User reviews

It should be noted that this is a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Movie. Hallmark advertises these as more serious and not as lighthearted as the classic Hallmark Channel movies. The cast was better than some of the Hallmark movies I've watched in the past - Hallmark has a habit of reusing many of their actors and actresses and while this is sometimes endearing (Candace Cameron Bure, Catherine Bell), sometimes it's like nails on a chalkboard (Erin Krakow, Alicia Witt) where they shoehorn one of their favorites into movies that they don't fit, just because they've worked with them in the past - in spite of what fans vocally prefer. I didn't find that to be the case here. I was only familiar with Luke MacFarlane's past movies and he fit this role nicely. The other lead who played Maggie seemed to be a nice mix of overbearing cynic meets slowly awakening optimist.

I've never read the book, but this was such a sweet movie. The thread of healing and hope that tied it all together made for an uplifting theme. This movie had more religious aspects than the typical Hallmark stories, which I appreciated. It was refreshing that a Christmas movie actually acknowledge the reason for the season. And even if this plot point wasn't exactly front and center, I loved that it was woven throughout and tied together. I'm optimistic Hallmark will continue to expand on this type of movie for the future Christmas seasons.

For Hallmark movies, this one was especially poignant and not simply sappy. Really liked the ending, though I could tell that was coming. Well acted. It's a keeper.

This is definitely one of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies (even if it is a little more religious than most). First of all, I really like Jill Wagner and Luke Macfarlane in other things and I thought they made a great couple in this. I didn't quite find it as predictable as some other movies, but maybe I should have (it might be because I was distracted at the beginning and forgot). Anyways, I really enjoyed it. I also loved the scenery, decorations, music and costumes.

This movie was so sweet. I love Jill Wagner but this was not her best role. And Luke MacFarlane was amazing. The chemistry was good. But I did feel that there wasn't enough moments between the leads - even though there were a few - and maybe that's why it feels a bit off.

Look, I should have seen that "plot twist" coming but I didn't. So, I was pleasantly surprised. And kid, him questioning everything, from science to religion was on point.

This doesn't even count as a review, i'm writing it a year and two months after its release, but you should give this a chance. It's worth watching once.

This is a sweet Hallmark movie. (Aren't they all?!) I enjoyed all the main characters. The storyline was different, however, the ending was predictable. I was pleasantly surprised by the mention of God in this movie. God is the reason for the Christmas season, but I know Hallmark has chosen to largely move away from religious fare. I'm glad there's at least one 2017 Hallmark movie that still mentions God.

A seemingly odd Christmas movie in that there is not a lot of Hallmark's typical Christmas branding in this story. However, true to most Hallmark movies, the storyline becomes pretty predictable early in the movie. Some may object to the story including several mentions of "God" throughout the movie but I personally think it adds that bit of realism needed in this story. From the opening scenes to the closing scenes, you have to keep in mind that this a Christmas story that has a pleasant Hallmark ending!

For the good parts. And for the not inspired parts. For performances. And for the lovely romanticism. And for details. A Christmas film with good ingredients - single mother and her wise mother, her clever boy, Charming Prince, a meeting after many years and not so awful dialogues. Far to be perfect, it is not so sweet and far to be boring. So, a beautiful film.

Review Date 7/6/2019

I have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Television Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films. I am on a mission to watch every Christmas Movie ever made. Since 2014 I average 100 a year.

This is a very enjoyable film. Single mom Maggie is trying to maintain the balance of being devoted to son Jordan while having a career. Jordan needs help at school and meets Casey, a tutor. They quickly bond, and Casey becomes more like a father figure.

This film however did not need the opening scene. It telegraphed everything this whole film was going to be. This was a major flaw. In general this an above average Hallmark movie that the romantics will just gobble up! This includes me

I can NEVER love again as my father left on Christmas and my husband left on Christmas. No real trees in the house, no matter what her son wants.

Ugh. Who writes these female characters!?

Cute movie with irritating characters.

I love this movie. Jill Wagner is fantastic, as is Luke McFarlane. I can watch this movie over and over again. The storyline is great as is the ambiance and setting. The set decorations are festive and beautiful.

But not a disaster either. Something about the very long, if slightly convoluted, title really intrigued me and this review is coming from somebody that does like a fair share of Hallmark's festive work (which has a big mix of surprisingly good, very bad and somewhere in between), though don't still consider them masterpieces by any stretch. And who loves Christmas, a love that will never stop, and has done from a young age.

Part of me did wish that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' was better, considering its somewhat intriguing title. Is that disparaging it though? No, despite how it sounds. Actually think it is quite decent. It is not quite a miracle, it needed to be very good or more to be that but just misses out on that, but it is a long way from a disaster. For me, it is actually among the better films seen as part of my Christmas film quest started at the end of last year, certainly one of the better Hallmark offerings and refreshing after hating 'Baby's First Christmas' so much.

There is so much that 'Karen Kingsbury's Maggie's Christmas Miracle' does very well. Have no qualms to say about the scenery, regardless of questions over authenticity this aspect has nearly always been lovely in the Hallmark Christmas films, and the photography is neither too drab or garish. The soundtrack is not blaring or constant. The direction keeps the pace running smoothly mostly and doesn't make the film get too heavy or too fluffy. The script has more surprising depth than most Hallmark Christmas films and is not as corny or as awkward as with other offerings.

Likewise with the story. Which is unexceptional certainly, but it charms, moves and warms the heart and to me it didn't matter that it was not as light-hearted as other Hallmark films and had more of a mature tone. That was refreshing actually and despite fears the religious element doesn't get overdone or preachy. The ending is predictable, being easily telegraphed very early on, yet moving. Luke MacFarlane is so down to earth and endearing in his role and while not as good Jill Wagner is generally heartfelt and is a good match chemistry-wise with him. The cast are good.

Wagner's performance is not always even though, there are instances where she overdoes the uptightness. Even for a character meant to be uptight. Not everything felt unnecessary, the rival boyfriend character was a clumsy attempt at conflict and nothing really is done with that angle. More padding than anything else.

More tightness in the pace would have been more welcome, some of the film drags and doesn't go very far momentum and story direction-wise.

In summary, not bad at all. 7/10

After fitting all the Christmas decorations in this movie, there was no longer room for a plot.

Jill Wagner should stick to pushing Lincolns. She is a very attractive woman with amazing shoes, but this is just not her role. A Christmas sweetheart should be sweet. Wagner looks like a mean girl who beat other girls up a t soccer practice. Macfarlane is OK, but a little weird at times. Someone died so that is a plus.

My first Luke Macfarlane Christmas film of the season and it's a good one. He is just so gorgeous and lovely in everything he does. I love his interaction here with the child character, Jordan, who is a very cool, but geeky kid.

I like the idea of the miracle and the story is just another nice romance.

I think the stories work better when there is a kid to get excited about the season. Christmas is always more enjoyable when there are kids around and you can experience it through their eyes. I hate that I'm a grown up now and even my youngest nephew is 15 and has little interest in the Christmas spirit that these films exude.

I can't wait to watch the next Luke film.

Jill Wagner was great and Luke Macfarlane was also impressive. The production values were top notch and the story was cute enough. We always know how these movies will end so it is all about the journey. This one is overall enjoyable.

I only have a couple of gripes. First, if someone doesn't like Christmas then don't have an absurd amount of Christmas decorations in their home.

Second, pick an age for the kid and have him act that age. Sometimes the kid here acted like a 4 year old and others like a 10 year old.

Third, nobody would look at a math quiz without a single answer attempted but, with a nice drawing of a kid and two parents and think "that kid needs a math tutor"; especially when he only has one parent.

The story is a little bit different but with a familiar feel. It starts with a flashback of a teen boy and girl having a teen's romantic Christmas. But it's spoiled when Maggie's Dad abandons their family Christmas Eve. Maggie is nursing a lot of heartbreak as the story jumps forward to the now attorney Maggie who has a teenage son. She too had her husband leave her a week before Christmas. It happens that Maggie's son, Jordan needs a tutor and they find one in Casey. The movie doesn't progress the story much beyond that until the end, other than a lame attempt at a rival boyfriend for grown up Maggie.

Luke Macfarlane is lovable as a very friendly and down to earth Casey. Jill Wagner is the uptight and controlling Maggie. Macfarlane and Wagner are good together.

I love the ending even if the viewer may see it coming. Maybe not.

This movie has grown on me as I watch it again and again.

Great romantic movie. Wagner is allways good and. Luke MacFarlane is the best male actor. Perfect ending.

What exactly was Maggie's miracle? That her son learned math? So boring and unnecessary tears from Jill Wagner.

Finally, A Christmas Movie that Not Only Acknowledges the True Meaning for the Season, But Also Pays Tribute to it, in a Manner that Will Truly Touch You Heart. This is Not Your Typical Light and Fluffy, or Silly and Cartoonish Holiday Film. It is Actually a Serious and Realistic Story of a Family Looking for Happiness, on a Holiday with an Unfortunate History of Sadness and Sorrow.

The Movie features Jill Wagner, as a Single Mother that has Lost Her love and Passion for Christmas, Luke McFarlane as a Widowed Educator and Tutor, and a Loving Teenage Son that is Seeking the Assistance of an Unusual Cupid to Find Happiness for His Sad, and Confused Mother.

The Chemistry between Wagner and McFarlane Is Absolutely Amazing as They Work Their Way through the Entire 2,Hour Movie to a Conclusion that Will Surprise You, and Bring a Tear to Your Eye.

Don't Miss this Hallmark Christmas FAMILY Film that Your Entire Family Will Want to Watch Over and Over. A Merry Christmas Classic!!!

Hallmark movies are not graded the same as any other movies since i dont judge them against other movies. I judge them against other Hallmark movies and this one is a winner.

Yes its the typical story line but this one has something extra about it. I love the chemistry between the main characters. They have that something extra between them and it shows.

Based on Karen Kingsbury's book, Maggie's Miracle, this seems like a predictable movie at the start, but there is a delightful surprise at the end. Jill Wagner plays a determined and controlling Maggie with believable conviction, and Luke McFarlane is the nice guy, Casey, who is so easy to care about. Jordan (Lauren Guci) is Maggie's son, who only wants his mom to be happy at Christmas time and writes a sweet letter to God asking for His help. As they all get to know each other, the atmosphere changes from caution and mistrust to one of hope and healing of painful pasts, to bringing family together through a little boy's trust in God.

This was a dud for me.

There's nothing like not quite great Hallmark to leave a bitter taste. It's like an under baked cookie - fine, but not likely to do you much good.

This had some nice ideas, but this is a film that's far too strung out to meet the run time, eeks out all credulity and the two leads have about as much chemistry as paint does with a wall.

People bemoan the fact that Hallmark stick so rigidly to their set format and roster of actors - well, look what happens when they don't.

This was a weak outing if ever there was one, and I'd urge them to not repeat the tricks used here anytime soon.