UP Faith and Family

‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’ on UPtv and UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The quaint Amish community of Sugarcreek, Ohio is a laid-back place where people help each other, look out for each other, and blend Amish and English residents in a picturesque setting. Sugarcreek has been the setting for several previous films, and now it is the center of the new UPtv series Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. 

In the last movie, Cheryl Cooper (Galadriel Stineman) left Chicago after a difficult breakup and moved to Sugarcreek to manage her aunt’s gift shop. It is a little difficult adjustment for her, but Cheryl manages beautifully, especially with the help and friendship of her new Amish friend Naomi (Denise Gossett). 

Both Cheryl and Naomi are attracted to mysteries, to the chagrin of Police Chief Twitchell (Lance E. Nichols). It’s the old story of residents getting involved in police matters, and usually getting to the bottom of mysteries before the officials. Thanks to their inside contacts and sharp instincts, this new duo manages to not only deepen their friendship, but also help the community when trouble comes to Sugarcreek. 

“We’re excited to return to Sugarcreek and bring viewers deeper into Cheryl’s world,” said Crissie Miller, vice president, content strategy at UP Entertainment. “The success of our 2025 world premiere movie, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise, made it clear our audience connected with the warmth, mystery and sense of belonging at the heart of this story. With Easter as the backdrop for our series launch, the timing feels perfect to invite families back into this community for new adventures.”

The pilot episode focuses on a rash of seemingly insignificant items being stolen from the shops in the town. Cheryl feels there is a connection between the thefts and an unknown person taking shelter in Naomi’s barn. 

As Cheryl digs deeper, Naomi sets a trap to find out who is living in her barn. She does not feel there is any danger, but it is a mystery she wants to solve. 

While the two keep their investigations from Chief Twitchell, they seem to be getting closer and closer to the thief. But is it who they think it is? There are several twists throughout the story as this calm Amish community is the focus of the mystery.

Slowly, Cheryl becomes ensconced in this quiet community. It is a comfortable place and her friendships with the Amish people takes root. Perhaps she might even have a new love interest. We’ll have to wait to see. It looks like Levi (Kevin Joy) might just step into that role.

This new heartfelt series premieres April 23, 2016 on UPtv. There are eight one-hour episodes in this first season. Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries is an easy-going, laid-back show filled with interesting stories blending the quiet Amish lifestyle with English mysteries. Viewers can also stream the series on UP Faith and Family.

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 UPtv

‘Blue Skies’ is a family-friendly new series on UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“Blue Skies is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good mystery with heart,” said Philip Manwaring, CEO, UP Entertainment. “It’s an exciting police procedural without the graphic depictions of violence and darkness that often come with this genre, centered around themes of hope, healing, family and the unexpected ways we find connection—including with our loyal four-legged friends.”

This new series takes place in the fictional but very scenic Crystal Ridge National Park (filmed in British Colombia). The scenery is spectacular with mountains, lakes, and plenty of trees to add to the flavor of this drama centering on a National Park Police criminal investigator.

Scarlet Hunter stars as Detective Jodi Larsen. She is dedicated to protecting the park, the visitors, and the community. Jodi is new at the job, having just finished her deployment as a military police officer. She grew up in the town and knew this was where she wanted to continue her law-enforcement career. Her love of the people, and especially the outdoors, makes her perfect for this job. She is steadfast in protecting this area against human or natural dangers.

When a stray dog turns up IN her house, Jodi is not sure what to do with him. He is a menace and a little destructive, however he is adorable. So, while trying to locate his owner, what else can she do but keep him? This fellow is given the name Blue. And what everyone discovers, he is better trained than some of the official K9s in the law enforcement.

Miranda Edwards is Liza King, the new by-the-book Superintendent in the region. Miranda insists everyone has a partner so, guess who ends up being Jodi’s partner? Yep. Blue gets the job. He has an uncanny way of finding lost people and helping solve the mysteries that happen in the park. He is also a great companion to Jodi, who is traversing her way through her new situation. 

Shaughnessy Redden is Jodi’s father Bill Larsen. The two have had a hard time connecting since she returned from her deployment. During that time, her mother passed away, which resulted in a different interpersonal relationship for the two of them.

Markian Tarasiuk stars as Ryan Miller, a search and rescue professional who also teaches climbing skills. His skills add to the police team, and could also bring some comfort and possibly more to Jodi. 

The remaining members of the team are Detective Nora Esposito (Veronica Long), who is loyal to Jodi, Detective Alex Meeks (David Lennon), who is stubborn and a bit self centered, and Tyson Bernard (Darius Willis) whose drone named Betty is a great help when searching through the rough terrain.

There are plenty of situations and criminal activities that arise in the 5,000 square miles of the park, and the team is there to solve them. Besides their professional lives, their relationships add to the drama and fun of the series. This is a show with heart, and Blue will definitely steal viewers’ hearts!

Being on UP Faith and Family, viewers can rest assured there are not going to be scenes of violence, even though this is a police drama. This is a streaming channel that brings inspiring and warm heart-felt stories to viewers. This is a nice series for the whole family.

Blue Skies premieres February 19, 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.

Images are supplied courtesy UP Faith and Family

‘Heartstrings Attached’ combines music and food in an uplifting story.

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for a sweet little movie to entertain you on a lonely day, check out Heartstrings Attached.

Emma (Morgan) is a cook in a small diner, with the dream of opening her own Michelin Star restaurant someday. She grew up as a violin prodigy but her heart was not in music. It was and is in the culinary world, to the dismay of her grandfather.

One day she is approached by her grandfather’s attorney Ned (Joseph Moreland). He informs her that her grandfather has passed away and she needs to meet with him to discuss the will.

What Emma discovers is that she has inherited everything, which amounts to a large fortune. There is, however, one stipulation. 

Emma must coach Ava (Natalie Miller), a twelve year old violin prodigy who is preparing for an audition to a music academy. There is one month left before the audition. If Emma can help Ava with her confidence and her playing and get her accepted into the academy, then Emma will inherit the fortune. She cannot, however, let either Ava or her father Andrew (Chris Connell) know about why she is helping.

Well, if you know UP Faith and Family, you already know that there will be an attraction between Emma and Andrew. That is a given. But it is a surprise to Emma who had never thought of being placed in a family situation. She grew up without a mother but finds relating to this young girl easy and fun. And she is just what they need, since Andrew lost his wife several years earlier. 

Emma is a kind soul. She helps her neighbor in ways that go beyond just being neighborly. And when she opens her restaurant, whenever that might be, she intends on donating the leftovers to a homeless shelter. 

As Emma gets closer to Ava and Andrew, the three become a pseudo-family. But what will happen when they   find out she is helping Ava to get her fortune?

This is indeed a nice little story, but there is more to it than simply having Emma help Ava get accepted to the academy. And when she finds out the final stipulation in the will, things get a little complicated. Nevertheless, of course, there is a happy ending for everyone, which is exactly why we watch these movies. And this one does not disappoint.

Heartstrings Attached comes with an advisory for viewers who are sensitive about the loss of a loved one. Otherwise, it is an appealing story that is perfect for a rainy afternoon.  The movie streams on UP Faith and Family.

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 UP Faith and Family

‘Five Date Rule’ streams on UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Janelle Arthur and Jason Burkey star in the romance Five Date Rule. This 2025 film focuses on online dating, something very common in today’s world.

Hattie (Arthur) is a children’s book author/songwriter/and singer. She is very happy with her life, however her two best friends think she needs a man. So, what do they give her for her birthday present? A subscription to an online dating app.

Hattie is not eager to try this app. She ends up encountering some very weird men after giving it a go. That is the end of that online experience. Or is it?

Henry (Burkey) owns a string of gardening shops, is a widower, and also has a subscription to the app. He had met Hattie in the past but it was just a brief incident. Should he ask her out or let it go? He is not entirely sure he is ready to date again, even though it has been a few years since his wife died.

Hattie and Henry are destined to be together. After all, they both attend the same church, have similar interests, and keep winding up at the same places, although not connecting with each other. So, when Henry decides to ask her out after seeing her in church, Hattie is under the impression he is not single. She has seen him with his sister and her children and thinks they are his wife and kids. Why is this gardener (which she thinks he is) asking her out if he has a family? 

Well, there are plenty of misunderstandings to go around. But when things are cleared up, Hattie decides to go on one date with Henry. The thing is, after all those horrible experiences (and they were awful) she previously had with the dating app, her friends insist they tag along.

Spoiler alert (which is obvious to those who love these little romance stories) – Henry and Hattie enjoy each other’s company. And for viewers, Henry is an amazing man who treats Hattie like a Cary Grant character would treat his girlfriend.

So, where does the title “Five Date Rule” come into all of this? It takes five dates to know if someone is worth spending their time with. And after five, well, they can discuss whether another five is in the cards. Guess what they decide?

Hattie, a confirmed single, finally comes to the conclusion, “Life is easier being single, but it doesn’t mean it’s happier.”  And yes, Henry and Hattie are happy together.

This is a cute little story about letting go of what you think your life should be and opening up to what it could be.

Five Date Rule now streams on UP Faith and Family. It 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.

‘Love in Translation’ is a light little film just for fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


As someone who used to be fluent in a second and almost a third language, this story caught my eye. Love in Translation focuses on Julie (Michelle Argyris), a PhD. candidate who is fluent in 6, 8, or more languages, including some extinct ones. She has one problem. Well, actually two problems. She has a difficult time finding a date who can live up to her standards. The second one is that she needs to make enough money to pay for her final semester of grad school. 

To earn her money she begins teaching languages. It doesn’t matter which language. She teaches Italian to a senior couple who are planning their trip to Italy, and she teaches French to their son who is having a problem with his girlfriend who lives in Paris. Dan (Corey Sevier) is a smart guy but doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body. Learning some French words and phrases just might help his relationship grow.

And speaking of bones, Dan just happens to work in the museum where Julie has always wanted to work. Her dream job is translating artifacts. But first she needs to pay her final tuition and get her Doctorate.

This is a typical rom/com but add in Julie’s sister Lu (Elise Bauman) and that brings the fun to the table. Literally. Lu owns a coffee shop and that’s where Julie teaches her clients.

When she realizes Dan is not getting much from the lessons, Julie decides to take a different direction. By immersing Dan in the real world instead of simply teaching across a table, he begins to pick up words and phrases. And, in typical rom/com fashion, he begins to fall in love with Julie and vice versa. There’s just one problem, and that would be his long-time French girlfriend. 

This is a simple little film that will brighten up a dark day. It’s not a “must see” however there are some cute moments and it fills in all the checkmarks for a light streaming rom/com.

Love in Translation is streaming on UP Faith and Family. It’s rated TV-G.

 

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