I was reluctant to watch this movie given the previous Hannah Swenson movie sans Mike. I think I gave this movie rating one more star than that movie only because Hannah got a little more flirty with Chad than in the last movie and I liked the developing love story between her sister Michelle and Lonnie. However, the flirting between Hannah and Chad seems awkward and a bit forced. It just doesn't have the same rhythm that Hannah and Mike had, or Hannah and Norman, even. And Hannah's mother is so over the top obnoxious in this movie. I adore Barbara Nivens. Have seen just about everything she's been in and have followed her career for years, but am not liking Delores's new line of work as a PI in the latest installments. She was always the squeamish one that didn't want to have anything to do with murder investigations, nor did she want Hannah to do any investigating. And now she's practically encouraging and almost challenging Hannah to do so by telling Hannah that she, Delores, is after all a professional. Who is this "new" person? Not the same Swenson mother we all know and adore. Yes, she's still meddling in Hannah's love life like before - she never liked Mike, so I guess she's glad now that he's gone. But some of us still miss him! I also miss Norman. It's just not the same bouncing ideas off of Chad as it is with Norman. He was the best wing man.
What is up with Andrea? I don't get why she's back in town. Where's Bill and their daughter? And why were Andrea and Hannah dressed up but not Michelle? It would seem like Delores would want all her girls dressed up for her opening.
Also, what's with the sheriff suggesting to use Hannah to help with the investigation? This seems out of character for him. I feel like Hallmark is missing it with the latest string of Hannah Swenson movies, like since they ran out of the original Murder She Baked stories it has not been the same. It's a shame, these used to be my favorite series to watch, this and the Mystery 101 series, which is also gone now. Come on, Hallmark, bring back something familiar, like Norman, don't force this stuff that you've been trying to do on us!
