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.

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 ) .

This Christmas offering by Hallmark starts at a Christmas Ball from twenty years ago, where a young man surprises his sweetheart who is so busy baking cookies she missed the ball, but he shows up so they can have a dance together anyway.

I was excited to see a Christmas movie starring Allison Sweeney (who I loved in Murder she Baked...ok I love her in everything!...she would have chemistry with cardboard!) and Lucas Bryant (who I loved in both Haven and MVP...ok, I have loved him in everything I have seen him in)...which is why I was really looking forward to seeing them together and they didn't disappoint!

Alison Sweeney plays a single mom/widower, Katherine (Kat), who lives in Boston with her son working at a bank. She takes time off to spend Christmas with her son, Will and her mom tries to talk her in to coming home for a small town Christmas, since it has been two years since her husband's passing. Seeing her son's lack of enthusiasm for staying in Boston convinces, Katherine Moss to go home to Virginia where she will have to face the memories of her late husband.

Before she can even get on the train with her son, Katherine has a meet-cute with what appears to be a street musician when she accidentally drops money in to his actual coffee cup, much to her embarrassment. They end up spending the train-ride together, musician with his "mystery patron". Katherine's son, Will, is quite the artist and they share stories over Christmas cookies on the train. Our musicians name is Jack and he ends up in the same small Virginia town for Christmas. Jack, alone, and Katherine to face her demons. Jack says he is going to "see an old friend".

Kat's mom is struggling to keep up the demands of all of the holiday baking at her bakery and is considering selling the business. She had always thought Kat would eventually take over. Meanwhile a mystery unfolds as to why Jack is in town and coincidentally Kat's husband's band gets back together...with Jack filling in as his replacement for the annual Snow Ball. Meanwhile Jack is talking to a mystery woman named Norah on the phone.

"Small world"-Jack to Kat

Jack works for the USO, post two army tours and an injury...and he can quote Casablanca. As it turns out Kat's husband, Tyler's death is linked to the reason why Jack is in town.

"You are so well put together, it is nice to find a flaw."-Jack

Classic film highlighted: Beyond Tomorrow

Beautiful story that made me want to read the original book it was based on. This is a Christmas highlight.

Allison Sweeny is one of the better actresses, IMO. She brought the character to life. The storyline was good and the chemistry between the characters was good. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's definitely one worth watching and leaves you feeling happy. Definitely not a waste of time in watching this one.

Sweet and tender story. Superbly acted by all cast. Every single actor was natural and believable in his/her role. Sad without being overly maudlin. Definitely our fave of the year so far. One thing marred the end of the movie, and that was the incredibly lame song that played as they danced. Absolutely destroyed the magic of the moment. Very poor judgment in the choice of such a non-melody with ridiculous lyrics.