User Reviews

I like the cast. The guy is a bit of a grump early on, which I find a welcome change from the usual Hallmark lead and more realistic considering his character's past. The kid is much better than the usual TV movie kid, which is a credit to the actress playing her. I liked Bethany too because she was confident and capable in her profession. Jill Wagner might be my new favourite on this channel. She can display a range of emotion without being fake, annoying, or over the top.

Hearts of Winter is a lovely, appealing movie based on a very emotional theme. A widower and his teenage daughter have lost a beloved wife and mother, and seem to have established a new life for themselves in the comfort of their warm and familiar home. For some reason, the teenage daughter enters a contest to have their home considered for a makeover by a TV home decorator. Her application is accepted and their home is chosen to be redecorated. This, understandably, stuns the father, who resist any changes to his familiar surroundings. And here is where the movie goes a bit too far in ignoring the emotional underlying issues for his resistance. The designer, played by the always lovely Jill Wagner, forges ahead with her plans to rid the home of its familiar objects, bring in new items, and essentially, change everything from what it had been. Sadly, the writers completely bypass the father's resistance to this project..overlooking the emotions he must be feeling at having all his reminders of his wife's existence carried away and replaced. Not enough dialogue, attention and respect is given, at all, to this aspect of what must be going on for him. This issue is finally articulated somewhere in the last third of the film. In the meantime, a relationship is seemingly growing between the father and the decorator, but not in a way that takes into account his grieving and his loss. The designer, played by Jill Wagner, does a great deal too much giggling to fill lapses in dialogue..Also, she appears a bit pregnant..Could that be? Usually she appears as a tall, statuesque attractive woman..But, here, there seems to be a great deal of scarves, coats, pocketbook cover-up activity going on..The father, Victor Webster, is always reliable as a romantic, appealing leading man, but is given a weaker image in this film. .until he is fairly allowed to mention the loss of his wife and everything she loved about her house. The movie is carried, very clearly, by the teenage daughter, Lauren McNamara, whose acting skills far outweigh those of the adult leads. She has developed into a truly skilled actress, and even shows some impressive ice-skating skills in one brief scene. This is a really fine young actress. The designer's assistant is played with great dignity and maturity by Rukiya Bernard, who by this time, should be given leading roles in Hallmark movies..She is an elegant, nuanced actress with not enough presence in her secondary roles. The movie rests on a valid theme of death of a spouse, loss, grieving...However, its development of that theme is superficial and not explored nearly enough to merit more stars.. Emotions run high in films about widowhood, single parenting, and life changes. This script did not take full enough advantage of all the deeper possibilities the situation offered. The eventual romantic ending seemed contrived and superificial.

I am giving this 6 stars mostly because I thought Jill Wagner and Victor Webster were so wonderfully in sync as costars. (Jill Wagner is one of my very favorites! )

They had a fun, flirty spark that made it completely watchable.

I also absolutely loved Rukiya Bernard in this! She added so much more funnier my opinion that this movie really needed. I would definitely like to see more movies with these actors.

I found the writing of this to be rather slow. But it did have just the right touch of sweetness and romance.

Jill Wagner and Victor Webster are always solid and I can't fault either of them for "something is missing", as said by another reviewer with whom I agree. Maybe it was that Wagner was trying too hard. Rukiya Bernard and Lauren McNamara were possibly even better in their roles than the leads. Both of these two should have a great future in this genre.

The story follows common themes and I thought the first few scenes were rough - the way Bethany comes in with guns blazing made me cringe a little. The trigger to the only conflict does get foreshadowed, and it works. My biggest complaint would be Grant's abrupt 180 early on which really didn't make that much sense. It made much more sense for him to remain reluctant. I also agree with the reviewer who talked about the reasons Grant was overwhelmed. That these factors seemed to suddenly go into hiding in the middle of the movie goes along with what I just said about his 180 toward Bethany. Perhaps the director or writers thought doing it this way would intensify the impact for when Grant's pent up feelings about the past being pushed aside comes out. In a way it does intensify that aspect, but it just doesn't feel right how much those feelings suddenly but temporarily disappeared.

I liked how they did "mom's prayers". Otherwise there are no other religious themes.

I think I am in love with Jill Wagner, she is the star of one of my three favorite Hallmark series Mystery 101. Both Jill Wagner and Victor Webster are wonderful actors and while they are great on their own...they are even better together. They had great chemistry in this the Hearts of Winter.

This is the story of yet another widower (I am really seeing a pattern Hallmark...why are you killing off all these parents?) whose daughter Zoe enters them in a contest to win a much needed home makeover. The dad reluctantly allows the makeover to happen when they win...and slowly warms to the interior decorator.

Jill Wagner's character fit in so well with their family unit it seemed so natural that they would fall for each other...especially her instant connection with the daughter Zoe.

If you are a Hallmark fan I recommend watching this winter love story that showcases two phenomenal actors.

The story and the writing is weak, although the interior decorating and shopping bits were mildly diverting. However thanks to the talented cast and the easy chemistry among all the actors, this one earns an 8 from me. Jill Wagner is a very good actress and she and Victor Webster make a great well-matched couple. Victor's character Grant started out whiny and ungrateful, but he got over it fairly quickly. Lauren McNamara who played Grant's daughter was also top-notch and has been in several other Hallmark movies. She gets the plot rolling buy winning a free house makeover from Bethany an up and coming Interior Designer. Brendan Zub has impressed me in other productions, but was under-used as Jill's sensible and supportive brother. I would like to see him as the lead again in further Hallmark movies. Last and certainly not least is the cute and charismatic Rukiya Bernard, Jill's friend and partner, who brightens every production she is in. Alas, still in the best friend role and not as the lead. Come on Hallmark! Give her a role worthy of her before she gets away. One thing I really liked about this romance is that it didn't end with the deal-sealing smooch, like they all do, but went on to add a little postscript by having the cast wrap things up back at the redecorated home.

In the film, I am glad to see the prayers that the father and daughter pray together at home.

Have liked Jill Wagner in a lot of things and can understand why she is a Hallmark favourite. Rukiya Bernard has a great knack for stealing every scene she's in in all her films, even in the duds. Victor Webster's filmography is a bit of a mixed bag, but in the right role and with the right leading lady he has a good deal of appeal. Having said that, the story didn't sound anything special and little different from most Hallmark Winterfest films and didn't care for most of the 2020 Winterfest films.

Of the 2020 Winterfest films, of which there are five, 'Hearts of Winter' is second best with 'Winter in Vail' being the best. Didn't care for the other three, especially 'Amazing Winter Romance' which was anything but amazing. 'Hearts of Winter' is not an exceptional, or even great film, but it is above average. Despite the story being wanting generally, it is worth seeing for the cast in particular. As far as the 2020 Hallmark films go, it's somewhere in the middle.

Beginning with what doesn't come off, the story is slow going at first and is bland in spots due to little new done with a formulaic scenario. The final quarter could have done with more tension and felt less neat, the end is never in doubt and easily telegraphed.

Webster's character is not easy to warm to at first and his uptightness and grumpiness seemed overdone. He also has a 180 change in character that is introduced too abruptly and is rushed, also thought it came too early when the character had not really grown yet. Wagner occasionally tries too hard.

However, there is a lot to like about 'Hearts of Winter'. Wagner on the most part is very charming and plays her role with enthusiasm and good intentions. Once the character loosens up in the writing, Webster becomes a lot more relaxed and has an easy going charisma that appeals. He and Wagner look natural and genuine together and the romance is developed just about right. Lauren McNamara is adorable and heartfelt and has lovely chemistry with Wagner and Webster. Once again Bernard steals all her screen time with a real zesty sparkle, though it would be nice if Hallmark stretched her abilities and landed her in another type of role.

Furthermore, the scenery is truly beautiful and the photography makes the most of it without being self-indulgent. While not unforgettable, the music at least fits and isn't overused or bombastic. The script flows and doesn't come over as too talky (though perhaps it could have been tighter in the early stages), corny or saccharine. The story is far from perfect, but it has a warm heart and never cheesy light-heartedness while the characters are ones worth caring for once they settle.

To conclude, not great but above average. 6/10.

The 2 cast leads show their acting abilities in this not very original but very nice romcom

Well cast characters in a formulaic plot. Enjoyable design elements & good acting elevate an average script.

Familiar and talented actors forced to deliver some of the worst dialogue written. The female lead keeps repeating what the men say, first with her brother, then with the male lead. Plot is fine if a little dull. Story premise could have been better in more skilled pens. I like Hallmark movies. I like romance. I don't ask for perfection but the dialogue is awkward in every scene. Written in crayon. Squirm-worthy.

The story was well written coupled with well chosen casts. Jill, per usual, has done it again. She is the most talented of all Hallmark actresses. The chemistry between her and Victor was awesome. Victor played his role extremely well. Once again Rukiya has proven that she deserves to be a lead in a movie. Lauren's acting cannot be ignored either. Overall, this movie warms your heart!!

In this Hallmark romance, a widower with a young daughter wins a home makeover. Actually, his daughter wins it for him, which explains his initial reluctance to the process. His position is difficult because he must find a way to balance his loyalty to his deceased wife---whose presence he feels in the house---with his love for his daughter, who is excited about the makeover.

Victor Webster plays the father, Grant Oliver, and Jill Wagner plays the designer, Bethany Cain. Obviously, there is a hurdle to overcome, but I feel Grant's character is a little too recalcitrant in the beginning. Lauren McNamara plays the daughter, Zoe, and is sweet. The supporting characters in this film are strong, though their roles are not very meaty. In particular, Rukiya Bernard gives her every scene a dose of sunshine.

The last half of the film is enjoyable, as the father finally decides to love it or lose it.

Overall, I did not really enjoy this movie. The other review titled "something is missing" actually says all of the things I was thinking with the addition that I think Jill tried way too hard. Maybe it's because she is a producer in this movie? She is usually more laid-back and her acting feels more natural. I didn't see it here. I also didn't feel chemistry. I was annoyed at times. The cast was great. I love them and I give them much credit but I just didn't love this movie. Sorry.

It is the film of McNamara and Bernard. The film of mother prayers and bleu bowl. And the film of good, noble intentions. Because, against the obvious effort of the main actors, something remains too unrealistic to fake. The change of the attitude of Grant Oliver about his designer is too unplausible and the romance, with huge indulgence, acceptable. So, nice for the support actresses.

Hallmark Channel romance movies are very predictable and nearly always follow a very predictable pattern...and "Hearts of Winter" is no different. When the story begins, you know how it will end because the filmmakers are trying to deliver a sweet romance...not shock or surprise viewers. And, while some cynical folks might dislike the movies because they are predictable, those to love the genre KNOW they'll get what they are looking for...a nice little romance and a nice happy ending.

Bethany (Jill Wagner) is an interior decorator whose assistant has come up with a great idea...to have a home decorating contest. Whoever writes the most interesting application will get their home remodeled for free...they just need to allow Bethany to document the process for her website.

Zoe Oliver (Lauren McNamara) is a teen whose father is in a funk following the death of his wife/her mother. The wonderful house they bought was never really furnished and made into a home because Mrs. Oliver died right after they bought the place. And, Grant Oliver (Lauren McNamara) has a hard time facing this. So, he works and works and tries to be a great dad...but something is missing. Take a wild guess what or who is missing from his life?!

The film is predictable...sure. But the actors and director did a lovely job in how they presented it, so only the most cynical and grouchy could hate the picture. Well made...if not very familiar.

7.4 stars.

Bethany is a famous interior designer who does free home makeovers every year. Grant and his daughter Zoe are the recipients of this year's promo.

Of course we know how this goes: Bethany will be the woman to fill the hole in Grant's heart since his wife died some years ago. Happy ending.

So what's new about this that we haven't seen in any other Hallmark? Nothing. In fact she is an interior designer/decorator, and how many times have we seen her do this very thing? I recall two or more other movies - same actress, same career. I don't believe in big coincidences and I'll leave it at that.

The romance is not bad, it meets all the required elements. Zoe's character is very likable and she's fun to watch as she teases her dad Grant for being an adult and not so smart when it comes to dating and attraction. Bethany's assistant is fun too, although a bit too opinionated and pushy at times which makes Bethany lose some of her credibility. Bethany's brother has a minimal and offbeat role which is a bit confusing, I'm not sure what type of person he is. Grant's best friend owns a restaurant and he's a bit deviant. Not sure what it is about the sketchy males in this film. Looks like Hallmark's going on a girl power rant, because all the guys are morons, including Grant.

"Hearts of Winter" is entertaining due to Bethany's character because she's very endearing and quirky. The rest was standard, but since I laughed a few times it deserves an above average rating.

For me, this gal was the most credible actor in the story. It was a delightful story and the daughter, also played her role like a pro. Hallmark needs to put this Rukiya Bernard in a leading role. She was so comfortable in her role, and I especially liked how natural and real her voice and expressions were. Wagner, often times over-acts and it's off-putting.

I must say I really did enjoy this movie. The characters were really nice and there seemed great chemistry in the whole cast. Lovely scenery - OMG even the snow seemed real! Witty dialogue and it was not too schmaltzy. It's how I would like an adult romance to go! Well done. Very good supporting actors as well.

The only thing going for this one is the background plot is different, but it contains the usual, predictable elements that run through all Hallmark movies. Dialog is lame...do people really talk like this? And do women really let themselves be talked into anything? Why is so much wrapped around coffee and phones. Not sure where the location is supposed to be, as the only place mentioned is Denver. If Denver or Colorado, Canada looks nothing like either one. I am not hung up on Hallmark movies, have only watched a few, but enough to know that same old same old is prevalent. Keep hoping that one is worth watching.

Wow this was so good yes I highly recommend it. James Welch Henderson Arkansas. 11/13/2020

Interior designer is brought in by a 13-year-old know-it-all girl who likes to boss her dad around and has so much more wisdom than he does. Designer, who is out to make a name for herself, talks to Dad like it's a done deal that she's going to make over his house, even though he never asked for it, but she'll let him participate in some of the details. Dad huffs and puffs a bit, but of course he goes along; rather than gently telling his daughter that she still isn't in charge and telling the designer to cool her heels for a little bit and let him decide if he wants to do this, he just grumbles a little bit and then says okay. Because this is how it works.

This is an excellent movie! I love this movie! Bethany holds a contest to win a makeover for their house. A girl, Zoe, writes a letter, Bethany and her assistant read it, and they love the letter, and they decide that letter is the winner. Zoe's Dad Grant is not pleased when he finds out that his daughter won a home makeover. Bethany does eventually makeover Grant's home, and it is an absolutely beautiful job. She even installs a neat cabinet to store Zoe's ice skates, which Grant had tripped over in the recent past.

All the actors are superb. The interior designer, daughter and dad are just great! Rukiya Bernard does a great job as the leading lady's friend, as usual.

This is a wonderful, feel good movie. It's one of the best Hallmark movies that I've ever seen. Highly recommended!

All I could think of during this movie was homeless and drug addicts. And other unfortunate people. That people spend this kind of money on "fixing up a perfect home" is repulsive as the american dream. Which is just that greed should persevere over over others. Does he work in the "movie"? One glimpse one evening in his living room? There is only one way to become rich, to take too much money from your customers. And this movie oozes it. 1 of those pillows could keep a village in africa with food for a week. Not to mention the new sitting arrangement outside, or the new sofa. WHY, I CRY!!! And it's all too happy and merry and overplayed, the daughter said it after the ice skating appearance. "Oh dad it's not like it's the olympics". They acted as if it was even way more than merely the olympics. Is it just me or has Hallmark movies gotten even worse this last year? Not even he could save this, so why parttake?