My sweet mother tried to convince me to watch Hallmark Channel movies for years. She tried to talk to me about actors, characters, plots, settings. I was having none of it.

And then the world was struck with a pandemic. With lots of time at home, I finally started watching. What took me so long?!

It Was Always You captured my heart and became my instant favorite. Maybe I was influenced by my mother’s obsession with it. We love Erin Krakow’s hair. It makes us crave key lime pie. We are devoted #Hynies.

More than a new television-watching habit, Hallmark Channel gave my mom and me a new (adorable) hobby to share. We talk about our favorite actors—Tyler Hynes, of course, but also Kristoffer Polaha, Andrew (W.) Walker, Luke Macfarlane (please go see Bros in the theater!), Paul Campbell. We love Jill Wagner and Tricia Helfer (and we always know which is which!), the Williams sisters Kimberly and Ashley.

Do I wish there were more diversity? Yes. I’m waiting for a Deaf love story with ASL. I love the Mahogany Brand and can’t wait to see more. On that note, there’s good news on LinkedIn: “Crown Media Family Networks is proud to announce the promotion of Daryl Evans to senior director of diversity, equity and inclusion. In the newly created role, Evans is charged with building and managing DEI initiatives that enhance organizational culture and cultivate an inclusive workplace.” I hope that includes casting… Yes, please!

You know what would be kind of amazing, now that I think about it? What if there were a collection of Hallmark movies all based on the Hebrew Bible? Like, let’s say they start with Ruth. Cast a biracial hunk as Kai—I mean Boaz. Maybe adapt it from a bestselling (soon, friends, soon!) book? Wait… I know a book!

Okay, wait. That’s not what I was trying to get at. 😉

Back to a few of my favorite things… The holiday movie marathon is in full swing! It’s not just my favorite time of the Hallmark Channel year because of the hot cocoa, sweaters and scarves, tinsel and trees. It’s my favorite season because it’s movies all around the clock.

I love Golden Girls as much as the next millennial. But there is nothing better for a romance writer who suffers from insomnia than round-the-clock HEA movies with guaranteed kisses at the :59 minute mark. New movies every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. It’s so much fun. Thanks, Hallmark Channel! 🎁

What’s your favorite Hallmark Channel movie? Do you have a holiday favorite, too? Comment or email me your list!