Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas

I've seen all the installments of Time to Come Home for Christmas and they are all at least better than average.

I would compare this one to the Time for You ... with Allison Sweeney, but even so it's quite different. In all the installments the secret is unveiled slowly. In this one it isn't as obvious that Carly is here for a reunion but pretty quick you start to see little things that tell you something is up. I figured it out very quickly, almost from the first clue.

As in all of them, there is a romance around the central character. I can't say I thought the chemistry was great between Shenae Grimes-Beech and Chris Carmack. His Matt seemed to be above it all.

In some, if not all of them, Destiny seems to be big. They all feature more than a couple of interesting coincidences.

Are you tired of the song yet? I don't recommend a bingathon of this series. The song is catchy but it gets repeated a lot. Last year they seemed to rewrite the history of the song and they keep that version this year. In the original Heath Sawyer wrote it from scratch, not the Blue Notes. Somehow this song didn't seem to be something you would expect from a church choir, but then this church was more of a family or feel good church than any particular religion.

Note: I think I am submitting this before the broadcast premiere because it has been available on the streaming service for a couple weeks now.

In the first minutes of the movie the male star appears in uniform and the most visible element is the division insignia on his left shoulder. Couldn't wait for the star, Chris, to get out of uniform into his civilian clothes. It would have been so easy to get a quick consultation on simple elements like the unit insignia. The10th Mountain Division patch was turned on its side and was grating to watch. Doing a Google search for the 10th Mountain would immediately present the proper postioning of the shoulder sleeve insignia.

While walking out of doors he should have been wearing a cover until ready to board the bus. Simple elements make a big difference.

I really liked this despite all the bad reviews. It seems like people just like to complain on this site. You need to ditch the stupid reviews people!!

Anyway, I liked how Carly (Shenae Grimes-Beech) came in and sorted out the choir, who were very out of sync with each other in the beginning and sounded fabulous at the end. I was in choir during my HS years- Concert Choir, Glee Club and Madrigals. So I know a good sound. The lead soloist sounded great! This is probably the best version of the "Time to Come Home" tune I've heard as I'm not really a country music fan. I liked how Carly managed to deal with the different singers who had different motives for being in choir.

The romance was fine. Chris Carmack played the male lead and he has a great singing voice.

The intriguing part was the "secret" motive for inviting Carly to help with the choir. You'll have to watch it to find out the secret.

The small church is adorable, the opening song " Star on Top of the Tree" by Grace Leer was beautiful and maybe my favorite new Christmas song for 2023,

Abandoned by her father at the age of one and having lost her mother this year, the orphaned Carly doesn't have anything keeping her in Philadelphia for the holidays. She accepts a two week position as choir leader for a small town church at the invitation of the pastor and his wife. Her task is to choose the songs for the Christmas program and whip the struggling choir into shape.

I really loved how the film highlights that every person has a different story. From holding on to the happy memories of a deceased wife, to holiday crazy, to a returning soldier who dreamt of home and a specific egg cream, to a timid individual pushing themselves out of their comfort zone, to a kid working hard to help his single mom.

"What's life without a little bitter."

I really appreciated the fun tradition of swapping a Christmas record like a secret santa gift. (I might have to start that with my husband.) I also loved the lesson about sharing the emotion and intent of the lyric when you sing...share your joy with those that you love. I like that they brought back door to door caroling. Spreading the joy...not keeping it to themselves.

It was fun to see Shenae Grimes-Beech (Carly) outside of the 90210 realm, I almost didn't recognize her with the bangs. She and Chris Carmack had wonderful chemistry together and were supported by a great small town cast. Beyond the usual falling in love and finding family story...my favorite part was the portrayal of a small town coming to support its individuals as depicted with the storyline of Tyler, whose single military mom pushed him to do an activity-hockey or choir...but who is working hard in all his free time to support her, his mom while going to school and singing in the choir, while his dad is away in the military.

Kathleen Duborg played a wonderfully warm and wise mother named Diane...I think Blake Shelton and his mom Dorothy Shackleford have another hit on their hands. I am not sure which one is my favorite, I would have to watch them again to determine that..I did really enjoy this year's offering.

I think fans of Hallmark holiday films are going to love this one and I recommend it.

I also loved the song that was playing while they made egg creams...I wish I knew who it was, "Christmas is my favorite time of year...keeping out of trouble till the big guy appears...".

This is a terrific Christmas movie and one that I would happily watch again. The 2 leads were sweet together. I love the nuances between them - casual interest, then more curiosity and a natural progression that not all of these Hallmark movies contain. The plot itself actually seems new-ish, an accomplishment in and of itself. Truly had me wondering if there'd be a romantic interest for her at first. Bravo.

The surprise within was done well and kept me guessing almost till it was revealed. Just enough cast members to make it work and they all worked well as an ensemble. The pastor was a shining light ( as he should be) with just the right touch of sincerity and kind truth and humanity.

Chris Cormack is amazingly likeable and perfect in his role and Shenae Grimes-Beech was great as well. Could we please get rid of the wigs, tho? There were times when the hair over- powered her face to the extreme - not everyone should wear bangs. Please. A stylist issue, I know, but ... very distracting for an otherwise great watch.