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Sins of an Amish Husband – Review
Sins of an Amish Husband – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Eli Stutzman returns home and begs his father, Minister Stutzman, to allow him to rejoin the community. He promises to stop driving in cars, stop using drugs, stop communicating with the English, and marry a good Amish woman. Eli agrees, and Minister Stutzman reintroduces Eli to the community. Soon, Eli pulls Ida aside and asks if her family will provide housing. Surely, they can’t live with their parents after marriage. Ida’s father will give them a parcel of land to build a home. Eli asks for her hand in marriage. Ida beams with pride, but her sister, Sarah, worries about Eli’s troubles. Ida believes she can help Eli become a good man. Before they get married, Eli begs one of his friends to take an STD test for him. You need one to get married in Ohio.
Years later, Eli and Ida have a son named Danny, and Ida is with child. However, Eli leaves at night, is ill-tempered, and scares Ida. Ida tells Sarah that Eli wants a will, and she will give him one as a good wife. Sarah keeps Ida’s secrets until Eli and Ida’s barn catches fire. Eli pulls Ida’s body from the structure and tells everyone she went inside to save others. But Sarah doesn’t believe him. She sees bruises and torn clothing. Sarah withholds her suspicions. She moves into Eli’s home and cares for Danny, but Eli’s behavior gets worse. Sarah runs to Minister Stutzman and begs him to let her keep Danny. He thinks Eli needs another wife. Eli overhears his father’s plans. The thought of being burdened with the Amish constraints is his worst nightmare. He sneaks off with Danny in the middle of the night. Sarah begs to follow, but Minister Stutzman threatens to shun her. She fears for Danny’s life. With Ida’s spirit hunting him, how far can Eli run?
Based on the novel ‘Abandoned Payers’ by Gregg Olsen, this film is a suspense, thriller, and horror wrapped in one movie (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The pacing grabs you in the first 5 minutes, and viewers can’t take their eyes off the screen. It’s disturbing that Eli’s story of depravity, sex, and murder is real. The film barely scrapes the surface. Police believe he is guilty of more. The writers gave Ida a voice in death that her community denied her in life. Her faith bound and controlled her. It forced Sarah to remain quiet, too. However, she becomes a beacon of hope in this retelling. She won’t let the fear of shunning keep her from unveiling the Minister’s greatest failure. This film is disturbing but deserves your attention. It highlights religious abuse and an unbreakable sisterly bond. The plot, acting, costumes, and settings are perfect throughout.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Every accusation is a confession – Sarah
Details are both general and specific – Minister Stutzman
I’m ready – Eli
You always think the worst about people – Ida
You can, and you will – Rebecca Stutzman
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‘Tis the Season for Setups – Review
‘Tis the Season for Setups – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lexi worries that her daughter, Piper, won’t have a merry Christmas. This year, Lexi’s ex-husband, Richard, can’t take Piper snowboarding for the holidays. Lexi knows Piper sees her father as the fun parent. Lexi is a by-the-book party planner who keeps her laminator close by. Lexi shares her concern with her mother, June. June has been the life of the party and will stay with Lexi to help Piper have fun. As they celebrate the holidays, Lexi and her co-worker, Rachel, are planning the annual Fluff Ball. Then, June gets a call from her college friend, Dan. He and his son, Ridge, own Sun Creek Lodge. They are planning the lodge’s anniversary party but can’t find a planner with connections large enough for their guest list. June proposes that Lexi handle it. Lexi’s unsure because it’s last minute. However, this spur-of-the-moment trip is perfect for Piper. Rachel confirms that she has the Fluff Ball under control. Lexi, Piper, and June travel to the lodge.
Fun-loving Ridge works with customers but doesn’t have Dan’s personal touch. Dan hopes to retire but micromanages Ridge’s decisions. Ridge sees Lexi in the lobby and assumes she’s his student named Melissa. After a brief hello, Ridge knows she isn’t the adventurous type. His correct assumption surprises Lexi. Soon, Melissa arrives and exits with Ridge while Lexi checks in and meets with Dan. As Lexi tours the hall, Dan locates Ridge. Dan reminds Ridge that the party planner is coming. Ridge must pay bills, plow, and greet the planner. Ridge rushes to Lexi’s cabin to plow the driveway. However, he’s too late. Surprised, Lexi’s has lists ready for Ridge while he wants to have a good time. Dan and June watch them bicker and get an idea. They believe Lexi and Ridge complement each other and want to set them up. As Dan and June whisper in the corner, Ridge and Lexi sense a spark between them. They want to set their parents up. Piper secretly agrees to help everyone. Will this season of setups work, or end in catastrophe?
The film has a slew of holiday spirit with trees, lights, and winter activities. While the script could cover any season, the Christmas theme adds more magic and zest. However, the writers don’t lean on the holiday for the plot. Instead, viewers get a steady dose of comedy as both couples scheme. The movie has common tropes like meet-cutes, an 11th-hour kiss, and one misunderstanding. However, one twist will make you swoon. The actors’ chemistry is magnetic and charming, and viewers will delight in their growth. Also, Piper is the perfect third wheel for both setups. She has a maturity beyond her years and naturally balances the couples. This film is a delightful start to the 2026 Countdown to Christmas.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I will convince her – June
Regardless, it’s done now – Dan
But I’m bringing my laminator – Lexi
Are you ready for the most epic boarding lesson of your life? – Ridge
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Her Only Way Out – Review
Her Only Way Out – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kelly and Dani joke around in their bakery as they watch Kelly’s boyfriend, Derrick, accidently collide with a customer, causing her cake to fall. Dani directs the customer inside while Kelly talks to Derrick. But Mason interrupts them, insulting and accusing Derrick. Three years ago, Derrick was engaged to Mason’s sister, Melissa, and she fell to her death. Mason blames Derrick, but the police never suspected him. Mason warns Kelly that she will be next. Kelly grabs one of Mason’s flyers and asks Derrick if he will go to Melissa’s memorial vigil. Derrick says no and tells her to stay away. However, curiosity gets the best of her, and she goes. Shocked, Derrick shows up and makes a speech. Instead of speaking about Melissa, Derrick reminds everyone that his family holds prominent positions in the town. His father is a judge, and his brother is a sheriff. Mason lunges, and they fight before Derrick’s brother, Nick, pulls them apart.
Later, Derrick takes Kelly on a drive. She’s fearful but maintains her composure. He delivers a veiled threat while he proposes. Kelly asks for more time, and Derrick is furious. He leaves her there to walk home. However, Nick picks her up. Derrick apologizes in the morning, and Kelly forgives him. On their drive home, he asks for an answer, but Kelly isn’t ready. Derrick intentionally crashes the car, and Kelly wakes up in his family’s home. The judge warns her that their family has a reputation to maintain. He gives her a story to tell and forces her to sign an NDA. Once Kelly signs, they allow an irate Dani into their home. Kelly tells Dani that she and Derrick are engaged, and Dani is overjoyed.
Kelly returns to the bakery, and Dani is thrilled because Kelly is the baker. Dani has gotten help from online forums, but nothing she makes compares. Kelly has sad news. She is going on a camping trip with Derrick and quitting the bakery. She has faith in Dani’s abilities and tells her to keep reaching out on the forum for help. She hugs her sister and leaves. Days later, Derrick reports Kelly missing. The police found her bloody clothes in the woods but not her body. Dani begs Derrick’s family to use their resources to locate Kelly. Derrick agrees and keeps a close eye on Dani.
Kelly arrives at Frannie’s Diner and introduces herself as Rose. She never told anyone Derrick was abusive. With his family’s control, her only way out was to fake her death. She plans to stay dead and restart her life. However, something will force her out of the shadows and into Derrick’s crosshairs. Can she survive?
This thriller doesn’t hide Kelly until the end. However, it shows viewers how she escaped after Derrick reports her missing. The thrill comes when Dani falls into Derrick’s web because Kelly never told Dani about the abuse. Dani sees a smart, caring man. Not the manipulative monster Kelly knows. And his enabling family will make your flesh crawl. The actors perfectly portrayed entitlement, power, and deception. They are the in-laws from hell. The final fight hides one more of Derrick’s secrets, so viewers should listen closely. This film keeps a steady pace and builds consistent tension with a high body count. However, the plot isn’t new.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Don’t make fun of me when I have a spatula in my hand – Dani
It’s all your fault – Mason
I know you’ll choose me – Derrick
I said yes – Kelly
Sorry for your loss – Nick
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The Spirit of Halloween – Review
The Spirit of Halloween – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Wedding dress designer Everly hates Halloween, but her town can’t get enough of it. She tells her assistant, Tracy, that she will be glad when Halloween passes tomorrow. Then, Everly throws the Halloween Party flyer in the trash. Tracy pleads with Everly to create costumes, but Everly will only make them for family and close friends, like the handsome fireman, Beau. She and Beau are childhood friends, but Tracy senses there is more between them. Beau checks on his Jack Skellington costume before going to work (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Tracy wonders why Everly detests Halloween, but Beau refuses to elaborate. After Beau leaves, Tracy asks Everly to hire more staff. Everly says no. After her mentor, Anna, hired help, they stole Anna’s clients. It ruined Anna’s business. Everly refuses to make the same mistake.
Everly relaxes at home, but her parents call, worried. They fear her work stress will cause her to sleepwalk again. Before going to bed, Everly assures them she can handle it. Later, she hears a sound and follows it. Surprised, she sees Anna standing in her sewing room. Anna warns Everly that her life is going down a dark path. Everly will repeat her mistakes if she doesn’t find her Halloween Spirit by the morning. Three ghosts will visit Everly, showing her the past, present, and future. She must learn a lesson and make a change. Everly checks if she’s sleepwalking, but she’s wide awake. Will Everly regain her Halloween spirit, or be doomed?
This twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale takes back the spirits for Halloween (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The plot adds new layers to keep viewers watching and laughing. Everly’s lesson and ghosts are different from Ebenezer’s. She’s kind but heartbroken. This tale gives meaning to Halloween. It’s more than tricks and treats; it’s community. The setting exudes autumn with costumes, pumpkin spice, and cozy sweaters. The chemistry between the leads is compelling and believable, but Everly’s friendship with Tracy shines too. The ghosts’ personalities are unique from the original while following the story. The plot is a welcome and entertaining surprise. This film is the perfect end to the 2026 Fall Into Love programming. It will be a Halloween staple.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Halloween is just an excuse for poor decisions – Everly
Set me ablaze, and he can put me out any time – Tracy
Boo. Is that better? – Anna
I had to walk through walls to get here, and that surprises you – Ghost of Halloween’s Past
I’ll let you be your own star – Beau
Are you ready to charge up the town? – Ghost of Halloween’s Present
Don’t be afraid – Grant
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Categories: 'Tis the Season for Setups, Aedan Edwards, Amanda Schull, Barbara Niven, christmas, Countdown to Christmas, Fall Into Love, Gwynyth Walsh, hallmark, Her Only Way Out, holiday, Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Joe Kurak, Karis Cameron, Katy Wilson, Kevin McGarry, lifetime, Maddy Hillis, Made for TV, Meghan Ory, movie, review, Sarah Borne, Sins of an Amish Husband, The Spirit of Halloween, tv review, Victor Webster
