Tag Archives: Hallmark Movie Reviews

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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THE GOOD WITCH MOVIES 1-7 – A PODCAST

If you like wholesome shows like The Good Witch Movies then you must read Rocky Road Dreams by CECELIA DOWDY. It’s a warm, wonderful wholesome Christmas romance! I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the hero! See the purchase link at the end of this podcast!

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?

If you like wholesome shows like The Good Witch Movies then you must read Rocky Road Dreams by CECELIA DOWDY. It’s a warm, wonderful wholesome Christmas romance! I guarantee you’ll fall in love with the hero! See the purchase link at the end of this podcast!

ROCKY ROAD DREAMS PURCHASE LINK!

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?

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!

SUBSCRIBE TO CECELIA DOWDY’S HALLMARK MOVIE BLOG! 

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?