Il mio desiderio per Natale

I adore Antonio Cupo and Autumn Reeser together. I got really excited when I saw that the first book of one of my all-time favorite series had been made into a movie. That said, less than 10 minutes in, I saw that they had strayed wildly from the source material except for the name of the town, which was originally in Oregon, and the names of the two main characters.

I decided to keep watching, trying not to compare it to the book and to enjoy it for what it was. I'm having a hard time giving it a fair rating probably because of that.

Autumn Reeser is delightful. Loved her character's personality and humorous comments. Felt like authentic conversations. I thought there was good chemistry with her and Antonio Cupo. The supporting cast was lovely as well. It didn't feel as stilted as some of the Hallmark movie casts. Also loved how the homeowner/caretaker was so sweet to Jessica. The cast and acting made this one work!

This was an adequately entertaining Hallmark, and as such I was a little disappointed because I really expect the best from Autumn Reeser. Also Antonio Cupo looked super hot and perfectly cast as the fire chief she falls for. I also like the poor little rich girl trope as well. However, Mr. Fire Chief got off to a bad start with me by yelling at nice Autumn for something that was totally his fault. He was chauvinistic and entitled as Mr. Small Town VIP. He got better, then reverted to type again near the end, where he accused Autumn of the same bad behavior he was guilty of. Latonya Williams was adorable as Ruthie, another firefighter, who tells Antonio a few home truths at the end. Over all it was good, although not problem-free, in addition to the character flaw I noted.

Starting Christmas in July early! Missed this movie last Christmas season so gave it a look today and it's a lovely movie! Love these two main leads and they have great chemistry. The setting reminds me of Christmas in evergreen, perfect little Christmas town where everyone knows your name and all your business it seems. Main character comes for vacation and is sucked into yet another fundraiser to save something in the town. Enjoyed watching the leads banter, nice side characters who are just on the cusp of being too nosey but don't quite cross over and stay likeable. It had a nice ending too. Will give it a watch every Christmas!

Finally a Hallmark movie that didn't make me want to use the fast forward button. Who would want to fast forward any of Ms. Resser? Antonio, not so much. I loved the performances by ALL of the support cast. Well written and beautifully acted. Autumn expertly and believably plays a rich woman incognito. Antonio played his part as written. It's the "little people" that made this movie work. Nice twist and turns and some new twists from Hallmark. A really nice movie which could have been a classic tear jerker. I'm just sayin'. Thanks Hallmark.