Typical Hallmark love story with a story inside of it. I watched the whole thing because I thought right when they first met that it was like watching the movie version of the Dixie Chicks song "Travelin Soldier". Was nice to see it end with him home tho!!
35 Reviews
I Am On The Mother's Side
Christmas-Reviewer31 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES.
BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE. THE REASON WHY I REVIEW THEM IS TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN!.
A young woman begins a long-distance relationship with an active- duty soldier. Her mother tries to steer her away from the relationship to save her feelings.
Now the mother in this is shown almost like she is a villain. In real I think most women would not want their HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTER in a serious relationship. The mother wants her daughter to finish school. Can't blame her. Also there is a few shocks here and there but the title of this film kind of gives the surprise away!
Not a bad movie. I still think the mother was correct!
BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE. THE REASON WHY I REVIEW THEM IS TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN!.
A young woman begins a long-distance relationship with an active- duty soldier. Her mother tries to steer her away from the relationship to save her feelings.
Now the mother in this is shown almost like she is a villain. In real I think most women would not want their HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTER in a serious relationship. The mother wants her daughter to finish school. Can't blame her. Also there is a few shocks here and there but the title of this film kind of gives the surprise away!
Not a bad movie. I still think the mother was correct!
The surprise makes this worth a watch
juneebuggy8 January 2018
This was ok, not great, not much story really and it all appears to take place within a couple of days. I was however very surprised by what happened towards the end and then felt silly given the title. That whole "situation" made this Hallmark movie worthwhile to watch.
The story follows a young (high school) woman who falls in love with a soldier about to ship out just before Christmas. Her overprotective mother wants to spare her heartache similar to what she felt when her husband was killed on active duty, so she tries to persuade her daughter to end the romance while at the same time also not allowing herself to open her heart to a possible romance that's been right in front of her for years.
Decent enough acting for what's involved here, The daughter did come across older than high school age, very together and kind of mothering the mother (Catherine Bell). I also enjoyed Victor Webster as the potential boyfriend.
The story follows a young (high school) woman who falls in love with a soldier about to ship out just before Christmas. Her overprotective mother wants to spare her heartache similar to what she felt when her husband was killed on active duty, so she tries to persuade her daughter to end the romance while at the same time also not allowing herself to open her heart to a possible romance that's been right in front of her for years.
Decent enough acting for what's involved here, The daughter did come across older than high school age, very together and kind of mothering the mother (Catherine Bell). I also enjoyed Victor Webster as the potential boyfriend.
decent
Kirpianuscus29 December 2017
...and maybe, more. because it is a realistic portrait of family, relations, love and insecure feelings. because it has few nuances defining it as different by many Hallmark Christmas films. and, not the last, it is a good picture of the fears, dreams and hope at different ages, after different experiences of life. so, after the final credits, few scenes are more present in memory. about options, solutions, reactions. and this does it a good support of reflection. sure, it is not original and predictable. but few nuances are enough for defining it as different. or special. or, only, a decent Christmas film.
I liked it!
majoq15 November 2020
Cried a lot
cunhacsmm4 August 2018
Remember the title of the movie, and you won't be too depressed
laramia-garcia30 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
When I first saw the trailer almost two years ago I didn't think much of it. I just finished watching two movies about people in active service being called during the Christmas season.
The movie is set near FORT GARLAND, Colorado, where CATHERINE BELL's character, Jane McKendrick, and her daughter, Betsy(MATREYA FEDOR), stayed on even after her husband, Daniel, was killed in action when he was deployed in an undisclosed place.
Betsy has an instant connection with Private Tyler Sloane(ANTHONY KONECHNY) as soon as he enters the Diner where she works part time at, owned by handsome and single Jackson(VICTOR WEBSTER), who is in love with Betsy's mom, Jane.
Betsy is eighteen(18), so she's an adult, but she's also a senior in High School. She is very intelligent, and I'm sure, if she sets her mind into it, she would be a great veterinarian one day. She is a finalist for a full scholarship in one of the prestigious schools in California, plus she sings well.
Even with all that, her mom is overprotective of her, because she doesn't want her to experience the same kind of pain she underwent, not knowing by doing so, she is kind of driving her away, and hurting her even more.
Yes, Christmas-Reviewer, her mother has a point, and hat's why I also gave it a six like you. The movie's characters is sort of unfair to her. Betsy's in High School, but we have to remember she's also already eighteen years. In other societies, eighteen is still a child, but in the US of A, eighteen is considered an adult already, and Betsy is headstrong. Still, even if she's a bright kid, why did she make her mother worry more?
In the hospital it was normal for Jane to feel "that way", but I also understand the hurt Tyler and Betsy felt.
the Plus Points for Me
*I love horses, and the horses are beautiful
*the ice skating rinks
*the good people who love Jane and Betsy
The movie is set near FORT GARLAND, Colorado, where CATHERINE BELL's character, Jane McKendrick, and her daughter, Betsy(MATREYA FEDOR), stayed on even after her husband, Daniel, was killed in action when he was deployed in an undisclosed place.
Betsy has an instant connection with Private Tyler Sloane(ANTHONY KONECHNY) as soon as he enters the Diner where she works part time at, owned by handsome and single Jackson(VICTOR WEBSTER), who is in love with Betsy's mom, Jane.
Betsy is eighteen(18), so she's an adult, but she's also a senior in High School. She is very intelligent, and I'm sure, if she sets her mind into it, she would be a great veterinarian one day. She is a finalist for a full scholarship in one of the prestigious schools in California, plus she sings well.
Even with all that, her mom is overprotective of her, because she doesn't want her to experience the same kind of pain she underwent, not knowing by doing so, she is kind of driving her away, and hurting her even more.
Yes, Christmas-Reviewer, her mother has a point, and hat's why I also gave it a six like you. The movie's characters is sort of unfair to her. Betsy's in High School, but we have to remember she's also already eighteen years. In other societies, eighteen is still a child, but in the US of A, eighteen is considered an adult already, and Betsy is headstrong. Still, even if she's a bright kid, why did she make her mother worry more?
In the hospital it was normal for Jane to feel "that way", but I also understand the hurt Tyler and Betsy felt.
the Plus Points for Me
*I love horses, and the horses are beautiful
*the ice skating rinks
*the good people who love Jane and Betsy
Not bad, but not all that good either
topix-761-6641619 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I looked forward to this movie because I like Catherine Bell in "Good Witch," but this is not one of her better ones.
The time line doesn't really make sense (spoilers ahead). The daughter skypes with the young soldier on the same day (or maybe the day before) she is supposed to sing for the Christmas program. Then, while she's on stage, somebody starts reading a list of soldiers who have gotten killed. Why would Tyler's death have been reported to that person in such a short time, especially since he was from another state?
Then it seems like Tyler was hurt, patched up, and sent back to the U.S. In something like a 24-hour period. Their long-distance relationship only lasted about a week before he was back.
It was obvious from the way the camera kept focusing on the door that Tyler would be back.
The time line doesn't really make sense (spoilers ahead). The daughter skypes with the young soldier on the same day (or maybe the day before) she is supposed to sing for the Christmas program. Then, while she's on stage, somebody starts reading a list of soldiers who have gotten killed. Why would Tyler's death have been reported to that person in such a short time, especially since he was from another state?
Then it seems like Tyler was hurt, patched up, and sent back to the U.S. In something like a 24-hour period. Their long-distance relationship only lasted about a week before he was back.
It was obvious from the way the camera kept focusing on the door that Tyler would be back.
When you fall for your first love.....
nyz_snuggle_bunny9 July 2019
I have seen this movie a handful of times. Matter doe fact I just got done watching. (Christmas in July on HMM) Even though I know what is going to happen and how it will end. It still gets me every single time. I just always end up crying. It never fails. This movie has everything, a love story, a man in uniform, a protective mother, a strong support system. Every time I see it, it reminds me of the first love especially if it was this strong, overwhelming feeling that came out of nowhere.
This movie just makes the feelings of my first love come crashing back. I just wish mine has that same ending as this one. First loves Dan be so special. I'm glad mine was something that will always hold a huge place in my heart. That time was so special.
I would recommend this movie and I'm probably going so watch it again before HMM Christmas in July is over.
I wonder if I'm the only one who would like a part 2 to some of their Christmas movies.
This movie just makes the feelings of my first love come crashing back. I just wish mine has that same ending as this one. First loves Dan be so special. I'm glad mine was something that will always hold a huge place in my heart. That time was so special.
I would recommend this movie and I'm probably going so watch it again before HMM Christmas in July is over.
I wonder if I'm the only one who would like a part 2 to some of their Christmas movies.
Traveling Soldier by The Dixie Chicks
Richard-Anderson-118 December 2018
The title says it all..
kz917-11 January 2018
I love Catherine Bell, but her character in this movie was a wretch!
I do however agree that a high school senior beginning a relationship with a soldier shipping out isn't the best of ideas.
Love the actors, but they deserve better material.
I do however agree that a high school senior beginning a relationship with a soldier shipping out isn't the best of ideas.
Love the actors, but they deserve better material.
Great storyline for families of soldiers
rick-1633927 December 2018
Like an Army Wives Xmas special
phd_travel28 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
If you watched Army Wives which starred Catherine Bell also this slightly reminded me of it. Catherine Bell plays an army widow. Her daughter about to go off to college falls hard and fast for a sweet soldier (Anthony Konechny) who is about to be deployed. Of course she is worried about her daughter loving a soldier who could be killed too. Meanwhile she herself has been resisting love although there is good friend (Victor Webster) who is about to give up waiting for her to love again.
Not too much story to make a movie and there isn't that much Christmas stuff either for that matter. The actors are quite sweet and likable. Don't know why they chose such a short actress to play the daughter - they didn't look related.
There is a satisfactory ending as expected.
Not too much story to make a movie and there isn't that much Christmas stuff either for that matter. The actors are quite sweet and likable. Don't know why they chose such a short actress to play the daughter - they didn't look related.
There is a satisfactory ending as expected.
The timeline makes absolutely no sense
stephaniefiebke11 November 2018
In an effort to make this take place over the Christmas season, there's a ridiculously gaping plothole of a timeline that can't possibly make sense at all which takes away from the movie rendering it annoying more than heartwarming. Plus the mom is infuriating half the time and maudlin the other half. The actress that plays Betsy is great though and Tyler is a cutie.
This is a Must Watch
Debzreview13 November 2017
This is a real tearjerker so watch it with a box of tissues. Betsy and Tyler were perfect. Tyler is an absolute sweetheart and every girl's dream come true. I have to say that there were times when I didn't like the character of Jane very much but she ultimately redeemed herself. Don't miss this one.
Good Acting, But Too Easy an Ending
athompsonblue11 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was impressed with the acting performance of both the mother and daughter. This movie isn't typical Hallmark fluff. It's a pretty serious subject matter.
Some reviewers hate on the mother, while others take her side. I, personally, find her easy to forgive. Her traumatic loss seeped into her approach to parenting. But she goes through an arc of learning the error of her ways. If her daughter is 18 and is dating such a fine young man, there's not much she can do. I'd just be grateful that my daughter was a finalist for a scholarship, had a career goal, and wasn't dating a loser. But, yes, while still living under my roof, she'd need to check in with me and obey curfew.
For the movie's ending, the writers took the easy way out. I know that Hallmark is sometimes another Disney, but I think the ending would have carried more weight if the boyfriend had truly died. I mean, part of what made Casablanca's ending so impactful is that they don't end up together. In this case, have the daughter come to terms with her grief and move forward with her life, while learning from her mom's mistakes.
Some reviewers hate on the mother, while others take her side. I, personally, find her easy to forgive. Her traumatic loss seeped into her approach to parenting. But she goes through an arc of learning the error of her ways. If her daughter is 18 and is dating such a fine young man, there's not much she can do. I'd just be grateful that my daughter was a finalist for a scholarship, had a career goal, and wasn't dating a loser. But, yes, while still living under my roof, she'd need to check in with me and obey curfew.
For the movie's ending, the writers took the easy way out. I know that Hallmark is sometimes another Disney, but I think the ending would have carried more weight if the boyfriend had truly died. I mean, part of what made Casablanca's ending so impactful is that they don't end up together. In this case, have the daughter come to terms with her grief and move forward with her life, while learning from her mom's mistakes.
Every Soldiers Wish, Home for Christmas Day
loren090519739 October 2020
A truly relateable story with ties to the military and the happy ending you would wish for in real life. Movies and TV are sources of entertainment that are turned to in order to get away from our real life drama. This movie was written from a truly empathetic point of view, the cast delivers a strong performance, and it will take you on an emotional and thought provoking journey.
Maudlin
morrobay23 November 2017
Terribly melodramatic, sappy story with awful dialogue. I guess they have to tick certain boxes to make a Hallmark movie, and this got them all: mother and daughter at odds, mother doesn't like the boyfriend, boyfriend is too nice to be true, boyfriend goes overseas, daughter learns in the end that mom is right. Oh brother. Can anyone write an original thought anymore?
Catherine Bell had the worst dialogue, don't know how she got through it. Maybe some actresses can pull off something so overly dramatic, but she's not one of them.
I gave it 1 star.
Catherine Bell had the worst dialogue, don't know how she got through it. Maybe some actresses can pull off something so overly dramatic, but she's not one of them.
I gave it 1 star.
Excellent story
Jackbv1238 November 2017
This was a bit different from the Christmas movies of which I have seen so many. It was not all warm and fuzzy hot chocolate and Santa Claus.
This is a story about a woman, played by Catherine Bell, who has some deep scars because she lost her soldier husband not long after she was married. Bell does a great job showing an independent woman who is trying to teach her daughter all the good things, but meanwhile is struggling not just with the loss of her husband, but also the impending empty next when her daughter goes to college. My son is 32 and I know that you never stop worrying about them.
Jane's life becomes more intense when her daughter meets Tyler, a soldier from the local base. The two young people fall in love and all the emotions step up a notch as Jane struggles not to stifle her daughter, but wanting to protect her from the same kinds of hurt she suffered.
This is only the beginning of the emotions the movie takes us through and saying more would be spoilers. The story is excellent.
I've already mentioned Bell's performance. Matreya Fedor and Anthony Konechny do a good job as the young couple, especially Fedor who displays some deep emotions as well. Victor Webster is solid, but despite Jackson's love interest with Jane, his character is secondary to the other three.
For quality of the movie in the Christmas genre, I'd make this about 9-1/2. My final rating is personal enjoyment and while I am glad I watched this, I probably will not want to do repeats.
This is a story about a woman, played by Catherine Bell, who has some deep scars because she lost her soldier husband not long after she was married. Bell does a great job showing an independent woman who is trying to teach her daughter all the good things, but meanwhile is struggling not just with the loss of her husband, but also the impending empty next when her daughter goes to college. My son is 32 and I know that you never stop worrying about them.
Jane's life becomes more intense when her daughter meets Tyler, a soldier from the local base. The two young people fall in love and all the emotions step up a notch as Jane struggles not to stifle her daughter, but wanting to protect her from the same kinds of hurt she suffered.
This is only the beginning of the emotions the movie takes us through and saying more would be spoilers. The story is excellent.
I've already mentioned Bell's performance. Matreya Fedor and Anthony Konechny do a good job as the young couple, especially Fedor who displays some deep emotions as well. Victor Webster is solid, but despite Jackson's love interest with Jane, his character is secondary to the other three.
For quality of the movie in the Christmas genre, I'd make this about 9-1/2. My final rating is personal enjoyment and while I am glad I watched this, I probably will not want to do repeats.
Obnoxious mother
jbstread5 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There was nothing heart warming about this movie. The mother was completely controlling, unhealthy, and unstable. The young couple would have been endearing without her. I have several children in the same age range as the daughter, and if you haven't already raised them right, you never will. They will also never grow up if you never let them. If they need your help, they ask for it. The daughter lost the happy, precious time she would have had with the lovely, earnest young man if the mother hadn't been completely selfish, protecting her own feelings instead of nurturing those of her daughter.
Very worth watching
pegschr19 December 2018
Catherine Bell is a B-E-O-T-C-H in this movie ..
irishhone14 December 2020
Hallmark movie which brings tears
sidhikatrisha28 April 2021
Well i enjoyed the movie to the fullest. I cried my heart out to the climax and plot twist. Well its a hallmark movie, so didnt expect it would give me so much tears, but you know hallmark always makes one happy and this movie will make one happy.
I have seen this plot a number of times but still love it. Acting was good by everyone, yes the mother is annoying.
I have seen this plot a number of times but still love it. Acting was good by everyone, yes the mother is annoying.
Mom and daughter are two of the most annoying "Debbie Downers"
Ed-Shullivan4 December 2020
Like mother, like daughter this so called Christmas themed romance film has little to do with Christmas other than the movie title is the biggest "Spoiler" of all time. The writer, producer and director were certainly all on the same page as they had both mother and daughter in a depressed state at Christmas and I have never seen two worse Debbie Downer's than this mother and daughter pair.
The mom, Jane McKendrick (Catherine Bell) constantly speaks in whispers throughout the film as if we have to hang on to every single word she is saying. Jane is hiding a secret from her male friend Jackson Hart (Victor Webster) and from us the audience and she is overly protective of her daughter Betsy McKendrick (Matreya Fedor) who is in a new relationship with a young man named Tyler Sloane (Anthony Konechny) who is destined for an overseas tour of duty just before Christmas. The positive side of this film is the realistic behaviours of the two young ones deeply in love with one another Tyler and Betsy.
It's an okay time waster but the movie title is misleading as the film has next to nothing to do with the holidays other than it takes place around the holiday season and provides the biggest spoiler alert ever!
I give it a 5 out of 10 IMDB rating.
The mom, Jane McKendrick (Catherine Bell) constantly speaks in whispers throughout the film as if we have to hang on to every single word she is saying. Jane is hiding a secret from her male friend Jackson Hart (Victor Webster) and from us the audience and she is overly protective of her daughter Betsy McKendrick (Matreya Fedor) who is in a new relationship with a young man named Tyler Sloane (Anthony Konechny) who is destined for an overseas tour of duty just before Christmas. The positive side of this film is the realistic behaviours of the two young ones deeply in love with one another Tyler and Betsy.
It's an okay time waster but the movie title is misleading as the film has next to nothing to do with the holidays other than it takes place around the holiday season and provides the biggest spoiler alert ever!
I give it a 5 out of 10 IMDB rating.
Tearjerker!
rebekahrox30 July 2017
I never thought I would say that a Hallmark movie surprised me, but this one did. Twice! Basically this is a story of an over protective mom, played very intelligently by Catherine Bell. She was left a young widow due to her own military husband dying in action. She has refused to open herself up to love with her friend, an extremely eligible and attractive man who is in love with her, due to her tough experience. Now she sees her own daughter, who has a bright future, possibly putting that in jeopardy and opening herself up to pain and heartache by her own budding romance with a soldier about to be deployed. The script is good, and is a good bit more daring and multi layered than most Hallmarks. Bell's character is over protective, but she never goes too far. I was never angry or too frustrated with her. This is partly because the daughter, Betsy, has a good head on her shoulders, and gives her Mom as good as she gets. The actors are great, all the way around. A special shout out goes to the casting of the young soldier. He was super appealing and this movie would not have been so affecting unless you were half in love with him yourself. He was the young man any Mom would hope for in a son, or would want a daughter to marry. And by the way. Pay attention to the title, It's important.
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