This was a relatively average Christmas movie with most of the usual festivities. As far as chemistry, there was more between Madison and the kids than her and Gage. In the title I say it went downhill and it did just before the climax starting with the rival's (Rachal's) "he's mine" speech and right into Madison's sudden misgivings and her attempt to change everyone's mind. That sequence was clumsy and I wanted to speed ahead (but I didn't). The ending was nice and made some recovery. Edit added after second viewing: I thought the chemistry between Mabius and Finnigan was great in a witty banter and flirting style. Mabius tends toward the unemotional male as epitomized in his Signed, Sealed, Delivered character. Yet you can see his attraction developing. Finnigan also has a way with characters that hide their emotions but always has a comeback in her dialogue which leads to excellent flirting. In that sense, I thought they were well cast.

Though the Hallmark movies churned out every year now are pretty predictable, the chemistry and banter between the romantic leads were better than the norm.

No one plays blonde better than Jennifer Finnegan. She has an infectious smile. Great smiling eyes. Eric Mabius played his role to perfection. His comedic timing and delivery is unmatched. Use him more. The supporting cast were all believable. Yes, Hallmark makes a lot of movies. Yes, some are better than others. Have you watched Christmas movies on other channels?? You'd think it was any other day of the week. Yep, mushy feel good marshmallow monotony. THANK GOD. still THE best channel on cable. Keep it up Hallmark. I'll keep watching. This is a well written movie, well directed with great photography.