I wasn't expecting much from this movie, but almost right away I was pleasantly surprised. It has a unique storyline and the actors have a beautiful connection that makes you believe that a love from the past can be rekindled through giving to others. It is a great family movie. Ps. Well done to the actors! Hope to see you guys in many more Hallmark movies in the future.

source: Heart of the Holidays

Why do the writers have to make the lead actor a jerk, especially when the movie is all about two people getting back together after a long time? Why would she want him? When she returns, he says it's all in the past-- their former relationship and her leaving him without saying a word. It's all water under the bridge. But it isn't. He is resentful and mean spirited and a jerk. Everything gets better with the event that ties the movie together, but then he has to let his true character show again by pushing her away and acting like it's her leaving him. He told her to leave, and then said she was doing it again! What a self-pitying poor baby. Why on earth would she even want to get back with this guy? But she does. Typical Hallmark--the reasonable one sucks up to the jerk so they can live happily ever after. The writers of Hallmark movies should be able to do better than this. Or Hallmark should hire new writers. Or is this template sent down from above? "Write a movie with a silly plot line that is totally unnecessary for the mood we're trying to set."

Sauce

First of all, Vanessa Lengies is one of the cutest additions to the Hallmark universe in years. She, (or They, not sure) is pretty, vivacious and just so much fun to watch. Of course, the usual cast of Canadian extras do a great job.

Worst Christmas movie EVER. I watch every Christmas movie and this is the worst. I have never disliked a character and storyline before. This is awful. A total waste of my time. I thought it might get better as the show went on, but that never happened

We enjoyed this movie, it felt different than most of the Hallmark movies, characters felt more realistic and connected. Female lead was a welcome change. I think the fact that the male lead also directed (1st one) it's pretty good.

"Heart of the Holidays" is so close to being an excellent Hallmark Christmas movie. There is only one major problem. . . Noah, the male lead, is a pathetic coward who gives up time and again and speaks every line in scared whispers! He's terrible and therefore it is completely unbelievable that he winds up with Sam, the heroine of the movie. In fact, after watching the movie, I still don't know why Sam stayed in Crawleigh. Loser Noah is the kind of person who hears a bump in the night and sends his wife to investigate! Sam would've been better off leaving that snivelling loser and going back to NYC with Will. She could've visited her mom on Christmas and the major holidays.

The way Sam treated her partner Will was horrible. She is a selfish brat. I don't know how they ever expected you to care about this woman. I didn't feel for her I despised her. I feel bad for the men in her life and her Mother. No once else seemed to matter to her but herself. She only came to see her Mom when it was convenient to her...8 years since the spent a Christmas together. Noah looks like he had moved on and was doing well and was probably about to fall for a new girl but there was no way Sam would let that happen. I just can't say enough horrible things about this script! I love Hallmark Christmas movies but absolutely HATE this!! It's GARBAGE!!!!!!!

Sam's new investment job unexpectedly falls apart in New York and she ends up back home for Christmas for the first time in eight years. Sam's boyfriend Will and his partner buyout Sam's new company and she decides she needs some space. Noah, Sam's high school sweetheart and local cafe owner, and Sam have an awkward reunion...there is clearly more to their story, with tension you could cut with a knife. "The years fly by but time has a way of standing still."-Bob. The actress who plays Val really steals the show. "I'm not sure I really fit in here anymore."-Sam.