Embrassez l'esprit de Noël

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.