Christmas by the Book

There is not much to add that has not already been said by others. This movie is bland and the chemistry is lacking between the two leads. It really wasn't clear who the lead male, Ted, liked. Ted's girlfriend/exgirlfriend was a confusing character because she seemed to vacillate between low-grade evil to manipulative to confused but good-hearted. I would compare this film to flavorless cotton candy, it didn't provide enjoyment but wasn't particularly offensive.

I'm less than 5 minutes in and I don't think I can continue much longer. Eating disorders are not to be taken lightly. I wish the African American actress in the blue dress was the main female lead instead. She's gorgeous and looks healthy.

Unfortunately not every holiday Hallmark movie is a winner. This one...major miss. The lead actress is too young, too thin, and too unbelievable to be an expert in anything let alone a romantic lead. She's too uptight. The male lead would be okay with a different actress and the protagonist ex-girlfriend is a dud and a bad actress. Really, skip this movie. It's flat, not romantic or Christmassy and not up to our Hallmark standard of rom-com expectations.

Clumsily written, poorly acted and just an overall ill conceived mess. The cast as a whole were the dullest and potentially ugliest bunch ever assembled for a Hallmark movie.o

Would have been a great story if Joanne and Val fell in love. Ted who?? Dell who??? I don't know them.