Tag Archives: Hallmark Movie Reviews

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

Sweet Dreams – On Sale for 99 cents for a Limited Time!

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If you like Hallmark Movies & Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, then you’ll LOVE SWEET DREAMS! Download today for 99 cents! Hurry, the price will go back up in a few days!

Tell your friends by sharing my blog post and/or sharing this link! Enjoy!

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!

Mix Up in the Mediterranean

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Have you ever been in love with an identical twin?

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing. If you like movies such as Mix-up in the Mediterranean then you should read Sugar and Spice by CECELIA DOWDY. Sugar and Spice is an endearing, rich, wholesome Christmas book that you’ll never forget. Sugar and Spice involves identical twin brothers – similar to Mix-up in the Mediterranean!

Sugar and Spice is about a friendship, which grows into love, between Mason and Sheila. It’s a Christmas novella full of love, regrets, and forgiveness. There’s also a bakery and plenty of delicious desserts wrapped within this amazing story. Can Mason and Sheila find the courage to overcome their hang-ups and learn to love again? Sugar and Spice has been an Amazon bestselling novel with several 5-star reviews! Purchase today and tell your friends by sharing this blog post!

Sugar and Spice is an endearing, rich, wholesome Christmas book that you’ll never forget.

Click the link at the end of this blog post to purchase.

Now, let’s discuss Mix-up in the Mediterranean.

This movie was amazing! I loved the scenery, the story…so much to love about this movie. Twins Josh and Julian arrive in Malta. Julian is a famous “French” chef who is supposed to compete in a cooking competition. When Julian injures his back, Josh steps in to take the place of his twin.

Josh and Julian can’t let anybody know about the switch because Julian could get disqualified from the competition.

Things get complicated when Meg, the person who is in charge the competition, is attracted to Josh. She mistakenly believes Josh and Julian are the same person, and that Josh/Julian is married. So, she can’t get involved with a married man, can she?

When Josh hurt his back, I could really relate to that. I have a bad back. I wear a copper belt around my waist to soothe my lower back. I also visit the chiropractor monthly. When my back goes out on me, it HURTS LIKE THE DICKENS! So, when Julian could not compete because of his bad back, I could so relate to that!

I could also relate to Meg’s character. She wants the competition to run flawlessly because she craves her father’s admiration. If nothing goes wrong, then, maybe her father will be proud of her.

But, things do go wrong. Meg is hurt when she discovers that Josh is a twin. At least Meg is able to understand why Josh’s behavior was not consistent – he was not the same person.

This blog post is sponsored by Divine Desserts Publishing. If you like movies such as Mix-up in the Mediterranean then you should read Sugar and Spice by CECELIA DOWDY. Sugar and Spice is an endearing, rich, wholesome Christmas book that you’ll never forget. Sugar and Spice involves identical twin brothers – similar to Mix-up in the Mediterranean!

Sugar and Spice is about a friendship, which grows into love, between Mason and Sheila. It’s a Christmas novella full of love, regrets, and forgiveness. There’s also a bakery and plenty of delicious desserts wrapped within this amazing story. Can Mason and Sheila find the courage to overcome their hang-ups and learn to love again? Sugar and Spice has been an Amazon bestselling novel with several 5-star reviews! Purchase today and tell your friends by sharing this blog post!

Sugar and Spice is an endearing, rich, wholesome Christmas book that you’ll never forget.

Sugar and Spice 

Click the link at the end of this blog post to purchase.

So, have you ever been in love with an identical twin?

Thanks for listening and have an awesome day!

SUBSCRIBE TO CECELIA DOWDY’S HALLMARK MOVIE BLOG!

SUGAR AND SPICE – PURCHASE LINK

The Good Witch Movies 1-7

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What’s your favorite Good Witch Movie?

I really enjoyed The Good Witch Movies. There were little quirks and idiosyncrasies that bothered me, I must admit.

I love watching Cassie in the kitchen, baking up some wonderful stuff for her friends. I can relate to Cassie’s character since I love making cookies as well as other treats for friends and family.

I enjoyed seeing the first GW movie because it gave some background to Cassie’s character. She rescues and befriends the police chief’s children (Brandon and Lori). The three of them bond and I liked how Cassie helps the children to heal both physically and emotionally.

Just as I was annoyed with Martha in The Good Witch Series, I was also annoyed with her in these movies. Martha, who is the mayor’s wife, is a busybody who objects to Cassie’s presence in their small town. Martha believes that Cassie practices black magic. I found it interesting that Martha and her husband have 2 misbehaved young adult boys. I don’t recall Martha’s children being included in The Good Witch series?

The town continues to object to Cassie’s presence, and as she continues to date Jake (the police chief), a stranger (Nick) appears stating that Grey House, the home which Cassie owns, is legally his. I found this story thread a bit over the top. Lori is able to find out the truth about Nick from a research project she’s doing for school. She’s able to prove that his claim to ownership is totally false. I found this implausible. An entire town believes this stranger – and Cassie is about to lose her house – but a child finds out the truth about everything from a school project? Bizarre! Seems like Nick should be brushing up on his investigative skills! Or, maybe the town lawyer could’ve cracked this case?

A lot happens during these movies. Cassie and Jake marry and Brandon and Lori grow up and go to college. What I found fascinating was that Cassie becomes mayor and Martha Tinsdale is a councilwoman. Later, Martha becomes mayor. In The Good Witch Series Cassie’s cousin Abigail becomes mayor for a little while. Strange how the mayor-ship is passed on to these three women.

I liked seeing Brandon and Lori bond with Cassie. Brandon is bothered by a bully, and Cassie helps him to conquer the situation in a touching and unusual way. Since they don’t have a mom, Cassie fits in perfectly with their family. When Brandon announces his engagement, Cassie helps to plan his wedding.

Cassie also gives birth to her daughter Grace. I wished that the same actress who plays Grace on the series, could have been used in the movie. The actress who portrays Grace as a young child doesn’t resemble the teenaged Grace.

I felt that Martha’s mayoral power was a bit over the top. I thought it was downright ridiculous when she made the entire police department wear uniforms with bow ties. Who does that? I felt that it was implausible. I’d imagine the mayor would have more important things to worry about than bow-tied policemen.

In spite of the implausible plot threads, I thought the movies were good, clean stories that families can watch together.

Have you seen The Good Witch movies? Which one is your favorite?

March 31st Podcast

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Hallmarkies, have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a published author?

Come listen to my podcast on March 31st at 7 PM! I’ll be interviewed – discussing my novel, Raspberry Kisses, as well as what it’s like to be an author.

On another note, I do plan on doing more blog posts about Hallmark movies soon! I’ve been so busy with my day job, as well as taking grad school classes, that time is limited!

Have a blessed day, and don’t forget to tune in on March 31st! Put the date on your calendar – and TELL A FRIEND!

A Gift of Miracles

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Have you ever felt as if a dead relative were speaking to you from their grave?

When Darcy, a PHD candidate, writes an important paper, her mentor advises that her paper is too clinical. It needs more heart, depth, and emotion. As a result Darcy is assigned to an advisor, Nathan. Nathan must help Darcy with her writing. How can Darcy put more warmth and emotion into her paper?

A raging storm causes a tree to crash through Darcy’s window. When Darcy helps her dad to clean up after the storm, she finds some of her mom’s belongings. Her findings take her on a journey, a journey that appears to be orchestrated by her mom, from up above.

A plethora of things happening brings Darcy into contact with people who are connected with her mom. These connections are not necessarily obvious. After random encounters with strangers – she’ll later discover how these strangers – these events – are linked to her mother. Nathan is behind her, encouraging her. Darcy is more science-minded and skeptical. She wants things to make sense. But Nathan draws her in, helps her to defy logic and just let events happen without finding a rhyme or reason to it.

This was a super mystery. I loved how it ended! The romance between Nathan and Darcy wasn’t as strong as current Hallmark movies, but, it was still enjoyable!

So, have you ever felt that a dead relative was speaking to you from their grave?