Hallmark Channel

‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ takes viewers on a cute little road trip

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

I’ll Be Seeing You brings together two popular actors in a fun story of love and fate. Tyler Haynes and Stacey Farber star as Mark and Amy, two people who are complete opposites.

Mark is the activities director at a retirement community. He’s effervescent, happy, and easy going. He is beloved by all the seniors who count him as a friend besides being on staff there. He’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy.

Amy, on the other hand, is a structured career woman who has her sights on a promotion and who works tirelessly to the point of neglecting her friends in favor of her job.  She comes to visit her grandmother Vivien (Christine Ebersole) at the retirement community and they decide to take a road trip together. Amy needs to get a client to get some documents signed for her job, and taking the trip with her grandmother adds a little extra to the journey.

Vivien asks her friend Sue (BJ Harrison) to join them on a girls weekend. Amy is fine with this as long as she gets to her destination and gets those documents signed. They’re off on a fun-filled trip when Amy’s car malfunctions. As luck would have it, guess who happens to be on his way for a fishing weekend? Yep. Mark happens by and volunteers to take them on their little getaway. This sounds odd to Amy, but if they can get their road trip back on track, all the better. And Mabel, Mark’s old van, has plenty of room for them all. 

They’re on their way when Vivien asks to detour through a little town from her past. It was there where long ago she met a man of her dreams. She wants to relive the memories. 

This little road trip takes on a new dimension when they all learn Teddy, the man from Vivian’s past, lives close by. Why not track him down for old times sake?

Along the way, this little trip opens Amy’s eyes to the world outside of her job. As she becomes more carefree, she and Mark bond and they both begin to realize what is most important in their lives.

Of course there is a happy ending. It wouldn’t be a fun little Hallmark movie without one. But the characters’ interactions make this a cute little movie for an afternoon or a quiet evening. 

I’ll Be Seeing You premieres April 25, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream beginning April 26, 2026. 

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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark

 

‘A Royal Setting’ shines on Hallmark and Hallmark+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Jen Lillley and Dan Jeannotte star in the new Hallmark Channel movie A Royal Setting. This is another fun story of two people from different backgrounds who, despite their different lifestyles and histories, find they are meant to be together.

Ruby (Lilley) is a world-renowned gemologist living in New York City. She is hired to restore the Crown Jewels in a small European kingdom. Upon her arrival Ruby has a fun “meet cute” with Prince Luca (Jeannotte), who is about to be crowned king. Luca is set on modernizing the palace, to the consternation of his mother, the queen. She wants everything to remain the same. Tradition is her guiding light.

Ruby is a sparking, high spirited woman. She is wise, intuitive, and more than capable in her job. Named one of the top gemologists in the world, Ruby knows gems, and when she sees all the beautiful stones in the palace vault, she is overwhelmed. They are magnificent.

As the queen pushes her son toward a noble young woman, Jory (Ferelith Young), Luca resents her interference. But will he relent to her desires? After all, she is the queen as well as his mother. But Jory’s heart belongs to another man. And soon Luca discovers exactly who that man is.

It’s up to Luca to stand up to his mother and make her see she is stuck in the past. She needs to accept change, and when he becomes king, he most certainly has plenty of changes in mind.

As Ruby goes about restoring the Crown Jewels, she and Luca begin to expand their relationship. She is a breath of fresh air in the palace, and just what Luca has in mind as far as changing things up.

While viewers know who will be getting together – it is a Hallmark movie, after all – it is entertaining to see the characters interact. And the most entertaining character is Ruby, who forges a relationship with the guard. This man stands tall, with no expressions or conversation. His job is strictly to guard the gems. But Ruby, being the effervescent woman she is, manages to touch his heart in some cute ways.

A Royal Setting is fun fare. It premieres March 28, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming March 29, 2026 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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Way to You’ is a cute and fun story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Kim Matula and Aaron O’Connell star in this adorable movie from Hallmark. The Way to You focuses on two single New Yorkers who are each looking to find their true love.

Emma (Matula) always seems to attract men who are not good for her. She really wants to connect with someone who is responsible, fun, and caring. Conrad is also looking for a special someone, and he feels deep in his heart that when he finds her it will be love at first sight.

Emma’s sister advises her to get up early and ride the subway in the financial section of the city, instead of going directly to her art gallery. She might find a man who is employed, responsible, and attractive. And in the financial district, there are more chances of running into the kind of man she wants.

It just happens that Conrad (O’Connell), who does work in finance, is on the same train. Interestingly, there is a brief black out while they are both riding the train, and are both engaged in conversation – with other people. After the train gets going then stops and lets the riders out, both Conrad and Emma are left alone.

Conrad, being the “love at first sight” kind of guy, decides to put an ad in the local paper looking for the “cute brunette” who spoke to him about books while they were in the blackout.

Well, coincidentally, Emma reads the ad and thinks it is from the nice gentlemen she was talking with during the blackout. Emma agrees to meet this man but when they do meet, they both realize they are meeting strangers. Strike out.

While discussing their dilemma, Emma agrees to help Conrad look for this mysterious woman. As their friendship grows, they realize they make a great team, but what will happen when/if Conrad actually does find this “girl of his dreams?” Will she be “the one?”

Conrad sets Emma up with a colleague, which turns out to be a good date for her. But even though he checks all the boxes she asked for, there is something missing. He’s a great guy. He’s just not Conrad.

The story is a little like When Harry Met Sally, where they help each other through the ups and downs of relationships, but realize there is more to their friendship and they belong together.

This cute film premieres February 7, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream on Hallmark+ beginning February 8, 2026. The Way to You is really a fun story.

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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark Channel

‘Lost in Paradise’ stars Lacey Chabert in a cute rom-com

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hallmark’s princess, Lacey Chabert, brings charm and cuteness to her newest Hallmark Channel film. Lost in Paradise is somewhat predictable but also a nice little story to warm the cold winter days and nights as it brings  the beauty of Polynesia to the screen.

Chabert stars alongside Ian Harding as two professionals who find themselves stranded on a “deserted” island. Sophia (Chabert) owns a high-end fashion brand and Max (Harding) is a chef in a fancy restaurant. They are both struggling with their situations.

To save her company, Sophia hires a private plane to take her and her latest collection to Fiji where she intends on impressing a board member. And Max happens to be on the same plane on his way to Fiji to talk with a potential investor for his new restaurant. But what neither of them count on is a plane crash.

A violent storm appear and soon the plane is plummeting into the ocean with Sophia, Max, the pilot Julian (James Trevena), and co-pilot Lance (Sean Miguel Perez). Luckily they crashed near an island, so with the raft on board they manage to get safely to shore.

Julian and Lance decide to take the raft and try to find a nearby island where they can get help, leaving Sophia and Max to fend for themselves. They actually do a great job of surviving. Thanks to each of their skills, they concoct a pretty nice situation for themselves – she weaves hats and helps build a little shelter and he spears fish and cooks the most delicious meals using only the items found around them. What a team!

As the days go by, yes, they do fall in love. This is a Hallmark film so viewers know what they are getting. What will happen to them once they are “rescued?”

With the starlit skies gone, and five-star resorts replacing their cozy little shelter, can and will they manage to maintain the feelings that blossomed when they were just a couple of stranded people on a “deserted” island?

Lost in Paradise was actually filmed on location in Fiji. 

Chabert and Harding make a good pair and play off each other beautifully. This is a charming little story that is now available to stream on Hallmark Plus

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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. 

Image supplied courtesy Hallmark Media

‘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.

‘Journey to You’ is a heartfelt story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Erin Cahill and Erik Valdez star in Journey to You, a story of finding oneself in the turmoil of a busy world.

Monica (Cahill) is a hard working Nurse Practitioner in a busy ER in Boston, Massachusetts.  Unfortunately, she just got passed over for a big promotion. Devastated, her mother talks her into taking a vacation to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago, a place where she will be able to clear her mind and focus on what she really wants for her life.

Monica’s parents met while they were both walking the Camino so she knows a lot about what the spirit encounters during this weeks-long journey. 

Monica agrees to go and joins her small group consisting of Luis, a psychologist, his teenage son Mateo (Solal Bellaiche), his father and their guide. While Monica is there to look deeper into herself, Luis is there to bond with his son and have a memorable family adventure.

The group are the newest “pilgrims” to walk the trail. This is a historic ancient pilgrimage route that culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago and along the way every one in her group makes their own self-discoveries and are able to delve deep within themselves to find the courage, dedication, and honesty that is missing in their lives.

Newly divorced Luis is trying to bond with his son who is originally not interested in the journey or any of the sights. But soon he sees that life is different than he thought and he finds the courage to tell his father things about himself he never was able to do before. Some of this newfound courage is from the journey and some is from the encouragement given to him by Monica.

It’s an interesting trek for this group as little by little they let go of their stresses and confines of their everyday lives and bond with God in a way that helps them understand what they need in their lives and what they need to let go of.

During the trek Monica and Luis find themselves getting closer and in true Hallmark fashion, they do fall in love, which originally causes some stress with Mateo who feels his father cares more about Monica than his own son. 

As they saunter on, their minds begin to clear out the cobwebs and they discover new things about themselves and in Monica’s case, about her parents who met in the exact place she is. This realization is heartening to her, especially because her father has passed away.

Many people have undertaken this religious journey and have found more clarity in their lives, and this group is no exception.

Journey to You premieres April 19, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and the following day is available to stream 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, 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 supplied courtesy Hallmark Media.

‘Sisterhood, Inc.’ is about sibling bonding and embracing differences

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Now streaming on Hallmark Plus, Sisterhood, Inc. embraces the nuances of siblings with the emphasis on being oneself.

Rachael Leigh Cook stars as Megan, a no-holes-barred corporate guru who has just been fired from the company she founded. Daniella Monet is Izzy, Megan’s younger sister who is about to turn 30 yet is still under the watchful thumb of their mother Lois (Judy Kain).

While Megan is tough, business minded, and very smart, Izzy is a free-spirited joyful young woman with no sense of style or any idea of what she will do with the rest of her life.

After Megan lectures Izzy telling her it’s time she moves out of their parents’ house and starts being an independent woman, Izzy decides to make the change. She asks Megan for help, which Megan does to the extreme.

Being the tough businesswoman she is, Megan puts together a “board of directors” to oversee all aspects of Izzy’s new life. Among the directors is Dominic (Leonidas Gulaptis), a psychology professor at the local college. 

Izzy welcomes the help of the board and Megan decides to take this concept to the next level and sell the idea to a technology guru. But while she is in negotiations and Izzy’s life is changing, things also change between the sisters. This is the first time in their lives the two have bonded and they both enjoy their sisterhood. 

Meanwhile, Dominic wonders if Megan is pushing her sister too hard and changing everything about her to the degree that although Izzy is becoming a successful and independent woman, she does not seem to be the happy woman he first met.

Izzy’s life is now structured, she had a good job, a nice wardrobe, and a successful yet domineering boyfriend. Her chaotic bohemian life of the past is gone. But she is not happy with her new life and Megan finally realizes that her sister just needs to be the person she is. What makes Megan happy is not necessarily what makes Izzy happy.

Izzy finally begins to turn her life around on her own terms and Megan finally begins to live her life without being completely structured. 

While the sisters have found their way back in each other’s lives Megan also finds her way into the arms of Dominic. After all, this is a Hallmark show, and with that you get happy endings all around.

Sisterhood, Inc. is now streaming on Hallmark Plus. 

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 Hallmark Media

‘Love, Romance, and Chocolate’ is mouth-watering fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This 2019 Hallmark original movie might put some weight on viewers, cause cavities, and chocolate cravings. It definitely hits your sweet tooth. Love, Romance, and Chocolate is a cute story about Emma, a New York food photographer and baker who is dumped by her boyfriend right before they were supposed to go on a romantic trip to Belgium for Valentine’s Day. Why waste a good trip and some delicious chocolates? Emma goes on her own to Bruges where she not only wants to sample all the delicious Belgium chocolates but also intends to see the spots where her grandparents fell in love and spent their time. Armed with photos of her grandparent and letters sent between them, she heads off to Bruges.

Emma (Lacey Chabert) is wide-eyed and excited about being in the country and the city where her grandparents met. On a tour of a chocolate shop she meets chocolatier Luc (Kill Kemp) who owns the shop. When she discovers he is in a bind and needs additional assistance while his assistant is off on maternity leave so Emma immediately volunteers.

Luc and all the other chocolatiers are competing to be the official Belgium Royal Chocolatier and create the official Valentine’s chocolate. Combining their two talents, Lucy and Emma begin trying out new recipes.

While tasting the competition’s chocolates, Emma meets Max (Guillaume Dolmans) who is not only a friendly foe of Luc’s but also trying to entice him to join his own company. Luc, however, will not sell his shop. It has been in his family for generations and he loves it and loves creating special chocolates. And with Emma by his side, he is learning some new ways and ingredients that just might help him win the competition.

This being a Hallmark Channel film, viewers already know where this will lead, but along the way they are treated to some amazing images of chocolates and how the delicacies are created. Many of the scenes are absolutely mouth-watering.

Chabert and Kemp have good chemistry on screen and as the story unfolds their relationship not only grows, but viewers’ also see the beauty of Bruges and gain a respect for the chocolate industry. 

Love, Romance, and Chocolate is currently streaming on Hallmark Movies Now, which will become Hallmark+ later this fall.

Photo credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Marianne Grimont

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.