Time for You to Come Home for Christmas

If memory serves, this was only the second Christmas movie Alison Sweeney has made in her association with Hallmark, both have been well worth the watch. It also helps to have a low key talented costar that plays off of Sweeney, she surely found that in this flick. it would not bother me in the least to have this pair associated with other HMM releases, be it another Christmas movie or some other mystery production that HMM does so well.

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.

This reminded me of the "God Wink" Movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, which I love! The cast was an excellent choice, especially the lead actors, Allison Sweeney and Lucas Bryant, who had great on screen chemistry.

It is just special. Sure, a Halmark but proposing more than the sweet- easy romance in the Christmas frame. Something old fashion defines it from humor to acting. And wise meet of story and perception of Christmas as good moment of memories, gratitude . Short, smart ( special sounds better ) .

Alison Sweeney is always wonderful and I hope she will continue to make more HM Christmas movies.

One note, did anyone think the music at the Snowball at the very end of the music was a little ill-timed or distracting? I was trying to focus more on the couple dancing but the music comes through very strongly in that scene.

I thought that the relationship between Alison's character and her son was very sweet and realistic. Thank you Hallmark for this wonderful movie!