Release Date: November 13, 2021
Network: GAC Family
Starring: Dewshane Williams, Rukiya Bernard & Tom Pickett
Synopsis: Nia Moore (Bernard), a successful small-town realtor, has her heart set on closing a big sale on a new resort for her client, Julian Parsons (Williams), just in time for Christmas. There is only one hitch. No matter how many properties in Pine Valley Nia shows Julian, he keeps coming back to the one resort that isn’t for sale…the one belonging to Nia’s widower dad, Patrick (Pickett). Patrick would like to sell the property and retire. It’s Nia who cannot let go of memories of an idyllic time in life when her mom was still alive and very much a part of the resort. Julian realizes Nia’s reluctance to sell the property, but it may not matter. Julian’s impatient boss has come to Pine Valley intent on getting the deal done before Christmas. At risk of losing his job, Julian comes up with a magical plan for saving Nia’s family’s resort.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Review: It's about time that Dewshane Williams & Rukiya Bernard got a chance to shine as lead characters in a romance movie. These two have been playing lovebirds in numerous Hallmark movies over the last few years. I really liked them in the One Winter Weekend series of movies. But finally, it is their turn to be the main storyline and not just the quirky best friends of other characters.
Rukiya Bernard just lights up whenever she is on screen. There is something about her smile and presence that helps her steal a scene when she is on it. She did not disappoint in this film in that regard either. She was her usual bubbly, smiley self on screen. And of course Dewshane Williams was a presence of his own. He had some laugh out loud moments with his physical expressions and movements. He has the ability to choose the right expression. Even if he doesn't say something, you know what he is thinking. He was pretty good. The chemistry between the two was still there just like it was for their other movies. Best part was the almost kiss under the mistletoe and William's "aw shucks" movement when it didn't happen. Don't know if I've even seen that kind of reaction before in a Hallmark movie and I loved it. It was hilarious.
The two main actors aside, I felt the plot and storyline was pretty weak. I didn't really feel connected to the overall premise of the movie. It was a plot that has been done numerous times before and I didn't buy it. Small town girl doesn't want to sell her beloved family Inn to a bit city firm. Only to be saved at the last minute because of a heritage permit. Been there...done that. I felt the plot was weak, slow and just plain boring. Except for solid performance by Bernard and Williams, this movie is a no go for me.
Did you watch this movie? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.