This is one of Hallmark's best productions of the 2019 Christmas season - or any year.
Once in awhile Hallmark will cast a perfect couple for a story - two talented stars who just seem to click and end up giving very natural and believable performances that serve to make the entire movie a worthwhile experience. Such was the case in 2017 with Julie Benz and Michael Shanks in "Christmas Homecoming," Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell in 2018's "A Godwink Christmas," and now this.
Alison Sweeney is just terrific here giving a heartfelt and convincing performance as a mother who is dealing with the loss of her husband, while trying to put up a good front and help her son cope with the loss of his father at the same time. Together, they encounter Jack (played by Lucas Bryant) on a train bound for the mother's hometown at Christmas time and, eventually, a relationship evolves amid some good mystery involving just why did Jack come to town. This is Hallmark at its best - when it has a script that involves some interesting intrigue and employs very capable actors who "fit' and work well together. Sweeney gives a very nuanced and natural performance without being maudlin and Bryant is totally sincere and likable. Add great sets and costumes, nice cinematography and direction, and Kiefer O'Reilly (who recently was excellent in an episode of "The Good Doctor" as a patient going blind) as the son, and you've got a memorable Christmas movie that is worth more than one viewing.
