We are approaching the halfway point for Hallmark's run of Christmas movies in 2019, and for me, it has been more miss than hit. This movie is a winner though, and the best of 2019 so far.
First of all, I like both the lead actors, and they look like they should be a couple. Secondly, their characters are both immensely likable, and you want them together before they even meet.
The writing and acting is solid. There isn't anything really spectacular; everything just works and doesn't screw up the good things that are in place. All the supporting cast is decent and have well-written parts. The daughter, Jesse, is probably the best of the supporting.
The only real conflicts in the movie are the two established from the beginning- the imminent closing of the mill and Ann returning to New York. In somewhat typical Hallmark style, unfortunately, both conflicts and the romance is wrapped up in the final two scenes. Again, much like the rest of the movie, the final resolution is nothing spectacular. However, there is nothing silly going on either.
Besides the already mentioned good chemistry between the actors and the likability of their characters, another positive in this movie is that the leads spend a lot of time together, so there is nothing that happens too suddenly. There is another guy in the movie, but we never see much of Ann and him together, and that plot thread is wrapped up rather neatly. The other positive that also adds something unique to this one is the idea of the carved Christmas Santas. It is a very cool idea that adds something interesting to the movie.
Altogether, this is an entertaining Christmas romance.
