The Mistletoe Secret was not as bad as you thought it was going to be | C+

Hallmark Channel Premiere | November 10, 2019

First of all, I acknowledge the fact that some of you can't take Kellie Pickler. I get it. Personally, I have a soft spot for her. When Kellie was on American Idol, I was living in Boston and frequently homesick for southern food, southern charm, and southern accents. At that time, hearing Kellie talk to Simon Cowell was like a breath of fresh air mixed with the aroma of grandma's chicken and dumplins. So while I do understand adverse reactions to Ms. Pickler, I choose to accept her for what she is. And, having been to Albemarle, NC, I can attest that the accent is authentic. Given all of that, I do wonder why they set this movie in Utah.

In this movie, Aria is a huge fan of Sterling Masters, a TV personality who happens to be visiting her hometown. Unbeknownst to her, Sterling has a ghostwriter Alex, who stops in to Kellie's cafe one evening and ends up being her companion for lots of Christmassy things. Both men pursue Aria, and she has to choose between the pretty face (Sterling) and the real man behind the words (Alex.) It's all very Cyrano de Bergerac.

Yes, my teeth do make that "ding" sound when I smile. You'll get used to it. #Colgate (missed ad opportunity here)

Was this movie good by any normal measures? No. But with the yardstick by which we measure Hallmark movies, it was good. I liked the story, the writing, and the characters. It also had enough unique elements to avoid just going through the Hallmark motions.

Hallmark gets an A on: Being self-aware enough to explain Kellie's southern accent; Christmas passport idea; romance; s'mores (I see a theme this year); writing (Kellie has some great lines); meddling matchmaker dad; the name Sterling Masters; ugly sweaters; Balsam Hill ad placement

Hallmark gets a D on: The Mistletoe Man concept (really lame, but I'll overlook it); the final 20 minutes, during which it dropped two letter grades.

Oh- and Sterling gets a D. He's kind of a jerk.

Grade: C+

* Note Grading Scale:

A = This is seriously a good movie. It will remain on my DVR for the season.

B = Totally exceeded my expectations. I'm happy to recommend.

C = This is an average Hallmark movie. Good holiday fun.

D = I'm disappointed... but I watched it. Why not?

F = I actually had a hard time getting through this one. And that says a lot.