Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Christmas North of Nashville’ is part of Great American Christmas

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

One of the holiday films adding sparkle this year to the 5th Anniversary of “Great American Christmas” on Great American Family and GFAM+, Christmas North of Nashville, brings together family, love, and the spirit of Christmas. Emily Alatalo and Jonathan Stoddard star in this holiday story that takes place in Tennessee, however the movie was actually filmed in North Carolina, which often substitutes for Nashville in many films.

Jules (Alatalo) is a tough, businesswoman who has no time for Christmas. She is a go-getter, in the true sense of the word. When she oversteps the line, she is fired from her high-powered Nashville marketing job.

Jules goes home to her mother and father and tries to figure out what to do next. Well, fate interferes when her mother is injured and cannot fulfill her job organizing the town’s Christmas Carnival, which she was going to make the biggest and best in the 25 year history. Jules cannot understand why the carnival is so important to her mother. Sure, it is for charity, but for over two decades she has seen her mom pour her heart and soul into this annual project.

Once back in her hometown, Jules is reacquainted with her old friend Nick (Stoddard). No sparks fly because they are just good friends. But wait. Yes, you know things are going to heat up. After all, this is a feel-good Christmas story from the folks at Great American Media, and besides the joy of the holiday season, they are also great at bringing love matches to their movies.

So, with her mother incapacitated, Jules takes over the job of heading the carnival committee, albeit reluctantly. With the help of Nick, they dive in to breathe life into what could be the final blow to the carnival. But with Jules’ business acumen and determination, things just might turn out for the better.

Jules rediscovers the joy and spirit of Christmas. When she began she was more scrooge-like but through this experience, Christmas once again sparkles in her life, along with her relationship with her parents, and of course, with Nick.

The rediscovery of family, community, and Christmas is just what she needed to get her life back on track. 

Stoddard and Alatalo are also currently starring in Great American Media’s Crossroad Springs series. They are both part of the Great American Media’s stable of actors who continually bring wholesome entertainment to viewers.

Christmas North of Nashville premieres November 23, 2025 on Great American Family and GFAM+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Great American Media 2025

‘Murder at the Embassy’ brings back Miranda Green

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 2023 Mischa Barton brought the character of Miranda Green to the screen in Invitation to a Murder. Now, in 2025, Green returns in a new murder mystery, Murder at the Embassy.

The story takes place in Cairo where a murder has been committed inside the British Embassy. The Embassy is the property of Great Britain so the Ambassador decides not to bring in the police and instead invites Miranda Green to investigate. It just happened that Green was traveling in Egypt at that time. What luck!

The era of this story is the time when Hitler was making his mark around the globe. With Hitler sympathizers all around, there could be a fly in the ointment, so to speak.

The murder happened at night and as Green suspects, the culprit is still in the building. With only a few people staying in the Embassy the list of suspects is very short. The Ambassador, his daughter, an embassy staff member, a gardener, a security man, a photographer, and an American actress are all under suspicion. 

As Green begins to investigate, her instincts lead down different avenues. And when the security officer Mamoud (Mido Hamada) is ruled out, Green has someone she can trust to help with the investigation. In the beginning, Mamoud is not happy about having this outsider running the investigation, but as he sees her uncover one clue after another, he is pleased to work alongside her. His allegiance is to the Ambassador and the Embassy.

There are several surprises throughout the story. Some people who look suspicious are actually on the side of good, while others who are friendly are in reality, the enemy. The puzzle keeps intensifying, but with Miranda Green on the case, there is no doubt the murder will be solved. The finale, however, is something that will surprise most viewers.

Whether there will be a third Miranda Green murder mystery film is not certain. Fans of Barton will undoubtedly enjoy watching her as she bravely puts the pieces of the puzzle together one bit at a time until the conclusion reveals some astonishing results.

Murder at the Embassy opens in theaters and on digital on demand November 14, 2025. It is rated R for some violent content.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Lionsgate

‘A Royal Christmas Manor’ airs on UP TV and streams on UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In yet another holiday film about a royal prince finding love, A Royal Christmas Manor adds additional fun and cuteness into the story. Prince Alexander (Kirk Barker) of Fredonia is getting a little tired of being waited on and having everything done for him. He needs an escape, just for a little while, to experience life as a regular man.

Alexander persuades his parents, King Jeffrey and Queen Sophia (Andrew Forbes and Julie Fox), into letting him take time away from his royal life and go to America. Having heard of an inn in New York state called the Fredonia Inn, he insists that is where he wants to go. 

His parents agree to his plan but the caveat that he takes his friend Jackson (Jake Bryan-Amaning) with him, otherwise he will not be able to go. Alexander agrees and soon he and Jackson are off to experience a normal American Christmas. From now on he will be simply Alex with no one knowing his true identity.

Katie (Brianna Cohen) has been left in charge of her family’s business, The Fredonia Inn, for a couple weeks. This is a test to see if she can manage taking care of the property without her parents. She is more than happy to prove she is up to the task.

When Alex and Jackson arrive, they discover there is only one bed in their suite. Not a problem. Alex, wanting to be just a regular guy, insists on sleeping on the sofa. Problem solved. 

While he is experiencing this new freedom from royal constraints, he goes out of his way to help out wherever he can. The inn is small with only a few guests, giving Alex the opportunity to stretch his knowledge of cooking and baking (surprise – he really can do this), and carpentry. Having volunteered to build a bookcase for Katie, he discovers he has absolutely no ability to build anything other than good relations between people. 

True to form for a royal Christmas film, Alex and Katie fall in love. But what happens from start to finish is what makes this story appealing and entertaining. It is a fresh look at a prince coming to America to experience life as a normal man. 

There are some cute scenes in the film as Alex tries his best to fit in and learn about American life and living in a snowy environment. Learning how to walk with snowshoes is only the start!

A Royal Christmas Manor premieres November 9, 2025 on UP and begins streaming November 14, 2025 on UP Faith and Family. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy UP TV

‘The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films’ – book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most beloved filmmakers in Japan. His anime movies have topped the charts both in Japan and America. The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films by Nicolas Rapold delves into the history of the iconic anime filmmaker and looks at what his inspiration has been throughout his life, that combined to create the movies.

Miyazaki’s films are pure fantasy. His subjects are often dark and disturbing, yet he has managed to capture the imaginations of viewers around the globe. Some actual locations were the inspiration for the settings in many of his stories.

Books, fairytales, stories, and personal experiences all made their way into the films, and, as readers will understand while going through the pages of the book, his mind and creativity are born of history and representations that affected his life.

While this is a book filled with background about Miyazaki, there are also plenty of images that show his inspiration as well as his films. Whether Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz, Miyazaki has found characters, places, and events that inspired his unique films. 

While his films look like pure delight on the outside, there are many dark and disturbing layers that bear the stamp of this man and his message to the world. 

Myazaki co-founded Studio Ghibli, which has produced several notable films and award-winners.

The sense of magic and awe are evident throughout his films. Reading about his inspirations and history adds more depth to the background of not only the stories but also the films themselves.

The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Castle in the Sky (1986)

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Porco Rosso (1992)

Whispers of the Heart (1995)

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Spirited Away (2001)

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Ponyo (2008)

Arrietty (2010)

From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

The Wind Rises (2013)

The Boy and the Heron (2023)

For fans of the filmmaker, this book is a great addition to their library. It delves deep into the creative talent and although many dark sides of life are shown in the stories, it adds insight into the man and his films. This exploration of Miyazaki and his films is a well-rounded deep dive into the iconic Japanese filmmaker.

  • <i>The Worlds of Hayao Miyazaki: The Influences and Inspiration Behind the Iconic Films</i>
  • Author: Nicolas Rapold
  • Publisher<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>Frances Lincoln
  • Publication date<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>September 16, 2025
  • Hardcover: 224 pages
  • ISBN-10<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>1836004818
  • ISBN-13<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>:<span class=”Apple-converted-space”>  </span>978-1836004813</ins><ins datetime=”2025-11-06T21:01:17+00:00″>

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

To read reviews of some of his films, check out the following:

The Cat Returns and Spirited Away


My Neighbor Totoro

Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro

Disneyland Resort has some great new food offerings for the 2025 holiday season

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort returns Nov. 14, 2025, through Jan. 7, 2026. And, as Disneyland aficionados know, Disneyland + holidays = great food.

The Festive Foods Marketplaces are once again up and ready to serve. And there is a Sip and Savor Pass available to purchase for the Festival of Holidays. The Sip and Savor passes are designed for guests to enjoy sampling a variety of different food and beverages and the easy ordering makes it fast and friendly.

Here are some of the new options this year:

  • Tacos dorados de camarón: Two shrimp tacos fried to a golden brown topped with zesty slaw, salsa roja, salsa macha, and crema served with Spanish rice and refried beans (available at the Paradise Gardens Grill)
  • Spicy Cajun loaded fries: Cajun fries topped with hot links, cheddar cheese, corn, and bell peppers (available at the Smokejumpers Grill)
  • Holiday duet: Half portion of each Mac & Cheese: Al pastor mac and cheese with tortilla crumble and cilantro, and savory kugel mac and cheese with herb breadcrumbs, sour cream and chives (available at Holiday Duets)
  • Holiday Turkey Leg with cranberry sauce (available at A Twist on Tradition)
  • Irish Hot Cocoa Cocktail: Irish whiskey, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Co. hot chocolate with cookies and cream flavors, melted chocolate, hazelnut purée, and Irish cream syrup garnished with whipped cream (available at Brews & Bites)
  • Philly Cheese Potato: Baked potato filled with Italian sausage, thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, pepperoncini, cheese sauce, and cherry pepper spread (available at the Refreshment Corner)
  • Holiday Butter Cake Sundae: Warm chocolate butter cake, peppermint ice cream, chocolate sauce, and crushed peppermint (available at the Red Rose Taverne)
  • Yuletide Carnitas Torta: Warm telera bread with carnitas, chorizo beans, cotija, lettuce, pickled onions & jalapeños, and guacamole spread served with filmstrip fries (available at Award Wieners)
  • Milk & Cookies: Battered and fried crème-filled cookies with whipped topping, chocolate drizzle, and crushed peppermint candy (available at Award Wieners)
  • Mushroom & Swiss Burger: Angus beef & vegetable patty, roasted herb mushrooms, caramelized & fried onions, Swiss cheese, and blue cheese sauce served on a toasted brioche bun (available at the Galactic Grill)

Philly Cheese Potato from Refreshment Corner in Disneyland park

Holiday Butter Cake Sundae from Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland park

…Don’t forget the Milk & Cookies from Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure park –

Irish Hot Cocoa Cocktail from Brews & Bites –

Holiday Turkey Leg from A Twist on Tradition

’Tis the season to enjoy not only the Disneyland Resort (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney), but also the mouth-watering new foods created just for the Festival of Holidays 2025. Can you say “yummmm?”

For more about the food offerings this season, check out the holiday Foodie Guide here.

(I don’t know about you, but that Holiday Butter Cake Sundae is at the top of my list!)

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years, including products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County.

Food photo credit David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort

Foodie Guide credit: Copyright Disney

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ streams on Peacock

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The dinosaurs are back, and most of them are not friendly. The latest film in the franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein. 

The premise is that scientists have discovered a way to cure several diseases by combining the DNA from three different species of dinosaurs. The caveat is that the DNA must be collected from live specimens. That creates a problem when retrieving samples. After all, these gigantic animals are really not on friendly terms with humans, let alone each other.

They have been living in a small area near the equator, and humans have been banned from going there, for obvious reasons. But a slimy businessman from a pharmaceutical company leads a group of mercenaries and a dino expert to retrieve the samples. Along the way they receive a May Day call from a family whose boat has been attacked by one of the demons in the ocean.

Soon the team now has four additional people who have no desire to hunt down the animals. All they want to do, after their horrific ordeal, is to get to some place safe and far away from the dinosaurs. Nevertheless, they are now all now involved in the hunt for the three species.

The danger is real and one by one the group sees their number reduced as one by one the dinosaurs attack and eat members of the team.

This is a gritty and frightening story as the team’s main objective is to get the DNA samples to benefit humanity, however they now have to add “staying alive” to their journey. 

The one cute part is the tiny dinosaur befriended by the family’s little girl, who she names Delores. It’s a cute bonding aspect, but the only cute aspect of the entire film.

The movie is tense and disheartening. The dinosaurs are innocent beings having been created by greedy humans. But in the end, will they be the saving grace of humanity? Well, maybe they might be helpful if, and it’s a big IF, the team can stay alive long enough to get the DNA and return to civilization.

This has been a popular franchise, starting in 1993 with Jurassic Park. Jurassic World: Rebirth is the seventh film in the franchise. 

Jurassic World: Rebirth is rated PG-13 (definitely needs parental supervision) and is now available to stream in the comfort of your own home via Peacock. 

Check out this link to get started with Peacock or use your app.

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

 

Image courtesy Peacock

‘An Alpine Holiday’ is a sisterly adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Faith and Kelly (Ashley Williams and Laci J. Mailey) were brought up by their grandparents after their mother died and their father left. Faith, the adventurous and free spirited sister, left NYC and moved to Florida. Kelly, the cautious homebody stayed to look after their grandmother. After her death, Faith returned for their grandmother’s last request which set them both off on An Alpine Holiday.

The final request of their beloved grandmother was for the sisters to travel to France to relive and retrace the days that led up to their grandparents’ first trip when he proposed, setting them on a life of love and joy. Faith can’t wait to go, but Kelly is apprehensive. Faith is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of gal whereas Kelly is a woman who must analyze everything before making a decision.

Once in France, their guide Frederic (Julien Marlon Samani) helps them follow the daily requests specified by their grandmother. Even in death, she is there by their side, taking them on the same adventure she had been on years before. The trio stayed in the same chalet, experienced the same cold plunge and hot tub, and the same food. Then they faced their biggest challenge. They were to climb the mountain to where countless couples become engaged on Christmas Eve. 

This is not a problem for Faith, but when Kelly sees the cable car, her fear kicks in. But there is more to this mountain, much more. A second cable car and, yes, the final part is actual mountaineering are on the agenda. 

Throughout the time in France, the sisters face personal issues and confront their relationship. Meanwhile, Faith is wrestling with the proposal from her boyfriend back in Florida, and Kelly is dealing with her attraction to Frederic. It’s crazy. She just met the man, and it is not like her to plunge into anything, especially a romantic relationship. 

The scenery is magnificent. Although it is set in Chamonix, France and Mont Blanc, the movie was mainly filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria, with some scenes in the U.S.A. and France.

Faith discovers more about herself on this adventure, and Kelly discovers it is ok to take a chance. As their grandmother said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” These women decided to make it a daring adventure.

Grab some hot chocolate or a hot toddy, cuddle up with a warm blanket, and settle in for An Alpine Holiday with plenty of sisterly situations.

An Alpine Holiday premieres November 29, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and streams the following day on Hallmark+. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Some new ornaments from Disney for 2025

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s that time of year when people begin their holiday shopping. Yes, it is early, but it is never too late to grab your favorite new ornament from the folks at Disney, before they sell out.

All of these come with removable tags and ribbons. The tags can be cut off if you want to just use the ribbon, or the ribbon and tag can be removed if you prefer to add your own ribbon or simply display the ornament on a shelf.

This year the live action movie Lilo and Stitch was one of Disney’s hits. It differed a little from the original 2002 animated film, however the heartwarming story of a little Hawaiian girl and her best friend Stitch, aka Experiment 626, still warms the hearts of viewers whether they are animated, live action, or CGI. 

There is a new Sketchbook ornament from the animated movie. It features Lilo and Stitch building a snowman. They are smiling and look incredibly proud of themselves for creating this perfect snowman complete with scarf and hat.

 

 

2024 saw the return of Moana, however this time her little sister Simea joined the story. Simea stole the hearts of viewers. This little girl is now an adored Disney character along with her sister. 

The new Moana and Simea ornament has the sisters standing on the sand alongside an oar. They are both grinning with delight, however fans of the little sis will undoubtedly enjoy seeing her with her expression of love for her sister.

The Legacy Collection this year highlights several anniversaries of beloved Disney classics. This is the 15th anniversary of the 2010 animated film Tangled, which brought the effervescent Rapunzel to the screen, along with Flynn Ryder. 

 

 

 

The Tangled ornament has Rapunzel gazing out of her window in the tower where she has been living her life. She was kidnapped as a baby and instead of growing up in the castle she grew up in a high tower where she could not leave. She did, eventually escape, with the help of Flynn Ryder, and returned to her parents. 

This ornament includes a “15” medallion to commemorate the anniversary.

Among the other new Legacy ornaments this year are Toy Story (30th anniversary), Fantasia (85the anniversary), The Rescuers Down Under (35th anniversary), and more, each including their anniversary medallion.

 

And to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Disneyland, there are several ornaments to brighten your tree or shelf. Disneyland fans have been making this their go-to for family vacations for 70 years. 

There is a Mickey and Minnie Ear Hat Ornament celebrating the park. With Mickey and Minnie decked out in their colorful anniversary outfits, the bright blue hat showcases the castle, with images of Tinker Bell, a Mickey ice cream bar, and Churros on the front with the Incredicoaster on the back. For guests to the park throughout the years, these images will undoubtedly bring back memories.

The “ears” depict it’s a small world logo, a star with Mickey in the center, and the back of the ears depict the Matterhorn and Grizzly Peak from Disney California Adventure.

There are several other ornaments celebrating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. These make wonderful gifts for fans who visit the park regularly, or those who just have great memories of their time there. Celebrate “The Happiest Place on Earth” with these new anniversary ornaments for your tree, shelf, or gifts.

To check out all of these ornaments more closely, and to see the others available, go to the Disney Store online.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of ‘Edward Scissorhands’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The cult classic Edward Scissorhands has been restored just in time for the 35th anniversary. It is now sharper and more breathtaking than ever.

This enchanting story runs the gamut of emotions. The story of Edward, a gentle soul, who was created but the inventor died before finishing his young man. Thus, Edward was left with scissors for hands. 

It is a haunting story of love, loneliness, belonging, and isolation. This poor man means no harm, but unfortunately he is very misunderstood. 

The film is now available on 4K Ultra HD and digital. It has captured the hearts and minds of generations of viewers who have made it a cult classic among fantasy films.

With Winona Ryder co-starring as Kim, the woman who falls in love with Edward, the film also includes Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker, Anthony Michael Hall, Alan Arkin and Vincent Price as the inventor. There are so many touching scenes in the film, as well as those which are heartbreaking.

Edward is a sweet, well-intentioned man. Misunderstood yet welcomed at times then feared at other times. He has become a true classic character, and the film has endured with fans adoring the story of Edward, the love story of Edward and Kim, and the wonder of it all. As mentioned earlier, the story runs the gamut of emotions.

This was the first collaboration of Johnny Depp (Edward) and Tim Burton. Their eight films together were Edward Scissorhands (1990), Ed Wood (1994), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Dark Shadows (2012). 

 

For fans of the film, this restored version is a welcome addition to their library. The SteelBook includes haunting artwork. There is also a Blu-ray included besides the 4K Ultra HD. It is also available in Digital.

Bonus materials include a short peek behind the scenes.

Edward Scissorhands is rated PG.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy Disney

 

‘A Newport Christmas’ travels through time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Ella (Gina Claire Mason) has a heart of gold. She wants to help others and goes out of her way to make lives better for those in need. The thing is, she is living in 1905 Newport, Rhode Island. In this time, her experiences as a woman are limited and her father just informs her he is about to marry her off to a man she has never met. Needless to say, this confident young woman declines and runs off to sail on the ocean to clear her mind. While sailing a comet streaks across the sky. Ella wishes on this comet for a different life and for someone to love her. All of a sudden Nick (Wes Brown) appears on the boat. But Nick is from 2025. It is now his boat and not hers. What is going on?  A Newport Christmas mingles old and new in this entertaining time travel story.

What Ella does not know is that she started a charity back in 1905 that has been an institution in Newport for the last 120 years. And, her 1905 elegant house has been turned into a museum, with Nick as a local historian and an expert about Ella and her time. 

While Nick tries to figure out how to get her back to her own time so she can fulfill her legacy, Ella discovers all the wonders of life in 2025. But while she learns more about her past life and the present time, parts of her life are disappearing. This is one of the paradoxes of time travel. 

If she can return to her own time, will things go back to normal in 2025 or will her history have been forever altered? 

Nick describes her as effervescent and adorable. While spending time with this woman from 120 years ago, his feelings for her go beyond just historical interest. 

The longer Ella is in 2025, the more she discovers about her past, but how will this affect her history that has yet to be written, providing she is able to return to 1905?

Then, lo and behold, another time traveler from her age appears. This story is getting more interesting by the minute. And Ella begins wondering if she should stay in 2025. 

Without any spoilers, let’s just say the ending is exactly what fans of Hallmark Channel expect. It is an entertaining and delightful story that is a nice addition to the holiday lineup.

A Newport Christmas premieres November 2, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming the following day on Hallmark+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark Media