From the popular novel Someone Like You by bestselling author Karen Kingsbury come the beautiful movie about love and life. Keep some tissues nearby when you watch this.

Sarah Fisher is London Quinn, a fun-loving and fearless young woman living in Birmingham, Alabama. She works in her mother’s coffee shop, loves everyone, adores her dog and her best friend Dawson Gage (Jake Allyn) who is desperately in love with her. 

When London is killed in an accident, Dawson is as devastated as her parents Louise and Larry (Lynne Collins and Scott Reeves). In their grief  they discloses to Dawson that London was an IVF baby. When they went to have the embryo implanted they discovered there were two so they took one and instructed the clinic to offer the second embryo to another infertile couple. 

The possibility that London has a sibling strikes at Dawson’t heart. He sets out to find this person, not knowing if it is a boy or girl. Tracking down the doctors and clinic is difficult, then tracking down the family that had the received the embryo is almost impossible but that doesn’t stop Dawson.

He locates Andi Allen (also played by Sarah Fisher) who lives with her parents Jenny and Jim (Robyn Lively and Bart Johnson) and sister Amy (Mary Marguerite Hall) in Nashville. When Dawson confronts Andi and informs her about the circumstances surrounding her birth, she is in disbelief. Her parents never told her.

In shock and not knowing what is what, Andi decides to go to Birmingham to meet her biological parents. Dawson is on hand to help her get to know who her sister was and the things and places she liked.

Everyone in Birmingham is stunned at the resemblance Andi has to London. After all, they are twins. As Andi gets acquainted with her birth parents, Dawson is right there to guide her through London’s life.

Andi is surprised when she learns Louise is very sick and in need of a kidney, which London was going to give. The accident came just before the surgery was to happen. Andi decides she wants to save Louise’s life and offers to donate one of her kidneys, if she is a match.

The confusion in Andi’s mind and heart sets her on a path to discover who she is. This is a heartfelt story of family, life and love. 

Viewers might see the attraction growing between Dawson and Andi and wonder if he simply transferred his feeling for London to her twin sister. But he tells her in the beginning when he looked into her eyes he saw London, but that changed and now he sees Andi. 

While there are deep emotional moments and the situation is itself emotional, threads of Christianity weave through the story. London was not a true believer in Church and religion but Dawson is, and so is Andi. 

Andi must find it in her heart to forgive her parents for not telling her about her birth. She also has to come to terms with two sets of parents, although Louise assures her the family  she knew is still her family and Jenny and Jim are still her parents. Maybe not genetically, but they did raise her and Jenny did carry her for nine months.

This is definitely an emotional and touching movie that is available to stream on Great American Family beginning February 22, 2025. To say it they packed a lot into this story is an understatement. It is a beautiful tapestry of happiness, sadness, life, family, and love.

For information about book clubs and bible studies, go to the Someone Like You website.

 

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

 

Photo courtesy Great American Media

Peacock continues the Bridget Jones franchise with a new original film.  Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy now streams on Peacock with Renée Zellweger returning as Bridget, Hugh Grant returns as Daniel Cleaver, and Colin Firth makes an appearance as his character of Mark Darcy.

Bridget first burst onto the scene in the 2001 movie Bridget Jones’s Diary. Audiences were enchanted by the way she kept her diary of life, food, weight, and love. Her life continued to entertain viewers in 2004 with Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason when she struggles with her relationship with Mark Darcy. Then in 2016 in Bridget Jones’s Baby, she discovers she is pregnant but is unsure of the father. Bridget and Darcy end up getting married.

So now, in this fourth film, Bridget must confront a whole new aspect of life – widowhood and being a single mother. Dating, work, children, it all adds up to confusion, frustration, and entertainment.

This made-for-Peacock movie is now available to stream at your convenience. Bridget Jones fans have their next story about this quirky yet at times lovable character.

The movie is rated R.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Image courtesy Peacock

Hawaii is a beautiful place but there are some eyesores among the neighborhoods. Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama make their living renovating homes in this tropical paradise.

If you thought Hawaii was all gorgeous homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, think again. This show takes viewers to locations vacationers rarely see. 

The couple returns to HGTV for their second season documenting their renovations. Like so many home renovation shows their final products are gorgeous, but getting there is what takes talent. And to do this in this setting makes it more enjoyable for viewers as they get to see some neighborhoods on the island of Oahu.

The first episode this season is in Pearl City. The couple purchases an abandoned – and quite dilapidated – home from a man who grew up there but hasn’t been back in years. This home has potential but at first sight it is more than an eyesore; it is a monstrosity. 

What this home needs is a lot of tender loving care and the talent of the Kalamas to make it into a home someone can love. And that’s just what they do.

The couple is fun to watch as they set about clearing out the junk – and there is a lot of junk – and determining what should be done to make this house beautiful and livable again. It is a large order, but these two are used to working hard to turn ugly homes into island beauties and resell them for a profit.

This HGTV series takes viewers to beautiful Hawaii and with the help and foresight of the Kalamas shows them how they create alluring homes that charm potential buyers and amaze the original owners. 

Seeing the house as it was when they purchased it and then seeing the finished home is amazing. 

Check out the new season of Renovation Aloha beginning February 18, 2025 on HGTV. 

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image credit: HGTV

Goldie is a little girl with a big heart – literally. This new series consists of 13 half-hour episodes, each focusing on the fun and relationships in the little town of Boysenberg.

When the stork was delivering baby Goldie to her family the little baby fell out and landed in a tree in the town of Boysenberry. Goldie was discovered and taken in by a little bird named Romeo who looked after her and cared for her. Goldie is a giant and as she grew even though she is a giant size little girl, she is still a little girl, with all the feelings that all little girls have.

Goldie’s best friend is an African American little girl named Teeny. Adding to the group is wheelchair-bound little Petey.

In the beginning Goldie is treated by most people in the town as a monster. They don’t realize she is just a little girl who happens to be a giant. As they get to know her and see how kind and helpful she is, they come around.
Goldie is a sweet little girl and has feelings that make her laugh and cry. She is also a good friend and will do anything to make her friends happy.

The series is inspired by the award-winning 2019 animated short by Emily Brundige who also wrote and produced this new series. It is a sweet little show focusing on a memorable character who just happens to be a giant.

It’s also a little sad in that Goldie is not with her giant parents, but it is heartening to see that she has a good life and friends in Boysenberg. She is just a little girl but her size as well as her personality give her a big heart.

Kids and families will fall in love with Goldie. She’s sweetie – and really cute!
Goldie premieres February 14, 2025 on Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ offers a variety of great programming for kids as well as adults. Their shows for kids include Wonder Pets in the City, Camp Snoopy, Doug Unplugs, Duck & Goose, Frog and Toad, and many more great programming for kids. And now Goldie joins the list of shows parents can feel good about letting their kids watch.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images are courtesy Apple TV+

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic Peanuts show Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. What would the holidays be without a Peanuts special? Valentine’s Day provide several opportunities for fun and memorable specials featuring the Peanuts gang, and especially Charlie Brown.

These shows are available to stream on Apple TV+.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

It’s Valentine’s Day and hearts are fluttering at school. Charlie Brown is waiting for his valentines to start rolling in, while Linus buys a present for his teacher Miss Othmar—which Sally mistakes as a gift from her Sweet Babboo.

A Charlie Brown Valentine

Warm and fuzzy feelings fill the air as an inspired Snoopy writes poems about Valentine’s Day. Charlie Brown tries to impress the Little Red-Haired Girl. Sally and Lucy hope to get cards from their crushes. Peppermint Patty asks “Chuck” to the dance.

It’s Your First Kiss Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown gets to escort the homecoming queen to the dance and, much to his surprise, it’s the Little Red-Haired Girl.

There’s No Time for Love, Charlie Brown

School can be hard enough, and falling in love during class can cause so many complications. While Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Lucy, and Franklin all try to sort out their assignments, “Chuck” realizes his “anxieties have anxieties.” Meanwhile, the gang tries to get a good grade on their “field trip” report. Peppermint Patty and Marcie come to terms with their true feelings and affection for Charlie Brown while accidentally diverting him to the wrong “museum.” Charlie Brown continues to be a straight “blah” student, but he does get a good night kiss.

You’re in Love, Charlie Brown

On the last few days of school, Charlie Brown tries a variety of ways to meet his crush: the little red-haired girl.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy APPLE TV+

Tory: The Love Club Moms was just added to the streaming channel UP Faith and Family. 

Jo (Rebecca Dalton), Harper (Genelle Williams), and Nila (Nannten Contractor), and Tory (Ashley Newbrough) are the four single mothers who decide to form their own club – The Love Club Moms – to help each other with their dating/love life while they cope with motherhood. This four-part movie series is a fun way to spend a quiet afternoon. Tory’s story starts it off and is now available to stream on UP Faith and Family.

This is a cute story of a new mom dealing with her baby and career.  Tory is a dynamo in the publishing business so when she adopts a little baby she has to find a way to manage being a mom with her high-powered career and show she can do both equally well.

As the CEO of the publishing house Tory needs to prove she is up for the job. If she can land a new kids author to help the company that would be a feather in her cap.

Finn (Ryan Bruce) is an aspiring author who desperately wants his manuscript read by Tory. When he drops it off at her office he realizes there are dozens of unread manuscripts ahead of his. He has to find a way to get it into Tory’s hands.

Finn discovers where Tory lives and takes a chance by going to her house. When he gets there Tory and her Love Club Mom friends are in the middle of interviewing nannies for the baby. She mistakes Finn for a “manny” candidate and he shows himself to be very comfortable with the baby. 

He is hired before he gets a chance to explain why he is there. What better way to get his manuscript into Tory’s hands than to be around her all the time?

What comes unexpectedly is that Finn genuinely enjoys spending time with the baby and has a unique way about him. The little girl loves him.

In the meantime, another editor is hired at the publishing house and Tory thinks he might be the man she is looking for, not specifically for the business but for her love life. She wants a man who is not intimidated by her success and won’t be put off by the fact she is a single mother.

But her friends see the chemistry between Finn and Tory and do everything in their power to sabotage his advancements with her while building up Finn. They know Finn is a good match for Tory and when his cover is blown, they continue to help match up the two. After all, love is hard to find and when you find the one who ticks off all the boxes, it would be a shame to let him go, even if he did mislead you. 

They must find a way to convince their friend that Finn is the man for her. 

Jo’s story will premiere February 14, 2025, Nila’s story will premiere February 28, 2025, and Harper’s story will be available to stream beginning February 21, 2025.  This is a cute little series. The friendship of the four women ads the special ingredient to make these stories fun.

 

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy UP Faith and Family

For the Love of Chocolate is filled with sweets and treats, not to mention love. Rhiannon Fish and Jesse Hutch star in this delicious love story centered around – you guessed it – chocolate.

Aria (Fish) owns a chocolate shop. She is a master of chocolate treats. Her sparkling personality and charm win over everyone who comes into the shop as well as an internet fanbase, thanks to her sister Sage (Genevieve Buechner) who posts videos of Aria’s delicacies and tutorials.

Ryan (Hutch) is a single father who has come back to his hometown to help his parents with the festival. One day Ryan and his daughter Sofie (Emma Oliver) pop into the chocolate shop and the rest is a story of love, commitment, and partnership.

With a big Masters of Chocolate Festival competition on the horizon Aria just lost her partner and without one she won’t be able to compete. When she falls into Ryan’s arms – literally – sparks fly and Ryan becomes her new chocolate-making partner. He is creative and eager, and the duo work well together.

Aria quickly realizes how helpful and creative her new partner is in the kitchen, and soon they take their business association to a personal relationship. After all, it is a romance film and viewers expect to see the two stars get together, which they do.

Their love story is like a fairy tale, according to Sofie. And as they say, they live happily ever after.
The chocolate treats look so delicious and mouth watering so viewers will want to make sure they watch this movie on a full stomach. Note: The chocolate made me so hungry I had to grab a snack while finishing the film. I could almost taste and smell the delicious chocolate coming through the screen.


For the Love of Chocolate will temp everyone who has a sweet tooth, and for those who don’t (who are you??) the love story is sweet (no pun intended).

This 2021 movie is available on Pure Flix beginning February 6, 2025 and premieres on Great American Family on February 15, 2025.

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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.