The Christmas Cottage

This is based on a book written by Samantha Chase. The only things that are similar are character names. The rest of the story in the movie is so different from the book. The book was amazing which is why I watched th movie. Bad move Hallmark.

First, to put this in perspective, know that Merritt Patterson is one of my new favorite Hallmark stars. But this movie did not contribute positively to that viewpoint. I thought she was flat and the chemistry with Steve Lund was meager. Certainly, the character she was playing didn't help. But the idea is supposed to be that her character changes due to love. But other than her soul searching and the conclusions she reaches as a result, that change in character was missing in action.

The story was equally flat. There was very little tension other than the rivalry between old and new boyfriend, and Roger was a dud from the start.

Side note as to production values: with Hallmark, I frequently note some questionable make-up moments. In this one there was one that stood out for me. During the reception, Lacey goes from an almost subtle lipstick, to bright red, and back to the more subtle, all without scene change. I don't know for sure if it was makeup or lighting angles, but the result was notable.

As many Hallmark films, "nice" is the fair word for define it. Because it is exactly a cottage with all eexpected ornaments and furniture and story and with a drop of magic. Romance, sentimental life in low fall, an old friend and a sort of boyfriend and a wedding. All in the familiar package. So, just nice. Against the not convincing acting and saved by secondary characters, the cottage being the first.

6/10 - pretty average Hallmark holiday movie that didn't really draw me in

Lacey first addresses her boss/boyfriend as "Walter" in an early scene, but refers to him as "Roger" later. I thought Roger must be someone we had not seen before, but--when the man appeared in Oregon--he was clearly "Roger". Somebody let that slip!