I had to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for this one.

In case you don’t know me personally, I feel like I need to preface this review with a little background on me. A few years ago I lost one of my brothers very unexpectedly (unknown causes) followed by mother (due to cancer) within a year of each other. So, grief triggers are very real. Although those waves do come fewer and farther in between now, holidays, tv shows, movies, and music are still very jolting at times.

I guess, you’re probably wondering why I even watched this movie. Well, normally, I absolutely would do my best to avoid it. (Hello, “This is Us”, which I haven’t even side eyed since 2016) However, since I am hosting my 2nd annual Hallmark Christmas Movie Showdown Bracket, I put on my big girl sweatpants, poured myself a drink, grabbed a full bock of tissues, and packed up all my baggage to ride this Hallmark train.

This was not exactly what I expected.

In a good way though…..kind of.

I was confused as to how they would run the serious storyline parallel to the a romantic one. From what I saw….it seems the writers were too?

GOTTA SPEND A MOMENT TO CAPS LOCK THIS:

WE FINALLY HAVE A WISCONSIN MOVIE! HOLLA CHIPPEWA FALLS! THEY EVEN PRONOUNCED IT RIGHT! ALSO, UW-MADISON!!!!! GO BADGERS!!! ON WISCONSIN!!!!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️ Listen, give me Jeremy Jordan any day. He was great. The chemistry between him and Janel was great. However, if you’re going to have a falling in love story along-side an adoption/instant family story….let Adam and Melody have a few kisses BEFORE they commit to a life long family, would ya? I’ll give you a hint scene: in her house, she’s seducing him with book quotes….you know what I’m talking about . [insert kiss here] Really, there just wasn’t enough time in this movie to have them be that into it! (I would’ve FREAKED too, Adam) Glad we had a timehop at the end….but wasn’t enough for me.
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️TOO MUCH. just too much. The whole storyline with Holly & Ivy, their mama, Nina, and Melody would have been an AMAZING Hallmark Hall of Fame flick. They would have shown more. Yes, there would have been more tears, but it would have landed better. Save Jeremy Jordan for a MUSICAL. I was so sad there was no singing. _{(obviously that wouldn’t have worked in this one)} Aside from what it was missing….I LOVED the librarian dream story, the book mobile….made me miss taking our kiddos to the library as our local one does all that fun stuff too! Ugh, 2020.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Holly and Ivy. The sweetest little girls. I’m glad we didn’t have to see all the horrible hard parts, and they got the happiest ending we could have prayed for with the circumstances…..I’m going to also chat about Marisol Nichols here…I know that she could have really made us bawl, but I don’t think that’s the Hallmark Christmas Movie way. Maybe she was trying to show us how strong she was? I almost felt she treated Melody as her child too (not so much her friend) and that’s why she didn’t show too much emotion? Not sure. My mom did that too. I didn’t like then either. 😦
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I could probably give this one 6 hearts. There were so many feels for me….(but, you know, most of them were pre-packaged) All the obvious feels you can imagine….but I have to talk about those elves….and the gift. I LOST all my chill when Nina gave her that gift. It completely took me by surprise, and I bawled like a baby.
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This whole movie was a surprise for me. It brought some real life to the Hallmark screen. Holidays aren’t all sunshine and roses for everyone. (even when they seem to be glowing on the outside) Melody made the best of hers…and her choice to take in and love those girls because of it…well, now I’m crying again.

21/25 ❤️ This was a beautiful thought of a movie. I probably filled in the gaps with my own life experiences though. Will I watch it again? no. don’t be crazy.

Now, if Janel Parrish & Jeremy Jordan want to make another movie together….SIGN ME UP FOR THAT ONE!

What a FUN concept!

When I first saw the synopsis of this movie, it did not have me excited at all….(ok, aside from Tyler Hynes…which makes me excited at the mere thought) Hallmark did a Scavenger hunt themed movie last year, so I thought I knew what to expect. Well, it was SO MUCH BETTER than what I imagined.

Side Bar: Mallory Jansen, I am sorry I had no idea who you were before this moment. I don’t watch too much syndicated TV these days. Wow! It’s almost painful how beautiful you are….and somehow, you exponentially got more pretty throughout the entire movie. How is that possible?

Aside from the TWO Gorgeous People on my screen having adorable chemistry…the making of a virtual scavenger hunt was way more enjoyable to watch than even being on it!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Aiden started off a little too harsh I felt. Normally Tyler Hynes plays the snarky role really well…but for some reason, it felt a little too much in the beginning especially since there really didn’t seem to be a reason for it. He was such a sweetheart to his family, and it’s not like he didn’t like Christmas. I didn’t get it…. That being said, when things started to thaw….Aiden & Jennifer were adorbs! All the clues and dates were so clever. And Jennifer, my guuurl, you found your GUMPTION at just the right time! WOWOWOWOW! Kiss that Handsome Man! You go girl!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ As I said up top, the Scavenger Hunt plot had me wondering if we were going to have a redo of 2019….but it wasn’t…and I LOVED IT! The only thing I can’t wrap my head around is how in the world did a whole room full of people get all those activities/dates accomplished in one day!?!?!? I’m going to totally look past it though, because, I 100% want this done in a city near me! Mama & Daddy need a CHRISTMAS DATE!
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ There wasn’t any HUGE stand outs here. I really felt like Aiden’s niece and sister were more there for his character development…and Jennifer’s grandma & roommate were there for hers. Is that weird of me to say? I did love seeing Aiden with his niece and sister. I also love seeing him standing alone on a rooftop in a light snow…..so take that for what you will 😉
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ um….I can’t put anything here besides that kiss. My jaw literally dropped.
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I enjoyed that there wasn’t really a misunderstanding between the two leads. The “Obstacle” had nothing to do with their relationship at all, but we still felt her hurting heart. Aiden was upfront and honest about the job…and I was worried at the end with the way their boss delivered the news that there was going to be a misunderstanding there…but nope: just a clue!

23/25 ❤️ LOVED this one! So many Fun Christmas Date ideas too! Besides, I’ll watch anything with Tyler Hynes more than once 😉

Hallmark writers must have finally listened to their audience survey exec in the marketing department….

I have to say, I’m surprised and delighted by the change up of featuring a separated married couple as the leads.

Nicki DeLoach was amazing, as we all knew she would be. Benjamin Ayres, sir, you surprised me. Well done! Everything about the relationship struggle was relatable to me as a old married woman.

I really did liked it.

However….I think why this relationship scenario isn’t written for Hallmark movies very often is: it doesn’t have the butterflies of new love. The rush of emotions are completely different. So while being so heartfelt and real…the warm and fuzzies are there for a little bit, but then the pain is also there. (especially if you can relate to this love story in real life) I guess, I like to watch movies to escape from real life for a bit. No??? Just me????

AHHH!! This movie cranked on my heart! The ending scenes were perfection and made me cry. Benjamin & Nicki and the tears…. So, obviously, they did GOOD! But, man, that’s not usually how I want my Hallmark Christmas Feels!

Also, I know it’s Hallmark and I love ’em to death….but people married for 10 years….without a real engagment ring, and then you get one and propose for a SECOND time…and YOU LET AN INTERRUPTION NEGATE a KISS IN THAT MOMENT?!?!?! I felt personally betrayed.

And, also. They are married. Have been for a LONG TIME. That mistletoe should have been in the bedroom. period. There, I said it.

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Mr. & Mrs. Cranberry Lane. I felt it. They are obviously still in love with each other the whole movie…I think they played the awkwardness fairly well, but again, we could have done with less of the “near miss” kisses. I just didn’t feel like that made sense. AAHHH!!! The proposal. COME ON! It was so good…with the ring and the tears…and the hands….
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️Loved everything about this story. Married couple. Building a Cranberry Empire together, but finding their passion in different parts of the business. Ultimately, love is choosing each other every day. It is hard. It is work. I loved seeing this story being told! I loved all the nods to the trends of DIY, TV shows, Farmer’s Market, Farm Tour Experiences….Basically everything I LOVE!
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Grandma needs to move in with me with her spunky, sassy little attitude! She reminded me so much of my Grandma Flo! Made me smile every time she opened her mouth. Pamela Franks was the best cross between Martha Stewart and Oprah (did you see the arm movements???) I loved that she played a larger role towards the end and may even find some more HAPPY herself. 🙂
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Gabe & Dawn really grabbed at the heart strings. I feel like I’ve talked about this a lot already….but I think many-a-Hallmark viewer relates to this storyline more than others. The Christmas decorations and the Cranberry Festival Market, though….they really have me itching to get out my Christmas decor and deck my own halls with Cranberry everything!
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Again, the whole concept was a surprise. Good for you, Hallmark!

22/25 ❤️ I agree with this assessment wholeheartedly…but I just don’t know if I’d watch it again. It was so sweet. You gotta watch it at least once!

Hallmark pulled out the BIG Broadway dogs for this one!

AND IT SHOWED!!!!

This movie was pure JOY from start to finish!

Anna (Laura Osnes) & James (Aaron Tveit) are so natural with each other on screen! I loved every second! There were so many great comedic moments that I thought this was going to be a super sweet, funny film….but then they went in for the romance and angst and NAILED THAT TOO!

Christmas AMAZINGNESS I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT: A PAJAMA BALL?!?!! Sign this mama up! (maybe NOT on Christmas Eve, but some other day leading up to it, YES!) This is such a fabulous idea to incorporate the whole family! I mean, yes, getting to dress up fancy would be wonderful for a night out….but I’m with Anna on this PJ Ball train. Also, give me ALL THE FUZZY SOCKS!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ❤️ Prince James & Anna. ALL the hearts! These two obviously have the Broadway acting chops, so this shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did. This Wisconsin mama doesn’t see many Broadway plays these days (or ever)…so how would I know? How did a simple lift into the carriage make my heart beat faster? I mean, by the time they practiced dancing….don’t even get me started. I was ALL IN!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I have to give this only 4 hearts…only because the royalty storyline is done SO SO often, it’s hard to make it seem fresh. I DID give it 4 stars, because it still worked. It felt genuine somehow….all except that last slipper scene that I will wipe from my memory bank forever. They should have stopped at the ball while they were ahead.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The Queen Mother! She is PURE GOLD! I would have given the whole supporting cast 5 stars just for her, but the DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MAYOR and her man, Dad and Diane the chef…LOVED THEM ALL! Also, does Anna’s dress at the Ball count as a supporting cast member? Because it should.
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Anna and James made me feel ALL the feels almost ALL THE TIME. The Carriage Lift, the Dancing attempts, the Late Night Duel Recliners….the Speeches…the BALL….aside from that though, JOY TO THE WORLD is FLAWLESS…and made me so Ready to Belt the Christmas Hymns!
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ It’s a Royal Hallmark Movie. I wasn’t even excited about it when I read the preview….but when I saw the trailer, I changed my mind….and the surprise for me was the “secret” of them being royalty….which is normally drawn out for the whole show, was revealed fairly quick.

22/25 ❤️ I’d FOR SURE watch this one again! If Broadway ever shuts down again, y’all can come back to the Hallmark anytime!

(if you are wondering how they scored all these gems….it was thanks to the COVID shutdown earlier this year)