Review of Cozy Mystery Genre

Bar Harbor Maine 
Photo by mbgphoto

 The "Cozy Mystery" Genre for stories has become very popular.  I thought this was a newer genre until I did a bit of research.  Actually, it has been around for a while.  Think about the TV program "Murder She Wrote" with Angela Lansbury and you find the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery.  Like so many cozy mysteries this program features a woman who finds herself falling into the role of amateur sleuth.  She is an intelligent woman who also has main career.  The program takes place in a small, coastal town, where everyone knows each other.  She also has a good friend in law enforcement.  As I read more cozy mysteries, I find that these features are common to many of the books.

Why I Like Cozy Mysteries

I like cozy mysteries because they are fairly short, they feature a mystery that keeps my interest throughout the entire book, and many times there is a romantic interest in the story.  Often, they take place in places I have visited and really enjoyed.  In the past year I have read cozy mysteries that took place on the coast of South Carolina, in a small Irish village, small Colorado town, and along the coast of Maine.  I find this genre of books to be a wonderful way to relax and I often pick one up after I've been doing heavier reading.  They are great reads for a day at the beach or to bring along on a vacation.  Many cozy mysteries are part of a series of books with the same characters.

Cozy Mystery I am Currently Reading

Currently I am reading a book by Carlene O'Connor.  It is called "Murder in an Irish Churchyard".  It has an amateur sleuth named, Siobh'an who also runs a bistro.   It takes place in a small Irish village where everyone seems to know everyone and is willing to talk about it.  The book begins with a body being found in the local churchyard among the gravestones.  Siobh'an finds the body and the mystery begins.   All of these are common traits of the cozy mystery. Oh, and yes, there is a love interest with one of the local garda's (police).

As the story progresses, we meet a group of American's who are in Ireland researching their ancestors.  Do they have anything to do with the dead body? I will leave you to read the book and solve the mystery.  You can purchase the book on Amazon at the following link.  https://amzn.to/3TPHOKA

Review This Writers Review Cozy Mystery Books

Many of the writers for Review This have reviewed cozy mystery  books.  Here are a few that are in the RT archives.

• Margaret Schindel  recommends this cozy mystery series.  https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../Irish-Village...
• Olivia recommends this cozy mystery Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews – A Book Review (reviewthisreviews.com)
• Louanne recommends these books. I've reviewed a couple by Cynthia Ellingsen:

  https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../the-lighthouse...
  https://www.reviewthisreviews.com/.../BittersweetSurprise...
• Pat Austin recommends this cozy mystery Book Review of ‘In Cold Chamomile’ (reviewthisreviews.com)
• Here is another cozy mystery I have reviewed.  Book Review - Toes on the Dash (reviewthisreviews.com)   

Review This Writers Review Cozy Mystery Movies

Cozy mysteries are also very big in movies.  Here are several that Cynthia reviewed for Review This.

• Darrow & Darrow Hallmark Movie Series Reviewed (reviewthisreviews.com)
• The Dancing Detective: A Deadly Tango (2023) - Hallmark Mystery Movie (reviewthisreviews.com)
• The Hallmark Aurora Teagarden Mystery Series Reviewed (reviewthisreviews.com)

Enjoy a Cozy Mystery!!

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Most Popular Hallmark Spring Movies Review

Spring is here and Hallmark movies help celebrate the season with a Spring theme. Whether it be flowers, baseball, home renovation or vineyards Hallmark is shepherding in the warmer weather with Spring themed romance of course.

Enjoy the most popular Spring Movies by Hallmark sure to delight Hallmark fans. Here are my

Top 5 Hallmark Spring Movies

The Perfect Catch with Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker

Baseball and high school romance of long ago is the backstory for this Hallmark movie. Baseball training brings a high school flame who became a major league baseball player back to his hometown. Where he finds ... his high school sweetheart running the family diner. Walker plays the baseball player and wounded soul who has returned to hide from his fame and misfortune of the moment. DeLoach is running the diner and who comes in the door? 

Walker and DeLoach have a great chemistry whether it be as rom com leads or their witty repertoire throughout the movie. Enjoy as they reconnect with romance.

As Luck Would Have It with Joanna Swisher and Allen Leech

Ireland is the gorgeous backdrop along with castles, cliffs and a quaint castle town as an American is charged with convincing the family to sell. Sell? The family castle and accompanying small town are struggling and are the backbone of the community. Will the family sell? Will the town be saved? Swish and Leech have a wonderful chemistry enhanced by gorgeous scenery and a strong supporting cast.

Tulips In Spring with Fiona Gubelmann and Lucas Byrant

Filmed in Vancouver, the family tulip farm is in jeopardy. Can the city living daughter return to help the farm when a family crisis occurs? Flowers abound and are a lovely breath of spring to visually enjoy! 

Enter the flower broker and romantic lead as the city daughter returns to help mend the family, the farm and maybe her heart. You cannot have spring without gorgeous gorgeous and more gorgeous flowers! 

Flip That Romance with Tyler Hynes and Julie Gonzalo

Spring is absolutely the time for home improvement projects. Hynes abnd Gonzalo have a romatic past of long ago and a flip the house competition brings the couple back together - on separate side of a home to be renovated.  Witty chemistry abounds as the project and compeition continues. Who will win?

Vineyard series with Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny

This favorite Hallmark couple spurred two sequels to their original Hallmark movie set in the beautiful Okonagan Valley in Canada which looks very similiar to the Napa Valley area of California. Enjoy the romcom repetoire between Cook and Penny as there families feud over wine and their relationship progresses..

In The Vineyard Series
Autumn In The Vineyard
Valentine In The Vineyard
Summer In The Vineyard

Don't forget Christmas In July is right around the corner at Hallmark! Hallmark now debuts a couple early Christmas originals each July between rotating the Christmas classics throughout the month.

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3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023) - Hallmark Movie Review

"3 Bed, 2 Bath and 1 Ghost" was a delightfully entertaining Hallmark movie that I recently watched.

To be completely honest, I didn't expect it to be a very good movie.  I had put it on my "saved for later" list months ago.  Each time I looked at the list to select a movie, I skipped right over it.  

Then it happened!  

Nothing was really appealing to me, but I needed a break.  I told myself, okay, just start it.  After all, it is Hallmark and I like the actors.  Plus, I knew I could click it off whenever I wished.  Turns out, "3 Bed, 2 Bath and 1 Ghost" easily ranks as one of my top Hallmark movies ever.

Yes, parts of it are as predictable as any Hallmark movie.  We expect the primary couple in the movie to live happily ever after, but what about the poor ghost trapped between this world and the eternal world?  

The ghost ended up being my favorite character in the movie and that was totally unexpected.

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost Movie Synopsis

34%

Hallmark 2-Movie Collection: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

Anna Vazquez (Julie Gonzalo) is starting over after a failed marriage engagement with her business partner and their failed home restoration business.  Her father owns a real estate company and he has always wanted her to work with him and to inherit his business.  Now that her own venture has failed, she decides to get her real estate license and work for her father.  Mr. Vazquez immediately gives Anna a desirable listing, the historical Baker house.  That decision is viewed as unfair by a co-worker who has been a loyal employee for many years.  Nothing like starting a new job with an instant adversary! 

Anna's ex-fiance, Elliot Barnes, is in town for a hearing with the Historical Preservation Society.  After an awkward chance meeting, Anna invites Elliot inside the Baker house under the guise of showing him the woodwork.  She really wants to find out if he can see the real "oddity" in the home. 

Then, there is Ruby Baker, the delightfully fun ghost who makes this show unique.  In life, Ruby was an heiress who was in love with her chauffeur, Charley.  Sadly, that match was domed because of the social class differences.  Ruby died in an accident on her 25th birthday, which was the very night she had informed Charley their relationship would never be acceptable, leaving unfinished business.

100 years after Ruby's death, Anna walked into the Baker home, desperate to sell the house and make a good impression on her father.  She didn't realize how much she needed the friend she found there and resolutions to her own life's unfinished business.

 

An Interesting Fact about Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally

If you think these two look good together and make a great couple, you would be exactly right.  They have been in an off-screen relationship since 2017 when they met on another Hallmark movie set.  In 2022, they welcomed their first born baby to this world.

 
I watched 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost on FrndlyTV (a subscription streaming service) but it is currently available to watch on several other streaming services as well. Alternatively, it is on the DVD shown above.

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
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3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost - Hallmark Movie Review by:

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Hallmark Countdown To Christmas Friday Night Movies Reviewed

Raise your remote control if you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies! Anytime of the year? Hallmark is ready to provide a steady stream of Christmas movies all year long. Hallmark began expanding its' Christmas movie offering first with the October through December Christmas movie programming.

Then Christmas In July made its' now annual apperance to give Hallmarkies a little bit of Christmas mid summer. This is a great time to catch up on any movies missed during the holiday season and rewatch the Hallmark favorites. 

Hallmark has brought out Countdown to Christmas on Friday nights. The Friday night programming has been expanded to begin at 6 pm EST and three Christmas movies are aired back to back. Bring on the new, the vintage and the personal favorites for Friday night Christmas with Hallmark.

I always enjoy when the personal favorites pop into the Hallmark programming. A few Christmas movies to bookmark along with their reviews include:

March 29: A Season For Family

April 5: Three Wise Men And A Baby

April 12: Checkin' It Twice 

Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

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Hallmark Movie Review As Luck Would Have It

Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with this Hallmark's As Luck Would Have It filmed in Ireland with stars Joanna Swisher and Allen Leech in this delighful movie. Downton Abbey fans will immediately recognize Leech aka as Tom Branson, a beloved Downton Abbey character.

Hallmark fans will enjoy the traditional storyline which is enhanced by the chemistry between the lead actors and authentic Irish scenery. Filmed In Kilabbey, Ireland and Howth Castle and add in the Cliffs of Mohr and viewers will not be disappointed.

The storyline is not new (and that is OK! for a movie which works so well) as an American is dispatched to turn the Irish family castle into a hotel. The struggle to keep the castle and town financially afloat is the why and the heart behind the castle is the why the behind saving the castle and town!

With names such as Brennan, Seamus, Fiana, Siobhan, and Maebh the authenticity shines through of the supporting cast. The Hallmark chemistry hits the bullseye with Joanna and Allen, the supporting characters and the scenery is so beautiful - let's call the scenery a major supporting character too!

Of course love is in the air as the main characters work as opposities and then join forces to save the family hotel as only Hallmark can...

Deer Park Hotel

Ever want to stay at a Hallmark movie castle? This castle may be your chance. In August 2023 plans have been approved to construct a hotel on the Howth property. The current Deep Park will be demolished to build a destination hotel with all the amenties. The project's estimated completion is 2025 to welcome guests.

Howth Castle Cookery School

Who knew cooking classes are held at the infamous Howth Castle 18th Century Georgian kitchen! Professional chefs provide hands on instruction for foodies of all levels in the cooking shcool which has operated since 2008 in the castle.

Recommendation

Highly recommend As Luck Would Have It! Ireland fans and Hallmark romcom fans will not be disappointed and in fact, this is a movie which left many viewers asking, "When is the sequel?"

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Hallmark Movie Review Always Amore

Always Amore sound familiar? Was this little gem of a Hallmark movie missed? Perhaps because the movie premiered on the Movies & Mysteries Hallmark channel it may have been overlooked between Winter, Valentine's Day and Spring themed movies. The movie is now repeating on the Hallmark Channel and is the perfect gem of a happy holiday movie for winter days, winter nights and inclimate weather.

Family restaurants are a traditional staple of the Hallmark stories and this film features a family Italian restaurant which needs a little SOS. 

Tyler plays the restaurant 'fixer' who comes in to save the struggling restaurant. Autumn plays the widow who along with her mother-in-law are having financial issues with the family Italian restaurant of her late husband. Patty McCormack plays mother-in-law Nonna with a witty twinkle in her eye as restaurant protector, legacy protector and eventual alley of the fixer.

A team Hallmark actors Autumn Reeser and Tyler Hynes lead Always Amore and their chemistry is evident at their first meeting. Add a chef competition, a love of baking, restaurant woes and restaurant success amongst the Hallmark romance and love is in the Hallmark air. As always the chemistry between the lead actors is a Hallmark must for success and as these two actors excel the storyline benefits.

Light hearted and delightful, Always Amore with the traditional Hallmark storyline will not disappoint Hallmark fans. You may also recognize on the credits one of the executive producers of Always Amore is Giada De Laurentiis from the culinary world. Is that why the food looks so authentic!?!

Always Amore is a recommended watch or rewatch when the movie is in rotation. Bon Appetit!

Don't miss Autumn Reeser in the Wedding Veil series or Tyler Hynes (at 15 plus Hallmark movies)  in Winter In Vail or Three Wise Men And A Baby.

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Top 5 Valentine's Day Hallmark Movies Reviewed

Hallmark and Valentine's Day do seem like a well matched pair! While romance and comedy remains the theme of Hallmark movies and of course a fan cannot forget the  the catch phrase "It's complicated" and a mug of the requisite hot cocoa in movies all year long (Hallmark fans do have a sense of humor too!)

Valentine's Day does bring an extra dose of romance, chocolate and love is in the air at Hallmark. While Hallmark premiers movies all year there are always a few movies each season that stand out as perennial favorites. This year and in no specific order are older Hallmark movies which will be sprinkled throughout the Valentines' Day season of movies. The top 5 Valentine's Day Hallmark movies are ...

Love, Romance, Chocolate with Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp

Cannot have Valentine's Day without a little or in this movie alot of chocolate! European villages, royalty and the annual chocolate competition and chocolatiers fill the small screen as the chemistry develops between village visiting Chabert and Village chocolatier Kemp.

Very Very Valentine with Danica McKellar and Cameron Mathieson

This is a charming movie with believable chemistry as the characters are best friends - or are they?

Flower shop owner plus the best friend who pines for the flower shop owner, masquerade ball and flower contest keep the backstory interesting as the flower shop owner McKellar preps for Valentine's Day.

My Secret Valentine with Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker

The future of the family winery is at stake with Chabert trying to save the families legacy. Walker portrays a smooth sales representative in hopes of convincing the family to sell and so the clash between the characters begin. The chalkboard enters as the third character (wink) as the board becomes the conversation link. The chemistry between the actors make this rom com a must see in the Valentine's Day rotation.

And of course it is always Christmas at Hallmark! Enjoy the 2023 Christmas movie reviews here in case you missed any during the holidays.

Vineyard Series with Rachael Leigh Cook and Brendan Penny

The Vineyard series is a threefer with three movies in the popular series: Autumn In The Vineyard, Summer In The Vineyard and Valentine In The Vineyard. The movies center around two feuding families in gorgeous wine country and the inevitable sparks between the younger generations of Cook and Penny. As the movies progress so does the relationship between the characters and their trials and tribulations with fulfilling their vineyard dreams. The third installation is the Valentine In The Vineyard - no spoiler alert - the relationship between the characters builds with each movie and Valentine's Day does make an appearance.

The series is based on the St. Helena Vineyard books and filmed in gorgeous British Columbia.

 Cooking With Love with Ali Liebert and Brett Dalton

TV producer meets temperamental and uncooperative chef as he lands ever so temperamentally in her cooking show which needs a fill in chef. Fill in chef is not happy and the back and forth begins. Cute and funny rom com filled with Kimberly Sustad is a strong second female lead and adds favorably to the mix. Liebert also starred in the A Gift To Remember and its' sequel which are Hallmark fan favorite films to watch and re watch.

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Hallmark Movie Review A Scottish Love Scheme

Hallmark begins the year with an original movie A Scottish Love Scheme set in Scotland. Viewers whom are not fans of romance with a dash of cold, ice and snow will enjoy a change of scenery for this winter premiere. Two moms will attempt their best Hallmark magic to help their son and daughter find romance in Scotland as they navigate midlife.

Old Family Friends & Romance

Erica Durance and Jordan Young play Lily and Logan who are two old family friends who reconnect in Scotland after Lily's divorce and career reorganization (which seems to very much resemble a traditional and sterotypcal midlife crisis.) While a Hallmark type  "crisis" is a theme of most  Hallmark movies, this movie adds the Hallmark touch to love, midlife crisis and career relocation (all in a night's work for Hallmark!) The movie was filmed in Scotland and the lush greenery and scenery does not disappoint.

Midlife Crisis In Scotland

Divorce, midlife crisis and two committed mom's are the drivers of the why and how Lily and Logan meet in Scotland. Mom's who believe they know best for their children for future romance and put a plan into action. The Mom's are a definite key part of the charm of the plot; hence Scheme in the title. They are cute, amusing and have a definite twinkle in their eyes as they attempt matchmaking.

Admittedly the Mom's, supporting actors and even the scenery are more consistently entertaining than the main actors. All of which combines to leave this Hallmark movie lacking a smidge in the Hallmark romance area.

Hallmark movie Christmas fans will recognize Erica Durance from Hallmark movies such as 2023's Ms. Christmas Comes To Town, We Need A Little Christmas and Open By Christmas.

Fans of River City will recognize Jordan Young. He is the actor who plays Alex Murdoch in the long running Scottish television series River City.

More Hallmark Movies featuring Scotland

Review A Merry Scottish Christmas by The Savvy Age

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Top 5 Winter Hallmark Movies Reviewed

It's January at the Hallmark Channel and after a generous helping of  Hallmark Christmas movie in November and December - now what! January brings the coldest and snowy weather in many parts and a perfect time to enjoy the infamous Hallmark hot cocoa and Hallmark movies with a winter theme.

Of course Hallmark will debut a few new winter movies and Valentine's Day movies every year, but sprinkled in between will be a few Hallmark winter favorites from prior years. 

Add a little snow, romance, comedy and colder temps and bookmark the Top 5 Winter Hallmark Movies to watch for this winter.

Winter In Vail 2020

Bring on the Hallmark A team of Lacey Chabert and Tyler Hynes along with a gorgeous winter setting and believable chemistry to keep Winter In Vail on the Hallmark repeat list. Big town girl with a life crisis lands in small town town that needs help to survive and well, you know the rest. Great rom com chemistry, snowy charming village and of course Strudel make this a movie worth repeat viewing annually.

Love On Ice 2017

Starring Hallmark A team actor Andrew Walker and Julie Berman this film definitely give an Ice Castles vibe (Ice Castles is a favorite ice skating movie from 1978!. Ice skating and romance fans streaming alert)

Walker plays a young  ice skating coach who lands at a local rink to train the next ice skating talent by the stereotypical ice skating parent. And who might also be at the rink... a former very promising ice skater who retired early and you might just guess the storyline from there. The main characters of coach, promising star, overbearing parent and former promising skater turned local teacher all work with a chemistry between all four. A must see when this movie repeats.

Frozen In Love 2018

It's hockey time again in the land of Hallmark winter movies. Niall Matter and Rachael Leigh Cook share the storyline of small town bookstore owner assigned the bad boy of hockey for community service hours. This duo loves to tease each other, poke fun at their different lives and succeed in making a very enjoyable film that celebrates how opposites attract. Totally Hallmark and totally fun.

A Christmas Detour 2015

One of the all time favorite Hallmark Christmas movies must also make an appearance on the winter Hallmark movie list. Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Paul Greene two of the A team actors who combine romantic chemistry on an unexpected cross country trip and after snowy weather grounds their plane. The two strangers pair with a married couple (Sarah Strange and David Lewis)and the four try to make it across country in the snowy hours before Christmas. 

The chemistry between the wanna be couple, the married couple and all 4 together make this a fun loving frolicking Hallmark movie with madcap rom com romance along with the way. Always a must see repeat during the holiday season and anytime of the year.

Taking A Shot At Love 2021

Ice skating teacher is called upon to assist the recovery of an ice hockey player is the backstory, but the real gem of this movie is the chemistry. Alexa Penavag and Luke Macfarlane have a great rom com chemistry which helps propel the storyline along with alot of smiles and winks and of course the budding romance. Always worth a rewatch during the winter Hallmark season.

Hallmark Now offers streaming 24/7 and its' never too early or late in the year to revisit Hallmark Christmas movies.

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

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Most Popular Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023

All good things must come to an end for Hallmark Christmas movie fans. The beginning of a New Year signals the end of Hallmark Christmas movies 24/7, but Hallmark Christmas In July is just a few months and a few snowflakes away.

Hallmark Christmas remains very popular with viewers and the 2023 season was no exception. For the 2023 Christmas movie season Hallmark debuted 31 original movies for the Hallmark Channel and an additional 9 for its' sister channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Between both channels fans has a huge selection of Christmas movies new and old anytime of the day or night and the ratings reflect the popularity of Hallmark Christmas programming.

Most Popular 2023 Hallmark Christmas Movie

The winner is A Merry Scottish Christmas with Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolfe debuted with 3.3 million viewers beating out 

A Biltmore Christmas, Christmas Island and Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up are next in line for Hallmark Christmas movies ratings. Two of the four star Lacey Chabert part of the Hallmark A team of actors year round.

In October Hallmark was ranked sixth amongst cable network shows. Enter the Christmas line up and Christmas movies 24/7 beginning in late October and viewership substantially increased.  In November Hallmark had the third highest rating for cable shows because of Christmas 24/7.

What's New For 2024 ?

Hallmark's streaming service will debut an unscripted 10 episode series with Lacey Chabert titled Celebrations. The series will follow Chabert as she celebrates real life heroes. Chabert has starred in 38 Hallmark movies including the highly rated Wedding Veil six movie series. 

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

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Hallmark Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up Review

Hallmark Christmas movie Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up has premiered with Hallmark A team stars Lacey Chabert and Wes Brown. This movie is a sequel to the 2022 movie Haul Out The Holly wth the same cast and location. As in the original movie, the chemistry between the stars and cast remains strong as this Hallmark movie changes up the traditional Hallmark movie formula.

The holiday competition in the Home Owners Assocation (HOA) remain the storyline which is shaken up by new homeowners with a passion for winning holiday contests. Game on.

What Is Missing From Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up?

The Hallmark romance recipe... which may or may not be necessarily a welcome change of pace. In the first movie, Haul Out The Holly, the couple met and fell in the love the Hallmark way. In this movie the couple has already been established and spend much of the movie apart so while the chemistry exists it is long distance.

Positive, negative or neutral the long distance between the main characters/couple allows many more characters as an ensemble into the movie. The supporting characters are entertaining and I had memories of Clark Griswold movies in a small screen arena.

Recommendation

If mindless, silly, slapstick comedy with a holiday theme is the goal then Haul Up The Holly: Lit Up will be amusing. Madcap, fun, enteraining, Hallmark but not Hallmark is the holiday feeling for this movie. Reminiscent of physical slapstick comedy between neighbors, families, the main characters with a holiday theme.

While I actually found Hallmark changing it up a little during the holiday season a nice change of pace (carried off by a strong cast with chemistry); however, Hallmark traditionalists will most likely prefer the original Haul Up The Holly movie.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

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Hallmark Christmas Movie Review: A Merry Scottish Christmas

A Merry Scottish Christmas is a movie Hallmark fans have been waiting for since the announcement of its' stars. Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf star in a Christmas movie as estranged brother and sister travelling to Scotland at Christmas. The movie was filmed in Ireland and Scotland.

Family mysteries, family reunions, Scottish holidays plus a few romances along the way combine to make A Merry Scottish Christmas a must see for the Hallmark holiday season. The chemistry between Chabert and Wolf is just like old friends meeting up after years apart. Watch how the siblings unravel a mystery and work towards a united family for the holidays.

Lacey Chabert And Scott Wolf

There is no doubt that Party Of Five fans are very familiar with Chabert and Wolf. Each played a member of the Salinger family in the ensemble cast family drama which ran in the mid 1990's to 2000. The show began with a small engaged audience and it took a few seasons for a larger audience to find the show. Fans of the show would love a Party of Five reunion and no doubt will enjoy a mini reunion of two of the five stars.  

Lacey Chabert is one of the most popular stars of Hallmark and this season has two Christmas movies with a sequel to  Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up. Both movies are worth repeat streaming and bookmarking to rewatch this season. The Holly sequel brings back a 2022 cast with chemistry and is plain ole fun in the realm of the Christmas romcom. 

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

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Hallmark Christmas Movie Review; Checkin' It Twice

 Hockey and love are the main theme of this 2023 Hallmark Christmas movie Checkin' It Twice. This is one of the first movies to premier in the 2023 Hallmark Christmas season.

Kevin McGarry and Kim Matula star in this hockey themed Hallmark movie located in a small hockey loving town. 

Storyline

Struggling older hockey player is hoping to "move up" to the next level of hockey. McGarry is believable enough though admittedly he is playing a 32 year old amongst 20 + year olds. The older athlete hoping to achieve his dream of being called "up" to the next level team is one seen before ... and is predicable. However, Hallmark is predictable too which is part of its' charm (if you are a fan of course.)

McGarry of the Hallmark series When Calls The Heart has been popping up more and more in Hallmark movies. The chemistry with the Matula is believable and moves the story along. Their chemistry along with a fun loving hockey town family provides quite a few smiles.

Recommendation

Cute, enjoyable and amusing is my summary of Checkin' It Twice. If the movie comes on in the background, I wouldn't change the channel, but I would not seek the movie out either to rewatch. My Hallmark grade is a pleasant to watch B.

If you like hockey themed Hallmark movies, Taking A Shot At Love with Alexa Penavega and Luke Macfarlane and Frozen In Love with Rachael Leigh Cook and Niall Matter would be my first and second choice.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2023 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

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2023 Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

If it is pumpkin season then Hallmark Christmas is soon to follow!  Hallmark Christmas 2023 Movies are arriving at the end of October.

Hallmark Christmas movie season includes all the movies we have loved from the past plus new Christmas movies premiering on both the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. Hallmark Christmas Movies began Friday, October 20, 2023.

The 2023 Hallmark Christmas Movie Schedule has 42 new holiday movies being released from October 20 to December 21st: 31 on the Hallmark Channel, 2 early release on Hallmark's streamng channel and 9 on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Channel. A few notables of the 42 featuring the A list stars to watch for:

Never Been Chris'd

Tyler Hynes, A team Hallmark actor leads the hometown friends reuniting for a Christmas Hallmark holiday love triangle - whew! Hynes as always brings a sense of humor, wit and a wink to this holiday movie.

Christmas Island

Andrew Walker, always a Hallmark favorite and Rachel Skarsten star. Islands, Christmas, air traffic controller, pilot, snowstorm and did I mention Christmas. Have fun as the stars head for romance and holidays on a island named Christmas of course.

A Merry Scottish Christmas

Party of Five fans line up for this premiere! Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf star as siblings on a family trip to Scotland with the holidays and family mysteries in the air. Party of Five fans have been waiting for a reunion ... this may not be five, but its' two! Enjoy.

Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up  ** Sequel to 2022 

It's a sequel, it is cute, it is Christmas, it is Hallmark and we love it. Lacey Chabert in her second Hallmark Christmas movie this year and Wes Brown reprise their roles. Nuff said... light entertainment from a cast which proved its' chemistry already in the first movie.

Best of 2022

A few favorites from the 2022 season to look for in the 2023 season.

Three Wise Men And A Baby

By far, the best Hallmark Christmas movie of 2022 was Three Wise Men and A Baby with Andrew Walker, Tyler Hynes and Paul Campbell (who also co wrote the movie.) Sure, the storyline may sound a bit familiar from the original movie, but this movie will bring smiles for the second time with a cast of Hallmark A team actors and their chemistry. 

A Cozy Christmas Inn

Jodie Sweetin (Full House) and David O'Donnell take on Alaska, Christmas, old loves reuniting and B and B's all in one charming Hallmark movie. If you love Hallmark then you can surnise the storyline and great to see O'Donnell back. He was in Christmas Under Wraps with Candace Cameron Bure, also in Alaska! 

Haul Out The Holly

It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas movie season without Lacey Chabert. Teaming with Hallmark favorite Wes Brown he and Lacey take on the relucatance of one to enjoy Christmas.

A Holiday Spectacular 

The Radio City Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall are featured in this journey through New York and Christmas with the Rockettes.

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2022 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia

Where To Find Hallmark Christmas Movies?

If your cable subscription includes Hallmark channels then Hallmark Channel is available with the Hallmark Everywhere App. Your cable subscription username and password will be needed to log in.

 Hallmark Movies Now  is a streaming service for a monthly fee. A seven day free trial is available to give the channel a no obligation spin.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Remember Sunday (2013) Movie Review

Most often, I watch movies in the background while I work.  I guess you could say, they keep me company.  However, Remember Sunday is not a background movie.  This is one you really want to be invested in.  It is well worth watching.

The actors are adorable and kind.  You pull for them throughout the movie because you really want them to succeed.  They both possess a positive attitude and strong determination as they face difficult times and situations.

Since I have never known anyone who survived an aneurysm, I wasn't sure how accurate the movie's presentation of it was until I did a bit of research.  I found that, in some causes, the memory loss after an aneurysm was accurately depicted in the movie.  This knowledge made me like the movie even more.  Not only was I captivated by the story, but I learned something.

I will warn you, the movie is not all sunshine and flowers.  As you can imagine, not being able to remember someone, conversations, activities, etc. would make you, and everyone that is a constant in your life, struggle for consistency or the bond of a continuous relationship.  Shared experiences are the foundation of almost any relationship, even the bad ones.  Without those memories, it would be nearly impossible to have a bound.

Synopsis of Remember Sunday

Remember Sunday

Gus Gillenwater (Zachary Levi) wakes up every morning to post-it notes!  Yes, that is correct.  He has post-it notes all over his home and a file marked "Read Me Every Morning".  The notes and file tell him where he is and what he is supposed to remember.  After he reads through the file, he calls his sister each morning and she tells him, again, why he is living in New Orleans and answers any questions he has.  He works at a jewelry shop owned by old friends.   

Gus's notes, file, and daily routine are extremely important because Gus has no short-term memory due to an aneurysm.  

He is kind, even tempered, and happy, but he is living day to day without the memories of most of his adult life.  He tries to "fill in the gaps" by recording the things he would like to remember, like appointments, things he needs to do, and whatever he thinks is important in his day.  He is surrounded by friends and neighbors who try to daily help him.

Gus meets his life-long friend, Jerry, for breakfast each morning.  On the day when we first meet Gus, he will be meeting Jerry at a new restaurant, Addie Mae's, for breakfast.  He is immediately attracted to his waitress, Molly.  Sadly, he will not remember her tomorrow.

____

Molly Branford (Alexis Bledel) is a waitress at Addie Mae's Restaurant.  She is living with her best friend since she can't afford an apartment on her own.  She is also taking a business class.  She hopes to start her own flower shop when she receives the inheritance that is currently being held up by lawyers.

Molly is adorable, sweet, and well liked although frequently underappreciated by the men she dates.

When she meets Gus, of course she likes him, but she can't understand why he would stand her up for their date. 

Fortunately for both of them, Jerry knew about the date.  When he calls to see how things are going, he finds out Gus is at home, totally oblivious to the fact that he is supposed to be out on his first date with Molly.

___

After the initial mix-up, Molly and Gus do start dating, but their dating life is fraught with misunderstandings, difficulties and distress until Molly learns more about Gus's aneurysm and why he can't remember.  

Gus, himself, questions "is it possible to fall in love with someone every single day?"

 

 

 

Remember Sunday on Prime Video

Hallmark Hall of Fame Crown Collection 2 * Christmas with Holly, The Makeover, Remember Sunday DVD

Remember Sunday on DVD

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