, and He made them different so they could complement one another. Those differences should be embraced and celebrated, not rejected and termed outdated by a group of angry man-haters. It's disappointing that Hynes would buy into woke notion that women are downtrodden in modern society when they are not. When the TV host comments about the contestants' craftmanship, Luke corrects him by saying, craftswomanship. Oh, please! When movies are produced to check political boxes instead of to entertain, they always result in failure. The irony of it all is that to get people to watch this story about female empowerment, they had to rope a man, Hynes, into the leading role to capture his fan base. The only "mark" Crystal Lowe makes with Shifting Gears is proving that a man could have done it better. #ShiftingGears #TylerHynes #KatheringBarrell #CrystalLowe #HallmarkChannel #SpringIntoLove

Nikki DeLoach jokingly refers to Andrew Walker as her "work husband," and fans know why. The two work brilliantly together! Hallmark Mystery is continuing the Curious Caterer mysteries with an all-new movie on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 9pm Eastern: Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans. What is Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans About? Goldy Berry's Medieval feast at Hyde Castle gets interrupted by a murder. She teams up with Detective Shultz to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again. The costumes and the setting look outstanding! Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker Tease the New Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans Movie DeLoach hinted about the new movie earlier this year when she posted a picture of the crew on Instagram, stating, "Back at it with these beautiful rascals." She included the hashtag, #curiouscaterer. Hallmark Mystery responded to DeLoach's post, saying, "Picture perfect sleuthers," confirming to fans that another Curious Caterer mystery was in the works. Andrew Walker joined the fun by posting a picture of his trailer, stating, "Feels great to be back. Can you guess what I’m working on?" Of course we can! We are sleuthers! How Many Curious Caterer Movies Are There? Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans is the fourth movie in the series to date, and they are all currently available on one DVD set, if you want to add them to your collection or catch up on the previous installments. Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate is the first in the series, and it premiered in April 2022. Colorado caterer Goldy Berry teams with detective Tom Schultz to identify the ingredients that led to the mysterious death of her friend — and ends up discovering a hidden recipe for murder. Curious Caterer: Grilling Season followed in February 2023. Colorado caterer Goldy Berry teams with detective Tom Schultz to identify the ingredients that led to the mysterious death of her friend — and ends up discovering a hidden recipe for murder. Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows premiered October 2023. When Goldy agreed to cater Tom's ex Jessamyn's elaborate wedding, she didn't expect a dead groom and missing bridezilla would bring her together with Tom again, to catch a killer and find Jess. Andrew Walker revealed that Hallmark ordered two Curious Caterer movies following the success of the first three, so that means another new one should be in the pipeline after Foiled Plans. Curious Caterer Movies Are Based on the Cozy Mystery Books by Diane Mott Davidson The Goldy Shultz book series written by Diane Mott Davidson is the inspiration for the Hallmark franchise. There are 17 books in the series, so even if Hallmark doesn't "cook" up new movies for each one, you can continue the sleuthing with Goldy! The last novel was released in 2013, a strong indication that the author has no plans to continue the series. Here's the complete book list. Follow the links to read each description. Book 1: Catering to Nobody Book 2: Dying for Chocolate Book 3: Cereal Murders Book 4: The Last Suppers Book 5: Killer Pancake Book 6: The Main Corpse Book 7: The Grilling Season Book 8: Prime Cut Book 9: Tough Cookie Book 10: Sticks & Scones Book 11: Chopping Spree Book 12: Double Shot Book 13: Dark Tort Book 14: Sweet Revenge Book 15: Fatally Flaky Book 16: Crunch Time Book 17: The Whole Enchilada Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans is based on book 10 in the series, Sticks and Scones, which was the original, working title for the movie. We will find out how closely the Hallmark version parallels the novel, but the book's plot unfolds like this: For Colorado caterer Goldy Schulz, accepting a series of bookings at Hyde Castle is like a dream come true. It’s not every day that she gets to cook authentic Elizabethan fare--especially at a real castle that was brought over from England and reassembled stone by stone in Aspen Meadow. Goldy is determined that everything will go right--which is why, she figures later, everything went terribly wrong. It begins when a shotgun blast shatters her window. Then Goldy discovers a body lying in a nearby creek. And when shots ring out for the second time that day, someone Goldy loves is in the line of fire. Suddenly the last thing Goldy wants to think about is Shakespeare’s Steak Pie, 911 Chocolate Emergency Cookies, or Damson-in-Distress Plum Tart. Could one of her husband Tom’s police investigations have triggered a murder? Or was her violent, recently paroled ex responsible? With death peering around every corner, Goldy needs to cook up some crime-solving solutions--before the only dish that’s left on her menu is murder. Photos from Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans The following photos are credited to Hallmark Media: Subscribe to This Blog! Stay up to date on all things Hallmark by subscribing to this blog and browsing the website for DVD releases, celebrity filmographies, and more! #CuriousCaterer #CuriousCatererFoiledPlans #NikkiDeLoach #AndrewWalker #HallmarkMystery

The movie title, The More Loves Grows, is supposed to be a reflection on the importance of tending marriage so that love continues to grow rather than wither, but the movie takes a sharp, feminist turn. What Is The More Loves Grows About? After settling their daughter into college, Helen is blindsided when her husband asks for a separation. With the help of a friendly vet and a rambunctious stray dog, she rediscovers her strength and begins to rebuild her life. The movie stars Rachel Boston and Warren Christie. The More Love Grows Is an Honest Look at Marriage After nearly 20 years of marriage, Helen and Paul discover that they have grown apart. It happens. When a couple first marries, their lives blend and center on each other. Everyday life, careers, and children gradually consume so much time and attention that it becomes very easy for a husband and wife to lose one another. This is what happens to Helen and Paul. Once Aly is dropped off at college and the couple returns home, Paul asks for a separation. Helen is shocked and initially makes a feeble stab at saving their marriage, but Paul feels they've drifted too far apart and need to go their separate ways. When a lost dog shows up at her doorstep, Helen, a first-time dog owner, turns to soon-to-be veterinarian Ben for advice. Not only does their friendship quickly evolve to something deeper, but Helen also rediscovers her artistic passion and finds she has the strength to make it on her own. The More Love Grows Includes a Feminist Rant While walking Elmer at the dog park, Helen befriends Cindy, a hardcore feminist. Divorce nearly destroyed Cindy, but she bounced back as a rock singer who performs locally as Cindy & the Rogues. Unlike Helen's mother, who encourages her to save her marriage, Cindy pushes Helen to contact a divorce attorney. Cindy tries to infect Helen with the radical, feminist notion that marriage is an outdated social construct, part of the "patriarchal machine," that is keeping Helen from living her best life. Hallmark movies increasingly cater to political ideology and continue to shift away from the traditional values that were once embedded in their brand. Marriage is God's idea, and it often requires patience, second chances, forgiveness, work, unconditional love, sacrifice, and honoring a commitment, especially during the rough patches. Paul realizes his mistake, seems sincerely apologetic, admits he was wrong not to address their issues sooner, is willing to let go of his dream job to make their marriage work, and appeals to Helen for a second chance. Like a true hedonist, Helen rejects Paul's olive branch. She likes being on her own, doing what she wants, and she prefers to see where things could lead with Ben in this new chapter of her life. This is the exact opposite of God's design for marriage. Hedonism prioritizes personal pleasure in lifestyle, action, and thought over doing the right thing. Sure, it's just a movie, but what you watch can eventually affect how you think. Scrapping responsibility and one's vows only to become more self-centered is a far cry from the messaging Hallmark movies once promoted. The More Love Grows Should Have Been Titled Let Love Wither Susan, Helen's mother, offers the most sage, old-school advice. She tells Helen that the more you tend marriage, the more love grows. Marriage without attention withers. It's true. The More Love Grows is an ill-fitting movie title. Helen only makes a half-hearted attempt to fix things with Paul before quickly giving up. She does nothing to tend to the relationship to nurse it back to health so that it can grow. Instead, she continuously insists that Paul leave and denies him the second chance he sincerely requests. Helen capitalizes on Paul's mistake so she that can revel in freedom and a new relationship. Hallmarkie Mentions on The More Love Grows If you follow my Facebook page and comment on new movies, you have a chance of being featured in my blog post reviews under Hallmarkie Mentions! An overwhelming majority of viewers LOVED The More Love Grows, as evidenced by the comments below. Only a couple Hallmark fans (aka Hallmarkies) said they didn't like it, only because they don't care for Rachel Boston. Many fans are hoping for a sequel, though one seems unlikely. Here are the top fan comments: I totally enjoyed this movie. Rachel and Warren were wonderful together. --Yolanda B-L. Love, love this movie. Kind of made me cry. I got divorced after 20 years .... I think I have a Hallmark movie in the making! --Denise R. Absolutely adored this fabulous movie, amazing chemistry. Warren Christie is simply gorgeous! --Candy G. Must’ve been a good movie as I did not fall asleep! Enjoyed it immensely. --Patricia H. My roommate and I watched this movie tonight and simply LOVED it! I like the direction that the writers are taking in the scripts of these movies. They are well planned out. I hope they make a sequel of this film; because I would like to see where the characters end up. Thanks for keeping us entertained! --Cheryl T. Loved the movie! A positive look at staying positive through life during a breakup. --Sue N. Great movie! These two meshed so well. It seemed so natural! --Glenda M. Liked this one. Different from the run of the mill romances. Good story and cute dog. --Gail M. Final Thoughts on The More Love Grows Warren Christie is one of my favorite Hallmark hunks, and I enjoy every movie of his, including this one, despite not being a fan of Rachel Boston (even though she's a good actress). Though I take issue with the flippant and dismissive attitude towards marriage and the hedonist messaging, the acting, chemistry, unique story, and cute dog still create a mix that results in an entertaining movie. Subscribe to My Blog! Never miss a blog post about Hallmark movie reviews, news, premieres, and more. Subscribe to my blog here. Be sure to explore my website, too, where you will find Hallmark DVDs, books, seasonal merch, movie schedules, celebrity filmographies, and more!

Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch has the makings of a unique mystery franchise for Hallmark, but it falls short in engaging viewers. What Is Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch About? Lauren Elliott (Brooke D'Orsay) is an American psychologist who is hired to coach a stressed fashion designer at a Paris fashion show. When a staff member is murdered backstage, Lauren's best friend becomes the prime suspect. Lauren joins forces with a guarded French detective, André Dubreuil (Gilles Marini), to unravel the mystery and secure her friend's freedom. Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch Has Several Enjoyable Components Although Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch doesn't appear "series-worthy," it's passable for one-time viewing--especially with the Paris backdrop! There are several plot twists and red herrings to keep you guessing, and the movie delivers a satisfying ending. Humor is woven throughout the script to lighten the mood. Lauren's job in France is entirely unexpected, so she's had no time to learn the language. The only two words she knows are merci and bonjour, so she uses them together in all her replies to French citizens, even though they rarely fit the situation. The French language, to the average American, looks like a gazillion letters strung together, most of which are silent. It's comedic that Lauren cannot, until the very end, pronounce Detective Dubreuil's last name, even though he repeatedly annunciates it for her. Despite having a degree in psychology, it's amusing that Lauren uses no trade secrets to help her think. She mentally processes information best by eating hot dogs--how scientific! The character depth is adequate. Lauren's dad is retired from law enforcement, which has equipped her for amateur sleuthing, though France does not abide by the same ground rules as America. Her mom's death has also had a profound impact on her. André's father and brother have done time for art forgery, so he's a by-the-book guy who wants to better the family name. Lauren's spontaneity contrasts nicely with André's adherence to protocol. Where Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch Loses Points Without using closed captioning, it's very tricky to grasp the dialogue with the thick French accents. You can easily miss clues if you can't decipher parts of the conversations. The movie is slow-moving to start, so viewers shared on social media that they changed channels early on. It's important for a mystery to be gripping before the first commercial break. Although the story moves along at an acceptable pace later, too much time lapses before it becomes interesting. The friendship between Lauren and Charlotte is a bit overplayed. They are constantly hugging and walking around arm-in-arm. Who does this? When you connect with your close friend, you give them an initial hug and then you just hang out. Otherwise, it just looks odd. Creatives are well-renowned for their flamboyancy and emotionalism, but once again, this is overdone. Characters like fashion designers Virgil St. James and Riccardo Dolce don't resonate as classy, glamorous and swanky, but as gaudy, ostentatious, and diva-like. It cheapens the story. Finally, Hallmark includes another plug for the LGBTQ crowd. We learn that Gerard, the initial murder victim, had been in love with a male co-worker. Lauren presents the grieving man with a love letter from Gerard, thereby extolling a life of perversity as if it's normal and natural when it's not. Hallmarkie Mentions: What Are Hallmark Fans Saying About Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch? I'm introducing a new section to movie review blog posts: Hallmarkie Mentions! Each time I review a movie, I will be including comments from Hallmark viewers that are drawn from social media, predominantly, our Hallmark Ever After Facebook page or group. It's a fun way to include you, the Hallmark fans, into the story! Only first names and last initials will be used to protect your privacy, but you'll know who you are! Here are the top viewer comments for Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch: We do not want to see any same-sex mentions, characters or storylines in any movie or TV show.--Laura M. I watched it through. Impossible to understand without closed captioning and there were too many characters and suspects to keep up with. But it was an okay movie.--Sheryl S. We started watching it last night, but we lost interest in it and switched to something else.-- Anita P. Sorry to say I thought it was boring. I love the stars, but rather watch something better.--Donna O. I actually watched it last night. I loved it.--Sarah S. After combing X for additional comments, it appears that while some enjoyed the movie, the majority of viewers were less than enthused. Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch is a letdown for cozy mystery fans who have been waiting for Hallmark Mystery to introduce a new series. An Odd Occupation Choice for Brooke D'Orsay's Character Hallmark fans often remark that they would like to see a movie where the lead characters aren't writers, bakers, matchmakers, or one of the other continuously recycled career choices. Out of the hundreds of occupations Hallmark could choose, they crafted D'Orsay's character to be a fashion psychologist. Is that even a real thing? It appears that Hallmark draws upon the niche carved out by Alexa Chung, even using her very definition of the profession. Chung, like Lauren, explains that she's a "cognitive psychologist who applies science to the context of fashion." What does a fashion psychologist do? According to Chung, they focus on human behavior across all aspects of fashion: design, supply chain, consumption, and disposal. The work also touches on individual, societal, and environmental issues stemming from fashion industries. Fashion psychologists center on body image, self-esteem, confidence, sexualization of women, compulsive spending, over-buying and disposal of clothing, as well as the impact of fashion-related pollutants on the environment. Chung boasts that she "developed the world’s first and only master’s courses that apply psychology to the context of fashion." Although Chung's workdays are varied, she admits that "very little empirical research in fashion psychology currently exists" and she spends most of her time in academics. In other words, it's a totally bogus career path with very little opportunity. In the movie, Lauren is offered a full-time job as a brand's fashion psychologist. What does she even do? Her dad can't even understand no matter how many times she's explained it. She tells people to breathe (duh) and asks them the verbalize the worst, best, and most likely scenarios for their particular situation. Anyone with common sense can offer that sage advice without a manufactured hokum psychology degree. Final Thoughts on Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch If you think "killer clutch" means the purse is the murder weapon, think again. The handbag is "killer" because it's one that sells for $8500-$300,000, so it's very couture, plus the murder motive hinges on the clutch. Gilles Marini is a welcome addition to the Hunks of Hallmark, but it's doubtful that enough viewers enjoyed the movie to plot a second installment. Subscribe to This Blog & Follow Us on Facebook! Never miss a review or news about upcoming Hallmark movies by subscribing to this blog here. Want a chance to be included in the Hallmarkie Mentions? Follow our Facebook page and be sure to comment on all the new movies! #CrimesOfFashionKillerClutch #HallmarkMystery #BrookeDOrsay #GillesMarini

Great American Family continues to deliver on its promise to offer faith-affirming programming by airing three specials on March 29--Good Friday--that honor Jesus this Easter season. The Passion Play 2024 The Passion Play 2024 is a musical retelling of the dramatic last week in the life of Jesus and why the promise of the Resurrection makes the name of Jesus the most known throughout the world. This play offers a Broadway-worthy performance and production values. The Passion Play 2024 airs on Friday, March 29 at 3:45 pm Eastern. The Museum of the Bible's The History of Easter Grammy® Award-winning Christian artist, Matthew West (“My Story…Your Glory,” “We Need Christmas”) narrates Museum of the Bible’s fascinating The History of Easter, an entertaining look at everything related to the holiday from how Easter is calendared each year to how colorful eggs and bunnies became part of a global celebration of Spring. The History of Easter airs on Great American Family on Friday, March 29 from 5-6pm Eastern. Just in Time Enjoy the encore presentation of Just in Time (which originally premieres March 26) starring Laura Osnes, Peter Bryant, and Greyston Hold. The movie is the fourth production under the Candace Cameron Bure Presents studio banner. In Just in Time, Hannah (Osnes) and her husband, Rowan (Holt) have focused all their time, energy, and attention into trying to have a baby. The pressure to complete their family starts weighing heavily on their relationship. The couple is left questioning if having a child is the right thing to do and if they are still right for one another. When Hannah receives a call from a stranger, named Franklin (Bryant), who claims to have discovered an antique on the beach bearing an inscription unique to Hannah and Rowan, she reluctantly agrees to meet him to look. Franklin is certain the watch is a long-lost heirloom from Hannah’s family. In the end, Franklin’s patient approach helps Hannah see that the answers to all she seeks will be revealed in God’s time. Bure says of the movie, “In this stunningly aspirational Easter presentation, Laura Osnes and Peter Bryant will bring you to tears... We strive to deliver to our audience deep, meaningful, faith-filled entertainment of the highest quality.” Just in Time re-airs on Friday, March 29 from 6-8pm Eastern. Be sure to scroll through the pictures and video below that Bure post on Instagram from the set of Just in Time. Good Friday Christmas Movie of the Week on Great American Family Great American Family will still air the weekly Christmas movie on Good Friday, which will be A Christmas...Present starring Candace Cameron Bure and Marc Blucas. You can catch it at 8pm Eastern on March 29. Great American Family Is Your Easter Destination Bill Abbot, President and CEO of Great American Media, says, “On Good Friday, we are proud to use our platforms to present top-tier family programming.” Move over, Easter Bunny and marshmallow peeps, Great American Family knows the true meaning of Easter and isn't afraid to share the message of Jesus Christ!

Hallmark Channel debuted four new movies for New Year, New Movies and five for Loveuary. Seven new movies are set to air on Hallmark Channel during March and April for Spring into Love 2024, and you won't want to miss them! See below for a list of titles, descriptions, and premiere dates. The More Love Grows Premieres Saturday, March 16 8/7c Starring Rachel Boston and Warren Christie Helen is blindsided when her husband asks for a separation. With the help of a friendly vet and a rambunctious stray dog, she rediscovers her strength and begins to rebuild her life. This movie premiered originally on Hallmark Mystery last August; however, this is the first time it will show on Hallmark Channel, which is why Hallmark is advertising it as a new movie. Shifting Gears Premieres Saturday, March 23 8/7c Starring Tyler Hynes and Katherine Barrell After female mechanic Jess reluctantly agrees to participate in a car restoration show, she is shocked to learn that her ex-boyfriend, Luke, is her main competitor. Will sparks reignite? Based on social media chatter, Shifting Gears may be the most highly anticipated premiere for Hallmark's Spring into Love 2024 because fans are ga-ga over Tyler Hynes! An Easter Bloom Premieres Saturday, March 30 8/7c Starring Aimeé Teegarden and Benjamin Hollingsworth A young gardener Amanda sets out to save her family farm by entering a floral competition for Easter. She meets a local pastor along the way, Derrick, who helps her restore the hope she lost. Blind Date Book Club Premieres Saturday, April 6 8/7c Starring Erin Krakow and Robert Buckley Meg Tompkins is torn between taking over her late mother’s bookstore and pursuing her collegiate dream. At the bookstore, she starts a successful “blind date book club.” The idea is readers pick a book mysteriously wrapped in brown paper with only a few key descriptors on it; Meg then hosts interactive discussions where all the readers get to talk about Meg’s book of choice. Meanwhile, book author Graham Sterling is given hard advice about his most recent manuscript. He hears an interview with Meg on the radio and seeks her out to audition his new novel. Graham has been advised to avoid writing about a subject of which he knows nothing, which is also Meg’s recommendation. Against her better judgment, she agrees to the book discussion idea. In spending time together, Meg and Graham begin to fall in love. As they draw closer, Meg discovers that taking over the bookstore is ultimately what makes her happy. Graham realizes the advice that is hard to hear is what will make him a better writer. Legend of the Lost Locket Premieres Saturday, April 13 8/7c Starring Natasha Burnett and Viv Leacock London-based antiques expert Amelia is on the hunt for a long-lost antique locket that legend says will grant the wearer true love. Her late mother started the quest and Amelia is bound and determined to see it through. Amelia’s search takes her to a small town in Massachusetts, where she immediately clashes with Sheriff Marcus Forrest, who questions her motives and interest in the town’s history. After a somewhat rocky start, Sheriff Forrest begins to recognize what acquiring the iconic locket can mean to the local community, so he joins Amelia in the race to find the antique before any of the competition can decipher the clues and beat them to the treasure. As their pursuit of the locket intensifies, so do their feelings for each other. From the Boston art world to participation in the town’s annual Founder’s Day costume ball, their search for the fabled locket inspires Amelia and Marcus to follow their hearts to the ultimate treasure: true love. Falling in Love in Niagara Premieres Saturday, April 20 8/7c Starring Jocelyn Hudon and Dan Jeannotte After her fiancé leaves her before their wedding, Madeline goes to Niagara Falls to honeymoon without him. There, she reconnects with her adventurous side, learns to let go, and finds new love with Mike. Branching Out Premieres Saturday April 27 8/7c Starring Sarah Drew and Juan Pablo Di Pace Ten years ago, Amelia Webber had a baby on her own through IVF. Today, Amelia’s charming daughter Ruby is her everything. When Ruby gets a school assignment exploring heritage and creating family trees, she notices hers is small and sparse. With the help of a DNA test, Amelia learns that Ruby’s father T.J. Cota lives nearby. Meanwhile, the endearing T.J. is a professional guitarist who hasn’t found success the way he always dreamed. Amelia makes contact, and to her surprise, T.J. wants to meet Ruby. T.J. has a huge family, and suddenly Ruby’s family tree has sprouted leaves! Romance takes flight as Amelia gets to know T.J. and is invited to take part in his family’s Mexican traditions. Along the way, Amelia’s protective instincts — both for herself and her daughter — are challenged, especially when T.J. gets the chance of a lifetime to join a major musical tour. With the help of an adorable little girl who has a big heart and a thousand questions, Amelia and T.J. discover that family trees can be complicated and wonderfully unique, especially when love is what ties everyone together. Thoughts on Hallmark's Spring into Love 2024 The movie plots for Hallmark's new batch of movies for Spring into Love 2024 sound as fresh as Spring itself! I question the casting of the romantic pairing of Tyler Hynes with Katherine Barrell and Viv Leacock for Natasha Burnett, but I'm going to keep an open mind. We will be sharing our thoughts on the Hallmark Spring premieres on our Facebook page, so be sure to follow us and join the conversation. Plus, subscribe to this blog so you never miss any Hallmark scoop! Our website features all the latest DVD releases, movie schedules, and so much more, so take a look around! Hallmark's Spring into Love 2024 has something for everyone! Share in the comments which ones you are looking forward to the most.

Gorgeous scenery, whiskey, drama, humor, and a sexy Scottish brogue are just some of the reasons to love A Scottish Love Scheme. What Is A Scottish Love Scheme About? Lily (Erica Durance) travels to Scotland with her mother and reconnects with Logan (Jordan Young), a childhood family friend. While there, their meddling mothers hatch plans to set them up. Logan and his two brothers run the family business. Just as they prepare to launch a new ice wine, a rival company beats them to it. Cait, Lily's mother, enlists her daughter's expertise in marketing to design a label for the Campbell family brand that will give them an edge over their competition. As Lily and Logan work closely together on the project, romance blooms unexpectedly. Multiple conflicting situations are built into the story which give it relevancy, depth, and realism. Logan is a widower who is fiercely protective of us his son, Finn, so he doesn't initially welcome the instant liking Finn takes to Lily. As a recently divorced woman, Lily is ready for the next chapter of her life, which includes traveling to Spain for a 6-month course in photography--her true passion. How will she and Logan make the long-distance relationship work? The biggest conflict of all is the revelation of Cait's shocking secret--she has liver cancer. Although Cait insists that her greatest happiness will be watching LIly pursue her dream, Lily wrestles with fulfilling her mom's wishes, since it means she won't be by her mom's side when she needs her the most. Where Was A Scottish Love Scheme Filmed? The breathtaking shots of the Scottish countryside were filmed mostly in East Lothian County. This includes the towns of Haddington (where we see St. Mary's Parish Church, Sidegate and Hailes Castle), Humbie (Humble Parish Church scenes), and North Berwick (location of the beach and seaside scenes). Erica Durance had this to say about filming on location, "That's the thing about working with films, you end up going to these places, that you never really find [as a tourist]." Best Scenes from A Scottish Love Scheme The best and most soulful scene from the movie is when the Campbell family arranges a sort of scavenger hunt that leads Lily and Cait to all of Cait's favorite childhood spots. It's nostalgic and bittersweet. Both women know it will be the last time Cait will see these cherished spaces. Finn's rugby team tryouts are comic. Like a true American, Lily cheers, waves her arms, and shouts encouragement while the Campbell clan watches her uncomfortably. The men explain that no one cheers like that in Scotland and then tease Lily that her loud cheering could be heard in Wales! The big reveal of the new wine label adds a nice touch. Lily incorporates the meaning of the family name into her design, and it adds another layer onto an already well-planned script. The most touching quote from the movie comes from Cait. The best thing Lily can do for her mother is to go to Spain as planned and send her all the beautiful photographs she'll be taking. Cait says, "Life isn't hopeless when such beauty can exist." The music playing in the background adds to the overall Scottish vibe. The soundtrack is more extensive than you might realize! If you'd like to hear the songs again, you can find the entire playlist here. Is A Scottish Love Scheme Worth Watching? Gorgeous, antiquated sites and ruins aside, A Scottish Love Scheme is also a well-written story by Gina Azzi, ripe with believable dialogue, humor, and poignant drama. The movie is fittingly cast, the acting is first-rate, and the chemistry is alive. While some viewers find the Scottish brogues to be difficult to understand, it didn't sound garbled to me. I especially love how Scots habitually insert "aye" and "cheers" into their conversations. /4 I'm rating A Scottish Love Scheme with three out of four whisky glasses. Cheers! #AScottishLoveSchemeReview #EricaDurance #JordanYoung

Sleuthers are abuzz with the excitement of the new movie, One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premiering on April 5 on Hallmark Mystery. If you are a fan of this cozy mystery series starring Alison Sweeney, then let's make sure you haven't missed any of the installments! Below is the complete list of Hannah Swenson movies from Hallmark along with information on ordering the DVDs and books. How Many Hannah Swensen Movies Has Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Produced? To date, Hallmark has filmed NINE Hannah Swensen movies. From 2015-2017, Hallmark billed them as the Murder, She Baked series, but in 2021, Hallmark retitled them the Hannah Swensen Mysteries. Cameron Mathison co-starred with Sweeney in most of them, but since he signed a "multi-picture deal over several years" with Great American Family in November 2023, it seems unlikely that he'll appear in Hallmark movies anytime soon. Given Sweeney's onscreen chemistry with Victor Webster in The Wedding Veil movies, he's a great choice to introduce to the series. Here's the list: 1. A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery (2015) Synopsis: Free spirited cookie baker Hannah Swensen jumps in to help a handsome new detective track down the culprit and uncover the mystery surrounding the death of her friend and local milk delivery man. 2. A Plum Pudding Mystery (2015) Synopsis: This holiday season, Hannah Swensen is making plum pudding and trying to solve the murder of a man in his own office. It turns out the list of suspects who would have wanted to see the guy dead is a long one, from a bitter ex-wife to exasperated investors. But Hannah is on the case, not to mention ready for a little Christmas season romance. 3. A Peach Cobbler Mystery (2016) With The Cookie Jar, Hannah Swensen has a mouthwatering monopoly on the bakery business of Lake Eden, Minnesota. But when a rival store opens, and one of the owners is found shot to death in the store, Hannah is determined to prove that she wasn't the only one who had an axe to grind with the Quinn sisters. Somebody wasn't fooled by the Georgia Peaches and their sweet-as-pie act--and now it's up to Hannah to track down whoever had the right ingredients to whip up a murder. 4. A Deadly Recipe (2016) Bakery owner Hannah Swensen just can’t keep her hands out of the batter when murder stirs things up in Lake Eden, Minnesota, leaving the sheriff dead, a deputy accused, and a killer on the loose. For years, Sheriff Grant’s been the iron hand in town, but when his dead body is discovered, Hannah’s brother-in-law is accused of the crime. Soon, Hannah’s dishing up scandalous secrets, steaming hot betrayals, and enough intrigue to keep the gossip mill at The Cookie Jar going through several pots of decaf. And the closer Hannah gets to the truth, the closer she gets to finding the murderer with a calorie-laden, nasty recipe for silencing people. 5. Just Desserts (2017) Hannah Swensen is thrilled when she is chosen as a guest for the first Eden Lake Dessert Bake-Off, but when fellow judge, Leonard Bishop is found murdered, Hannah once again takes it upon herself to find herself to find the killer. 6. Sweet Revenge (2021) As Hannah and Mike experience engaged life while balancing their busy careers, a murder at a 24-hour gym complicates their wedding planning. 7. Carrot Cake Murder (2023) Hannah Swensen, everyone’s favorite crime-solving baker, is back on the case when the discovery of a skeleton in an old building sparks a murder investigation. 8. Zest for Death (2023) They say the real estate business is deadly, but no one is more surprised than Hannah Swensen when her mother, Delores, discovers the dead body of the homeowner – and regular customer of The Cookie Jar – while house-hunting for her sister Michelle. Hannah is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and is convinced that the prime suspect Mike and the Sheriff are focusing on isn’t the culprit. Hannah’s sleuthing becomes a family affair when Delores, Michelle and even her sister Andrea – who pays an unexpected visit – take part in the investigation. As Hannah uncovers clues, she slowly rules out suspects and is led to the shocking truth about the killer’s identity. 9. One Bad Apple (2024) Hannah Swensen has been asked to teach a baking class at the college in town, but her equipment is tampered with causing an explosion that the fire department rules an accident. Soon, a colleague ends up dead and Hannah begins to put together the puzzle of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder. Hannah leans on her friends and family to collect the breadcrumbs of foul play and put them together and meets a different side of law and order when Lake Eden’s prosecuting attorney Chad Norton, enters her life. In the comment section, share which Hannah Swensen movie has been your favorite so far! Which Hannah Swensen Movies Are Available on DVD? If you are interested in adding the Hannah Swensen mysteries to your DVD collection, here are the ones currently available on Amazon: This DVD set includes the FIVE Murder, She Baked movies: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery A Plum Pudding Mystery A Deadly Recipe A Peach Cobbler Mystery Just Desserts Sweet Revenge marks the switch from Murder, She Baked to Hannah Swensen Mysteries. Just click on the image to view on Amazon. Carrot Cake Murder is currently available on DVD through Amazon. Just click the photo for current pricing. At the time of this posting, Zest for Death hasn't yet been released to DVD, and One Bad Apple is set to premiere in April 2024. This post will be updated should either of those movies become available in the future. Hallmark's Hannah Swensen Movies Are Based on Novels by Joanne Fluke Books are brimming with far more details that Hallmark could ever include in a 1 hour and 30-minute time slot. You can dive deeper into the Hannah Swensen stories by borrowing Joanne Fluke's books from the library or snagging them on Amazon. Although Hallmark Mystery has only developed nine Hannah Swenson movies, there are 30 books in Fluke's series. You can find them here: Enjoy Hannah Swensen on Hallmark Mystery, DVD, or in the Novels One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery indicates that more of these movies are on the way from Hallmark Mystery. In the meantime, enjoy watching past episodes on TV, treat yourself to a DVD collection, or take your pick from Joanne Fluke's prolific series to get your cozy mystery fix. With so many options, you can solve mysteries with Hannah Swensen anytime!

Fans of cozy mysteries have been imploring Great American Family to create an original mystery series or revive an old one, like Aurora Teagarden. The network just announced its plans for a brand-new franchise, Great American Mysteries, and the first movie planned is The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. Candace Cameron Bure and Aaron Ashmore Headline The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker--a New Mystery Series from Great American Family Candace Cameron Bure will return to sleuthing in this new mystery series, which is a Syrup Studios Production in association with Candy Rock Entertainment. Candy Rock Entertainment is a joint venture between Candace Cameron Bure and Redrock Entertainment--a full-service development and execution team. Candy Rock's division develops, produces, and distributes television projects, lifestyle programming, and films with an emphasis on family-friendly content, which aligns perfectly with the Great American Family brand. To date, Candace Cameron Bure has starred in two Great American Family Movies: A Christmas...Present and My Christmas Hero. In addition to acting, Bure also serves as a producer and chief creative officer for Great American Family. Bure is one of the executive producers of The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. Here's what Bure has to say about her new venture as Ainsley McGregor: There's nothing more exciting for me than being back in the cozy mystery genre. Mysteries are so fun to watch and to try to solve. I hope our faithful fans and audiences fall in love with the townspeople of Sweet River, Texas and Ainsley McGregor's keen eye for solving mysteries. In this next-level mystery series, the family dynamics and developing relationships alone should keep you coming back for more! Aaron Ashmore is best known for his role in the Netflix comedy-drama series, Ginny & Georgia, but you may also recognize him from playing Jimmy Olsen on Smallville. What Is The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker About? Ainsley McGregor (Bure) 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. The Ainsley McGregor Story, A Case for the Winemaker, Is Based on the Novel by Candace Havens The Ainsley McGregor mysteries, written by Candace Havens, is currently a five-book series. It will be interesting to see if Great American Mysteries will adapt each novel into a movie installment. If you'd like to get a jump on the new Great American Mysteries venture by reading the books in advance, see below for information on ordering them through Amazon. Great American Family CEO, Bill Abbott, Has This to Say About Cozy Mysteries in New Franchise What exactly are cozy mysteries? Cozy mysteries involve an amateur sleuth, an unsuspecting victim, a quirky supporting cast, and a trail of clues and red herrings in the setting of a small community. They aren't violent or grisly and usually end happily. Great American Media CEO, Bill Abbott, shares, We are thrilled to be in the business of telling fun, light-hearted stories featuring great characters, strong stories and a fun side of the mystery genre that fits perfectly with our licensed series strategy. Our cozy mysteries are crafted in the heritage of the classic storytelling that has evolved since Agatha Christie coined the term in the 1930s and set the stage for one of the most popular genres of entertainment. Great American Family Giving Hallmark Serious Competition Hallmark recently announced its plans to rebrand two of its channels. On February 28, 2024, Hallmark Drama will be renamed "Hallmark Family," claiming the station will center on faith, love, and community. Hmm...sounds like Hallmark is a little more worried about the viewership they have lost to Great American Family than they care to admit. With a slate of movies fixated on the politics of diversity, equity, and inclusion rather than good storytelling, many Hallmark fans have jumped ship and headed to more family-friendly waters at Great American Family. On March 6, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries will become "Hallmark Mystery" to focus the channel on "fun and engaging mysteries," per Lisa Hamilton Daly, Hallmark programming EVP. The timing is suspect. It's interesting that Hallmark is making drastic changes just as Great American Family is introducing a new mystery franchise while rapidly growing its viewer base. Either way, competition is a good thing because it means more choices for viewers! More Great American Mysteries to Come from Great American Family! Great American Family recently debuted a new original series, County Rescue, that showcases the work of EMTs and first responders while they juggle love, life, and faith. Now, in addition to the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries, Great American Family promises to be the "new home for a variety of thrilling whodunnits featuring beloved Great American Family stars" and the network plans to announce more new original mystery movie series in the next few weeks. Stay tuned! #GreatAmericanFamily #GreatAmericanMysteries #AinsleyMcGregorMysteries #CandaceCameronBure

An American in Austen is a creative spin on the famous Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice. The story is about a librarian who falls asleep in a taxi and wakes up in a carriage in 1813 after wishing on a shooting star for her own Mr. Darcy. An American in Austen Challenges the Idealization of Romantic Relationships Harriet is a librarian by day and aspiring novelist after hours. Like so many Hallmark heroines, she is experiencing the angst of writer's block and desperately needs some inspiration. It's a stale movie trope, but the originality of what follows compensates for it. Ethan, Harriet's boyfriend of three years, surprises her with a very romantically executed proposal. Her answer is "maybe." Harriet is so enamored with Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy that real life can't compare. Ethan is a loving, kind, reliable man who adores her, but since their relationship doesn't feel magical, she questions her love for him. Harriet's wish for Mr. Darcy does more than land her back in the early 19th century--she finds herself in the middle of the book, Pride and Prejudice. The Bennett family thinks she's their American cousin. The story initially follows Austen's plot perfectly, until Mr. Darcy falls in love with Harriet instead of Elizabeth. At this point, the story falls apart, and Harriet has to maneuver circumstances to get the book back on track so it can conclude as it should. Mrs. Bennett's singular focus is on marrying off her daughters. The family's welfare depends on it, and the dutiful girls approach relationships pragmatically, often "not afforded the luxury of love." Despite the way Harriet has romanticized the past, she soon learns that marriages are often arranged and transactional. The eye-opening experience helps her realize how much she does love and appreciate Ethan. She had wanted the perfect man, but such a high standard doesn't exist in the real world--only in fairytales and romance novels. She finally grasps that love isn't about the magic, but about "the moments between the pages." She has had her own Mr. Darcy all along--she just didn't know it. An American in Austen Has Several Comedic Moments An American in Austen will make you smile. The humor is integrated naturally and doesn't feel forced like in some romcoms. My favorite line is when Harriet tells Mr. Darcy that he's "hot." She's also mortified when she can't take a shower and can only wash from the basin, grumbling under her breath how that explains the smell--something about the era we don't think about. She has to rent an electric scooter to get to Ethan's place, and she says it is worse than horses. It's amusing that of all the things Harriet could miss about the 21st century, she misses her phone the most. The cameo of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is also a fun surprise. She appears as a royal guest at Mr. Bingley's extravagant affair. An American in Austen Is Not a Dream Sequence You might question whether Harriet dreams her entire 1813 escapade, since she falls asleep in a taxi, but the writers leave clues to let viewers know she is lucid for the whole thing. First, she returns home with the book Mr. Darcy gives her--Evelina by Francis Burney. It is a book that supposedly inspired Jane Austen. Filled with sensibility, early romanticism, and satire, it is a book that parallels Austen's own style, and it's still in print, if you'd like a copy. See below. The second clue is that Harriet is still in her 19th century clothing. The time travel approach is much better that pinning the entire story on a dream. If you watched the TV show Dallas back in the 1980's, you know what I mean. Patrick Duffy played the role of Bobby Ewing. He decided to leave the show for good in 1985, so writers killed off his character. A year later, Duffy returned to the show in an iconic shower scene during the season finale, so viewers had watched an ENTIRE SEASON, only to find out it had all been a dream. I'm still scarred by this 38 years later. An American in Austen Is the Best Jane Austen-Inspired Loveuary Premiere Not everyone enjoys period movies, so if that's you, you'll be glad to see Loveuary end. For those of us bookworms who love historical adaptations, here's how I'm ranking the four premieres. First Place: An American in Austen The script is creative and fun. Harriet lands in the middle of her favorite book, gets to live in the era she has romanticized, meets the cast of characters, and wins Mr. Darcy's heart (though she redirects him to Elizabeth). She overcomes writer's block and turns her experience into a novel (reminds me of the Elf movie) and marries Ethan, too. Second Place: Paging Mr. Darcy Will Kemp makes a dashing Mr. Darcy. I love that this movie celebrates the Regency era with all the period trimmings, yet it takes place in the current time, giving us the best of both worlds. It's scholarly, in a fun way, and celebrates Jane Austen at an annual national conference, which actually exists. Eloise and Sam misunderstand and judge each other, just like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, but they fall in love just like their fictional predecessors. Third Place: Love & Jane The plot is a unique idea conceptually--having the ghost of Jane Austen advise Lilly--but the execution is way off. This movie has far too many contrived scenes that aren't believable. Many are just silly, if not plain dumb. Austen quotes are unnaturally stuffed into the dialogue, and Lilly is weirdly obsessed with them. Even two A-List celebrities, Alison Sweeney and Benjamin Ayres, can't manage to fix this train wreck of a script. Fourth Place: Sense and Sensibility This movie is dead in the water. First, Hallmark's Mahogany brand is racist. If Hallmark promoted a brand that celebrated only white people, the outrage would be plastered all over the media. The Mahogany brand isn't "inclusion"--it's racism. Second, the characters in Austen's novel are white. In today's cultural climate, whites are accused of "cultural appropriation" if they wear a Pocohontas costume at Halloween or open a taco eatery. Where is the outcry for black people culturally appropriating the Dashwoods? Third, interracial relationships were not a public thing during the Regency period. This movie is a joke and not worth watching. What Is Your Favorite Loveuary Premiere? In the comment section, share which Jane Austen-inspired movie is your favorite. If you have never read an Austen novel but would like to, you can find her novels here: #Loveuary #JaneAusten #HallmarkChannel