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Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise With You – Review
Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise With You – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Simone cries to her sister Amber. Simone’s ex-husband and business partner, Marcus, wants to buy her out of her company. He will replace her with the woman he left her for. He says Simone lost her spark for the business, as she did in their marriage. Amber thinks time away will help Simone. The bank will auction their grandmother’s farm in 3 weeks. Their distant cousin lost it after defaulting on a loan. Their grandmother’s farm used to feed the island before she passed away. Amber flies to Nevis and falls in love with the farm. She wants to restore it, work with hotels, teach others to farm, and start a restaurant. Amber believes she can do it.
NFL player Carter discusses his prognosis with his physical therapist, Travis. After months of rehab, Carter’s ACL isn’t healing, and he won’t be able to return to the field. Travis invites Carter to Nevis to recuperate in the hot springs. Legend says it’s therapeutic. Carter arrives in Nevis and bumps into Simone but doesn’t speak. He loves the hot springs and feels a connection to the land. He meets with a realtor, Jasmine. Jasmine shows him an old family farm. It’s everything he dreamed of. Carter plays football with young boys on the beach and guides them. He decides coaching is his next chapter, and he will use the property to start a football clinic.
Carter runs on the beach to work out, and something hits his head. Simone throws a shoe at him because he dusted her with sand. He laughs and apologizes. Then, he recognizes her from the hot springs. He charms her and asks her out. She agrees. On their date, they share their pain and letdowns. Then they speak about their future on the island. As they fall in love, they encourage each other to achieve their dreams. Will that love die when Simone discovers his dream will take her family farm?
This romance film has a great foundation and chemistry, but the conflict loses the audience. Carter and Simone meet through life struggles. They cope with their past and start the next chapter in their lives. They fall in love because of their similar journeys. This pacing is wonderful, but the audience knows they are vying for the same farm. So you wait for them to discover this relationship time bomb. The writers create a magnetic conversational flow between the leads. Surprisingly, one discussion could fix this issue, but they never have it. This fact loses the audience and turns some against Simone. This film starts strong but fumbles the conflict.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You’re not getting rid of me – Simone
I’m not retiring – Carter
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Merry Memories – Review
Merry Memories – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Michaela stands in line while confirming tastings for her office Christmas party. She doesn’t notice Bryan standing behind her until his student throws a snowball. It hits Bryan and ricochets into Michaela. She turns to him, and they stare at each other before Bryan apologizes for his student’s actions. Michaela understands and orders his usual coffee. Bryan’s new to town, so he orders a hot chocolate. As Michaela crosses things off her list, the wind blows her note into Bryan’s dollop of whipped cream. Bryan gingerly hands Michaela her list as she says, ‘Good luck.’
During work, Michaela’s brother, Josh, asks Michaela to pick up his son, Danny, from school. He has meetings, and his wife, Ellie, is deployed. Michaela loves spending time with Danny and happily agrees. She arrives at the school and freezes when she sees Danny’s substitute teacher, Bryan. Danny runs to hug her, and they introduce themselves formally. Danny tells Michaela about a Christmas scrapbook he has due on the 23rd. And he wants her help. She agrees. Josh warns Michaela to let Danny do his project. She is rigid, but effective. She doesn’t ask for or let people help. She agrees. However, she does it without Danny. When Danny turns it in weeks early, he’s sad. It’s not what he wanted to make for Ellie’s surprise. Danny asks Bryan to help, and he agrees. However, Michaela says she has it under control. She returns home and watches a scrapbooking how-to on YouTube. She’s defeated. When she sees Bryan in the coffee line, she does something she never does: ask for help. Bryan agrees to make memories with her and Danny. Will they create more?
This holiday romance is perfect for the Hallmarkies. It includes Christmas activities like baking, decorating, and visiting Santa. For younger viewers, Danny shows how a mistake can become a tradition. The writers went for the tear-jerker because Danny has a special wish for Santa. Once you hear the word ‘deployed,’ viewers know what the wish is and where it will lead. However, you can’t help but cry. This film offers a unique meet-cute without depending on clichés. And Michaela’s character growth is phenomenal. She isn’t controlling. She fears that plans will fall through unless she manages them, and the past has taught her that. Michaela tenses when Danny takes control, but she learns the beauty in spontaneity. Bryan’s character arc differs because he’s more fun-loving. He travels for extended substitute jobs and prefers the nomad lifestyle. However, his time with Danny and Michaela changes that. He still loves being carefree, but he wants stability. The writers made them make small but meaningful changes. This holiday romance shines in the 2026 Countdown to Christmas programming.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Enjoy your new usual – Michaela
And there she is, my sister, the contradiction – Josh
I want my book to be alive for my mom – Danny
Never left the table – Bryan
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My Son’s Sugar Mama – Review
My Son’s Sugar Mama – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Noah works at a restaurant to help his mother, Denise, pay for his college education. While waiting tables, Maya asks if he has a problem dating older women. He flirts and compliments her. Noah’s friend, hostess Charlotte, warns him about flirting. However, he does it for a bigger tip. Maya smiles at his kind words while giving her friends a knowing look. They fear it will be harder for her to find someone at her age after she broke up with Marcus. However, she doesn’t tell them she caught Marcus cheating.
Denise misses her meeting with Maya, her charity’s most lucrative benefactor. However, she and Maya have been friends for years. Denise assures her coworker that she can meet with Maya at her home and smooth things over. Maya drives up to Denise’s porch and sees Noah shirtless tending to the yard. She can’t help but stare. Denise meets with Maya, and they talk about work. Later, Maya shifts the discussion to Noah. She learns he is of legal age, intelligent, and needs money.
Maya sees Noah waiting for a rideshare and offers to drive him home. After she drops him off, she asks him out. They spend the evening together and go clubbing. Noah can’t believe she’s paying for everything. As they dance, Marcus approaches them. He warns Noah to avoid Maya. Noah defends her, and they go home together. After an evening of passion, Maya propositions him. She will pay him for exclusivity and companionship. Noah rejects her until he goes to work the next morning. Charlotte’s mom is sick again, and her family doesn’t know how they will pay for chemo. Noah agrees to Denise’s arrangement, but they have to keep it secret. He thinks he stumbled into a great opportunity. However, Maya is unhinged and controlling. Can Noah escape her clutches?
This suspense film is equally disturbing and entertaining. The writers give Noah the strength to say no to Maya’s advances. It’s not fun for him to be a boy toy. However, the plot puts him into an awkward situation, and Maya is a means to an end. As he spends time with her, he changes towards Denise. He’s rude, sullen, and secretive. The script makes Denise strong at home but fearful at work. The dichotomy is intriguing. The steady pace adds layers of messiness to each scene. Maya is shameless and petty. Viewers will laugh at her antics while fearing for Noah. This movie shows that women going after younger men can be just as dangerous, psychologically and financially. It’s classic Lifetime.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Food can wait; opportunity does not – Noah
I’d like to take you to dinner – Maya
Who’s this kid? – Marcus
Trust me – Denise
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Chocolate for Christmas – Review
Chocolate for Christmas – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Penny’s sister, Coco, calls because she’s entered their family’s chocolate store into the Holiday Masters Chocolate Christmas Challenge. While Coco can bake, she can’t make chocolate molds like Penny. Penny agrees because work at the fashion house is slow this time of year. Coco sighs because Penny hates her job. Penny reminds Coco that she stays because her job funds one charitable initiative a year. This year she prays they will pick hers. She’s dreamed of making a difference like her late mother, Delores Marie.
Penny arrives at the shop and hugs Coco. They talk about their dad, Dean, the town, and the candy. Then, Benji enters. He stares at Penny, then turns to Coco. They are behind on their rent and will lose the shop if they don’t pay $50,000 in a few weeks. Penny and Coco ask for more time because Christmas is their most profitable season. Benji can’t accept because his father, a contractor, owns the building. Coco groans because a contracting company is purchasing all the stores on Main Street. They are one of the few holdouts. Benji apologizes and goes home. He pleads with his father for more time, but he refuses.
Penny and Coco reminisce with Dean about their mother. Looking at old photos, they get an idea to build a chocolate palace for the contest. Penny runs to the shop in the morning to create designs. Benji sneaks behind her and tells her the floor will cave in. He studied to be an architect but works with his father to manage properties, and he would love to build again. He offers to help, but Penny is too hurt to accept. She builds the palace, and Benji’s predictions ring true. She accepts the help while Benji creates ideas to save the store. If he can’t, he fears he will lose the love of his life. Can they save the shop and their budding romance?
This film has a sprinkle of Christmas, but it’s missing something. The plot isn’t fully fleshed out, and the lead’s love isn’t believable. It happens too fast, even in a two-hour film. The plot is like a chocolate palace. It has too much going on and is hollow. The true connection that saves this film is between Coco and Penny. Helping their community, saving the store, and making chocolate strengthen their bond. Penny learns that her escape was Coco’s peace. Seeing them restore their sisterhood is the real love story and the plot’s saving grace.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I can agree with you on that – Penny
Mistakes are advantages in disguise – Coco
That’s epic – Benji
So you guys are different heights – Dean
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Snowbody Like You – Review
Snowbody Like You – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Peyton commiserates with her friend, Emma, on the phone. Peyton prays for a red velvet cake, but their are 2 left, and 3 people in front of her. She walks up to the counter, but it’s cash-only. Emma fumbles with her purse and asks to go to her car. However, the man behind her offers cash to steal the dessert. Ethan steps to her side, wraps his arm around her, pretends to be her husband, and pays for the cake. Peyton thanks him but can’t deny her attraction to Ethan. She goes home with Ethan and calls Emma from the bathroom. Emma is happy she’s having fun tonight, but Peyton worries her sad tales will ruin the mood. So, Emma comes up with a rule. Peyton can’t talk about her work or parents. Peyton agrees and has a wonderful evening with Ethan. Ethan moved to Seattle, hoping he would land a job. They plan to have dinner the next evening.
Peyton anxiously waits for promotion news at work. The receptionist tells Emma that her boss, David, wants to meet with her now. Peyton stops when she sees someone sitting in his office. David offers him the promotion because he wants male energy in the campaigns. When Peyton hears the man quote her, she knows it’s Ethan. She leaves work, quits, and stands Ethan up. Today, Peyton runs a small company and works tirelessly for her clients. Her latest client, Mel, is hosting a Christmas Eve party. It’s critical for her launch. Peyton assures Mel everything will be perfect and she will be there to handle everything. Then, Peyton gets a call from Emma. She’s worried because today is a somber anniversary for Peyton, and she’s on vacation with her boyfriend, Seth. Peyton promises she will be okay before Emma leaves the video call. Seth quietly gets Peyton’s attention. He wants to propose to Emma with all their friends there. He booked a cabin and wants to invite Peyton. Peyton says no because she has work. However, Emma’s care package changes Peyton’s mind. She says that her assistant will handle the arrangements and she will return on the day of the party. She drives to the cabin.
Peyton arrives at the cabin and listens to several missed voicemails from Seth. The snowstorm grounded their flights. He sends her the lock box combination and tells her they will arrive after the storm ends. Peyton opens the lock box, but the key isn’t there. She yelps when someone taps her shoulder. It’s Ethan with the key. She suppresses her anger at the man who stole her job. Ethan pushes down the hurt over the woman who ghosted him. He’s friends with Seth, and Seth invited him. Ethan drove to the cabin and arrived before the storm. He took the key to get groceries. They are stuck in a cabin together and try to avoid their problems. Will they rekindle their romance?
This holiday romance barely mentions Christmas. It’s a backdrop for decor and an excuse for the snowstorm. The film doesn’t have the Christmas magic you expect. This film has a meet-cute, but it’s unrealistic that a woman would go home with a man she hardly knows. No matter how helpful he is. And her friend wouldn’t cheer her on. The misunderstanding happens within the first 20 minutes of the film. The plot builds on this mix-up, but it’s annoying. One adult conversation would have fixed their problem. However, Peyton acts like a sullen child. Her character development is irritatingly slow, but luckily, the chemistry is there. The actors make a believable couple, but you won’t root for them. This film is holiday background noise.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
There are no shortcuts to a story worth telling – Peyton
It sounds like it was profoundly important – Ethan
I am so proud of you – Emma
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While She Was Sleeping – Review
While She Was Sleeping – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Alyssa wakes to a woman grabbing her. She was sleepwalking, climbed onto the roof, and almost jumped. Alyssa’s therapist, Dr. Bracket, thinks stress from her divorce caused her condition to resurface. It started when she was a child, living in an abusive home. However, it’s never been this bad. Dr. Bracket suggests Alyssa move in with someone, but she doesn’t want to burden her friends. Then, he says she should have a friend stay with her. Alyssa loves this idea and asks her friend, Carla, to stay. Carla and Alyssa have fun when Carla spots Alyssa’s ex-husband, Rob. Carla gives them privacy when Rob walks toward Alyssa. He blames himself for her predicament, but she’s focused on the woman in his car. Rob says Layton is his legal partner. He extends an olive branch, but Alyssa doesn’t accept it.
Alyssa drives Carla to her home, but she can’t ignore the newspapers in her neighbor’s yard. Alyssa checks on Mable, an insomniac. She hasn’t slept in 2 days but assures Alyssa’s she’s all right. So, Alyssa leaves with Carla and goes home. As they giggle, they hear a knock at the door. Carla answers it, and to her surprise, it’s her boyfriend, Scott. He accuses her of using this as an excuse to cheat on him. Carla can’t take his accusations anymore and dumps Scott, slamming the door in his face. Alyssa and Carla sigh and go to sleep. When Alyssa wakes, she is surrounded by screaming police, has a bloody knife in her hand, and is looking at Carla’s dead body in her pool. The police believe she murdered Carla. Rob takes her case, and the court agrees to put her on house arrest. Rob wants to pin the murder on Alyssa’s condition, but she swears she couldn’t have killed Carla. Can Alyssa clear her name and find the real killer?
This suspense film slowly turns up the mystery and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The opening sequence lets viewers know that Alyssa’s condition is real and dangerous. You will feel a knot in your stomach each time she sleepwalks. Each act adds to the mystery with a new suspect and motive. Each scene has a purpose and builds on the narrative. When the plot reveals the culprit, it’s satisfying. Unlike mysteries, the clues aren’t carefully sprinkled throughout the plot. The characters reveal them. This setup keeps viewers guessing. This film is fun and offers one of the best suspense movies. Its editing falls short when the director films outside. Ambient noise sporadically drowns out the actor’s performance. Otherwise, this film is highly entertaining and has zero plot holes.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
People stopped saying ride or die four years ago – Carla
Did I do this? – Rob
Getting rid of that picture is a stage 5 move, and I am clearly in stage 2 – Alyssa
Are we risking our reputation so you can make amends? – Layton
She won’t be for long – Mabel
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A Danish Christmas – Review
A Danish Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Marie returns to her family’s Danish inn while she waits to hear about her promotion. The board wanted more time to decide. However, Marie fears they don’t like her automation strategy and will fire her. Until then, Marie will help her family run the Andersen Inn while she connects with her Copenhagen roots. She rides her bike, bumps into a stranger, and enjoys the sights. She apologizes after stepping into an American’s shot. She suggests he turns off his phone to disconnect from work. Later, Marie learns that her mother wants to sell the inn. She lost her passion for it since Marie’s father died. And it needs repairs. Marie examines the reservations and concludes the inn isn’t making enough money. It’s half booked during the busiest time of the year. She sits at the front desk, waiting for guests.
Ryan’s sister, Debbie, worries that he works too much. Since this is the slow season for finance, she booked him a trip to Copenhagen. Debbie reserved a hotel stay and a Christmas tour, but he isn’t allowed to ask questions. She wants him to put down his phone, pick up his camera, and fall in love with photography again. Ryan catches a flight and lands in Denmark. He fumbles with his paper directions when a woman on a bike bumps into him. He drops the paper in a puddle, and it’s partially illegible. Then, a woman steps into his first shot. She apologizes as his work phone rings in his pocket. She suggests he should stop working at 4 like the locals. He heeds her advice and enjoys his evening.
He arrives at the Andersen Inn and stops when he sees Marie. They laugh at the coincidence as she checks the reservation book. He’s 2 days early, but they have room. He asks about the Christmas tour. She knows they haven’t done the tour in decades. Marie gives Ryan a strained grin and his room key. As he walks away, she sees his camera and looks him up online. Marie believes he is a travel writer coming to write an article about their inn. She will recreate the tour to impress him. A glowing review could bring in more guests and entice her mother to keep the inn. She plans to give Ryan a premium experience so she can stop obsessing over her promotion. Will her mistaken identity turn into more?
This holiday romantic comedy exposes Hallmarkies to Danish Christmas traditions. Viewers get a peek at the Christmas market, drinks, and traditions. The settings feel warm, inviting, and full of holiday wonder. The writers added a meet-cute and last-minute misunderstanding to comfort Hallmarkies. While both are getting over broken hearts, Ryan’s character growth is substantial. He follows Debbie’s instructions and has fun. The pace slows down as Marie gives Ryan his Christmas tour. It gives them time to fall in love. However, this moment should have been a montage, especially since they repeat it later. The 2nd tour is comedic gold. It keeps the plot from feeling like an average Christmas getaway film. This movie has redeeming qualities, but you may change the channel.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Well, it’s Christmas; might as well make it merry – Ryan
Pack your coat, bring the camera, and don’t ask questions – Debbie
You can relax – Marie
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Adopting St. Nick – Review
Adopting St. Nick – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Maren owns and operates a local hardware store. She inherited the business from her late father. Maren’s daughter, Leah, misses him especially around the holidays. Chris writes a check for his purchase and greets everyone. He resides at Jolly Acres Senior Living. The complex is hosting holiday events all week. The best event is Adopt a Grandparent. Chris admits it’s the most popular event amongst the residents. Leah loves the idea, plus something about Chris reminds her of Santa. When Chris leaves, she asks Maren if they can sign up. Maren promises to visit Jolly Acres in the morning.
Reid works for Jolly Acres’s parent company. He establishes communities and prepares incoming managers before leaving for the next facility. Reid thinks Frankie is ready to manage the property. Reid sees Maren stuffing molasses cookies into a napkin. Before introducing himself, Reid lets her take as many as she wants. They ask him about the program, and he says they have plenty of spots. However, Leah requests Chris. Chris appears and agrees to be her adopted grandfather. Frankie enters with stressful news. The great room contractor backed out. They won’t be able to find one by Christmas Eve to host a renovation party. Maren offers to help renovate the room. She examines the space and is sure she can get it done in time. As Leah connects with Chris, Maren fixes the great room and helps Reid get into the holiday spirit. When they fall in love, can she convince him to stay?
This holiday romance sprinkles a little Christmas magic with a secret Santa in the cast. The writers have Leah investigate Chris while spending time with him. Also, they let Reid, a working nomad, discover the town with Maren’s guidance. The script offers a meet-cute and a countdown clock to push the lovers together. The plot gives the seniors a moment to stand out as a community. While the Santa magic is fun, the script is basically a normal Hallmark romance. Nothing about it stands out for the holiday season. Stanley is the script’s shining star. He is an unapologetic, lovable grump who refuses to hold back for the holiday.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s quality control – Maren
I won’t say anything – Reid
Don’t you think Chris seems kind of like Santa? – Leah
Funny how things work out – Chris
Not on your life – Stanley
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Categories: A Danish Christmas, Adopting St. Nick, Alicia Leigh Willis, Amy Groening, Angela Cole, Brendan Morgan, Chocolate for Christmas, Colton Little, Corey Sevier, Countdown to Christmas, Dakota Volker, Emilie Ullerup, Gensho Tasaka, hallmark, Hateful and Grateful, Jessica Morris, Joel Berg, Jonah Walker, Kayla Emerson, Kelley Jakle, Lana McKissack, Lesley-Ann Brandt, lifetime, lifetime movie network, Lindura, lmn, Made for TV, Margarita Grillis, Merry Memories, Michael Rady, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, My Son's Sugar Mama, Natalie Stavola, Pauline Egan, review, Snowbody Like You, Taryn Nelson Di Capri, Taye Diggs, Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise With You, tv review, UPtv, While She Was Sleeping
