Snowed in this Weekend? Hallmark's "Winterfest" begins, Candace Cameron Bure stars in New "Aurora Mystery" Movie, Trevor Donovan stars in "Runaway Romance" on UP, and More!

This is a Wonderful Winter Weekend to Stay in, Keep Warm and watch a New Movie, and I have some great suggestions below for You!

Plus, looking back on Christmas...


Saturday January 6, 2018:

Let it Snow! Winterfest begins on the Hallmark Channel with...

Love on the Slopes

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

Storyline via Hallmark: Alex copyedits for a travel magazine, but wants to be a writer. Now the magazine is holding a contest for a spot on the writing staff, and a plane ticket to anywhere in the world! Alex pitches an article on extreme sports photographer Cole Taylor, but is told to write about trying the risky sports herself. Her boyfriend Barton is supportive, but doesn’t see Alex as very daring. Determined, Alex heads to Colorado where she meets Cole and... Click Here to Read More...

See the premiere of Love on the Slopes

Saturday January 6, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

Also, on Saturday Night...


A mistaken identity may lead to something else in...

Secret Millionaire

image via: PixL

Storyline via PixL: When a bored millionaire (Steve Lund) is mistaken for a parking attendant by a beautiful girl (Siobhan Williams) who is protesting against his family’s intention of closing a local park, he uses the misunderstanding to get to know her better.

See the premiere of Secret Millionaire

Saturday January 6, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on PixL

Sunday January 7, 2018:


Reality TV star Ann Stanway just may discover true reality in...

Runaway Romance

Storyline via UP: When she’s written out of her show, her relationship and her seemingly perfect life, reality TV star Ann Stanway leaves Hollywood and finds herself marooned in Amish country. But when Ann is taken in by the owner of a nearby Inn, and meets a handsome young architect, she discovers... Click Here to Read More...

See the premiere of Runaway Romance

Sunday January 7, 2018

at 7pm/6c. on UP

Also, on Sunday Night...


Candace Cameron Bure is on the case again in...

Last Scene Alive: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery

Storyline via Hallmark: When a Hollywood film crew comes to shoot in Lawrenceton, and the film’s star is found poisoned and bludgeoned in her dressing room, crime-solving librarian Aurora Teagarden enlists members of the Real Murders Club to help her... Click Here to Read More...

EXTRA:
All the regular cast members are back for this movie, including Marilu Henner, Yannick Bisson, Miranda Frigon, Peter Benson, and Robin Dunne is back in his role as author Robin Daniels.

Candace has also confirmed, via social media, that this will, unfortunately, be Yannick's (Martin's) last Aurora movie.

Marilu Henner has also shared the good news that there will be two more Aurora movies coming after this one... so, it should be interesting to see what this means for Aurora's love story.

See the premiere of Last Scene Alive: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery

Sunday January 7, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Well, how was your first week without Hallmark Christmas movies 24/7? I know. I know. Same here. I was at a loss as to what to turn the channel to many times. Over the last two months there was always something, either new or familiar, to turn to, and at night... so easy to drift off with. (Yeah, I know... they say, "you shouldn't watch TV before going to sleep... blah, blah, blah" Whatever. I'm sure I wasn't alone. I know others who have fessed up to doing it, too!)

In all seriousness, Hallmark Christmas movies leave you feeling good inside, and hopeful about the world and our fellow mankind. Whether I was watching intently, or it was simply on in the background, just knowing it was there was somehow a comfort. With all the lovely songs that sang out the joy of Christmas and the happy love stories, I felt at peace.

Thank you Hallmark for giving us these two months of sheer Christmas bliss!

Now, I suppose it's time to look forward to the next season... Winterfest!

I hope you all stay warm this Winter weekend. We still have snow here in the Midwest (we've been "white" since Christmas and more is on the way!), and we have bitterly cold temperatures. Be safe everyone and take care! This will be an ideal time to stay cozy inside, play a board game or Solitaire, and watch a good movie!

What's your weather like?

Are you looking forward to...
or did you enjoy this weekend's new movies?

Blessings to You All!!! Net


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REWIND 2017 at *It's a Wonderful Movie* ! (Which Posts did YOU Click On the Most?)

For the first time, I thought it would be fun to rewind and take a fond look back at the past year, and share which posts you all found to be the most popular each month of 2017 - here at It's a Wonderful Movie!

Movie images via: Hallmark Crown Media

So, I hope you'll enjoy this little journey of a trip down memory lane- back in recent history!

I'll begin with January, 2017! Countdown to Christmas had just ended and I think most of us were looking ahead, wondering what movies Hallmark had in store for us next!

The Countdown to Valentine's Day movie "Love at First Glance" was, at the time, receiving lots of buzz, therefore my post:

"Fall in... "Love at First Glance" with Hallmark Channel's Original Valentine's Day Movie starring Amy Smart and Adrian Grenier!" was the most popular, along with

"#TCA17 NEWS: HALLMARK MOVIES & MYSTERIES REVEALS NEW ORIGINAL WORLD PREMIERE MOVIES"!

images via: Hallmark Crown Media

In February of 2017, Hearties (fans of "When Calls the Heart") were, at the time, eagerly looking forward to a new Season, and by mid-February, enjoying the first episodes of Season 4; therefore, it's no surprise that my post: "Hallmark Channel's "When Calls the Heart" Season 4 is filled with Emotion & Drama!" had the most visits! This post has all the episodes of When Calls the Heart Season 4 listed, with pictures that correlate with each one! Like many of you, I am quite passionate over my adoration of this incredible family drama series; I'm thrilled to see it's continued success and following grow each year on the Hallmark Channel and social media! Thank you to all the Hearties who visit here!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

By March, the snow was thawing, and we were enjoying the Meow Madness Christmas movie bracket challenge! Spring was in the air, thus, the reason why my post: "Baseball Movie "The Perfect Catch" -- part of Hallmark Channel's "Spring Fling" was most viewed! It scored highly with viewers & fans!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

In April, we enjoyed watching Hallmark's Christmas Movie Bracket winner "The Christmas Card" and "Spring Fling" movies like "Moonlight in Vermont" and "Like Cats and Dogs" on the Hallmark Channel!

Those postings were quite popular, but the most viewed post here at It's a Wonderful Movie was this exciting announcement: "HALLMARK CHANNEL Sequel TV Movie News!!! LACEY CHABERT & BRENNAN ELLIOTT will RETURN for ALL OF MY HEART 2!!!" What a thrill it was (even if it was a different house) to see Brian & Jenny return and their love story continue! Now, if we can just get their wedding in 2018, that would be perfection! Right? Just like one of Jenny's muffins, warm, and straight from the oven!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

In May, many fans of "When Calls the Heart" were missing the weekly television series, as Hallmark had just finished Season 4 at the end of April. With flowers blossoming and love in the air, many followers here were looking forward to June Weddings, and any hint of "When Calls the Heart;" therefore my post "Here Comes "The Perfect Bride" -- a Hallmark Channel Original "June Wedding" Movie Starring Two "When Calls the Heart" favorites - Pascale Hutton & Kavan Smith!!" was most viewed for the month of May! And, it's no wonder why, since both Pascale Hutton and Kavan Smith are such a joy to watch! I personally take great pleasure in watching them together! They have incredible on-screen chemistry, whether they be on "When Calls the Heart" or in "The Perfect Bride!" Definitely, a June Wedding movie I can't wait to re-visit!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

In addition to "The Perfect Bride," viewers were honored to be invited to:

"'Destination Wedding' - a Hallmark Channel Original "June Wedding" Movie!"

"Jack Wagner and Josie Bissett star in Hallmark June Wedding Sequel - 'Wedding March 2: Resorting to Love'"

Paul Greene and Maggie Lawson star in "My Favorite Wedding" -- a Hallmark Channel Original "June Wedding" Movie!


images via: Hallmark Crown Media

By June, we must have been full fledge into Summer, and ready to dip our toes into water and sand! The post "Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie News for "The Beach House" starring Andie MacDowell" was the most popular post for the month! Following close, were two separate posts for Christmas in July:

"'The Christmas Cure' a Hallmark Channel Christmas (in July!) Keepsake Movie!" and

"'Home for Christmas Day' a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Gold Crown Christmas Movie!

Andie MacDowell image via: Hallmark Crown Media
Also featuring the book The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe 

 

Come July, we were all enjoying "Independence Day" and "Christmas in July" and most excited in our discussion of Hallmark's newest announcement: "TCA NEWS! HALLMARK Launches New Cable Channel: HALLMARK DRAMA!" When the station launched later in October, 2017, it didn't have widespread coverage, at the time...... but since then, it has been picked up by numerous cable providers, including Dish, Sling TV, Playstation Vue, and others! (Come on DirecTV - your viewers want it, too!) If you want to see if Hallmark Drama is available in your area - check *here*!

image via: Hallmark Crown Media

For August, 4 Hallmark Movies nearly tied for most viewed of the month! They were...

"Falling for Vermont - a Hallmark Channel "Fall Harvest" Movie starring Julie Gonzalo and Benjamin Ayres!"

"Harvest Love - a Hallmark Channel "Fall Harvest" Movie starring Jen Lilley and Ryan Paevey!"

"Hallmark SUMMER NIGHTS movie "Eat, Play, Love" -- Starring Jen Lilley, Jason Cermak, Lee Majors, & Lindsay Wagner"

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Home Again" - a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Premiere - Arriving Soon!

images via: Hallmark Crown Media

In September, I created a post for "CHRISTMAS MOVIE DVD RELEASES for 2017!!!" and that was the most visited for the month - and beyond!!! From cherished Christmas classics, to recently new TV movies, I know it's always fun for all of us Christmas Movie fans to dash through Amazon and check out the newest Christmas DVD releases! (And, YES, I still want "Window Wonderland," too!!!) In the meantime, I was happy to see several great ones from Hallmark! Since I'm missing the Christmas movies dearly now on TV, I am most grateful for my DVDs!

Within the month of October, Christmas movies ranked as most viewed - here at "It's a Wonderful Movie!" This included...

"Miss Christmas - a Hallmark Channel Original "Countdown to Christmas" Movie starring Brooke D’Orsay & Marc Blucas"

A Gift to Remember - a Hallmark Channel Original "Countdown to Christmas" Movie starring Ali Liebert & Peter Porte

With Love, Christmas - a Hallmark Channel Original "Countdown to Christmas" Movie starring Emilie Ullerup and Aaron O'Connell

Danica McKellar stars in Hallmark's "Countdown to Christmas" Movie - Coming Home for Christmas!


images via: Hallmark Crown Media

In November, we were thankful and blessed with an abundance of Christmas movies- old & new! Two Christmas movies dominated the most viewed for the month...

A Joyous Christmas - a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas Movie!

Christmas in Mississippi - a Lifetime Christmas Movie Premiere starring Jana Kramer & Wes Brown!

 
images via: Hallmark Crown Media / Lifetime

In December, Christmas Movies, of course, had a commanding lead once again in viewing here at It's a Wonderful Movie! 4 Hallmark Movies ranked at the top together...

Rocky Mountain Christmas - a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas Movie starring Kristoffer Polaha, Lindy Booth, and Treat Williams!

Karen Kingsbury’s Maggie's Christmas Miracle - a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas Movie starring Jill Wagner & Luke Macfarlane!

Christmas Next Door - a Hallmark Channel Original "Countdown to Christmas" Movie starring Jesse Metcalfe & Fiona Gubelmann!

Romance at Reindeer Lodge - a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas Movie starring Nicky Whelan & Josh Kelly!


images via: Hallmark Crown Media

Oh my goodness... that was so fun taking a look back!!! I hope you all enjoyed it, too!!!

Thank you all for visiting all throughout the year- and making 2017 the biggest and best year, yet, here at "It's a Wonderful Movie"!!!

I am thrilled to report that the site hit 15 million clicks, just before the year ended! Thank YOU for being one of them!

From my heart and home, to yours... I am so grateful!!!

If you have a minute, please share in comments below which posts on "It's a Wonderful Movie," from 2017, were your favorites! Or, anything you might be looking forward to seeing in 2018!!!

Many Blessings, Net

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One Winter Weekend - a Hallmark Channel Original "Winterfest" Movie starring Taylor Cole & Jack Turner!

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: One Winter Weekend

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: January 20, 2018

CAST:

Taylor Cole ... Cara
Jack Turner ... Ben
Rukiya Bernard
Dewshane Williams
Bea Santos

PLOT:

Storyline via Hallmark: A relationship writer at a women’s magazine has recently sworn off dating and joins her best girlfriend for a snowboarding weekend. A reservation snafu forces them to share a chalet with a couple of guys they’ve never met, one of whom is a company CEO who is also lying low on the dating front. However, once he and she get to know one another better, they begin to wonder if perhaps they should rethink their whole “non-dating” status, until each finds out what the other does for a living, and he bolts.

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

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*images via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Photo Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Steven Ackerman

Season 2 of The Cowboy Way: Alabama is Galloping Your Way on INSP!

image courtesy of: INSP

Via INSP: "INSP’s original series, The Cowboy Way: Alabama, returns for season two with more real-life cowboy adventure. This one-hour series follows three modern-day cowboys – Bubba, Cody and Booger – as they build their business in south Alabama herding cattle, breaking horses and tilling fields. Three friends live by a cowboy code as important to them as it was to the pioneers of the Old West. They work hard, play hard and face challenges head-on. While their days may not be easy, they love the rugged life they’ve chosen. These cowboys and their families wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the first season of INSP’s original series The Cowboy Way: Alabama, viewers got a behind-the-scenes look at three hard-working and charismatic cowboys: Bubba Thompson, rancher and expert carpenter; Cody Harris, rodeo champion and cattle dealer; and Chris "Booger” Brown, expert cattleman and horse trainer. Audiences watched as these three friends built their cattle business in South Alabama.

In January, the boys are back for another season, and they are still driven by the old-fashioned cowboy code of faith, family and American tradition. Viewers will get a closer look into their lives, and into the women and children who love these tough cowboys and make them want to come home every night. It will be a new season of fun and adventure, with a few twist, and some unexpected surprises!"

The Cowboy Way: Alabama - Season 2

Premieres Thursday, January 4th at 8P ET on INSP

A Special INVITE for Christmas Movie Fans on NEW YEARS DAY! (Don't be Late!)

Feast your eyes on what INSP has in store for us viewers today! It's a special trip down memory lane!

This is a special invitation for all viewers to join INSP for their first premiere presentation of...

The Waltons: The Homecoming

Monday, January 1st, 2018 at 3pm ET!

Story details via INSP:
The pilot movie that became the beloved series, The Waltons! Though much of the adult cast changed when the series took to the airwaves, all of the children, who star in the series, including Richard Thomas, are in this movie. Patricia Neal plays Olivia Walton; Edgar Bergan is Grandpa Walton; Andrew Duggan plays John Walton. Ellen Corby debuts her role as feisty Grandma Walton, and we meet, for the first time, many INSP fan-favorite characters we later grow to love in the series, including the Baldwin sisters!

It’s the Christmas season of 1933 and the hard times of The Great Depression have hit Walton Mountain. The family sawmill is shut down for lack of business, and in order to survive, John Walton, Sr. must leave home and travel more than 50 miles to find work. As the family prepares for the holidays, they can’t wait to be reunited with him.

The Waltons: The Homecoming - image via: jmhaven.com

In the meantime, leading up to the big day, life goes on. Mary Ellen tells her younger siblings the legend of Christmas Eve, when, at midnight, it’s said that all the animals are able to speak. They make plans to stake out the barn and hear the chatter for themselves.

A missionary gives out broken toys to the impoverished children on the mountain. Elizabeth gets a cracked baby doll, and learns a memorable lesson about charity.

The Waltons: The Homecoming - image via: fanpop

And at 15, John-Boy harbors a secret that he can’t tell his family. He wants to go to college someday to be a writer, but he knows they’d never be able to afford tuition, and may not even approve of such plans. In fact, he’s already started writing down his thoughts, hopes, dreams, and the abiding moments that bring his loving family to life, but he keeps his writing close to the vest, and is sure no one knows about it.

Now, it’s Christmas Eve, and still there is no sign of John Sr. coming home. On a radio broadcast, Olivia hears of a blizzard and a train wreck in the vicinity of where John is coming from. She fears this would delay his return, or worse, that he was a passenger on the train, that he’s injured or dead. Thinking John would be stranded on the side of the road, Olivia sends John-Boy out, on the day before Christmas, to search for his father.

I hope you will join me, in coming home once again to the Walton's family with their first movie, "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story," that began the journey of what would become the popular, highly rated television series- "The Waltons"!

You can almost taste that applesauce cake cooking in the oven and the smell of the evergreen tree as they decorate it with pretty things and homemade Christmas decorations!

It's a simple time when things were hard, and yet, they had everything in the world the could possibly need, as long as they had one another!

Enjoy the show!!! God's Abundant Blessings to you all in this New Year - 2018!!! Net


*Available on DVD from The Waltons...





The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

The Waltons - Complete Series Boxed Collection

The Waltons Movie Collection: (A Wedding on Walton's Mountain / Mother's Day / A Day for Thanks / A Walton Thanksgiving Reunion / Wedding / Easter)



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