Le livre de Noël

Ably directed with flair and warmth by the famous for Anne of Green Gables Megan Follows, this Hallmarkesque entry is why I slog through dozens of hallmark dreck every Christmas: to get to ones like this. Even without the added gift of the award winning and still luminous Jane Alexander, this one would shine. Alexandra Breckenridge as Claire was lovely and gave a charming performance. She was so very likable. The only weak spot was the actor they cast as her love interest. He brought nothing special to the role whatsoever. Plus, to me, he was not attractive. The romance was not believable. Why would a probably 6 figure venture capitalist give up her life to run a bookstore unless the guy that came with the deal was truly special? Plus, his character was very whiney and unreasonable. I would have given this heartwarming tale a 9 or a 10 if the casting had been a bit better there. Icing on the cake was the church aspect with the (I'm guessing) Episcopal priest married to his same sex partner. Great to have a gay marriage so directly addressed.

Review Date 6/13/2019

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and 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.

Claire (Alexandra Breckenridge), a savvy venture capitalist from New York City, escapes to a quaint town in Vermont for the holidays and becomes a guest of the Fortenbury Bookstore. Upon arrival, Claire finds Christmas celebrations have been canceled by the town after a flood and the bookstore is in a dire state of disrepair. She immediately takes on the challenge to revitalize the store, but clashes with the owner, Andrew (Jamie Spilchuk), who initially rejects all her proposed improvements.

What was nice about this film was that the female lead is not a burnout career woman that hates men. I love the how this film shows the "Christmas Spirit" and how are past influence not only the present but can also give a great future.

Lots little surprises through out this film. Well written and cast with perfection!

I enjoyed most of the movie until the gay priest with a baby. That's fine that they had a gay couple, but it's really pushing the limit when it's a priest.

I grew up with lifetime movies and to say this movie exceeded my expectations is an understatement. Wonderful acting, cute story. Worth the watch!

How dare they have Andrew wash Claire's hands, that intimate moment between them ruined this "family" movie!!! All sarcasm aside, this was really cute! I'm so happy they added an LGTBIQ couple: I think it's a first for these kinds of movies.

My two favorite things about this was the development of Barb, the coffeshop owner from grinch to the most festive person ever!. And definitely the joy Claire brought to the town and to the movie. The actress did an amazing job. Regarding the chemistry between the actors, I didnt feel it at first, maybe towards the end.

I do think Alexandra Breckenridge brought life to this movie.