If memory serves, this was only the second Christmas movie Alison Sweeney has made in her association with Hallmark, both have been well worth the watch. It also helps to have a low key talented costar that plays off of Sweeney, she surely found that in this flick. it would not bother me in the least to have this pair associated with other HMM releases, be it another Christmas movie or some other mystery production that HMM does so well.
22 Reviews
A Delightful Movie
mammamia7017 July 2020
Allison Sweeny is one of the better actresses, IMO. She brought the character to life. The storyline was good and the chemistry between the characters was good. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It's definitely one worth watching and leaves you feeling happy. Definitely not a waste of time in watching this one.
Funny how goin' back, can get you back where you belong.
cgvsluis28 February 2021
This Christmas offering by Hallmark starts at a Christmas Ball from twenty years ago, where a young man surprises his sweetheart who is so busy baking cookies she missed the ball, but he shows up so they can have a dance together anyway.
I was excited to see a Christmas movie starring Allison Sweeney (who I loved in Murder she Baked...ok I love her in everything!...she would have chemistry with cardboard!) and Lucas Bryant (who I loved in both Haven and MVP...ok, I have loved him in everything I have seen him in)...which is why I was really looking forward to seeing them together and they didn't disappoint!
Alison Sweeney plays a single mom/widower, Katherine (Kat), who lives in Boston with her son working at a bank. She takes time off to spend Christmas with her son, Will and her mom tries to talk her in to coming home for a small town Christmas, since it has been two years since her husband's passing. Seeing her son's lack of enthusiasm for staying in Boston convinces, Katherine Moss to go home to Virginia where she will have to face the memories of her late husband.
Before she can even get on the train with her son, Katherine has a meet-cute with what appears to be a street musician when she accidentally drops money in to his actual coffee cup, much to her embarrassment. They end up spending the train-ride together, musician with his "mystery patron". Katherine's son, Will, is quite the artist and they share stories over Christmas cookies on the train. Our musicians name is Jack and he ends up in the same small Virginia town for Christmas. Jack, alone, and Katherine to face her demons. Jack says he is going to "see an old friend".
Kat's mom is struggling to keep up the demands of all of the holiday baking at her bakery and is considering selling the business. She had always thought Kat would eventually take over. Meanwhile a mystery unfolds as to why Jack is in town and coincidentally Kat's husband's band gets back together...with Jack filling in as his replacement for the annual Snow Ball. Meanwhile Jack is talking to a mystery woman named Norah on the phone.
"Small world"-Jack to Kat
Jack works for the USO, post two army tours and an injury...and he can quote Casablanca. As it turns out Kat's husband, Tyler's death is linked to the reason why Jack is in town.
"You are so well put together, it is nice to find a flaw."-Jack
Classic film highlighted: Beyond Tomorrow
Beautiful story that made me want to read the original book it was based on. This is a Christmas highlight.
I was excited to see a Christmas movie starring Allison Sweeney (who I loved in Murder she Baked...ok I love her in everything!...she would have chemistry with cardboard!) and Lucas Bryant (who I loved in both Haven and MVP...ok, I have loved him in everything I have seen him in)...which is why I was really looking forward to seeing them together and they didn't disappoint!
Alison Sweeney plays a single mom/widower, Katherine (Kat), who lives in Boston with her son working at a bank. She takes time off to spend Christmas with her son, Will and her mom tries to talk her in to coming home for a small town Christmas, since it has been two years since her husband's passing. Seeing her son's lack of enthusiasm for staying in Boston convinces, Katherine Moss to go home to Virginia where she will have to face the memories of her late husband.
Before she can even get on the train with her son, Katherine has a meet-cute with what appears to be a street musician when she accidentally drops money in to his actual coffee cup, much to her embarrassment. They end up spending the train-ride together, musician with his "mystery patron". Katherine's son, Will, is quite the artist and they share stories over Christmas cookies on the train. Our musicians name is Jack and he ends up in the same small Virginia town for Christmas. Jack, alone, and Katherine to face her demons. Jack says he is going to "see an old friend".
Kat's mom is struggling to keep up the demands of all of the holiday baking at her bakery and is considering selling the business. She had always thought Kat would eventually take over. Meanwhile a mystery unfolds as to why Jack is in town and coincidentally Kat's husband's band gets back together...with Jack filling in as his replacement for the annual Snow Ball. Meanwhile Jack is talking to a mystery woman named Norah on the phone.
"Small world"-Jack to Kat
Jack works for the USO, post two army tours and an injury...and he can quote Casablanca. As it turns out Kat's husband, Tyler's death is linked to the reason why Jack is in town.
"You are so well put together, it is nice to find a flaw."-Jack
Classic film highlighted: Beyond Tomorrow
Beautiful story that made me want to read the original book it was based on. This is a Christmas highlight.
special
Kirpianuscus28 December 2020
It is just special. Sure, a Halmark but proposing more than the sweet- easy romance in the Christmas frame. Something old fashion defines it from humor to acting. And wise meet of story and perception of Christmas as good moment of memories, gratitude . Short, smart ( special sounds better ) .
Pleasant Hallmark, with cliches.
eb99917 November 2021
I enjoyed this film and although I'm not crazy about Alison Sweeney, I really like Lucas Bryant. The fim had a decent love story with a mystery that keeps you involved for most of the film. However, its filled with Hallmark cliches: female lead is a baker; there's a snowball fight; the best friend is African-American; and the winter is phony - nobody ever looks cold, no matter how skimpily dressed. These cliches lower the enjoyment for me as they are like cartoon "POWS" when thy appear and take me away from the story. At least the writers forgot the " angels in the snow" cliche (whew...).
Anyway, I know Hallmark turns these films out in multiples that mean originality is hard to find, but I just wish they would take more care of their product and stop the annoying unoriginal ideas! If this were a little better written, it would have gotten an 8 or 9 from me. A 7 is my way of saying it was ok, but probably not worth watching more than once.
Anyway, I know Hallmark turns these films out in multiples that mean originality is hard to find, but I just wish they would take more care of their product and stop the annoying unoriginal ideas! If this were a little better written, it would have gotten an 8 or 9 from me. A 7 is my way of saying it was ok, but probably not worth watching more than once.
He saved him for you!
adamjohns-4257519 November 2022
Time For You To Come Home For Christmas (2) (2019) -
I really enjoyed this film despite the fact that I wasn't obsessed with the lead man as I normally am. Lucas Bryant in the role of Jack wasn't typically my type, but he still had a charm about him and I could actually feel the chemistry between him and Alison Sweeney as Kat. Quite a lot of the recent films in this genre have been lacking any connection, so it was nice to see the obvious attraction with those two.
However, I felt that there wasn't much love from her son, which may have been to show how lost he was without his Dad, but came across as indifferent.
I could feel Kat's sadness for the loss of her husband, she really made me understand how she felt and I really liked her in general, which takes some doing with these films, because they often choose emotionless, basic women or sulky dramatic stupid ones and most of whom overthink everything they do.
I did have to wonder why, although it would have made the story shorter, he didn't just tell her why he was there in the first place, it obviously wasn't a secret, so why keep it from the person he had become closest to? I assumed that it was supposed to be that Christmas magic at work, guiding them to get together just at the right moment.
In general though, it was a nice film, that was well put together, except perhaps the grainy photography, which made both of the leads look old and a bit ropey.
I'm sure that I will watch this one again.
6.5/10.
I really enjoyed this film despite the fact that I wasn't obsessed with the lead man as I normally am. Lucas Bryant in the role of Jack wasn't typically my type, but he still had a charm about him and I could actually feel the chemistry between him and Alison Sweeney as Kat. Quite a lot of the recent films in this genre have been lacking any connection, so it was nice to see the obvious attraction with those two.
However, I felt that there wasn't much love from her son, which may have been to show how lost he was without his Dad, but came across as indifferent.
I could feel Kat's sadness for the loss of her husband, she really made me understand how she felt and I really liked her in general, which takes some doing with these films, because they often choose emotionless, basic women or sulky dramatic stupid ones and most of whom overthink everything they do.
I did have to wonder why, although it would have made the story shorter, he didn't just tell her why he was there in the first place, it obviously wasn't a secret, so why keep it from the person he had become closest to? I assumed that it was supposed to be that Christmas magic at work, guiding them to get together just at the right moment.
In general though, it was a nice film, that was well put together, except perhaps the grainy photography, which made both of the leads look old and a bit ropey.
I'm sure that I will watch this one again.
6.5/10.
The Best of 2019
montgomerysue18 December 2019
This is one of Hallmark's best productions of the 2019 Christmas season - or any year.
Once in awhile Hallmark will cast a perfect couple for a story - two talented stars who just seem to click and end up giving very natural and believable performances that serve to make the entire movie a worthwhile experience. Such was the case in 2017 with Julie Benz and Michael Shanks in "Christmas Homecoming," Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell in 2018's "A Godwink Christmas," and now this.
Alison Sweeney is just terrific here giving a heartfelt and convincing performance as a mother who is dealing with the loss of her husband, while trying to put up a good front and help her son cope with the loss of his father at the same time. Together, they encounter Jack (played by Lucas Bryant) on a train bound for the mother's hometown at Christmas time and, eventually, a relationship evolves amid some good mystery involving just why did Jack come to town. This is Hallmark at its best - when it has a script that involves some interesting intrigue and employs very capable actors who "fit' and work well together. Sweeney gives a very nuanced and natural performance without being maudlin and Bryant is totally sincere and likable. Add great sets and costumes, nice cinematography and direction, and Kiefer O'Reilly (who recently was excellent in an episode of "The Good Doctor" as a patient going blind) as the son, and you've got a memorable Christmas movie that is worth more than one viewing.
Very deep and heartfelt family drama
MickyG33327 November 2022
6.7 stars.
This was a love it or leave it sort of movie for a lot of people I see. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. I was touched by the family tradition, the hope they share with the family bakery, and the journey that our leading lady and her son take as they travel the bumpy road of grief.
A mystery man enters the story, and he turns out to be the right man for all. A bond is created between he and her, and the last piece of an old puzzle is put in place. Fate is met, and life can continue once again.
I was moved by this film, however I wasn't expecting the loss of her military husband 2 years back to be this pivotal to the story, coupled with too many strange coincidences. This movie portrays a Christmas miracle that is not contrived, but quite rational. A lost watch, and an unknown heroic act make for a great narrative. There are a few too many far-fetched occurrences, but I'll ignore those for the sake of the message.
This was a love it or leave it sort of movie for a lot of people I see. I didn't love it, didn't hate it. I was touched by the family tradition, the hope they share with the family bakery, and the journey that our leading lady and her son take as they travel the bumpy road of grief.
A mystery man enters the story, and he turns out to be the right man for all. A bond is created between he and her, and the last piece of an old puzzle is put in place. Fate is met, and life can continue once again.
I was moved by this film, however I wasn't expecting the loss of her military husband 2 years back to be this pivotal to the story, coupled with too many strange coincidences. This movie portrays a Christmas miracle that is not contrived, but quite rational. A lost watch, and an unknown heroic act make for a great narrative. There are a few too many far-fetched occurrences, but I'll ignore those for the sake of the message.
Finally HMM!
Jackbv12322 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is the movie I've been waiting for this season without knowing which one it would be! In fact, I didn't expect it to be Time for You to Come Home for Christmas. Last year's version was OK, but not one to hold my breath for. Hallmark Movies and Mysteries usually has a story that really grabs my heartstrings. They had a couple very early in the season, especially the one about MS, but I wanted more. I wanted this movie.
You know pretty quick that Jack's backstory is going to tie into Katherine's, or at least someone pretty close to her. The movie leads us along in a sort of mystery as to what is Jack's quest. I thought I had a pretty good idea what it was going to be, but a couple of details didn't seem to fit, so I wasn't sure. I think the writers intended for the audience to have a good idea what was coming while still holding something back for the reveal.
Alison Sweeney sets it up for us as her story progresses and we see her pain and her longing for what is lost and will never be the same. She needs to heal, but she has put herself in a kind of limbo avoiding the healing she and Will needed. Kiefer O'Reilly helps Sweeney establish the emotions of the backstory, but Will is handling the loss in a slightly different way. And Lucas Bryant plays the reserved vet but without obscuring his feelings and personality as is so often the case in the reserved leading man. Each pair of the three has great chemistry as well as the three all together.
The reveal was for me almost too early. But this gave Sweeney a chance to show Kat actually process the news and then truly begin healing.
You know pretty quick that Jack's backstory is going to tie into Katherine's, or at least someone pretty close to her. The movie leads us along in a sort of mystery as to what is Jack's quest. I thought I had a pretty good idea what it was going to be, but a couple of details didn't seem to fit, so I wasn't sure. I think the writers intended for the audience to have a good idea what was coming while still holding something back for the reveal.
Alison Sweeney sets it up for us as her story progresses and we see her pain and her longing for what is lost and will never be the same. She needs to heal, but she has put herself in a kind of limbo avoiding the healing she and Will needed. Kiefer O'Reilly helps Sweeney establish the emotions of the backstory, but Will is handling the loss in a slightly different way. And Lucas Bryant plays the reserved vet but without obscuring his feelings and personality as is so often the case in the reserved leading man. Each pair of the three has great chemistry as well as the three all together.
The reveal was for me almost too early. But this gave Sweeney a chance to show Kat actually process the news and then truly begin healing.
Good Performaces, but Nothing like Virginia..
RichmondBread1 January 2020
This is yet another Hallmark movie set in Virginia that is nothing like Virginia. Really, I wish they would consult me in the future as a Virginian for all things Virginian.... The story line is very well written, however, and the acting is solid. It has more Christian values in the movie. It's sweet without being overly sappy. But back to my major issue with the film:
I'm not sure where in Virginia they are supposed to be, but I assume some fictional town near Norfolk, Virginia , since it deals with Tidewater and Military. Virginia is not very snowy at all in December, in fact it can be quite mild with only slight chill in the air. The fact that she took the train all the way from Boston (which could be 11or more hours ) , they make it look as if she's in some New England town. No one in Virginia has a strong Southern accent anymore, but they could make an effort to make the characters a bit more Southern. At least the mother reminded me somewhat of people I know in Virginia. But wasn't this directed by Blake Shelton?He should know better. I guess to him Virginia is "Up North". Oh well.
I'm not sure where in Virginia they are supposed to be, but I assume some fictional town near Norfolk, Virginia , since it deals with Tidewater and Military. Virginia is not very snowy at all in December, in fact it can be quite mild with only slight chill in the air. The fact that she took the train all the way from Boston (which could be 11or more hours ) , they make it look as if she's in some New England town. No one in Virginia has a strong Southern accent anymore, but they could make an effort to make the characters a bit more Southern. At least the mother reminded me somewhat of people I know in Virginia. But wasn't this directed by Blake Shelton?He should know better. I guess to him Virginia is "Up North". Oh well.
confusing and annoying plot. not set on Cape Cod!
novagirl112 May 2020
I have to say that much of the story, and Jack in particular seemed a bit creepy! I think it was intended to make the plot more of a mystery, but I actually found it distracting and annoying. Also, having grown up in MA and visiting Cape Cod, I was confused about the setting of this film when they mentioned it was "Provincetown," especially after a mention of Boston at the beginning. I guess it's supposed to be a fictional town in Virginia, though...oh well.
Christmas Journey to Joy
parksidedrive24 December 2019
Hallmark delivers the best movie of the season. Alison Sweeney (Katherine) and Lucas Bryant (Jack) are superb in their roles. The movie is about the loss of a special love and finding a conclusion to a time of pain. Each character finds resolution and growth. Love is the answer.
A stand out cast, terrific story, with great directing & music. Just the best from Hallmark.
"Save a dance for me scene" tells it all.
Happy Holidays, Everyone! Enjoy
A stand out cast, terrific story, with great directing & music. Just the best from Hallmark.
"Save a dance for me scene" tells it all.
Happy Holidays, Everyone! Enjoy
Not cheerful.
rebekahrox29 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Hallmark's best crier meets Hallmarks most gloomy sourpuss. Yes folks, this is a real holly-jolly one! Sweeny, the sad widow, braves coming home for Christmas to her small town where she lived with her now killed husband for her son's sake. She meets Lucas Bryant, who lately has been cornering the market on sullen doleful damaged characters, who has also come to her hometown to finally return the pocket watch of a mysterious soldier who saved his life. And she saves a bakery! A snow fort is built, a snowball fight is had, clumsy ice-skating occurs, a festival is held, and a tearful kiss happens and our heroine "moves on.". This one does not miss a trick.
On the positive side Sweeney and Bryant have good chemistry, and Sweeney is usually pretty appealing. She does what she was hired for: brave tears. Lucas Bryant is very attractive. The productions values are good, and the story had a little mystery to keep interest going. The young son was adorable and I hope to see him in other productions. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for this very popular entry in the Hallmark sweepstakes.
On the positive side Sweeney and Bryant have good chemistry, and Sweeney is usually pretty appealing. She does what she was hired for: brave tears. Lucas Bryant is very attractive. The productions values are good, and the story had a little mystery to keep interest going. The young son was adorable and I hope to see him in other productions. I guess I just wasn't in the mood for this very popular entry in the Hallmark sweepstakes.
Pure Formula
chiltonsjillfreeport1 January 2020
If we're supposed to be in VA, why use a prominent MA place name (when our lead Kat lives in Boston), way too much snow and no trace of a VA accent?
This was standard cookie cutter Hallmark, from the contrived plot to the hand waving performance from Allison Sweeney, whose co-star Lucas Bryant was much more convincing as Jack.
I think if I see one more HMC grown woman do the near-hysterical, helpless, uncoordinated ice skating scene, (where she barely moves but shrieks in fear of falling), I'm gonna start yelling myself.
This also checks the flailing thrown-snow box, a numbing amount of baking and the penultimate dance into love to a godawful song.
Not cute Hallmark; really not cute.
This was standard cookie cutter Hallmark, from the contrived plot to the hand waving performance from Allison Sweeney, whose co-star Lucas Bryant was much more convincing as Jack.
I think if I see one more HMC grown woman do the near-hysterical, helpless, uncoordinated ice skating scene, (where she barely moves but shrieks in fear of falling), I'm gonna start yelling myself.
This also checks the flailing thrown-snow box, a numbing amount of baking and the penultimate dance into love to a godawful song.
Not cute Hallmark; really not cute.
Bittersweet
anicho01-944-8125394 December 2023
A well-crafted Hallmark film that acknowledges Holiday sadness can occur without over the top trauma milking.
Lucas Bryant was lovely in Haven, but here he mixes his usual grounded acting style with warmth.
Alison Sweeney continues her acting journey from passionate Sammi on Days of Our Lives to portraying a wise yet emotionally vulnerable character.
There were small pops of diversity that didn't feel forced with her musical best friend who served a critical plot point.
The film was gently crafted from the opening to the ending. This remains a great example of Hallmark's increasingly more nuanced offerings.
Lucas Bryant was lovely in Haven, but here he mixes his usual grounded acting style with warmth.
Alison Sweeney continues her acting journey from passionate Sammi on Days of Our Lives to portraying a wise yet emotionally vulnerable character.
There were small pops of diversity that didn't feel forced with her musical best friend who served a critical plot point.
The film was gently crafted from the opening to the ending. This remains a great example of Hallmark's increasingly more nuanced offerings.
Great Movie
JSGal12 December 2019
This reminded me of the "God Wink" Movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, which I love! The cast was an excellent choice, especially the lead actors, Allison Sweeney and Lucas Bryant, who had great on screen chemistry.
Finally!!
Luvhallmark14 January 2020
This was by far the best Christmas movie of 2019. The story line was suspenseful and believable. The leads had perfect chemistry together. I know of AS, but I'm not sure who her counterpart was but I thought he was terrific. Kudos to the little boy who played the son, he was fantastic!! Hallmark, I sure hope you use him more. I'm also not familiar with the woman who played the mom, but I loved her as well and the dad, I've seen him in a few Christmas movies and have always enjoyed his work plus he has a great voice! Well done on this one, AS shines in this role, very good acting chops here.
Time for You to Come Home for Christmas
JoBloTheMovieCritic17 December 2019
Alison Sweeney with a Winner
elliep-4647521 December 2019
Alison Sweeney is always wonderful and I hope she will continue to make more HM Christmas movies.
One note, did anyone think the music at the Snowball at the very end of the music was a little ill-timed or distracting? I was trying to focus more on the couple dancing but the music comes through very strongly in that scene.
I thought that the relationship between Alison's character and her son was very sweet and realistic. Thank you Hallmark for this wonderful movie!
One note, did anyone think the music at the Snowball at the very end of the music was a little ill-timed or distracting? I was trying to focus more on the couple dancing but the music comes through very strongly in that scene.
I thought that the relationship between Alison's character and her son was very sweet and realistic. Thank you Hallmark for this wonderful movie!
Good story
toncincin19 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I really liked the story - and the suspense on why Jack was there. It kept you intrigued. The one thing I didn't understand was why Kat was so upset when Jack returned the watch. I would have been grateful. She got so upset and didn't want to see him. It was a little weird - Jack had nothing to do with her husband's death. Other than that one piece of the story, it was a good holiday movie.
Best so far of the season
maestromeg31 December 2019
Sweet and tender story. Superbly acted by all cast. Every single actor was natural and believable in his/her role. Sad without being overly maudlin. Definitely our fave of the year so far. One thing marred the end of the movie, and that was the incredibly lame song that played as they danced. Absolutely destroyed the magic of the moment. Very poor judgment in the choice of such a non-melody with ridiculous lyrics.
The Best Blake Shelton Movie!
coloradoan16 November 2023
This was by far my favorite "Time For You To Come Home For Christmas" version for 2019 and all the B. Shelton Hallmark movies. Number 5 movie is my least favorite. Alison Sweeney and Lucas Bryant have a strong chemistry that made this believable. I loved the story, the actors, and how it ended. The son was very cute and hope to see him in more movies. The mother is lovely. Some fans stated that the ending song was distracting, but the way Jack walks slowly toward Katherine is very provocative, and the interaction is mesmerizing. I hope Hallmark puts these two together again in a movie. I would love to see more follow-up movies, to continue the storylines. Bring it on!!!!!!!
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