"An Unexpected Christmas"

This movie has to be one of the most amusing and outrageous story lines, but in the true humorous fashions of Tyler Hines and Bethany Joy Lenz, this movie is very entertaining.   

Jamie (Tyler Hines) broken up with this girlfriend, Emily (Bethany Joy Lenz), months ago.  With his grandfather's passing, he never told his parents that they had broken up.  

Then, came the holidays when Jamie knew he had to travel home and finally tell his parents the truth.  As he is being picked up at the train station, Emily appears (who was there on business), but Jamie's family thinks they came together.  

Emily was furious to find out that Jamie never told his family.  She refuses to be the one to tell them, so she plays along for a bit.   A bit that turns into days after one roadblock after another.  Finally Jamie, asks Emily to stay for Christmas week to help his family get through the holidays.  He promises Emily a professional favor of an interview with the Governor if she'll play along.  She agrees.

As the week progresses, you guessed it, Jamie and Emily find they are still in love, and Jamie admits he broke up with Emily so she wouldn't miss a great career opportunity.  

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love"

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"With Love, Christmas"

Melanie (Emilie Ullerup) works at an ad agency.  The agency needs the perfect ad for a Christmas commercial that must be a winner.  

Her boss decides he needs two of his best to team up to handle this project.  He asks Melanie to work with her very handsome colleague, Donovan (Aaron O'Connell).  Donovan has been with the company just a year and has intentionally remained distant from the rest of his coworkers.  

With the theme being about Christmas, Melanie's enthusiasm for the holidays seems to make Donovan uncomfortable, as he doesn't make a big fuss about Christmas and is a bit of a "humbug".  Melanie also is a bit meek, so taking the lead with Donovan is a bit intimidating for her.  

Melanie decides she needs to find ways to warm Donovan up to the Christmas spirit.  She gets very creative from bringing him to a Christmas market and having him taste gingerbread cookies with lots of buttercream icing.  She talks about her family traditions and asks about his.  Slowly but surely, Donovan begins to warm up to Christmas and Melanie.

In addition to their joint efforts on the project, Melanie happens to have Donovan as her Secret Santa.  She creates a bogus email address and begins to communicate with Donovan.  Initially, Donovan's responses are short and cold, but as Melanie continues to email him, their conversations get a little more personal.  

A fun story line that you'll really enjoy with a bit of a twist at the end that Melanie never expected. 

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

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"Christmas By Starlight"

Annie Park (Kimberly Sustad) is an attorney and the daughter of the owners of the Starlight Cafe.  She discovers that the Cafe is being closed as a result of a development firm.  Annie is enraged as most of the businesses on their street have already closed and now her parents' long-occupied Cafe?!

Annie decides she is not going to let this happen without a fight.  She decides to address this with Mr. William Holt (Paul Campbell) the son of the owner of the development firm.  

Will, as he is called, does not have much interest in his father's business, so when Annie arrives to speak to him about the building, Will is initially resistant to listening to her, until he finds out she is an attorney.  He decides to tell his father that he has hired an attorney to assist him just to stop his father from "breathing down his neck".  

Annie (who really is a family law attorney) is asked by Will to play along and in return he promises that the Cafe will not be destroyed.  

As Annie and Will slowly get to know each other, Annie continues to act as his attorney, but begins to give Will some very valuable heartfelt life-lessons.  

The humor of Kimberly Sustad and Paul Campbell together has proven time after time to be good comedy, both in their acting and writing; however, each individually has that natural ability to keep their viewers laughing.  

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

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"Check Inn To Christmas" ....Tradition, Love and Family

It's the Masons vs, the Crawleys!   Two hometown B & B Owners whose families have been in business for four generations compete in everything from Accommodations, Baking, Christmas Decorating, and whatever else they can come up with.  It's all about outshining the other.

Julia (Rachel Boston) is the daughter of the the Crawley's and a Attorney who is visiting for Christmas. She never wanted to work at the family B & B. On the other hand Ryan (Wes Brown ) is the son of the the Mason's, pursued an MBA, has stayed in town, and manages the family business.

Julia and Ryan seem to keep running into each other and find they have a genuine liking and attraction for one another, but they must keep it from their folks, the rivals.  Until one day a Corporate Hotel Chain comes to town to tries to buy the B & Bs.  

Both the Crawleys and the Masons refuse to sell, so the Hotel chain tries to make a deal with the local Restaurant in the town's center. Hearing this, Julia and Ryan join forces to try and save their families' businesses.

After much calculating to get the families to stand together against the Hotel Chain, Julia & Ryan come up with an idea that would have absolutely applauded their ancestors.  As always, there's strength in numbers, so when both families realize the can not afford to buy the Restaurant on their own to keep the Hotel Chain from purchasing it, they know there is only one solution.

After four generations of feuding over whose B & B is best, they find the answer, they need to put their resources together and work as one.

Psalm 127:3-5 (NIV)

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him"

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"A Biltmore Christmas" ......Grandeur, Love & Hollywood All In One Movie!

There are many great Hallmark movies, but this one is one of the finest.

Set at the beautiful Biltmore during the holidays, Lucy Hardgrove, a screenwriter (played by Bethany Joy Lenz) is sent there to get some inspiration. There she finds an hourglass that when it’s turned upside down, sends her back to the 1940s when an original movie named “His Merry Wife” was produced.

She meets an actor that starred in the movie named Jack Houston (played by Kristopher Polaha) who was said to have passed away one year after the shooting of the movie. In typical Hallmark fashion, Lucy and Jack fall in love, but how does she tell him she’s from the future and wants to go back, but most of all how does she warn him about December 24, 1947, the day he supposedly died.

You’ll forget whatever else is on your mind while watching this one, because who isn’t intrigued by time travel? You’ll love the grandeur of A Biltmore Christmas, the clothes, the cars, the tinsel on the tree and the lingo of the 1940s. Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristopher Polaha do an outstanding job, just as they always do. We need a good fantasy every once in awhile.

Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"

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"The Christmas Ring"

Ever wonder about the real story behind some of the things your Grandparents did or had to do? The history behind who they were and why?

This captivating story line is about a young woman, Kendra, played by Nazneen Contractor, who has been searching for her mother’s lost diamond engagement ring. After her father’s passing, she was never able to find it. She never passes an antique store without going in and looking at the antique jewelry with the hopes that some day she would find it.

Upon entering another antique shop and questioning the storekeeper, she is shown a ring that is very similar to her mom’s; however, it has an inscription in it that reads”My Christmas Love 1948″ Disappointed because her mom’s ring had no inscription, she decides that she would like to explore the history of that ring, thinking someone just like her would love to know where it was. She also happens to be a news writer with a passion for solving a mystery like her idol, Nellie Bly, and thought this would be a great story for her readers. She begins by researching the jeweler’s initials which leads her to a small town in New England.

Her infectious thirst for clues behind the story of the ring begins to create interest among some of the residents, and she gets some helpful leads. Until she meets Michael, played by David Alpay, the Grandson of the woman she believes the ring belongs to. Michael happens to be in the middle of his own and very public breakup with a celebrity, and thinks Kendra is really after a story about it. He’s very resistant, but she wears him down, and he begins to realize her only interest is in the story of the ring. As with any good story, there has to be some interference. That would be her Editor, who intervenes by making changes in Kendra’s submitted story of the Ring and alters it to be more about the Grandson of the owner, Michael ……and this rewrite is done without Kendra knowing.

A very comforting movie; full of heart-felt memories about the past. 

2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

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"A Season For Miracles"

An action with right intention isn’t always popular and takes immense courage.

This is not the first time, Emily (Carla Gugino), a nursing student from Georgia has had to rush to Rhode Island to care for her sister’s children. Her sister, Berry (Laura Dern), has gotten herself into trouble, and Emily wonders if Berry will ever learn.

While Berry is in the hospital recovering from a near overdose, Emily takes the children to visit her. Upon their arrival, Emily is met with a State Social Worker, Ruth Doyle (Kathy Baker). Ruth questions Emily about how she will take care of the children. With Emily having no bank account, no history of living in R.I., the State feels the children should be in their custody. Emily, having lived that life with her sister as a child, will have no part of it.

When the Social Worker is called away for a moment, Emily leads the children out of the hospital, tells them to quickly get into the car and begins driving. She stays on the back roads hopefully to not be noticed and comes to a road sign reading “Bethlehem”. What perfect direction, especially during the Christmas Holidays; she makes the turn.

As the rain pours, they stop at a diner to get a bite to eat. Emily is carefully counting the remaining money she has and asks the waitress if she knows of a reasonable place to stay overnight. With everything full that is reasonable, the waitress (Patty Duke) who really is an Angel in disguise, tells her of a beautiful, vacant Victorian home right in the middle of town to check out. With no options and feeling desperate, Emily stops at this home, finds a hidden key over the top of the door and they enter the home. They would only be there for one night and wouldn’t disturb a thing. This was Emily’s only hope for a roof over their heads on this dark and dreary December night.

Neighbors see the activity at the house, but Emily is thought to be the nice of the deceased owner coming to finally make her claim. As the story unfolds, there’s one reason after another that detains them from leaving this charming, welcoming little town. Kismet happenings begin; almost like a guiding, protective Angel.

With no shortage on love in our beloved Christmas movies, Emily has a developing relationship with a local Police Officer, Nathan Blair (David Conrad), who is undeniably smitten. I don’t want to forget mentioning the part of (Lynn Redgrave), who is an insightful and humorous Judge.

Like Emily, we all need an Angel at times. If you’ve ever had something wonderful happen, out of the blue, something beyond your wildest hopes, it just may have been amazing grace and favor.

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Matthew 5:10 (NIV)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”

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"I'll Be Home For Christmas"

You can always go home.

Jackie who is an Assistant District Attorney and her daughter Gracie live a busy life driven by schedules and consistency, when an unexpected visitor arrives; her dad, Jack, who had left town three years prior after his wife’s and Jackie’s mom’s passing. Jack who is also a retired cop of over 40 years returns to attend the funeral services of a fellow fallen hero. He had contacted his daughter only on a few occasions since leaving town. He seemed to be running away from the memory of his wife and his work in the force. Naturally, Jackie resented him for leaving. The movie takes you through their serious and humorous struggles to become a family again, knowing that each wants the closeness more than ever.

An enjoyable performance by a young Giselle Eisenberg as Gracie and an amazing performance by both James Brolin, Jack, and Mena Suvari, Jackie , the three of them create a family unit that is stressful, but continually moving forward to an unbreakable family bond.

It happens many times that someone who maybe wasn’t the most attentive parent realizes how much they missed and how much they are enjoying making up for it. The movie also has a built-in love story and the help of a great police dog named “Nose”. Enjoy this one; I have many times. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) 

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you"

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"Love's Greek To Me" ....letting love in.

I think this movie can give many of us “food for thought”. Ilanna (Torry DeVitto) goes to Greece with her boyfriend, Mike (Yannis Tsimitselis) for his sister’s wedding. There she’s presented with a number of challenges, one of the most is Mike’s very Greek mother, Athena (Maria Sirtis). Athena is a big-hearted, very overbearing mother, who truly does not believe in privacy. Ilanna on the other hand is holding back completely out of fear. Her actions are noticed by Mike who addresses her distancing and tells her he feels at times he has to convince her to love him. This in not the case, she loves Mike very much, but is having a hard time opening up, trusting and fighting for their relationship. Ilanna comes from a broken home and is carrying those fears inside. The moment she hears of Mike’s concerns, she begins packing (running away from the situation). That’s when Athena steps up and admits that she’s been overstepping but also tells Illanna that she’s feared her need to keep distance instead fighting for her feelings for Mike. The cast did a marvelous job, the setting is glorious, nice movie.

I’ll stop there; but if you know you’ve held back in relationships just because you’re not familiar with receiving love or being nurtured (you understandably don’t know how to handle it) then this movie is for you. It gives a strong, loving teachable moment. You may be just as Ilanna.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (NIV)

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man."

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"A Very Merry Mix-Up"

Based on pure belief that there’s no such thing as coincidence and everything happens as it should.

Alice (Alicia Witt) is a perfectly innocent, wise young woman, who wants to hold on to her father’s memory by keeping his store. It’ more about following her heart than her pocketbook.

Her current (and wrong-for-her) fiance, who is in real estate, encourages her to sell her memories (the store) and become a multi-millionaire because of the store’s location. Alice realizes this man has no sensitivity or understanding of her feelings and who she really is.

She travels solo to meet her fiance’s family, as he is tied up at a meeting and will come in a day or so. While at the airport, she meets another man, Matt (Mark Wiebe), in the most peculiar and humorous way. His brother’s name is the same as her fiance’s from the same town. Naturally, both Alice and Matt think this is the family she is meeting. Alice falls in love with Matt’s family, their traditions and their heart-felt stories about their family as she’s waiting for her fiance to arrive.

The truth is, she’s been at the wrong house. Her fiance is Will Smith, Matt’s brother is Billy Smith.

As it is said so beautifully in this movie, “Life is about Timing, and Timing is Everything in Life and Love.” 

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”

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"Miracle on 34th Street" ....faith from an old 1947 classic.

🎅🤶🎄

Children imagine Christmas as a magical time, and everyone seems to be just that little bit happier and kinder. The Christmas Cards, the traditional foods, the lights and decorations   make everything cozier. Holiday movies were enjoyed long before there was the Hallmark Channel; I still watch them. One in particular had a life lesson that sometimes we all need to be reminded of:

“Faith Is Believing When Common Sense Tells You Not To”

This was said to little Suzie Walker, a girl who was losing faith, by her Mother, Doris in “Miracle on 34th Street” – 1947 with Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood.

We can’t always explain how things happen out of the blue, when we least expect it and after we resigned ourselves to giving up, but sometimes they do. Faith is believing when there is no tangible evidence; it’s what keeps you hoping. Logic doesn’t always have its way.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

"Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

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"One Starry Christmas"

For anyone who believes in following their dreams and trusting your instincts (as hard as that might be because we question ourselves too much), this is the movie for you.

Holly, just received her PHD in Astronomy. Her boyfriend would be leaving her alone for Christmas due to a business obligation in New York, not considering how much the holidays mean to Holly. Holly doesn’t like to fly, so without his knowing, she purchases a bus ticket to be with him and to see her family. While on the bus, she meets a real Cowboy, Luke, a Southern gentleman who happens to love the stars and is immediately smitten with Holly.

Towards the end of the movie, Holly makes a true-to-heart statement: “Until Life Gives You Something Right, You Don’t Know How Wrong You’ve Been.” We all can surely relate to that.

Great Move; I’ve watched it several times. Sarah Carter, as Holly, and Damon Runyan, as Luke, do a wonderful job. 

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it"

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"Rip In Time"

You’ll enjoy this very creative story line, as we all know the story of Rip Van Winkle.

Sarah, played by Tori DeVitto, is a single mom and a farmer who lives with her son and dad. They all work at maintaining the farm. While doing his chores, her son is startled by a man who looked at if he was taking shelter in their barn. The boy runs out of the barn to his mother and grandfather to tell them of this intruder. They call the Sheriff, as Sarah runs out to the barn with a shot gun where she meets a very peculiar man. His hair and beard were long, his mode of dress was something out of 1787, and he insists he’s harmless.

The man claims his name is Rip, played by Niall Matter. Rip is afraid of the barn lights that come on without a candle, is taken aback by a woman who wears pants and who is wondering where the horse is that would pull the Sheriff’s car.

You will be intrigued with the differences pointed out by Rip in comparison to today’s world. The gentlemanly-like manners that Rip possesses are endearing, and one can’t help but wish that some of the values Rip displays weren’t so out-of-date. This fantasy is a good take-me-away movie. 

Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."

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"Twas The Text Before Christmas"

How often have you inadvertently sent a text to the wrong person; it’s such an uncomfortable feeling. Hopefully, the mistaken text didn’t contain anything offensive to the receiver.

We expect everything to turn around for the better, and they don’t disappoint us in this upbeat Holiday movie.

Nana, played by Jane Eastwood, sent a text to a number she thought was her Granddaughter’s. However, the number belonged to Addie, played by Merritt Patterson, who just broke up with her boyfriend. Addie receives the text and responds to the sender that they have the wrong number and snaps/sends a photo of herself to send with that response. Upon receiving the text, Nana apologizes but noticed that Addie had on a beautiful scarf in the photo she sent and asked where she got it. Addie sends her the link.

After Nana buys the scarf she decides to Face Time Addie to thank her. It’s then that they start chatting about where they are both from and what they are doing for the holidays. Nana ends the conversation with saying she hopes they keep in touch. Addie had mentioned that her dad was away this Christmas visiting her Brother. Shortly there after, Nana contacts Addie again and invites her to Christmas Dinner. Nana tells her that it’s a 4 hour trip by train from the City to Vermont where she lives. After seeing on social media that her ex-boyfriend is suddenly engaged, Addie calls Nana and accepts. She needed to do something different and exciting.

The relationship between Nana and Addie is a very warm and friendly one. Addie’s visit to Vermont is delightful and festive. What Addie didn’t know is that Nana has a very handsome son, James, played by Trevor Donovan.

The movie rapidly covers three years of Christmas Days, and you guessed it, by the third Christmas, there’s something brewing between Addie and James. 

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

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"Holiday Inn" ....a classic from 1942

An old Holiday Classic set in the coziest farmhouse covered in snow. In the distance you can hear sounds of jingle bells from the horse-drawn sleigh.

Jim, (Bing Crosby) a down-to-earth entertainer, turns an old farmhouse into an Inn that’s opened Holidays only.

Linda, (Margorie Reynolds), is a struggling entertainer just looking for a chance. She runs into a notable Agent at the florist shop she works in. She shrewdly convinces the Agent that it’s too late on Christmas Eve for his delivery, but she would be happy to make the delivery for a personal favor. The manager, to appease her, gives her Jim’s card telling her it’s a friend of his who is opening an Inn in Connecticut. The Agent also gives her a ticket to the show he’s having that evening.

That night when Linda arrives at the show she is seated at the band’s table where she meets Jim,. Jim was there to watch his friends’ performances before he leaves for Connecticut. There Linda and Jim both pretend to be more successful than they really are.

The following day, Linda who is thrilled at any chance of performing takes the train out to Connecticut on a snowy Christmas day When she arrives at “Holiday Inn, she runs into the owner, Jim. They both realize they were overstating their achievements when they met the night before at Ted’s, (Fred Astaire) and Lila’s, (Virginia Dale) show. They laugh together and Linda agrees that she doesn’t care if Jim pays her off in eggs, just give her a chance.

The Inn becomes a success, and Jim and Linda are very content and also are becoming very close. Until one New Year’s Eve when Ted gets a “Dear John” letter from Lila. Ted suddenly has no dancing partner, is feeling low and decides to go visit his old pal, Jim, in Connecticut. The competition then begins for the affections of Linda by Jim and Ted.

This is a movie of great dancing performances as it takes you through the year’s holidays as they are celebrated at the Holiday Inn. The best of course are the Christmas Holidays. The performances with Fred Astaire by both Virginia Dale and Marjorie Reynolds are outstanding! I especially love the Valentine’s Day performance.

Give this old flick another look. The farmhouse alone is enough to want to make you curl up with a nice warm cocoa, while watching twinkling lights and listening to Carrols.

Did you know that the Holiday Inn Hotel Chain is named from this 1942 classic?

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

"But Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that"

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"Love & Mercy" .....Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys

“Love & Mercy” staring Paul Dano as a young Brian Wilson and John Cusack as the older Brian. Both actors were incredible. The story is about the control of his therapist, Dr. Eugene Landy, who was oppressive and self-serving. He appears to have been over-medicating Brian and attempting to control his every thought and move.

The chance meeting of his future wife, Melinda, played by Elizabeth Banks, was his Angel in disguise. Dr. Landy had told her that if she goes out with Brian that she is to report back to him with the details of their date. Melinda is confided in by a woman domestic in the household and tells her that she’s been keeping pills from Brian because she suspects that Brian is being over-medicated. She is an illegal and was afraid to speak up but is concerned about Brian. With the help of her, Melinda is able to see a copy of Brian’s will. You guessed it, it was changed. It was Melinda who took action and challenged the manipulation and deceit of the therapist.

This is a enlightening movie, maybe not as uplifting as my other entries in this site, but because the right people came into Brian Wilson’s life, it had a happy ending.

Brian Wilson was a musical genius. The music of the Beach Boys is legendary; songs we all jump up and dance to with happiness and good memories. Love & Mercy

Psalm 91:11

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways"

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"Journey Back To Christmas"

You will never know how you may have impacted someone else’s life by a kind word or deed.

Time travel has long been an intriguing topic for anyone with an imagination. Candace Cameron Bure’s portrayal of an intelligent, sensitive, kind WWII Nurse, who, with the help of a miraculous comet, is sent to the future, only to find that her seemingly mundane acts of kindness during her lifetime in the 1940s, were not so ordinary. They led others to heartfelt, inspiring gifts.

She does have the sympathy of one Police Officer, Jake, (played by Oliver Hudson) who feels she must just be confused and with his help can get to the bottom of these strange happenings. So he brings her to stay a his family’s farm taking full responsibility for her.

Sent 71 years into the future, she is confused and disappointed at some of the changes within the town. People fear her to be some sort of a con artist until she starts talking about how things were in town back in the day. When taken to Jake’s family’s farm home, she says she knows this place, it’s the place where she bought her milk. Questionably, Police Officer Jake, does some research and finds that his family farm back in the 1940s was indeed a dairy farm. She claims the town’s gazebo was always decorated at Christmastime. Jake questions his mom, played by Gwynyth Walsh, and she had no memory of the gazebo being decorated for the holidays. Then while in an antique shop, she finds a post card that dates back to the 1940s of the town with a picture of the gazebo fully decorated for Christmas.

Many memories are found to be true, making it more believable that Nurse Hanna, (Candace Cameron Bure) is telling truth.

This movie exudes a great deal of warmth, caring and the uncovering of what one life can do to impact so many others. “Journey Back To Christmas”

Galatians 6:10 (NIV) 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”

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"Branching Out" ....Adding A Family Tree Branch By IVF

An uncomfortable situation becomes an endearing movie. Amelia, played by Sarah Drew, is an Architect and has a nine year old daughter that she had by IVF. She wanted to be a mom, she was getting older and never met the right one. She chose to go ahead and have a child without a partner. She chose the donor father because of a number of factors. IVF Donors usually do not want to be contacted; however, I wonder though, in this day and age, how that is working if they have their DNA available on site?

Ruby, played by Cora Bella, is the nine year old daughter whose teacher has given her students an assignment of creating a family tree. Ruby asks her teacher if she can do another project because her tree, as she explains it, would be more like a weed; she tells her teacher she is the child of an IVF donor.

Ruby, a very precocious child, asks her mom if they can try and contact her donor. Amelia reminds Ruby that he did not want to be contacted. However, a DNA test could reveal the donor if he has done one himself. He did not, but his mother did; therefore, Amelia was able to see who the donor was. She does some research on the family and finds they own a very lucrative business that is within driving distance.

She decides to take a drive out to his family business. There she meets a man who tells her they are closed, but she still takes the chance, gets out of the car and confronts him, not knowing what the reaction will be. Upon hearing he has a daughter, the donor, T.J. Cruz, played by Juan Pableo Di Pace, is surprisingly very interested to meet her. At the time he became a donor, it was a difficult time, he needed to make some money.

After much deliberation, Amelia decides that Ruby can meet her donor father. Amelia tries to forewarn Ruby about not getting too close. I think that conversation went in Ruby’s one ear and out the other!

Ruby and T.J. bond immediately and find that they have a lot in common, and she looks like him too. T.J. is part of a very large Mexican family who are all thrilled to hear that he has a daughter. They invite Amelia and Ruby to the birthday party of her cousin, Mateo, and Amelia decides to accept the invitation.

They arrive at the Birthday party and what a party it was, many people, lots of decorations and delicious food. Not used to being around so many people, Amelia wonders outside of the party tent and takes a brief stroll on the grounds, T.J. follows her. He takes that opportunity to ask her why she used IVF; at that time, Amelia wasn’t ready to tell him. She’s a woman who has done everything on her own and was holding back a big part of herself; opening up is hard for her.

The movie continues with all of their fears and hopes being revealed and sorted through. Wouldn’t we all wonder if the IVF donor we chose would really welcome their biological child into their life?

In this charming story, after some bumps, it works for everyone and has an especially nice ending. It brings two lost hearts together and not just of a daughter and father. “Branching Out”

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"Love You Like Christmas"

How many times have we made plans, only to find that an unexpected detour brings us better fortune.

Bonnie Somerville plays a wonderful role as Maddie Duncan, a successful business woman who does not like to fly. She is invited to the wedding of one of her best clients in Denver, so she decides to drive. Coincidentally, Maddie’s cousin calls and asks if she would be interested in his mom’s cherished Classic 1968 Red Mustang, because he is making a corporate move. (Wouldn’t we all love to get a phone call like that?!) Obviously, Maddie takes the car and sets off on a road trip from NYC to Denver to attend the wedding.

Along the way she encounters a backup on the highway, as a Christmas Tree farmer’s truck had dumped Christmas Trees on the highway blocking all traffic. She gets out of the car with the other drivers and meets Kevin, played by Brennan Elliott, who is immediately taken by her. He is trying to remove the trees one by one, but the drivers decide they can bypass the trees by driving up on the shoulder of the road. So Maddie says her good-byes and off she goes. As she continues her trip, she comes to a crossroad and is uncertain if she should make a left or right. She makes the right and enters Ohio. Out of nowhere the Mustang begins to fail, barely making it to a gas station in a town called “Christmas Valley”.

Upon inspection of the vehicle by the mechanic, he informs her that it will be a few days, as he needs to order the parts for this very special Classic Car. With that, he takes her to a Boarding House in town where she meets the most welcoming, kind people. There’s a little girl there named Jo, played by Madison Brydges. The owner of the Boarding house, Pam, played by Precious Chong, looks after Jo when her dad is not around. Her dad happens to be none other than, Kevin, the Christmas Tree Farmer and a widower.

There’s a warm connection between Maddie and the young Jo. Maddie also begins bonding with some of the towns people, so much so, she begins to not want to leave.

There’s a teachable moment in this movie. It’s about unexpected change and walking away from the “on-paper-perfect-plan” of your life and stepping into a happiness that you never thought could possibly exist. 

Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

“Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known”

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"Holiday Switch"

Tired of her mundane, sometimes financially difficult family life, Paula Ferguson, played by Nicole Eggert, dreams about how life would be if she married her ex-rich boyfriend Nick, played by Brett Le Bourveau. She is married to wonderful, down-to-earth, Blue-Collar Gary, who loves his family very much. Paula loves her husband and girls, but every once in awhile, when times seem tough, her mind wanders.

An odd occurrence happens when she hits her head and is thrust into that life that she has dreamed about. She all of a sudden is Nick’s wife with no children. She initially enjoys her wallet full of money, her credit cards, her flashy car and thinks she went to heaven. ,What she doesn’t know is that her life with Nick is a meaningless one. In fact, they are on the brink of divorce, and he already has another woman in his life. She realizes that the material things mean nothing. The ambiance that she’s living in is empty and cold.

She yearns for her children, her love with Gary and their fixer-up home with the branch Gary found on the side of the road that they used as a Christmas Tree because money was tight. Paula realizes she really is a very rich woman; rich in family and love.

The “other side of the fence” always looks great until we get there. Appreciating all of the good things that we have been given is food for the soul and creates more happiness. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”

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"A Holiday Spectacular"

We once had dreams, remember them? Maybe we didn’t have the opportunity, but if we see our offspring wanting to do it their own way, maybe we should remember our time not so long ago.

Set in 1958, Maggie, (Ginna Claire Mason) who is from a very affluent family of Philadelphia, is preparing to enter into an arranged marriage.  She is not in love with her fiance.

She is a trained dancer, who, on a whim, is coaxed by a friend to try out for the Radio City Rockettes.  Maggie lands the last open spot and is expected to report in NYC on November 1st to begin rehearsals for the Holiday Season.  Knowing that her parents would forbid it, she tells them she wants to go to NYC to look for a wedding gown and meet with a top designer, who happens to be an Aunt of one of her friends who she can stay with.

With no real plan in place, Maggie goes to NYC thinking that she’ll find a way to extend her stay when the time comes and she does.  

The Rockettes live in a boarding house with a strict house mother.  There Maggie is exposed to the real world which is far from the privileged life she has lived.  From learning that if you run the hot water too long, it runs out, to wearing pants on the street (not something that was done much by young women back in the 1950s).  She makes some very good friends and learns there’s much more to being a Rockette than dancing; it’s a sisterhood; they look out for and support each other.  

Maggie learns to love this life; she feels independent and fulfilled by doing what she loves, dancing!.  

During the movie you’ll see the challenges of being an independent woman of that time.  She meets a young man, John, (Derek Klena) who also has his own dreams and aspirations, but expectation is that he would take over his family’s business. They both face similar dilemmas.  Through it all, they make each other confront their own feelings.  Maggie learns what real love is like.  

This movie is introduced as a story being told by none other than Ann-Margaret who plays the older Maggie.  She is looking back on her life as a Rockette and sharing her story with her granddaughter.    

You’ll love seeing NYC in the 1950s, the cars and the clothes.  You’ll especially love the dance routines; the Rockettes are flawlessly in sync, as always.

Psalms 149:3 (NIV)

“Let them praise his name with dancing
    and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”

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"Welcome To Christmas" ...a story of Love, Warmth and Community

A town that lives up to more than its name.  Streets and storefronts are decorated beautifully and township people are full of holiday spirit.  They rally together to convince a developer, Maddie (Jennifer Finnigan) to choose their town for a new a ski resort.  

Maddie has an obligation to visit the town of Christmas even though she has already made up her mind, the ski resort will not come to Christmas.   While traveling there and driving on a snow covered road, her car hits ice and crashes into the township sign; she becomes stranded for a few days.  While she’s there, the people of Christmas are determined to make a good impression on her.  

With some good old charm, holiday activities and the Warmth of a community, Maddie’s resistance is being softened.  

There’s no shortage of romance, a love interest begins between Maddie and the Town’s Sheriff, Gage (Eric Mabius) which grows each day as more holiday warmth begins to infect Maddie by this charm-filled township and Gage’s family. 

In the end, Maddie creates a better and unexpected plan for the town of Christmas, one that will enhance their economy but keep that heart-felt charm that we all love in our Hallmark movies.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”

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"Miss Christmas"

Being loved and belonging is a precious gift.

Holly (Brooke D’Orsay) is called Miss Christmas as she is the person who hunts down Chicago’s yearly Christmas Tree. As the tree is being transported, it is sideswiped by a crane and is ruined. Holly claims as “Miss Christmas” she will find another tree and get it there in 10 days.

She begins thumbing through the thousands of letters from people who have written to her during the year about their tree becoming Chicago’s Radcliff Center tree.

Discouraged after opening nearly all of the letters, she opens one from a little boy named Joey McNary (Luke Roessler) who sends her a photo of the most magnificent tree; however, there’s no address! She decides to drive to Claus, Wisconsin where the letter came from hoping someone will know how to find this family by name.

As she arrives in town, she stops and speaks to some of the towns people who are putting together their Christmas Festival. Unfortunately, the first person she speaks to is a very resistant man named Sam (Marc Blucas). Sam does not like the Christmas holidays and almost wouldn’t mind skipping them. They banter back and forth for a bit; then Holly decides to get on her way. She drives to the town’s B & B, and as she is registering inquires with the owner if she by chance knows the McNary family. Not only did she know the family she happens to be Amy McNary, Joey’s aunt.

After hearing Holly’s story, Amy takes Holly to her family farm to meet Joey and see the tree. She also wants to introduce her to Joey’s dad, her brother, Sam. The same Sam Holly already had an encounter with earlier. Sam had no idea his son, Joey, wrote to her about their family tree. The rest of the family, however, is open to listening to Holly about the history of the Radcliff Tree. As Holly spends more time with the family, Sam begins to soften a bit, but still does not want to part with the family tree. Holly understands Sam’s sentiment as the tree was planted by his parents years ago. His mom recently passed, and he feels comfort having the tree remain on their property.

As the story continues, Sam does begin to see how his family would love to see his mom’s memory celebrated by having the tree at Chicago’s Radcliff Center and reconsiders. During this period not only does Sam begin to have feelings for Holly, but Holly is feeling the same and also realizes how much she’s been missing being part of a real family, as she has been on her own for some time.

Sam, unfortunately, overhears a conversation Holly was having on the phone and completely misunderstands what was said. He’s hurt, angry and accuses her of acting like she loved his family, just to get the tree. Holly, totally stunned and angry, tells Sam the truth about the phone call he overheard, then abruptly she leaves and without the tree. Another tree has been found for the Radcliff Center, so the issue now is, how is Sam going to tell Holly what a serious mistake he made.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding“

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"The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

Jennifer (Brooke Burns) is an educated, successful businesswoman and single mom. It’s nearing Christmas, and she is awaiting the arrival of her Mom and her Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler). Jennifer is looking forward to impressing her jeweler boyfriend’s family by having Christmas Dinner at her home knowing that her mom will be there to cook the turkey.

Uncle Ralph has chosen to fly to Chicago where Jennifer lives this year, as his wife recently passed, and this was easier instead of taking the long drive by himself from New York. Ralph is a retired NYC Police Officer and is very protective of his niece, Jennifer. Ralph and his wife helped raise her. His sister, Jennifer’s mom, is a successful lawyer and many times she had left Jennifer with them.

While at work in her office, Jennifer’s assistant points out that the one present her son has asked for is this year’s hottest item, and it’s almost impossible to get. At the same time, she tells her that her mom has left a message that she won some trip and is not coming this Christmas. Jennifer panics as she has no idea how to cook a turkey and also does not know how she is going to get her hands on the in-demand “Rocket Wheel” for her son. She tasks her assistant with getting her Turkey recipes and tracking down a “Rocket Wheel”.

In the meantime, Ralph, who does not like to fly, is in the airport feeling overwhelmed. He meets Morgan Derby (Warren Christie). Morgan, who is a very savvy flyer, is a chef who is traveling to Denver to open a restaurant with his girlfriend. They bond on the flight, and when they arrive in Chicago, Morgan finds his flight to Denver is cancelled. Jennifer has just arrived to pick up her Uncle Ralph who convinces her to have Morgan come home with them, because he’s a great guy and because he’s a chef! Reluctantly, she agrees, but the Chef idea is very appealing.

As Ralph and Jennifer’s son spend time with Morgan, they find he is a real down-to-earth nice guy who becomes smitten with Jennifer. Jennifer also is beginning to realize that this man, Morgan, may not be as settled, wealthy or successful as her jeweler boyfriend, but he sure knows the meaning of Christmas and what’s important in life. …..and BTW, Uncle Ralph does not like the jeweler. You’ll enjoy the humor and common sense of a very wise Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler)

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NIV)

“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless”

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