Small Town Christmas: A Second Chance at a First Love
Yet another new seasonal romance (one of many spread across networks) is about to make its 2018 debut. This one also happens to be one I anticipated. Today’s review spotlights Small Town Christmas, part of Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.
Small Town Christmas (2018) Hallmark Movies and Mysteries
A best-selling novelist, Nell Jones (Ashley Newbrough) is the girl who doesn’t find love herself. Instead she writes the perfect love story in her warmhearted romance, a romance that is inspired by a real leading man. Years ago, Nell worked with someone she hoped would be the guy she could start a relationship with. But without explanation, he suddenly disappears on the night they were going on their first date.
Living in a small Wisconsin town is where Emmett (Kristoffer Polaha) is happy. He’s busy raising a child, and running a quaint book shop. When he receives a call from an NYC publisher, he’s surprised to learn the Nell Jones wants to make an author appearance in the town. Now the question remains: will a reunion with the girl he once liked be one of happy or bittersweet memories?
The title may give away a key plot point of this script, but this doesn’t make it any less adorable. The setup isn’t (first 15 or so minutes) at its best because it goes without any real character direction; after this it’s smooth sailing. In fact, what you’ll find inside this picturesque snow globe town is quite the opposite. This love story is all about a sweet idea, and as is the case with any similar element, the bookish connection is a sure way to endear a story.
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Kristoffer has been in a handful of Hallmark originals (including one with the now Duchess, Meghan Markle), but this isn’t where I first saw him. That honor goes to a short-lived and heartwarming (albeit inappropriate) WB series. When he began to show up in Hallmark originals, it was a pleasant surprise. Each of the films he’s played leading man in have been fabulous; I really like the way he plays the characters with a kind of offbeat charm. This story mixes thing up a bit by introducing us to a new(to me) leading lady in Ashley. They’re cute together, and the fact that they share history is a plus. Also, Nell writes the kind of books I fangirl over 24/7. Bailey Skodje from A Christmas to Remember co-stars.
Despite its common tropes, I really like this one. True this may be bias speaking, but it’s already one of my 2018 favorites. It’s cheerful without going overboard (no cookie baking or snowball fights here), and features a love story with an interesting backstory. Plus, the frequent book store scenes, and an adorable young character only adds to its appeal. If you enjoy this network, the actors or the jolly factor that all Christmas movies have, then Small Town Christmas should be your next Christmas movie.♥
You can see this one tonight (December 16th) on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.
Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press
I really need to check out some Halmark holiday movies this year. This looks super sweet.
It is, Melanie! So sweet. One of my favorites of 2018. :)