First, totally agree with the signing not being up to par for the mom; heard the original actress was in an accident, so Beth was cast. I have an idea of who the original actress was; not 100 percent though, and that person would've made a lot more sense in that role. I would've much more preferred the romantic leads taking the finale song. Beth and Shenae were good as a mother daughter pairing though. Shenae and Niall did have decent singing voices, but definitely not pro level. Shenae's character going to law school instead of trying to make it as a singer was the right choice, and she should've been happy with her success. Niall's character was a bit of a sad sack a lot of the time because his career in music was lackluster. They both would be the good singers in a small town type setting, but just not for stardom. They can probably make a just getting by living at performing on the road type of thing, but realistically, she's better staying a lawyer and he's better being a music teacher or something like that. A traveling musician lawyer just doesn't make sense for the ending. Lol! As for the romance, the chemistry wasn't quite there between them, but both actors are great. Overall, this story just needed a bit more oomph! More Christmas spirit! More cute moments between the romantic leads. I'm a fan of Shenae's and Niall's, so I'm being a pinch generous in my rating, but I do like the movie overall.

About as typical as a hallmark Christmas movie can be. Charge the two mains did an excellent job at conveying their characters. The biggest problem I had with this entire movie was the fact that the mother couldn't sing to save her life and couldn't carry a tune if you put a handle on it. I think another reviewer said it best. This movie would've been much better if it ended with the two main characters singing that final song instead of bringing the mother up on stage. Really killed the entire mood and flow of the movie every time that woman opened her mouth to sing. Out of tune and pitch is being nice.

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source: When I Think of Christmas

Favorite scene with Sara Thompson (Shenae Grimes-Beech) - Her Mom telling her about her Past with Music and her Dad and why she Encouraged her to go to College instead of Pursuing Music. Beautiful Scene. BTW #1, I Loved this Movie! BTW #2, I Love, Love, Love Niall Matter (Josh)!!! He is So Dang Charming and So Dang Hot!!! BTW #3, So Dang Cool that Director Peter Benson Cameoed as Bad Auditioner and Jonathan Bennett Cameoed as Lester!!! 2 Very Hilarious Cameos!!! BTW #4, There were Moments when I thought that Sara (Shenae Grimes-Beech) and Josh (Niall Matter) were Very Selfish. She seemed Very Upset that he chose Music over her and he seemed Very Upset that she chose College over him. I know that it was Jealousy. But it was Very Selfish of them to Act like they did towards each other! Set in Tennessee.

I like both of the main actors, but they had no chemistry together and the story just fell flat. They just didn't work together. Also, I'm not sure what they were thinking with her hair. Hallmark is normally good with hair, makeup, and wardrobe, but her hair was atrocious (both the bangs and the dark color around her face). It was actually a distraction. Unlike her other movie that I watch every year, I was just glad to get this one over with. I won't be watching it again. The mother and her new friend had chemistry. It's too bad they didn't focus more of the movie on them. They paired well together.