Tag Archives: Christmas

North Pole

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This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC. If you like movies such as North Pole, then you MUST READ our Christmas stories at ceceliadowdy.com/books. Our Christmas titles are family friendly and terrific! The Christmas book link is also at the end of this blog post.

Did you believe in Santa when you were a kid? If so, how old were you when you stopped believing?

North Pole is one of my favorite Hallmark movies. The reason it’s one of my favorites is because of its’ fantastical element. I loved seeing the scenes where Clementine (an elf) talks to Santa and Mrs. Claus. When Kevin visits the North Pole for the first time…wow, so amazing! Those wonderful lights – the place looks to real – makes me want to visit Santa’s village.

Kevin is having a hard time adjusting to life in a new town. His mom, Chelsea, is a reporter and she’s preoccupied by researching a news story.

Clementine is upset because the lights are getting dimmer in Santa’s village. Children no longer believe in Santa – it’s the belief that causes the energy to flow into the village. North Pole is in jeopardy, so she visits Kevin – a strong Santa believer – to commission him to help to spread Christmas cheer in his small town. If the town has more Christmas cheer, then maybe Santa’s village will continue to thrive.

Kevin’s believe in Santa causes great strive between him and his mom. When he tells his mother about his friendship with elf Clementine, his mother almost loses it. She meets Clementine, mistakenly believing that she’s a regular student at Kevin’s school who has joined Kevin’s Christmas committee.

As with all Hallmark movies, they bake cookies and you see lots of Christmas-themed things.

Unlike most Hallmark movies – this one had a romance that was not the main theme of the movie. Kevin’s and Clementine’s friendship, and their quest to create Christmas cheer, is the main theme of this wonderful story.

The romance element is between Kevin’s mom (Chelsea) and his teacher (Ryan). The romance was sweet and endearing.

Did you believe in Santa when you were a kid? If so, how old were you when you stopped believing?

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC. If you like movies such as North Pole, then you MUST READ our Christmas stories at ceceliadowdy.com/books. Our Christmas titles are family friendly and terrific! The Christmas book link is also at the end of this blog post.

CHRISTMAS BOOK LINK

Tis the Season to be Merry

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TIS THE SEASON TO BE MERRY – A SHORT PODCAST

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC. If you like movies such as Tis the Season to be Merry, then you MUST READ our romance titles at ceceliadowdy.com/books. The link is at the end of this blog post.

Have you ever fallen in love with the sibling of your best friend?

This movie is about a relationship expert named Merry. The twist is – Merry has no boyfriend. I’m led to believe she’s never been in a serious relationship. When she writes a book about her “perfect” relationship with fiancé Dale, her editor (Sonia) wants to publish the book. The only problem is “Dale” is not real. When Sonia finds out the truth, she forces Merry find a way to make the story work. In other words, her editor wants her to somehow salvage the book so that the publisher will not get in trouble for publishing a non-fiction book about fictional Dale.

Merry and her best friend/co-worker, Darlene, travel to Darlene’s family home so that they can figure out a way to salvage Merry’s book. Darlene’s brother, Adam, surprisingly shows up at home for Christmas. Adam has a job with a non-profit/Red-Cross-style company that assists needy communities around the world.

This movie was so sweet. Merry is looking for a perfect romance – but a perfect romance does not exist. She’s drawn to Adam. I can see why. Adam is HOT! He’s SO GOOD-LOOKING! He reminds me of a lumberjack with his beard. And I was swooning while he was showing Merry his family’s Christmas tree farm.

Merry has a heart-to-heart conversation with Adam and discovers a way to make and revamp her book to suit her publisher’s needs. Of course, Adam and Merry fall in love and are together at the end!

This movie is a must-see over the holidays! Especially the scenes with Adam!

So, have you ever fallen in love with the sibling of your best friend? What happened? Did the two of you get married? Leave a comment!

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC. If you like movies such as Tis the Season to be Merry, then you MUST READ our romance titles at ceceliadowdy.com/books.

ROMANCE BOOK LINK

Boyfriends of Christmas Past

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Boyfriends of Christmas Past Podcast

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing LLC. Come and check out our Christmas romance titles. If you like wholesome, old-fashioned love stories then you will enjoy our books!

Have you ever wondered about your past boyfriends? Ever wonder what would have happened if the two of you had stayed together?

Lauren has been friends with Nate for a long time. She’s always had a hard time with love. She’s been in a number of romantic relationships. Her relationships always end when her significant other expresses his true feelings for her. Whenever one of her past boyfriends say “I love you” Lauren ends the relationship.

In a plot reminiscent of A Christmas Carol, Lauren is taken on a journey to her past relationships. Throughout these breakups, Nate has been there for her. He’s her go-to friend for support. But, Nate is hiding a huge secret. He’s in love with Lauren, but, he’s never found the courage to tell her his feelings. I think he sees that Lauren is scared, too scared to commit to love, and Nate doesn’t want to spoil their friendship by telling her the truth.

Lauren has feelings for Nate and when she is faced with a huge decision, she doesn’t like the feeling of seeing Nate with another woman. 

Lauren’s fear stems from her childhood. A long time ago, her mom abandoned her and her dad at Christmas, as a result, Lauren is fearful of romantic commitments. Just stop and think about that for a minute. Can you imagine being abandoned by your mom as a youngster, and never seeing her again? It’s one thing when your mom dies, but, when your mom willingly abandons you? Can you imagine how that’d make you feel? It’s possible that Lauren didn’t feel worthy of love, which is why she pulled away from her past relationships.

Nate has been patient with Lauren for years, but, he reaches a breaking point. He’s tired of being Lauren’s “safe” supportive friend. He wants something more, and Lauren bravely finds the courage to accept Nate’s love.

This movie shows how hard it is to let go of past pains and learn to embrace the future. This movie was a good, heartwarming Christmas story. 

So, have you ever wondered about past relationships? Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you’d stayed with one of your former boyfriends? Leave a comment!

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing LLC. If you like good wholesome movies like Boyfriends of Christmas Past then try our Christmas romance novels. Tell your friends by sharing this blog post! Merry Christmas!

CHRISTMAS BOOK LINK

White Christmas

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Hallmarkies, have you ever had a white Christmas?

If you have, I’d love to hear more about it? Where did you experience your white Christmas? I’d like to know the city, state, town, and country. Did you enjoy your white Christmas? Did you play in the snow?

If you love snow and Christmas, be sure to read Loving Luke – Amazon bestselling romance! Rave reviews from readers! Tell your friends!

So, have you ever experienced a white Christmas? Share your favorite white Christmas pics, if possible!

Hitched for the Holidays

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What would you do if you had to find a date for Christmas – just to pacify your nosy family?

When Rob “promises” his dying grandmother that he’s engaged to a girl named Julie, she’s so ecstatic that she recuperates from her illness. Only problem is, Rob is not engaged to anybody. He only told his grandmother that “news” to make her feel better.

Meanwhile, “Julie” needs a date for the holidays to pacify her meddling mom. Rob and Julie agree to “date” during the holidays. Only problem is, their fake feelings become real, which causes a sticky situation.

I really liked this Hallmark Christmas movie. I liked it even more than the ones that Hallmark currently shows. The reason why I enjoyed this movie so much is the amount of realism in the story.

When they attend a Christmas party together, Rob gets intoxicated. Seldom do you see intoxication in a Hallmark movie.

As Rob and Julie get to know one another, Rob confides that his childhood was messed up. He tells of his mom leaving – she would disappear for days – and neither he, nor this siblings – would know where she’d go. She’d always return home, but, he was always fearful that she would leave, and not return one day. That’s tough for a kid to endure something like that, and seldom do I see such a realistic situation in a Hallmark movie.

Rob is Catholic and Julie is Jewish. This causes a lot of humorous disharmony in the movie. Hallmark has made other Jewish Christmas movies, including Love Lights and Hanukkah, Holiday Date, and Double Holiday.

I wondered how hard it is for two people from different religions to date and fall in love. I know it happens, but, for me, I tend to think that one, or both persons, must not be very religious in order for it to work.

The reason I say this is because I grew up in a home where my mom was Jehovah’s Witness and my dad was…well…he was Christian, but, not a JW! My mom became a JW after their marriage. This caused a lot of turmoil within the marriage…I mean, think about it. If one person is a devout Christian, and one is not, then, the Christian person, if they go by what most Christians believe, will be with a person who is doomed for Hell. At least, they will be if they do not accept Christ. Whenever I see people of two faiths to date and marry, I always remember my upbringing and wonder how the difference in religions work for couples whom do not share the same religions. Is it hard for them to live in harmony if their beliefs are not shared?

Hitched for the Holidays was a wonderful movie. It kept me entertained and I recommend this film as a nice holiday treat.

So, what would you do if you needed a date for Christmas? Would you go online to find a temporary holiday mate?

Christmas Waltz

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Have you ever had a broken engagement?

When Avery discovers her fiancé is no longer interested in getting married, she breaks their engagement. Now what is she going to do about her fantastical Christmas wedding? The breakup is such a huge disappointment. It’s hard for her to deal with her pain.

Before the breakup, she’d signed up for dancing lessons for her and her future spouse. Since the wedding is cancelled, she doesn’t feel it’s necessary to pursue lessons.

But Roman, the dance instructor, has a better idea. Why doesn’t Avery take the lessons anyway? Avery has always wanted to learn to dance, and this is a perfect opportunity.

What I loved most about this movie is that Avery took a negative experience and turned it into something positive. She didn’t wallow in self pity. She learned to do something that she’s always dreamed about doing – and, of course – she falls for her hunky instructor.

Such a sweet movie.

So, have you ever dealt with a broken engagement? What did you do to get over your pain?

A Timeless Christmas

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This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing LLC. Read our Amazon bestselling Christmas romance titles today! Tell your friends by sharing this link!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel FORWARD into time?

What can I say? This was an absolutely adorable Hallmark Christmas movie! It’s 1903 and shortly after Charles Whitley (played by Ryan Paevey) has a disagreement with his fiancée, his maid serves him an evening drink. He wakes more than 100 years later.

Wait a second…do you like sweet emotional romance novels? Try one of my bestselling books! You will love them! Now, back to the movie….

His house is now a museum. Actors have been hired to play the historical roles of Charles’s staff – it’s a 1903 Christmastime re-enactment. Visitors think he’s an actor, playing the role of Charles Whitley. He’s having a hard time convincing folks of his identity. He is able to convince the tour guide/actress Megan – who happens to be a descendant of Charles’s housekeeper.

Megan tells of her fascination and studies of Charles Whitley. She tells him that Charles went missing in 1903 – the exact day that Charles had his last evening drink. His disappearance is linked to an old clock. He feels the need to go back in time – back to the night he disappeared.

Since his disappearance things have happened, things that he hopes to fix, and the only way to do that would be to travel back to 1903.

I loved seeing Ryan Paevey in those historical clothes. He is too cute – very easy on the eyes.

Turns out that Charles ends up staying in 2020, deciding not to travel back in time. Of course he falls for Megan and they’ll live happily ever after.

I felt there were a few loose ends that needed to be tied up. Since Charles is staying in 2020, how will he live? He has no social security number. He has no identity. Would he have to get falsified documents since, technically, he should be dead? Would he need to obtain falsified documents in order to make a living in 2020?

A Timeless Christmas is based upon a book. I encourage you to purchase it. After you read it, let me know how the book compares to the movie.

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Speaking of books, this movie reminded me of the Washington Irving story Rip Van Winkle. Do you remember reading it as a kid? Rip Van Winkle goes to sleep and wakes up 20 years later to a drastically changed world.

Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: Illustrated 200th Anniversary Edition

So, have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel over 100 years FORWARD into time? What do you think the world be like? Leave a comment!

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This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing LLC. Read our Amazon bestselling Christmas romance titles today! Tell your friends by sharing this link!

Annie Claus is Coming to Town

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Have you ever read, or seen, a story about Santa’s daughter?

This was a cute, fun movie. Santa’s daughter, named Annie, takes a trip to sunny California. This is the first time she’s ever traveled away from the North Pole. She stays at the Candy Cane Inn and meets two men – one of the men is worthy, the other is a conniving actor who has ulterior motives.

I really liked how Annie bonded with the Lucy, the Candy Cane Inn owner, and Lucy’s young daughter, Mia. Annie bonds well with children and is a whiz at working with toys. She has fun helping children with a Christmas production. She also assists a struggling toy store owner.

Annie’s sweet naïve nature was touching. When she discovers the scrupulous motives of her male admirer, well, she is hurt and stunned. But, this is a Hallmark Movie and she realizes just to whom her love belongs!

I enjoyed watching this film.

So do you know of other films that focus on Santa Claus’s daughter?

Father Christmas

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***This is a movie discussion not a review. This blog post is written from the mind-set that blog readers have seen the movie – so it contains spoilers.

Can you imagine, searching for your father, for the very first time, as an adult?

The Father Christmas film series includes the following three movies:

Finding Father Christmas

Engaging Father Christmas

Marrying Father Christmas

Miranda’s mom was an actress. Her mom died when Miranda was only a child. Since her mother died during Christmas, Miranda, now an adult, hates Christmas. Her life changes when she’s contacted by an old friend of her mom’s – an elderly gentleman who works in theater. He’s found an old suitcase belonging to Miranda’s mom, and has gifted it to Miranda.

The suitcase contains clues – clues that might lead to Miranda’s dad. Her mom has never told her the identity of her father, so Miranda, who has no family, is anxious to find him.

You’ll love these movies set in a small Vermont town. As Miranda searches for her father, she discovers other family members – as well as love. Ian works at the inn where Miranda is staying and he helps her with her search.

These were charming Christmas mystery movies, and they showed just how tenuous family dynamics can be. These movies also showed that – before getting married – one needs to know the baggage/problems that your future mate may have. Miranda’s life is somewhat complicated since she has no family. Ian came from a different background – so he needs to understand why it’s so important for Miranda to cling to the new family members which suddenly appear in her life.

Not only does she find family related to her father, but, an elderly gentleman, claiming to be her deceased mom’s brother, also enters the picture. Ian is skeptical and Miranda struggles to accept her long-lost uncle. She doesn’t know if he’s really her mom’s brother, or, if he’s a media person, after her for a story. Her biological father was a famous actor, so, initially she’s unclear about her “uncle’s” motives.

These are charming Christmas movies. It’s best to watch all three of them, in order, to get the full scope of the story.

These movies were based upon the novels by Robin Jones Gunn:

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Kissing Father Christmas (Father Christmas #3)

Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Father Christmas

Kissing Father Christmas

I highly encourage you to read these books and let me know how they compare to the movies.

So, have you ever searched for a lost relative? If so, were you able to find that person?