‘A Bramble House Christmas’ (2017): Romantic Christmas Tale Based on Novel starring Autumn Reeser

Based on the novel of the same name, this story is a little big heartbreaking. But on the flip side of the coin, it’s also full of many
examples of joy – and what it means to life a full life. The story follows Willa Fairchild (Autumn Reeser), a single mom who’s struggling. Cash strapped but so grateful to have a healthy son, Scout (Liam Hughes), Willa receives an unexpected inheritance from a former patient. When she’s gifted an inheritance, Willa finally feels able to breathe again.  

As a part of the bequeath, Willa is also given tickets to vacation at a place called Bramble House.

Believing his father’s caregiver swindled him, Finn Conrad (David Haydn-Jones) sets out for Bramble House in order to challenge this woman’s claim. What he doesn’t plan on is being confronted with Willa, a kind-hearted woman raising a young son.

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As these strangers, along with the inn’s stubborn owner, Mabel (Teryl Rothery), spend the Christmas season together, each is about to learn something special.  

Though I didn’t mention it, A Bramble House Christmas is another telefilm that falls under the Hallmark brand. As many of their 2017 originals are, this one is also based on a novel (of the same name). A novel I did not take the opportunity to read. Despite this, I think it’s safe to say, this story works beautiful as a script, and furthermore, one that unfolds nicely.  

Following in the footsteps of its story’s framework, this is another production that keeps everything “in the family.” Leading lady, Autumn Reeser is popular in many Hallmark favorites; Teryl co-stars in many including as a part of the Cedar Cove cast; and David Haydn-Jones has also been in many a Christmas story including A Cookie Cutter Christmas. Adapted by Jamie Pachino, her writing credits prove this isn’t the first book-to-film adaptation she masters. She is also the credited writer for Karen Kingsbury’s The Bride duo.

The quaint setting of Bramble House lends warmth to the frame. It has a “cozy nook” feel as the camera explores each room, and each frame that fills our screen evokes a Christmas-y warmth that’s almost vintage. Or perhaps a better description would be to say, the entire landscape and set of this production brings alive images of a postcard. ‘Tis true, everything is just that pretty.  

There’s a lot of surprising depth in this story. It’s not all about the smiles and good cheer. At the risk of giving the impression this
story contains nothing to make us smile, don’t misunderstand, it does. But it also deals in weighty issues. All of which the story handles beautifully. The delicate connections that form between these strangers balances with fun activities (like baking or skating) and everything (cast, story) is the stronger because of this.  

Grab that favorite blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate, curl up on the couch and enjoy a visit to Bramble House. I have a good feeling, it’s one visit you’re sure to enjoy.  

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You can find A Bramble House Christmas digitally on Amazon Video

Content: though Hallmark Mysteries tend to be a bit more “adult,” this film is still very much TVPG-clean. 

Photos: Hallmark Movie / Hallmark / Crown Media Press