While this may be another "hallmark movie" this is on a different scale of a 'mystery'. This really hits home for anyone out there who is adopted or has any questions about their heritage. I felt this on a couple different levels. Very good acting for all involved and well written script. As someone (me) who isn't sure of familial history, this made me think of how things could have been different, had I only known. Can't wait for the next episodes as they kinda left us with a cliffhanger with the main actor on this one. This is for sure the best new series on Hallmark by far. And I have seen them all.
14 Reviews
Evil Step Father
rebekahrox10 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A forensic geneologist is asked by a family friend to track down the biological father of her son (also a good friend) because he needs a bone marrow transplant.
It's a good idea for a series and the story was involving and dramatic. I am a Niall Matter fan. He played the twin brother of the sick guy (Morgan David Jones) and love interest. I am a fan of Mr. Jones as well, and not only for his resemblance to Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy).
What I didn't like was that even when they know a man's life was at stake, supposed friends and loved ones would not share details of what they knew about the missing man. Particularly egregious was the step father. I did not particularly blame him for sending the returning from the dead husband of his wife away when he was a young newlywed, but for not sharing information that he knew about him with the heroine detective in the present. Again, even when the son he raised life was on the line. I just don't have the words. But all was forgiven at the end. Why? Also the two couples acted like teenagers rather than mature adults. Particularly the secondary couple. They were cute, but when his feelings for her were so obvious, why didn't she ask him out if she had been waiting so long for him? Grow up!
It's a good idea for a series and the story was involving and dramatic. I am a Niall Matter fan. He played the twin brother of the sick guy (Morgan David Jones) and love interest. I am a fan of Mr. Jones as well, and not only for his resemblance to Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy).
What I didn't like was that even when they know a man's life was at stake, supposed friends and loved ones would not share details of what they knew about the missing man. Particularly egregious was the step father. I did not particularly blame him for sending the returning from the dead husband of his wife away when he was a young newlywed, but for not sharing information that he knew about him with the heroine detective in the present. Again, even when the son he raised life was on the line. I just don't have the words. But all was forgiven at the end. Why? Also the two couples acted like teenagers rather than mature adults. Particularly the secondary couple. They were cute, but when his feelings for her were so obvious, why didn't she ask him out if she had been waiting so long for him? Grow up!
Very Sweet
maialagerstedt6 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
As much as I love a good cozy murder mystery, it was nice to see a different kind of mystery. Say what you will about Hallmark movies, sometimes I just want to be entertained and able to count on a happy ending. This had an interesting premise--forensic genealogist--and even though it may not have gotten off to the strongest start, I hope they continue with the series. I like the casting--chemistry between the leads. I can forgive the predictability and I really ended up enjoying the film. Being left with a bit of a cliffhanger makes me look forward to future installments in this series. Sooner than later, I hope.
I actually expected more
VetteRanger1 February 2023
We're Niall Matter fans from back in his days on Eureka, and so we tend to give his vehicles a real chance. While we found this movie good enough to keep our attention, I did expect much more from it.
It had quite a few cliches, such as the romantic leads only finding out years later they'd always been attracted to each other. That comes up so often in these movies they need to give that one a rest for 10 or 20 years. LOL
The story itself was pretty predictable. When Niall's brother needed a match for a bone marrow transplant and a question came up as to whether his "missing and presumed dead" father might really be alive and the match they can't find with anyone else, the ending is obviously telegraphed.
It had quite a few cliches, such as the romantic leads only finding out years later they'd always been attracted to each other. That comes up so often in these movies they need to give that one a rest for 10 or 20 years. LOL
The story itself was pretty predictable. When Niall's brother needed a match for a bone marrow transplant and a question came up as to whether his "missing and presumed dead" father might really be alive and the match they can't find with anyone else, the ending is obviously telegraphed.
New movie series?
Jackbv12319 January 2023
Given the HMM network and the telltale signs, I assume this is the opening entry of a new Signature Mystery Series. I'm not sure and I'll have to see, but I like the premise much better than half of the amateur murder detective ones that just keep spawning on that network. Sophie is a legit PI focusing on reuniting families with lost relatives.
The search is interesting although I would say there were any great surprises. Like the other SM series there is a budding romance between the two main characters involved in the search. I got hooked on Janel Parrish in Holly and Ivy, but this is the first movie other than that which I particularly enjoyed and even so she doesn't quite have the same magic here. She does have chemistry with Niall Matter.
So here's hoping that HMM has decided to give us a new mystery series that isn't based on amateur detectives risking their lives putting their noses in dangerous places and breaking tons of laws and procedures of real crime solving.
The search is interesting although I would say there were any great surprises. Like the other SM series there is a budding romance between the two main characters involved in the search. I got hooked on Janel Parrish in Holly and Ivy, but this is the first movie other than that which I particularly enjoyed and even so she doesn't quite have the same magic here. She does have chemistry with Niall Matter.
So here's hoping that HMM has decided to give us a new mystery series that isn't based on amateur detectives risking their lives putting their noses in dangerous places and breaking tons of laws and procedures of real crime solving.
Loved it
lisam10017 January 2023
The two leads had great chemistry!!! I was so happy about that! I really hope they make a second movie! And even a third!
The only thing I didn't care for was making one of the brother's gay. They just snuck that in for no reason. Just to have it in.
I was also very impressed with the casting of the main family! The brothers really looked like brothers, and the dad really looked like he could be their dad!
And the story was compelling! And I loved the sets and props! Loved the "old phone"!
I would definitely watch this again! And I hope the next one is just as good! And I hope we get a good onscreen kiss! The kiss in this one was sweet too!
The only thing I didn't care for was making one of the brother's gay. They just snuck that in for no reason. Just to have it in.
I was also very impressed with the casting of the main family! The brothers really looked like brothers, and the dad really looked like he could be their dad!
And the story was compelling! And I loved the sets and props! Loved the "old phone"!
I would definitely watch this again! And I hope the next one is just as good! And I hope we get a good onscreen kiss! The kiss in this one was sweet too!
Interesting Premise
garyalbert-9039127 February 2023
Whilst the premise is interesting, the script was terrible. The second half was better, but I found the dialogue to be stilted and awkward for the first. I'm hoping that they continue with the series with tighter writing. I'd give it another chance given the idea seems fresh.
I'm required to write more to submit this review, so I'll tell you that I liked all of the actors and characters in this, especially Niall Matter. I don't recognize the actress in this, but she's likeable, and would probably seem to be a better actor with a better script. I know that the two were supposed to be awkward around each other as they hadn't seen each other in years, but not that awkward.
I'm required to write more to submit this review, so I'll tell you that I liked all of the actors and characters in this, especially Niall Matter. I don't recognize the actress in this, but she's likeable, and would probably seem to be a better actor with a better script. I know that the two were supposed to be awkward around each other as they hadn't seen each other in years, but not that awkward.
Great movie
calhounlinda-2284313 August 2023
This is one of the best Hallmark movies I've seen. The actors are good, the story line is great as bd different from the usual. The main characters are great, experienced actors. The twin brothers are convincing. It's a movie that is a "feel good" type and yet not overdone. I hope they make it into a series. It's different from the usual sleuth type movies. This definitely would do well as a mini series also. Please don't leave us hanging with this one. A continuation including the main character's biological background would definitely be good. There are so many that we've been left with cliff-hangers. Again, Good job Hallmark.
New mystery series on hallmark with potential?
cgvsluis4 February 2023
Ok the two leads did have chemistry...and I really love Niall Matter...and the concept of hunting down genealogical mysteries is fun (I would love that job!), but I felt like they didn't use as much "genealogy" as I would have liked.
That aside, the story involved Sophie McClure tracking down the presumed dead biological father of her best friend Jonathan and his twin Jackson. Sophie is highly motivated as Jonathan has leukemia and his biological father may be the bone marrow match that could save his life.
Meanwhile Sophie's assistant is working her first case of her own to return love letters found in some floorboards to their rightful owners (I would question what that has to do with genealogy?).
Could be the start of a new hallmark mystery series, but I think they have a few kinks to work out before they get in to the same category as my favorites...Hannah Swensen's Murder She Baked, Aurora Teagarden and Mystery 101, but I am still hopeful.
That aside, the story involved Sophie McClure tracking down the presumed dead biological father of her best friend Jonathan and his twin Jackson. Sophie is highly motivated as Jonathan has leukemia and his biological father may be the bone marrow match that could save his life.
Meanwhile Sophie's assistant is working her first case of her own to return love letters found in some floorboards to their rightful owners (I would question what that has to do with genealogy?).
Could be the start of a new hallmark mystery series, but I think they have a few kinks to work out before they get in to the same category as my favorites...Hannah Swensen's Murder She Baked, Aurora Teagarden and Mystery 101, but I am still hopeful.
Sophie McClaren (Janel Parrish)
aab87427 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Sophie McClaren (Janel Parrish) - Jackson telling her that he Almost Kissed her at a Gas Station after a Bruce Springsteen Concert and why he didn't. She telling him that they're Better Off as Just Friends. Janel Parrish (Sophie McClaren) is one of my Favorite Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Movie Actresses Ever!!! BTW #1, I Loved this Movie! BTW #2, I Love, Love, Love Niall Matter (Jackson Ford)!!! He is So Dang Charming and So Dang Hot!!! He is one of my Favorite Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Movie Actors Ever!!!
Set in New York and Massachusetts.
Sophie McClaren (Janel Parrish) - Jackson telling her that he Almost Kissed her at a Gas Station after a Bruce Springsteen Concert and why he didn't. She telling him that they're Better Off as Just Friends. Janel Parrish (Sophie McClaren) is one of my Favorite Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Movie Actresses Ever!!! BTW #1, I Loved this Movie! BTW #2, I Love, Love, Love Niall Matter (Jackson Ford)!!! He is So Dang Charming and So Dang Hot!!! He is one of my Favorite Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Movie Actors Ever!!!
Set in New York and Massachusetts.
Replace the Heroin
laurasnow-812314 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
I liked the story line but I didn't like the heroin. I hope they make more but just replace her. The relationship between the doctor & her seemed so forced & I just wasn't a fan of that.
Love the show
mccunesgirl29 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The actors gave great chemistry. The storyline is interesting. The only complaint I had is Ancestry.com does not do mouth swabs, you spit into a tube. I know it is television but the results don't come back that quick either. I will watch more episode because I do family genealogy myself. I have found a few people's biological parents.
The second storyline about the love letters was heart warming. It was also cute with Winston crushing on Esme.
Maybe Jackson and Sophie can carry on flirting with each other or maybe even hook up.
Bring on more episodes. Love the Hallmark movies and mysteries series.
The second storyline about the love letters was heart warming. It was also cute with Winston crushing on Esme.
Maybe Jackson and Sophie can carry on flirting with each other or maybe even hook up.
Bring on more episodes. Love the Hallmark movies and mysteries series.
not the worst idea in the world
SnoopyStyle18 February 2024
Sophie McClaren (Janel Parrish) is a genealogist in Buffalo. Her friend Jonathan needs a bone marrow donor. He and his twin brother Jackson (Niall Matter) are lifelong friends. Their mother Dorothy (Sherry Miller) hires Sophie to find their assumed-dead father Clark Higgins who may be still alive.
Sophie has an easy out, but she doesn't take it. She could easily tell the boys that she's looking for any unknown distant relatives for Jonathan's treatment. It's the first indication that the writing isn't good enough. One may have low expectations for a Hallmark movie. I still appreciate stories without giant holes in the writing. The concept has potential and this has a functional mystery. The romance is fine. It's not the worst idea in the world.
Sophie has an easy out, but she doesn't take it. She could easily tell the boys that she's looking for any unknown distant relatives for Jonathan's treatment. It's the first indication that the writing isn't good enough. One may have low expectations for a Hallmark movie. I still appreciate stories without giant holes in the writing. The concept has potential and this has a functional mystery. The romance is fine. It's not the worst idea in the world.
Gimcrack Genealogy
elisabethbeighton1 April 2024
The title seems to be a bit of a misnomer. The mystery, such as it is, does not need the skills of a genealogist to solve it, and Sophie shows no signs of any professional skills. As a supposedly successful New York physician, Jackson should be better placed to find a bone marrow match for his brother. And if he is such a hotshot, why hasn't he done so instead of playing second fiddle to the girl he once had a crush on but never admitted it. As in the Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, Niall Matter is once again playing the male eye candy sidekick, rather ineffectual love interest meant to be an intellectual equal but only there as an occasional action man's who goes along with the lead taken by the heroine. And he doesn't really get the girl in the end, either; just a chaste high school sweetheart kiss. Not much history, not much mystery and not much chemistry.
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