Girls Gone Hallmark Long Story Short with Megan and Wendy

Check out today's newest episode of Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan and Wendy share their thoughts on the latest Hallmark Channel film, "Branching Out." Brace yourself for a story Megan shares about discovering biological relatives through DNA testing. Tune in to hear what they liked and didn't like about this movie.







What did you think about "Branching Out?" Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















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News and Notes About "Branching Out"









* With "Branching Out" as his 16th directing endeavor, Maclain Nelson is leaving quite the mark on Hallmark as of recently. Among his notable projects are the beloved "Haul Out the Holly" series, "A Heidelberg Holiday," "Hidden Gems," "Presence of Love," and others. Beyond directing, Maclain Nelson’s creative endeavors extends to writing contributions on "A Heidelberg Holiday," "A Nashville Legacy," and "# Xmas."







* Joie Botkin wrote the screenplay for “Branching Out” based on a story by writer Melissa Bustamante. We’ve said here for a long time that Joie has a great ability to write difficult family stories. Her previous work for Hallmark include “Never Been Chris’d,” “3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost,” “Love’s Greek to Me,” “# XMAS” “Our Italian Christmas Memories” and so many more.



* Melissa Bustamante has just three writing credits. “Branching Out” appears to be her first project for Hallmark. 













Related Podcast Episode: Girls Gone Hallmark review "3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost"









* Sarah Drew stars as single mom Amelia. Sarah is definitely a favorite of Girls Gone Hallmark. We last saw her in “Guiding Emily” - which we loved. She has 51 acting credits with two very non-Hallmark projects in pre-production. 







* Juan Pablo Di Pace plays donor dad T.J. Juan Pablo is probably best known from his role as Fernando on “Fuller House.” His one other project for Hallmark was “Raise a Glass to Love” in 2021. Juan Pablo is also a recording artist and started releasing music in 2010. He’s got a YouTube channel with nearly 45K subscribers where you can find tons of videos of him singing. Fun fact: Juan Pablo also appeared on season 27 of "Dancing with the Stars."









Related Podcast Episode: What did Girls Gone Hallmark think about Juan Pablo's other Hallmark movie?









* Cora Bella plays daughter Ruby. This is her first big project, only previously starring in a short in 2022.







* Kaley McCormack plays friend and business partner Maura. She has only 7 acting credits and this is her first film for Hallmark.







* Candace Kirkpatrick plays TJ’s mom Sofia. She has 28 previous acting credits with 4 upcoming projects.

Strap in for another thrilling ride with Megan and Wendy as they dive into Hallark Mystery's latest gem, "Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans," on this week’s episode of Girls Gone Hallmark! It's a mix of medieval mischief and modern mystery where the only things sharper than the swords are the suspects' motives. And yes, there will murder boards.







Join Megan and Wendy as they unpack every delightful detail, from knightly knaves to suspicious stewards. Will they joust with the plot twists or find themselves in a feudal feud with the film's logic? There’s only one way to find out!







Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews











Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.







News and Notes About "Curious Caterer" Foiled Plans"









* Paul Ziller directed "Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans." Paul has 60 directing credits including three of the four Curious Caterer movies. Paul's first Hallmark movie was "Love on the Slopes" in 2018. Since they he has directed Hallmark movies exclusively.







* "Foiled Plans" is based on the novel "Sticks and Scones" by Diane Mott Davidson, as part of her Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery series.







* Nikki DeLoach reprised her role as Goldy once again. Nikki has 72 acting credits. We will be reviewing her often referenced "Cranberry Christmas" this summer as part of our Christmas in July series. Before being installed as one of Hallmark's darlings, she appeared in 83 episodes of the MTV series "Awkward," which also starred Beau Mirchoff.



















* Andrew Walker returns as Tom. Andrew has 85 acting credits. He will return as eldest brother Luke in "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" this Countdown to Christmas season.







* Julie Kim and Karine Marwood co-wrote the script for "Foiled Plans." Julie and Kim have nine shared writing credits including "Curious Caterer: Fatal Vows," "Mix up in the Mediterranean" and "Nostalgic Christmas."







* Jaycie Dotin plays Marla. She has 42 acting credits. In addition to Hallmark, she appeared in three "Ivy & Bean" movies in 2022.







* Riley Davis plays Mason. This is Riley's 28th acting credit. His only roles on Hallmark have been in Curious Caterer movies. Outside of Hallmark he has appeared in shows including "Goosebumps" and "Ruby and the Well."









Related Podcast Episode: Nikki DeLoach throwback in "Love to the Rescue"









* Lochlyn Munro plays ex-husband Richard. Lochlyn has 274 acting credits with EIGHT upcoming projects. In 2023 alone he appeared in 13 projects including the series "Riverdale" and the 1980's time travel murder mystery "Totally Killer."







* Britt Good plays Emma. Even with 26 acting credits this is a bit of a breakout role for Britt as many of her previous credits are dancing roles in shows like "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" and "Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies."







* "Foiled Plans" was filmed in Victoria, British Columbia. The castle featured in the movie is the same location used in the "X-Men" movies where the students train. The governor's mansion was also used for filming.

Get ready for an exciting episode of Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan and Wendy are back with their review of Hallmark Channel's newest film, "Falling in Love in Niagara." But hold on tight because this time, things are about to get interesting. It's been a while since Megan and Wendy disagreed on a movie, and this one is no exception. Tune in to hear their contrasting takes on the film and see which side of the Niagara Falls they each land on. Don't miss out on this discussion – dive in now!







Are you with Megan or with Wendy on this movie? Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews











Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.







News and Notes About "Falling in Love in Niagara"









* This movie was directed by Marita Grabiak. Marita has 59 directing credits including Hallmark's "Fly Away with Me," "Feeling Butterflies," "Fit for a Prince" and "Baby It's Cold Inside" to name a few.







* Carley Smale wrote "Falling in Love in Niagara." She has 15 writing credits, most which are Hallmark and Hallmark-esque Christmas movies. Her titles include "Navigating Christmas," "A Gingerbread Christmas," and "On the Twelfth Day of Christmas."









Related Podcast: What did GGH think about Jocelyn Hudon in "Romance with a Twist?"









* Jocelyn Hudon stars as Madeline. Jocelyn has 40 acting credits with FIVE upcoming projects. We recently saw her in "Romance with a Twist" earlier this year.







* Dan Jeannottee co-stars as Mike. Dan is probably best known for his roles on "The Good Witch" and "The Bold Type" but he is quickly becoming a Hallmark staple with rolls in "The Royal Nanny," "Sweeter than Chocolate" and "Sense & Sensibility" to name a few.









Related Podcast: Girls Gone Hallmark review "Sweeter than Chocolate"









* Masa Lizdek plays sister Harley. Masa has 23 acting credits and this appears to be her first Hallmark movie.







* Jinesea Bianca Lewis plays Emily. She has 10 acting credits and appeared in "An Ice Palace Romance" and "Christmas By Design" for Hallmark in 2023.







* Chris Violette plays terrible fiancé Jason. Chris has 59 acting credits, including a number of Hallmark style movies but this appears to be his first project for the network.









Watch the Trailer for "Falling in Love in Niagara"

Welcome back to Girls Gone Hallmark! In this episode, Megan and Wendy dive into a highly anticipated fan request: "Timeless Love," starring Rachel Skarsten and Brant Daugherty. Surprisingly, Megan and Wendy found themselves pleasantly surprised by just how much they enjoyed this film. Join them as they unpack their newfound love for "Timeless Love" and discover why it's a must-watch for any Hallmark enthusiast. Don't miss out – hit play now to listen in on their delightful discussion!







What do you have to say about "Timeless Love?" Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews











Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.







News and Notes About "Timeless Love"









* This movie premiered on Sunday, June 14 2020 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. According to Heavy.com, “Timeless Love” was originally released on Amazon Prime in December 2019.







* Brian Brough served as producer and director for Timeless Love. According to LinkedIn, Brian is the president of Candlelight Media Group,Inc. where they make a lot of Hallmark-esque movies. 







* There are two writers for this film: Brittany Wiscombe and Donovan Barlow.



* Brittany Wiscombe has 42 writing credits. Most of the movies she’s written look to also be movies produced by Candlelight Media Group.







* Timeless Love is writer Donovan Barlow’s only title. 











* Rachel Skarstan plays Megan. She has 43 acting credits including last year’s “Christmas Island” and “The Royal Nanny” the year before that. Outside of Hallmark, Rachel has been in a number of movies and television projects. Did you know, she appeared in “Fifty Shades of Grey” - the first installment in the Fifty Shades trilogy.







* Brant Daugherty play Thomas. Brand has 34 acting credits and he’s no stranger to Hallmark having appeared in several movies for the channel including “Joyeux Noel,” “ # XMAS” and “A Royal Runaway Romance.” Fun fact: Brant also appeared in a Fifty Shades movie…he was in “Fifty Shades Freed” which I believe is the final movie in the trilogy. 







* Natalie Riskas plays Thomas’ girlfriend, Natalie. She has just 5 acting credits and it looks like this is her one and only appearance on the network.







* Jill Adler plays Megan’s mom, Debra. She has 68 acting credits with projects like “Yellowstone” being the most recognizable.







* Terence Goodman plays Megan’s dad, Howard. Terence has 37 acting credits. Looking through his IMDB, he’s appeared in classic television shows like “CHiPs,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Three’s Company” and 29 episodes as Sgt. Bob McBride on “Days of Our Lives.”







* This movie was filmed in Utah which included locations like the Utah Valley Simulation Center, Wadley Farms, and Utah Valley University. The aquarium scene was filmed in Draper, Utah at the Living Planet Aquarium.









Watch the Trailer for "Timeless Love"

In this episode of Girls Gone Hallmark, co-hosts Megan, a Hallmark movie enthusiast, and Wendy, a former Hallmark hater, delve into the Hallmark Channel original movie, 'Legends of the Lost Locket.' The movie, aired on April 13, features an antiques expert and a town sheriff embarking on a quest tied to romance and discovery.







Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews











Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.







News and Notes About "Legend of the Lost Locket









* Legend of the Lost Locket was directed by Kevin Fair. Kevin has 44 directing credits which include Girls Gone Hallmark faves Taking a Shot at Love 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost, and several of the Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, reviews coming soon to Girls Gone Hallmark.







* Michelle Ricci is the writer of Legend of the Lost Locket. Michelle has 9 total writing credits, most of them mysteries including: Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries and Hailey Dean Mystery







* Natasha Burnett stars as Amelia Scott. Natasha can also be seen as Minnie Canfield in When Calls the Heart. Additional Hallmark credits include Love at First Bark and Sweet Revenge: A Hannah Swensen Mystery. Natasha also appeared in four episodes of the series UnREAL.







* Viv Leacock plays Detective Marcus Forrest. Viv has 139 acting credits and also acts alongside Natasha Burnett as Joseph Canfield on When Calls the Heart. Our Spidey Senses suspect this might not be their first romantic pairing. 







* Samantha Cole plays Francine Holbrook. Samantha has 37 acting credits and has appeared in a number of  Hallmark films including: Friends & Family Christmas, Signed Sealed Delivered: The Vows We Have Made, and Advice to Love By, as well as three episodes of UnREAL.









Listen to Megan and Wendy's review of Advice to Love By









* Hallmark staple Beverley Elliott plays Enid. Beverley has 119 acting credits. She was most recently seen in A World Record Christmas in 2023 for Hallmark. Although she was never on UnREAL she does mark a different Bingo space. She played Granny in 60 episodes of Once Upon a Time.







* Andrea Stefancikova plays Mayor’s girlfriend Poppy Evans. Andrea has 54 acting credits and this appears to be her first role for Hallmark.







* Hrothgar Mathews plays Mayor Bob Truman. Hrothgar has 134 acting credits and he also appears on When Calls the Heart as Ned Yost. Guess what. He was in on episode of Once Upon a Time







* Isabel Birch plays Hannah. Isabel has 10 acting credits but she’s off to a strong start. She was in Heaven Down Here and Inventing the Christmas Prince for Hallmark. She also appeared in Schmigadoon as well as on The Babysitters Club as Becca Ramsey.







* Legend of the Lost Locket was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia and features a filming location easter egg for Hearties









Watch the Trailer for "Legend of the Lost Locket"

Tune in for a romantic getaway with the newest episode of Girls Gone Hallmark! Megan and Wendy are your guides as they dissect the beloved Hallmark Channel film "Summer Villa," a fan-favorite from 2016. Explore the enchanting story of a struggling writer and Chef Cupid in this French escape. Will clichés hinder the beauty of this film? Let's unravel the charming details together—listen in now!







Email us your thoughts or review to meganandwendy@gmail.com.















We Need Your 5-STAR Ratings and Reviews











Spotify Podcast listeners: Spotify allows listeners to rate podcast episodes. Once you listen to a podcast for at least 30 seconds, you get the option to rate it between one and five stars. Return to the podcast’s main page and tap the star icon. Then, tap submit.







News and Notes About "Summer Villa"









* First premiered on Hallmark in 2016 and then Hallmark re-aired it as part of their Summer Nights line up in 2020. 







* This movie was directed by Pat Kiely. Pat has 10 previous directing credits. Summer Villa was his first project for Hallmark. He’s gone on to direct “Majestic Christmas” and “Christmas in My Heart” for the channel. 







* There are 2 screenwriters credited for this movie.



* Carrie Lee Wilson has just 4 writing credits. This is her one and only Hallmark movie. Other projects include “Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse” in 2015 and “College Road Trip” in 2008. According to LinkedIn, she presently is an adjunct professor teaching screenwriting 101 at Los Angeles Valley College. Also, per her LinkedIn, she is the co-writer on a project for Hallmark Media called “There’s a Cake in My Future.”







* Emi Mochizuki appears to be Carrie’s writing partner as Emi has the exact same writing credits.













Related: What Did Girls Gone Hallmark think about "Surprised by Love" with Hilarie Burton?









* Hilarie Burton plays Terry. Hilarie has 34 acting credits including previous Hallmark movies like “Surprised by Love” and “Naughty or Nice.” She played Payton Scott in 130 episode of “One Tree Hill” as well as 25 episodes of “White Collar.” Hilarie has been absent from Hallmark for several years after being “let go” from Hallmark Media in January 2019. She says she was fired from a movie for being outspoken about the lack of diversity on set. 







* Victor Webster plays Matthew (or Chef Cupid, if ya nasty). Wowie Zowie Victor has a whopping 92 acting credits. We most recently saw him in “One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery.” 









Related: Listen to what Girls Gone Hallmark thought about "One Bad Apple"









* Emorphia Margaritis plays Terry’s daughter Abby. She has just 3 acting credits and “Summer Villa” appears to be the one and only movie she’s been in except for one episode of a TV show called 19-2 from 2015 and a short called “Crafting for a Cure” in 2021. After “Summer Villa” Emorphia went on to study film and television at York University and Humber College. Her last project was director of a short called “Edge of Hope” from 2023.







* Cristina Rosato plays Matthew’s sister and Terry’s book agent. Cristina has an impressive 71 acting credits and this was the last project she’s done for Hallmark. She’s gone on to appear in shows like “A Million Little T...