Some days you long for the old school way of watching television with one cable provider and the old school clicker to flip through channels and find your favorite programming. Streaming and cutting the cable has changed the scenario and your favorite channel or programs can be a bit more difficult to find and find for a price of course!
As a Hallmark fan the search is on to find the Hallmark channel especially during the holiday season. Finding Hallmark live is no longer a given either! A few options exist: Live Hallmark with on demand library, on demand library
Streaming Hallmark With Live
Live Hallmark
Hulu With Live TV
Frndly TV
Philo
Fubo TV
Sling
On Demand Hallmark
Hallmark Plus offers the entire suite of Hallmark; Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, Hallmark Family plus rewards program at Hallmark stores.
New series and movies will be available on demand one day after air. Hallmark Plus is offered with an annual or monthly membership. Details here >> membership. A free trial is also available.
Roku and Amazon Prime have movies in their libraries. The selection is not large and subscription fees apply.
Free Hallmark
A few free movies are offered for free on Freevee, Tubi.
The Cost
Costs differ per service and options change quickly. However what is consistent are the top tier subscriptions of streaming services are necessary if you'd like to view Hallmark live. The on demand libraries tend to be less expensive, but do require a subscription.
Monitor Hallmark.com as subscription specials are frequently offered. Currently I see a $3 for 3 months of Hallmark plus which is a tempting trial!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When Hallmark announced a Christmas movie centered around the Buffalo Bills, we were excited. Although we are Steeler fans first, we are also Buffalo Bills fans, having lived in Western New York for more than 30 years.
As always with Hallmark movies, this is a feel-good plot with Buffalo Bills Team spirit.
Pediatric doctor Morgan Quinn (Holland Roden) and the Bills' VP of Stadium Development, Gabe DeLuca (Matthew Daddario), have been close friends since childhood. Still, Gabe has always loved her. A fact obvious to their families and everybody else.
Morgan learns that someone has been sending gifts to her uncle for more than 60 years to help the family. Morgan and Gabe set out to find this anonymous gift-giver.
As expected from Hallmark, you will find plenty of Holiday sparkle. Charming decor, cozy lighting, and a Christmas soundtrack. The best thing about this movie is how it captures the Buffalo culture. From winter weather to the warm communities, to family gatherings that feel like honest Western New York living. Bills fans will love this movie, featuring appearances by current and former Bills players.
If you're looking for a holiday movie that blends sports with a feel-good love story, this one is for you.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Take a Trip Back to the 1970s with My Riddle Playlist
If you’re planning a retro-themed party, celebrating a birthday for someone who grew up in the 1970s—or even the late 1960s—I’ve got a little something that can add some fun and laughter to the mix.
I created a special 1970s Riddles playlist on YouTube, and it’s the perfect, uncomplicated game to keep your guests entertained while maintaining a light, family-friendly, and just a touch nostalgic vibe.
Short, Fun Riddles That Anyone Can Play
The playlist is made up of 14 short-form Riddle videos (soon to be 15), each one inspired by the 1970s. What’s great about these Riddles is that they’re super quick—you won’t get bogged down with long explanations.
And to keep it fun, the answers aren’t shown on the Riddle itself; instead, I post them in the first comment. This way, everyone can guess first, then pause or peek at the answer when they’re ready.
It’s simple, interactive, and perfect for sparking a little friendly competition at your party.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a retro birthday bash, a casual family get-together, or even a holiday party over Christmas or New Year’s, these Riddles are a playful way to bring a little 1970s flair into the room.
Seniors and older adults especially seem to enjoy the nostalgic references, but honestly, anyone can have fun trying to solve them.
It’s one of those games that doesn’t require any preparation, props, or complicated rules—just laughter and a willingness to play along.
Or, if you’re like me and want to control it from your phone, you can screen it to your TV—so you can pause, rewind, or skip around as needed.
Either way, it’s a smooth, low-effort way to add a little interactive fun to your party setup.
And because these Riddles are short, you can sprinkle them in between songs, serve snacks, or even use them as a light-hearted icebreaker.
Each Riddle takes just seconds to watch and guess, but it’s enough to get people chatting, laughing, and reminiscing about the good old days.
Why I Made This Playlist
As the creator of these Riddles, I wanted something that would combine my love for clever wordplay with a bit of nostalgia.
The 1970s had such a vibrant, unique culture—music, fashion, movies, and trends that still bring a smile today.
I thought, why not create a playlist that’s more than just music —a little game that taps into that decade and lets people connect over memories, laughs, and fun challenges?
Ready to Play?
If you’re curious or want to bring some retro fun to your next party, check out the 1970s Riddles playlist on YouTube. With 14 (soon to be 15) short videos, each with answers conveniently in the comments, it’s a ready-to-go party game that works for families, friends, and guests of any age.
It’s a light, playful way to get people talking, laughing, and maybe even singing along to some memories from the era. And even if your party isn’t specifically retro-themed, the Riddles are still a fun little brain teaser for anyone who enjoys a clever twist on nostalgia.
So grab your snacks, cue up the playlist, and get ready for some 1970s Riddle fun—you might just discover that retro game nights aren’t just for kids anymore!
Hosting a Halloween Party? Here's my Halloween Riddle Book on Amazon, Where Available - Featuring original riddles! Ideal for party gifts & prizes!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas begins Friday, October 17th with a new
Hallmark episode of the Mistletoe Murders. A Royal Montana Christmas new
holiday movie premieres October 18th. This year Hallmark again brings over
30 new Christmas and holiday movies on the Hallmark channels including the
Hallmark Mystery channel.
A few of the eagerly awaited anticipated 2025 Hallmark Christmas movies
are:
Three Wisest Men
Yes a third installment of the very popular movies with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell. The best Hallmark Christmas movies continue! The first movie was
Three Wise Men And A Baby, then Three Wiser Men And A Boy and the third
premiering in November is Three Wisest men. Reunited this trio takes on parenting with family challenges, family home
selling and all the chemistry we love with this cast. Margaret Colin
also returns to the lovable chaos!
Holiday Touchdown A Bill's Love Story
Last year was Holiday Touchdown A Chief's Story which was Hallmark's number
one movie.
This year NFL returns with Holiday Touchdown: A Bill's Love Story premiering
in November. Last year
had a very attractive cast with Tyler Hynes, Hunter King and Ed Begley
Jr.,Donna Kelce, Jenna Bush Hagar for the Chief's.
This year's love story is using the home and stadium of the Bill's as a
backdrop with participation b some of the Bill's organization. Buffalo Bills
fans will be appreciative of any cameo's which may pop up!
Baked With Love
A holiday cooking contest show. Tamera Mowry will host this reality family
oriented competition which premieres at the end of October.
Finding Mr. Christmas - Season 2
Season 2 begins the end of October. Jonathan Bennett hosts. Hallmark has
entered the holiday reality area with competing actors for a starring Hallmark
lead...
A Christmas Quest
It is not Hallmark Christmas without Lacey Chabert. This year Lacey stars with
Kristoffer Polaha in this holiday story featuring mystery, adventure, Iceland
and treasure of the Yule Lads, premieres December 1. Filmed in Iceland..
enjoy!
A few favorites from seasons gone by to look for in the 2024
Season.
A Christmas Quest
Lacey Chabert stars with Kristoffer Polaha in this Iceland based holiday
story featuring mystery, adventure. Always love a Lacey Chabert movie!
A Merry Scottish Christmas 2023
The number one movie of 2023 at Hallmark1 Party of Five fans showed up for
this movie and the movie/reunion did not disappoint. Lacey Chabert and Scott
Wolf play siblings on a family trip to Scotland during the holidays. Family
reunions and family mysteries are in the air. Filmed in Ireland and Scotland
and the Duns Castle Estate is featured in a movie full of gorgeous landscapes
and castles.
Never Been Chris'd 2023
The A team Hallmark actor Tyler Hynes leads reunion as hometown friends
reunite for Christmas Hallmark love triangle, the Hallmark way. As
always Hynes brings humor, wit and a few winks to this holiday movie.
Three Wise Men And A Baby And Three Wiser Men And A Boy
These two Hallmark movies (soon to be joined by a third) is the trifecta of
quality holiday movies at Hallmark. All movies have the Hallmark A Team
of Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell, Margaret Colin. The
chemistry is above reproach which helps bring these two movies into the must
look for to rewatch category every Christmas.
Christmas Under Wraps and Sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn
Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell star in the sequel of old
loves reuniting. Candace Cameron Bure starred in the first. Garland Alaska
takes the center stage with new and old loves. Both movies are charming and
also on the rewatch list when Hallmark Christmas movies begin.
Haul Out The Holly And Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up Sequel 2022
Both movies feature are delightfully comic, slapstick, lovable characters
and a sense of humor is required as a viewer. This is vintage Hallmark and we love it with Lacey Chabert and Wes Brown. The characters with the battle their inner Grinches with the annual
HOA competition for decorating to win the prize! The chemistry of the cast guides this romcom for a feel good double
header of Hallmark Christmas.
Sling offers Hallmark as an add on in their Lifestyle
category.
Hallmark + is the rebranded Hallmark Movies Now with a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is
available. Find information on pricing and the free
trial here.
The cable streaming services frequently change their offerings,
tiers, plans!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Barbie dolls have always been my favorite toy and they have always been a
part of my life. As a child, I played with my Barbies. As an
adult, I collect my favorite specialty Barbies. When I saw the 80th
Anniversary Barbie Signature Doll, I knew I would want to add this gorgeous
Barbie to my collection. Seeing "80th anniversary" printed on her box
caused me to pause and think though. Barbie isn't 80! No,
she is not. It is actually their maker, Mattel, that is celebrating
their 80th year in business and they doing it in grand style with a
signature edition anniversary Barbie.
While the Barbie Signature Doll may have been created with collectors in
mind, there is also an much less expensive 80's anniversary Barbie for
play. I actually like both of them. I have featured them at the
bottom of this review for you to compare. I would love to hear you
thoughts.
Most of us are already familiar with Barbie's history. The first
Barbie was released and introduced to the world by Mattel in 1959.
Since then, Mattel has sold over a billion Barbie dolls. It won't
surprise you to hear that the Barbie line is the most profitable for
Mattel. She is their own private little gold mine. After all,
one can't just stop at one Barbie. She must have everything: clothes,
accessories, homes, cars, boats, camping equipment, and certainly
friends. And, let's not forget her movies. Clearly, she is
Mattel's biggest star.
Take note of Barbie's earrings, shown in the picture on the right. They prominently feature the letter "M" for Mattel in honor of the original Matty Mattel logo.
Her fitted glittery red dress is stunningly detailed with a tulle bustle and accessorized with complimentary red sheer gloves and red pump shoes. But, you don't need me to describe her. You can see for yourself that she is gorgeous!
A doll stand is included for displaying this lovely collectible. As well as, a Certificate of Authenticity.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Enjoy the air conditioning and summer treats as Hallmark unveils its' Christmas in July programming. Hallmark fans will love a peek at what will be coming their way when Hallmark premieres its' Christmas programming in October.
New Series!
Hallmark Christmas At Sea premieres July 7th. Monday will be the night to view the new episodes of your favorite Hallmark stars and fans at sea. The very familiar and beloved Hallmark stars are cruising!
According to Hallmark : Merry Cruisemas with its' stars: "Benjamin Ayres, Jonathan Bennett, Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Taylor Cole, Nikki DeLoach, Sarah Drew, Tyler Hynes, Kimberley Sustad and Andrew Walker".
Unwrapping Series
The Unwrapping series of Christmas movies first premiered last year on Hallmark plus. This year Hallmark is continuing their July theme of introducing new Christmas movies in July. The Unwrapping Christmas store is a gift wrapping store where four friends work and will take you on your next holiday adventure.
This year four new movies will air:
Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle
Starring Natalie Hall, Alec Santos on Saturday, July 5th. It's the battle of the Christmas gala for a gift wrapping store owner and a grumpy estate estate owner.
Unwrapping Christmas: Mia's Prince
Starring Nathan Witte and Kathryn Davis on Saturday, July 12th.
Heirs, wealthy, fairy tales and of course romance intertwine.
Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny
Saturday, July 19th. Is the true match destiny? Come along this Hallmark journey of chemistry with a dash of destiny.
Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia's Reunion
Hallmark favorite Cindy Busby and Jake Epstein star on Saturday, July 26th in a very Hallmark storyline of past loves reuniting or not? under Hallmark circumstances.
The Do Not Miss List of Hallmark Christmas Movies
These are the Christmas movies that are tried and true Hallmark Christmas with the OG stars fans love so much! A few movies not to miss whether it be Christmas in July, October, November or December.
Three Wise Men And A Baby And Its' Sequel Three Wiser Men And A Baby
Fans adore this series with the A list actors: Paul Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell.
Always a huge fan favorite! Great chemistry, fun storyline, A team actors and a plot which does have some similarities to Three Men And A Baby.
Christmas Under Wraps And Sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn
Garland? No not that kind of garland, the city Garland. Oh yes! The secrets of Garland just might include Santa, elves, workshop and a very busy schedule in December. David O'Donnell and Candace Burr started in Christmas Under Wraps and years later a sequel A Cozy Christmas Inn was made with David O'Donnell and Jodie Sweetin plus the most of the original cast.
Very charming Christmas movies which will warm your heart and always worth watching and re watching.
Christmas At Pemberley Manor
Jessica Lowndes and Michael Rady star in holiday movie where the family estate (and maybe) its' heir could use a little Christmas magic. Lovely backdrop, comedy, chemistry and romance star.
Crown For Christmas
Always be on the lookout for a Crown For Christmas with Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones. This is one of the best Hallmark Christmas movies of all time in many Hallmarkies opinion. This royal palace romance is always include on best Hallmark movies list.
A Gift To Remember
The holiday is a backdrop versus major played in this delightful and sometimes overlooked Hallmark movie. Bookstore fans can relate as the bookstore employee collides - literally- with a customer and amnesia begin the chase for his identity. Great chemistry and don't forget the sequel Cherished Memories.
Christmas Waltz
Starring Will Kemp and Lacey Chabert. Dancing, more dancing, chemistry, more chemistry with a little romance after one of the pair has an unexpected pre wedding split.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
We are all familiar with Christmas in July. Now we have a midpoint Halloween Holiday called Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween.
Halfoween or Halfway to Halloween Fun Facts
Halfoween is a celebration midway to All Hallow’s Eve, usually occurring on or about April 30th or May 1st. It has become a great time to enjoy some early spooky fun. Many celebrate with themed events or other activities.
This halfway Halloween holiday often finds people putting up Halloween decorations, preparing and eating Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, and having special events like watching favorite spooky movies or putting on a costume and enjoying a Halloween party or attending a festival.
*Personal Note: My daughter-in-law will be thrilled to learn of this special halfway holiday, as Halloween is her VERY favorite holiday for which she has TONS of decorations for both inside and outside the house. Now she will be able to use them twice a year! :)
This holiday hasn’t been around very long, but it is interesting to note that this date of Halfway to Halloween occurs around the date of Walpugis Night, or Walpurgisnacht (‘Night of the Witches). This is a pagan festival celebrated on April 30th each year. The tradition involves lighting bonfires and singing Celtic folk songs to mark the arrival of Spring.
The Disney Parks “Halfway to Halloween"
In recent years, the Disney Parks have adopted this Halfway to Halloween celebration as an annual event where the Disney destinations announce and preview their upcoming Halloween celebrations. They have parties like “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" at Walt Disney World and the 'Oogie Boogie Bash' or Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. You can check out the upcoming new offerings, plus early looks at Halloween decorations and merchandise on the Disney Parks Blog.
Summary
A really exciting way to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween Holiday is to attend one of the many festivals (or spooky film festivals) being held around the country around the end of April or the first of May. Do an online search to see if there is one happening in your area, or plan on attending one that appeals to you.
The most fascinating one I spotted for this year is the Wicked New England Festival being held on May 3rd in Salem, Massachusetts (home of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692). Quite an appropriate location for a Wicked Halfway to Halloween Holiday Festival. The event is for anyone who can't wait for Spooky season!
So, mark April 30/May 1 on your calendar to celebrate Halfway to Halloween in your favorite 'celebrate Halloween' way.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
"Finding Normal" was released in 2013, but I only recently watched it on
New Year's Day this year. Ironically, I thought it had the perfect message for
the beginning of a new year.
The title might make one think of finding what is normal. However,
there is a double meaning in that title. The town in the movie is
named Normal. A big city doctor, Lisa Leland (Candace Cameron Bure), discovers Normal when she is pulled
over for speeding through the place and ends up having to spend several days there. She is truly taken by surprise by
the slow-paced, caring for each other, lifestyle she finds in Normal.
In my own world, the holidays always make me feel like I have so much extra to do that I end
up speeding through my normal day, perhaps missing some of the things that are most
important in life, like special hugs or catching up with each other through
normal everyday chats. This year, I never seemed to find time to drive around and look at the Christmas lights, which is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season. By racing around and "doing", I didn't make time to do some of the things I enjoy the most.
The theme of the movie is based on how it is so easy to get wrapped up in making a living that we forget to make a life. In my case, by trying to make Christmas be our "normal" traditional Christmas, I missed a lot of the real daily beauty of Christmastime.
As we embark upon the new year, may we all stop and consider what is really most important in life and make sure we embrace it. Some of us, just may need to find a new "normal".
Finding Normal
Finding NormalCheck PriceDr. Lisa Leland has everything by world standards. She is leaving Los Angeles to join her doctor-boyfriend in a boutique practice 3000 miles away in The Hamptons as concierge doctors (doctors who get paid well to be on call to a limited number of wealthy patients). She is driving her BMW to New York because "it has to get there somehow". She quickly finds out that driving 90 mph through Normal (population 321) is going to get a reaction from the local sheriff. When Officer Lester O'Toole discovers she has 23 parking tickets and a warrant out for her arrest, he has to take her before the town judge.
Appearing in court gives us all a quick view of what Normal is like and how "behind the times" they are. When Lisa can't come up with $2000 to pay her tickets & fines, the judge orders 24 hrs, 8 hours a day, of community service in lieu of the money.
Dr. Leland has a very condescending attitude toward the locals. That seems to be based on her "higher" education as well as the inconvenience of having to spend days in this rural town, which has put her in a bad mood. The town people are obviously accustomed to visitors and their assumptions. Most of them seem to take her condescension in stride and try hard to be kind to her. However, after she calls Lucas, "Jethro", and talks to him like he is an imbecile, he wishes her a nice day and moves on. When they see each other later at the judge's home for dinner, they start bickering with one another. As the movie progresses, his "$5 charm and $10 smile" starts to grow on her. Actually, the entire town of Normal starts to appeal to Lisa, but her life is set in a different direction.
This movie reminds us that not every path in life is set in stone.
Where to Watch "Finding Normal"
I watched Finding Normal on the Pure Flix subscription streaming channel. Pure Flix offers movies and shows that are suitable for the whole family and are often Christian based movies. They are owned by Great American Media.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.
I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows.
The Voice
Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites.
Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.
Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.
The Sets
By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)
At Home With Andy
One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.
Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?
Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.
Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.
More Free Streaming Services
Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.
Kanopyoffers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.
Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Anyone who travels and flies on airlines is very familiar with the term
"carry on". Even those who have never flown most likely know what
someone is talking about when they reference a carry-on. Therefore,
the title of the movie tells us a great deal about the movie before we even
read a synopsis. We know instantly that a carry-on bag is going to be
part of the main plot.
For those who travel during the holidays, we know to expect highways,
rental agencies, bus terminals, train stations, and especially airlines to
be crowded and for everyone to be irritable. Every experienced
traveler knows they can anticipate delayed flights and lost luggage. A
carry-on bag can be an essential element of making everything more
comfortable for a passenger in an atmosphere that requires patience.
Personally, my carry-on consists of one change of clothes and my glasses in
case my checked luggage gets lost. Many of us carry itineraries,
tickets for events, makeup, contact lens supplies, jewelry, laptops, books,
crossword puzzles, and a vast assortment of things to keep us prepared for
mishaps and/or occupied during travel time.
What no one expects is for someone to be able to get through all of
the security with an explosive or deadly agent. We expect to arrive at
our destination, albeit late or without our luggage, we expect to get where
we are going. This movie is based on the unexpected and involves
passengers as well as airline employees. The very frightening scenario
and unusual plot of this movie makes it the
best thriller for this holiday season, or any time.
Carry-On Movie Synopsis
On Christmas Eve, TSA agent, Ethan Kopek, is headed to work, prepared to
request job advancement and a pay raise. The last thing he expects is
to find himself in the middle of a high-level threat that no one else knows
is happening.
Only Available on Netflix
When Ethan asks his boss for a job with more responsibility, his friend in
a higher level position, suggests that Ethan can take his place on one of
the carry-on scanners and he will move to a different location for the day.
Since the airport is shorthanded and needs more coverage, their boss agrees
to a trial to see if Ethan is truly ready.
Ethan is thrilled and quickly moves into place behind the scanner. His
friend, happy to have helped, moves to a location in a different
section. Neither man has any idea what is happening in the background
or that they just made a group of terrorists scramble to change
plans. As it turns out, when the leader of the group finds out Ethan
has a pregnant fiance, he is content to use Ethan instead of his
friend.
When Ethan slips an earpiece into his ear, an unknown voice starts talking
and giving him directions on exactly what he will do. Even though he
doesn't want to participate, they are threatening to kill his fiance if he
does anything to stop them. Unfortunately for one co-worker, Ethan finds
out just how fast the terrorist will kill. They are determined to get a specific carry-on bag onto a specific flight and plane. They are equally determined that nothing will get in their way or stop them.
As I said earlier, this action-packed suspense thriller movie is the best
thriller for the holiday season. As a Netflix original, it is
available only on Netflix.
Be sure to find time to watch it, especially if your are
not traveling for the holidays. If you are traveling, it might well make you decide
to drive if you are planning to fly.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
A Hot Cocoa Christmas is a delightful holiday movie about a woman
from a wealthy home who hides her true identity in hopes that a man will
want to date her for herself. It becomes even more fun when she has to
sneak around to keep him from finding out that the new marketing account his
company hopes to land, is with her mother.
We frequently see movies about rich men who want to find a wife that will
love them and not their money. They keep their wealth a secret when
dating. I liked the twist of it being the female who withholds her
true identity this time.
It does seem that one lie leads to another though in order to keep the secret. Plus, the question of when to reveal the secret definitely becomes a problem in a blossoming relationship.
_____
Once again, a movie undergoes a name change. A Hot Cocoa Christmas was released in 2021 and originally named Much Ado About Christmas. In my case, I am certain I selected this movie to watch because "hot cocoa" was in the name. Therefore, I think it was a great name change.
When Haley Logan Lloyd (Susie Abromeit) steps in to help serve hot cocoa at a Christmas party, she has a
rare opportunity to meet two men who have no idea who she is. That is an awesome advantage for her because both men are more honest about who they are when interacting with a nobody barista making and serving them hot cocoa.
With one, Claud Miller (Torrance Coombs), she experiences instant attraction. The other shows his less attractive side which keeps her from falling for his "gentlemanly facade" after he finds out her real identity.
Unbeknownst to Haley, both men are at the Christmas party to curry favor with Leona Lloyd, owner of Lloyd Industry, and Haley's mother. They both work for advertising agencies that are vying for her new fragrance line account.
Before Claud leaves the party, he spots Haley and asks her for her number. She writes her name and phone number on a napkin for him, but she leaves her last name off. She just wants a "real" relationship based on attraction and love, not prestige.
Just to add a little more fun to the movie, Haley's best friend, Beatrice, previous dated Claud's co-worker, Ben. When Haley and Ben play matchmakers by inviting them to join them for Christmas karaoke, Beatrice and Ben find they are still attracted to each other. For those of us who are hopeless romantics, having a second happy couple in the movie, is like adding whipped topping on hot cocoa. Just makes it all the better!
Haley and Claud make a really cute couple. Your heart breaks a little when Claud finds out who she really is and feels betrayed.
Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review
The Great American Family Channel (GAC) has become my favorite streaming service. GAC offers family-friendly programming with movies that pure entertainment without disturbing scenes or foul language.
Here are some of the GAC Christmas movies that I have previously reviewed. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I did!
A Royal Date for Christmas
Lives are changed forever when a European duke's luggage is lost & he goes to a local store to buy a suit. He realizes he needs more than just clothes.
A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
A really sweet & uplifting movie about 2 people whose sacrifices for others result in significant changes to their lives that lead them to each other
A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.
A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.
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