I have been meaning to write this particular post for quite some time, but with Christmas, Winterfest, and more, I have been so busy! And since we currently have some snow days, I am taking this time to finally share some insight into what happened with me personally and professionally in the year of 2018. It was overflowing with such incredible experiences, and I can hardly wait to share!
First of all, my daughter and I got to go to LA this past summer and meet a Hallmark scriptwriter named Gregg McBride! You might know him from the Hallmark Hall of Fame film A Heavenly Christmas. I was so excited that he and I finally got to meet, and my daughter happily went along for the ride. We also met a fellow Heartie (I won’t mention that too much here), and again, my wonderful daughter was very patient as a major Heartie discussion ensued (and boy, it was HOT in LA that night!).
As to interviews, I posted at least two hundred eighty-two interviews in the year of 2018! Fair warning–I am still behind and trying to get caught up on interviews that were supposed to be posted during Christmas! But I had no idea that I posted so many interviews last year! No wonder I was busy! I interviewed actors, writer, directors, producers, and other crew members as well.
The really amazing thing is that I had several return interviews, and a few interviewees showed up in 2018 that I had been attempting to interview for two or three years! Yeah, it does happen that way sometimes.
I also got to meet some incredible people in Vancouver this past October. As many of you know, I attended my second Hearties Family Reunion this past year, and it was phenomenal. I made the decision to spend five days in Vancouver, and I used the extra time to meet up with some very special people in my life. Some of them, I had met previously, but others, I had not. Let me give you a snapshot of my days there.
The day I arrived in Vancouver was relatively uneventful. It was more a day of getting everything set up and seeing who I might be able to visit while I was there. And, I have to say, the number of people I met while there was staggering!
With Casey and Pauline
The first day I met with people was on back on Friday, October 19th. Before I even arrived in Vancouver, one of the actors I simply adore reached out to me and said he would like to meet up with me. I hadn’t even considered the possibility. I had interviewed Casey Manderson, but while it was a wonderful interview, how is it that he wanted to meet up with me?
The dangers of taking pictures with actors!
Hamming it up!
Furthermore, he and Pauline Egan were friends, and through a series of events, Casey was kind enough to suggest where we would meet, when, and that he would attempt to get Pauline to come as well. I have to say I was more than a little excited.
So, I conquered my potential fear and got on public transportation (which Casey was sweet enough to explain in great detail to me via email), and I found myself at a wonderful, little Vancouver spot known as the Pie Hole. I was there very early, but frankly, I didn’t mind. I did not get lost (I did have to do some extra walking as I didn’t get off at the right spot for the bus.). And meeting Casey and Pauline was an absolute delight! We had the best conversation, and for the record, this is the meeting that reunited them after they had both been in the Christmas movie December Bride! Yes, they had not seen each other since that time!
After sharing a special pie and coffee, Casey went off to an audition, and Pauline offered to drive me to my next meet-up (with Marcus Rosner). On the drive there, we stopped for some lovely fall photos on a residential street. We chatted about many of our mutual friends, and although I was early, I was quite content to wait for Marcus to arrive. I honestly didn’t have to wait too long.
Marcus and I enjoyed a lengthy and engaging conversation. In fact, I was there when he got the call about doing Valentine In the Vineyard! We talked about such a variety of topics. He is an outstanding listener, but I can’t say he nor I have our “selfie game” down. The sun was out, and I really couldn’t see the results of our photo until later.
Squinting into the sun with Marcus
The next two days were spent at the reunion itself for the most part.
with Michelle
That Friday evening, I made the decision to meet Michelle Cox, who co-wrote those lovely devotionals with Brian Bird. By the way, I forgot to mention that I saw Brian the first day I arrived when we got on the elevator at the same time. He immediately gave me a hug and started telling his wife about who I was (I think she already knew, but it took me a moment to place who she was too.).
With Michelle
Saturday of the convention was quite eventful for me. I had the honor of meeting both the vice-president and president of Hallmark. Yes, Michelle Vicary and I got a photo together, but I didn’t worry about that with Bill Abbott. Just meeting him and being greeted in the warm, wonderful way he has was enough. In both cases, I cannot speak highly enough about these remarkable individuals! I hope to see them again sometime and actually spend some time with them (that would be a dream come true!).
Kevin McGarry
As the day went on, I think I met almost all of the actors and even got to chat with some of them. I had my only in-person interview that day with Chris McNally. But to give you a snapshot of some of the actors I met…
Ben
I promise I was more impressed with Kevin McGarry than this picture would suggest! He remembered I had interviewed him previously, and recently, I published a new interview with him. An impeccably charming guy, and one I can hardly wait to see on season six in a couple of weeks!
I mean, who wouldn’t be looking at Ben Rosenbaum this way, right? We’re already in the middle of preparing a new interview to feature on my site this year. He is one of the most likable guys you could ever imagine, and he’s not too bad to gaze upon as well. An engaging, genuine guy who is a definite asset to the show and any production in which hs involved.
Paul and me
I was unable to interview Paul Greene this time around, and I don’t know who happened to snap this picture on the left, but please let me explain.
Paul and I have developed quite a friendship over the years, and yes, I’ve interviewed him more than anyone else on my site. But he does have a sense of humor. So here’s the story. We saw each other, and I was about to give him a hug, but no, he had to inject his humor into the situation! He reached out for my hand and shook it. That is why I have this unusual expression on my face. I’m practically rolling my eyes at him.
But I suppose I’m a bit star-struck. I cannot deny he is one of the most handsome men on the planet. And definitely one of the most gracious, kindest, and sweetest actors in the industry! Not to mention multi-talented. His rendition of Hallelujah! And who would have dreamed that but a short time later he would sing that song at Carnegie Hall for a benefit concert!!?
By the way, don’t worry, he made up for his humor later on. He was incredibly charming and kind as he always is. I promise!
with Chris
Remember how I mentioned that Chris McNally and I had an in-person interview? Well, when we first met, I was humbled and elated to realize that Marcus Rosner had already put in a good word for me! Chris knew who I was, and he was very willing to interact with me. (Even if he initially called me by the wrong name. Yes, Chris, you are more than forgiven!)
Always helps to have mutual friends. I do not mind stating that I am Team Chris, though I love Kevin as well!
Callum and me
A nice young man (whose new interview I will be posting soon, along with his dad’s) was Callum Seagram Airlie. I had never officially met him in person, and he thoroughly impressed me with the way in which he conducted himself and introduced himself to everyone.
I told both of his parents (I met his mom down in the “green room”) how impressed I was with this incredible young man.
Aren and me
I had forgotten this had even happened! I remember Aren Buchholz was really nice and all that (Eva Bourne was unable to attend), but I am grateful for pictures which can remind us of what happened in situations like this.
On the flip side, I promise I wasn’t trying to lean away from Aren in this picture! I’m not sure what was going on!! I am hoping for a new interview with this young man and Eva as well! I am still working on it.
With Ava
Can I tell you how much I love this young lady? She is the perfect Opal, and Ava Grace Cooper is an amazing little actress whom I never tire of seeing on my screen! I hope Hallmark continues to feature her in a variety of works as she grows and matures. She and her brother are such amazing actors!
Amélie Eve
I was unfamiliar with this young lady, but I am going to be watching for her very closely in this upcoming season! While Amélie was very quiet, I have no doubt that in her element on screen, she is fantastic. I think she may have been in the background more in other episodes, but maybe this year will be her time to shine!
Carter
I have loved Carter Ryan Evancic for as long as he has been involved with the show, and to see the way in which he has grown both personally and professionally is a genuine treat! One of these days, I predict that the powers that be will decide he has earned the right to be in more than just When Calls the Heart. But for now, he can play Cody!
Andrea
I barely saw Andrea Brooks this time because she was literally filming two or three projects at once! On top of that, the woman got married last year! But let me share a secret about this woman. She is one of the most fan-friendly actresses out there, and she even sent me one of the props from her Christmas movie! Why would I not be trying to get a picture of her?? She is absolutely stunning!
Johannah
I’ll mention Johannah Newmarch a little bit later, but seeing her again this year was a true joy! This woman is gorgeous, captivating, intelligent and incredibly busy! She consistently treats her fans with great respect and admiration.
Sometimes special moments happen that stick with you even though they were not captured on film. Lori Loughlin is the reason I initially watched When Calls the Heart. Yes, I grew up watching Full House. I’m a child of the ’80s and ’90s. But as I have been unable to get an interview with Lori and rarely does she respond to me, I wasn’t sure if she really knew who I was.
Lori
She does. I was in the green room with the actors. I piped up and said I’d love to do an interview with her. She is going to try to make that happen. She even apologized for being so busy and unavailable. Well, that’s not the astounding thing. You see, there’s more. As she was getting ready to leave, out of the blue, she came up and gave me a hug and thanked me (by name) for all the support I had given her over the years. I was a bit flabbergasted, but I promised her I would continue to support her in the years to come; she could count on it.
Jack and me
And sometimes a very special moment gets captured on film. Jack Wagner is one I only discovered through the show. I did one interview with him a couple of years ago, and I don’t know if he even remembers me to this day (which is fine). But I do have this picture with him. And maybe, if I’m lucky, he’ll do another interview with me this season.
Hrothgar
Then there’s Hrothgar Matthews. Yes, he plays Mr. Yost. I’ve been TRYING to get an interview with him. He always says he will, but hopefully this year, it will happen! Regardless, I love his personality and character. I’m anticipating that this year maybe he’ll get a love interest. He certainly deserves one!
Loretta
It was my first time meeting Loretta Walsh. I wondered if she would know who I was. I had nothing to worry about. She recognized me, gave me a hug, and she was her bubbly, sweet self! I am so excited to see her return to the show, and I hope for a love interest one day for her too. Wouldn’t that be the best? And my real dream is to travel to Vancouver to see her live in one of her theater productions. It would be delightful to see her in other Hallmark productions as well. Keep your eyes peeled for another interview with her soon!
Martin
I have always loved Martin Cummins as Mr. Gowen. You have to have a villain after all. Almost invariably, Martin plays the bad guy. It’s rare to see him as a good guy. I only started watching Riverdale because of him and Lochlyn Munro. That show has become one of my guilty pleasures now. I keep hoping to land an interview with Martin. I have been trying, and he agrees to one, but thus far, the scheduling has not worked out. Fingers crossed! I know he probably has no idea who I am still. But that’s all right. I will support him no matter if we do that promised interview or not.
Kavan and Pascale
Lee and Rosemary have been my favorite couple almost from Kavan Smith’s entrance to the show, and I will be posting another interview with both at some point this year (Kavan’s will be very soon now). Unfortunately, Pascale Hutton was under the weather and did very little talking. Kavan was so sweet to walk around with her and do most of the talking. All things considered, you probably never would have known Pascale was sick if she hadn’t mentioned it. Except that she did keep her distance. No matter. I got hugs from both of them at HFR3, so I was fine just getting to see them again.
Gracyn at our table
I am very late in getting Gracyn Shinyei‘s next interview up! I should have done it weeks ago, but it wil happen soon. And what an amazing young lady she has become! Her dad is pretty great too. Gracyn is one of those girls who really has it together, and how cool is it that she was there from the inception of the series? I hope to see some great storylines from her and the other kids this season!
I did see Brian Bird again, and I met both Michael Landon, Jr. and Alfonso H. Moreno (showrunner for When Calls the Heart), but I am going to skip posting pictures of them. I hope to get some more interviews up that feature them, but time will only tell.
Kadence and Me
I just love this young lady! Kadence Roach is again one who has been there from the beginning, and she has grown into a young lady with a delightful personality, not to mention fantastic acting skills. I have no idea what our discussion was, but it was clear we were having a great time! I interviewed her last year, and we definitely will do a follow-up one this year!
Michael Girardin
We got to meet the new minister in Hope Valley! I didn’t catch the minister’s name, but I know he said that in the final episode of the season, he christens Elizabeth’s baby (We know it’s a boy now!). I hope to get an interview with this guy too, if I can. We’ll see. I love that there will be a minister in this town since we’ve lost both that used to be there. I look forward to seeing him for many more seasons!! After all, I think it’s high time for Hope Valley to have a steady pastor, don’t you? Maybe he could even woo some of the widows in town??
Genea
with Christian
Some more very special children I would like to mention. Genea Charpentier (who is still waiting on an interview from me that I will post very soon). She is such a beautiful young woman, and the show is so blessed to have her as a part of the show!
And there’s Christian Michael Cooper, the brother of Ava, who is a very talented young man whose career continues to be “on fire.” I cannot get enough of this young man. I am looking forward to his character’s antics this season, and of course, Christian can be seen in many other productions across various networks.
With Jaiven
And, of course, who could forget Jaiven Natt? He is potentially my favorite of the kids because he’s just so doggone funny! Leave it to Robert to get into trouble and wreak all sorts of havoc. (Remember the skunk???) And he is the one who just keeps growing and growing!! I will say without a doubt that all of the Hope Valley Kids are ones to watch! In a few years time, these are going to be our next leading men and leading women, and I am honored to know that I have gotten to watch them grow up.
with Neill
Now, there are lots of directors out there that I dearly love, but when it comes to When Calls the Heart, I don’t suppose I’ll ever forget the day I met Neill Fearnley. He was my tour guide for my first Hope Valley Tour (we’ll get to the second one in a minute). He remembered me this year, and I love that we got some candid shots together.
Neill
I couldn’t be happier that he introduced me to the wonder of Hope Valley. In fact, he showed us where that special rock with Elizabeth’s and Jack’s initials is. And when I saw that in the season five finale, I bawled! He also vouched for me to Hrothgar (let’s hope that carried some weight so I can get an interview with that guy). What a joy it was to see Neill again!
I’ve kind of saved the best till last. We all know that Erin Krakow is the star of the show, and of course, leading ladies and I don’t always make a connection. Nothing against any of them, but I think sometimes fans give them much grief, and it takes a while before they realize I am genuine and trustworthy. Which doesn’t bother me in the least.
Erin at our table
It took me some time to land my first interview with Erin, and even afterward, I wasn’t sure what she really thought of me. I will admit that I tend to doubt what people think of me…I tend to think the worst, and more than anything, if they don’t like the interview (or I sense they don’t), I do tend to berate myself and think that they just don’t like me.
Well, it’s interesting. I worked hard for a second interview with Erin, and I thought she liked both of the interviews I have done with her, but I was never sure still what she thought of me. That is, until HFR4.
Perhaps expression and action says it all. It was clear that Erin has come to respect me and is sincerely grateful for all I do for the show. In fact, she gave me a thoroughly unexpected hug. (I actually stood up without thinking about it, and she told me to sit down so I wouldn’t get in trouble. I forgot we weren’t supposed to stand up! Leave it to Erin to always be thinking of other people.)
I can honestly say that Erin Krakow has completely won me over in every aspect, and I support her one thousand percent in all she does. Season six is going to be amazing! And the kindness which Erin has shown me is an extraordinary reminder to not assume the worst!!
I could tell you all sorts of tales. We had a special screening of Marrying Father Christmas that evening–it was the absolute best! I met up with Mamie Laverock and her family–what a delight they are. Here’s a video I took of a special command performance by Mamie and her sister, Cadence.
As to the Hope Valley Tour, well, it just so happens my tour guide was the amazing Peter DeLuise. Now, God must have a sense of humor. First of all, his wife, Anne Marie DeLuise was with him on this tour, and I was on my way to introduce myself to her, and she recognized me right away. We’re friends on social media, but you know how it is! I didn’t want to assume anything.
with Peter
So, here’s what happened that day. Peter is exactly what you might expect. He is a marvelous director with quite the entertaining, flamboyant personality. He was looking for volunteers to take a “screen test,” i.e., act out a scene on set and have someone video it while he directed them. There was NO WAY under the sun I was doing that! I made it a point to remain in the background and watch the festivities from a safe distance.
As Providence would have it, at one point, there were no volunteers. I was literally in the back of the group, attempting to hide out. And I mean it seriously! But I guess Peter figured I was the one that needed to go next because he chose me out of everyone! My first thought was, “Seriously?! How can I get out of this?!” I don’t mind notoriety to a degree, but please. I am not an actor. I was always the director of the productions I did when I was a music teacher.
Needless to say, I do what I am asked, so I made the best of the situation. Another Heartie took the video, and in retrospect, I’m so glad I had the experience. It has helped me connect with so many of my friends. I left that “screen test” saying to myself, “I am NEVER going to be an actor!” I used to have dreams that I might like it. Uh, NO! I don’t even want to be an extra. Leave that to the professionals. I’d happily come on set and observe, but no to acting!
The worst part is I have so many friends in Vancouver, and I had to share this video with all of them! I mean I had no choice! But I am very grateful that Peter chose me because it is an experience that has given me an appreciation for actors. And now I can say I’ve been directed by the great Peter DeLuise. (Even though I know I failed this screen test MISERABLY!)
The rest of my time consisted of meeting with so many wonderful friends.
With Sean
Sean Thomas and his family treated me to an exceptional dinner that Sunday night at the Top Of Vancouver revolving restaurant. Then they took me to Fly Over Vancouver, and followed it up with a trip to La Casa Gelato (I think that’s right) which boasts over two hundred gelato flavors! Talk about an amazing night! This kid is fantastic, by the way, as are his parents and his brother. What an evening it was.
Monday was incredibly busy. I met with the following people.
She brought her son with her, and we had the most wondrous time chatting woman-to-woman, mother-to-mother, friend-to-friend. It was the first time we had ever met (and talked because everything we had done was via email, so this was pretty cool.)
Giles and Kate had never met previously, and how cool it was to see my dear friend, Giles! How far we had come in two years, and chatting with him is honestly one of the best experiences on planet earth. He is non-judgmental and really wants to have an authentic conversation about any topic! Sure, we disagree at times, but the respect we have for each other is something that is a rarity to see in everyday life. I never dreamed we would have been such close friends when he appeared in season three of Cedar Cove and I found myself groaning that he was replacing a favorite actor. Dang, I’m glad I kept an open mind!
Would you believe she and I initially connected over her role in the then-upcoming show Van Helsing? And then we laughed over her Hallmark roles at the time–with Marcus Rosner {Garage Sale Mystery} and Hitched For the Holidays! Needless to say, I am a huge fan of all of her works for Hallmark and elsewhere, and meeting her was a very special moment in time!
I could make a long story even longer, but let’s just say I missed seeing Jaime the first time I was in Vancouver. Actually, the second time too. We were going to ensure that our meeting happened this time, and it did! This guy has an unbelievable presence of mind about him; don’t underestimate him! He knows what he wants, and his hard work is paying off little by little. I predict that within a few years, this guy’s career is going to be so “off-the-chain” that I’m going to be saying, “And to think I knew him when…” But thankfully, he’s a pretty humble guy too.
You know, everyone should end their vacation in Vancouver with Johannah! This woman is one of the most mesmerizing ladies out there in the film/TV world, and we chatted for hours! I lost all track of time, and I even had cocktails! I couldn’t remember the last time I had had alcohol (I know she was shocked–actually, I was too!). My problem is I don’t like to drink alone, and I just don’t get the chance to go out with friends. Johannah is the best conversationalist with strong opinions, but she is willing to listen. I opened up to her, and she respected me as I did her. If only more people could have honest conversations in this world…
As to my top posts for the year of 2018, I will post my monthly statistics and then finish up with the yearly statistics. (Notice: These are based on how many times people visited the links during the specific month and are not based on my personal preferences.)
TOP POSTS JANUARY 2018
Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “My Summer Prince” (5,089 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (3,001 views)
Interview With Actor Paul Greene (1,810 views)
Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (1,690 views)
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (1,533 views)
TOP POSTS FEBRUARY 2018
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (4,955 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “My Secret Valentine” (2,719 views)
Interview With Actor Paul Greene (1,803 views)
Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “My Summer Prince” (1,527 views)
Interview With Actor Mark Humphrey, “When Calls the Heart” (1,507 views)
TOP POSTS MARCH 2018
Interview With Mark Humphrey, “When Calls the Heart” (2,807 views)
Interview With Actor Mark Humphrey, “When Calls the Heart” (2,579 views)
Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (2,131 views)
Interview With Actor Peter Porte, “Love At the Shore” (1,844 views)
Interview With Actor Ben Rosenbaum, “When Calls the Heart” #HickamsHearties (1,744 views)
TOP POSTS APRIL 2018
Interview with Actress Erin Krakow, “When Calls the Heart” (7,164 views)
Interview With Pascale Hutton, “When Calls the Heart” (2,929 views)
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (2,380 views)
Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (1,972 views)
Interview With Actress Pascale Hutton, “When Calls the Heart” (1,481 views)
TOP POSTS MAY 2018
Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (2,172 views)
Interview With Actress Pascale Hutton, “When Calls the Heart” (1,323 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (909 views)
Interview With Actress Kimberly-Sue Murray (829 views)
Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “My Summer Prince” (739 views)
TOP POSTS JUNE 2018
Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (4,693 views)
Interview With Actress Pascale Hutton, “When Calls the Heart” (1,950 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (1,377 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (1,349 views)
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (1,032 views)
TOP POSTS JULY 2018
Interview With Actor Kevin McGarry, “Love At First Bark” (2,297 views)
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (2,049 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (2,038 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (1,821 views)
Interview With Actress Jaeda Lily Miller, “Christmas In Evergreen” (1,311 views)
TOP POSTS AUGUST 2018
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (1,179 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (1,141 views)
Interview With Actor Kevin O’Grady, “Garage Sale Mystery” (921 views)
Interview With Actor Peter Porte, “Love At the Shore” (814 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (808 views)
TOP POSTS SEPTEMBER 2018
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (2,813 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (1,550 views)
Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (945 views)
Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “One Winter Weekend” (791 views)
Interview With Actor Brennan Elliott (742 views)
TOP POSTS OCTOBER 2018
Interview With Actor Tyler Hynes, “Falling For You” & “It’s Christmas, Eve” (2,345 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (1,386 views)
Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (1,102 views)
Interview With Actress Trinity Rose Likins, “Christmas In the Air” (739 views)
Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “One Winter Weekend” (704 views)
TOP POSTS NOVEMBER 2018
Interview With Actor Tyler Hynes, “Falling For You” & “It’s Christmas, Eve” (2,603 views)
Interview With Actor Wes Brown, “Under the Autumn Moon” & “Christmas At Graceland” (1,991 views)
Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (1.714 views)
Interview With Actress Jaeda Lily Miller, “Christmas In Evergreen” (1.706 views)
Interview With Actress Kimberley Sustad, “A Godwink Christmas” (1,178 views)
TOP POSTS DECEMBER 2018
Interview With Actor Wes Brown, “Under the Autumn Moon” & “Christmas At Graceland” (2,029 views)
Interview With Actress Jaeda Lily Miller, “Christmas In Evergreen” (1,443 views)
Interview With Mark Humphrey, “When Calls the Heart” (1,313 views)
Interview With Actor Matt Hamilton, “Death Al Dente: A Gourmet Detective Mystery” (1,219 views)
Interview With Actress Kimberley Sustad, “A Godwink Christmas” (1,212 views)
And finally…
TOP 10 POSTS OF 2018
10. Interview With Actor Paul Greene, “My Favorite Wedding” (8,793 views) {Be sure to check out Paul’s very special video as well as the fan-created tribute in this one. He also holds the record for the most interviews of anyone on my site–6!}
9. Interview With Actress Pascale Hutton, “When Calls the Heart” (9,061 views) {She and I have an annual interview, so keep an eye open for it towards the end of season six!}
8. Interview With Mark Humphrey, “When Calls the Heart” (9,296 views) {This is a gentleman who consistently makes time for our interviews, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate his willingness to be flexible with scheduling.}
7. Interview With Actor Kevin McGarry, “Love At First Bark” (9,479 views) {One of the nicest guys who also has a more recent interview that came out in January of 2019, since he is joining the cast of season six of When Calls the Heart.}
6. Interview With Actor Paul Greene (10,535 views) {My first-ever interview with Paul. I had no idea I would be meeting him in person and considering him a friend!}
5. Interview With Actor Yannick Bisson, “Three Bedrooms, One Corpse: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery” (11,505 views) {One that continues to be popular after all these years. I wish I could get an updated interview with Yannick, but at present, he doesn’t seem to be able to do so due to a variety of situations. But I have a very special response from Yannick due to this interview that I cherish.}
4. Interview With Actor Jack Turner, “My Summer Prince” (11,560 views) {I have done two interviews since this first one with Jack. I simply adore the fact that he continues to do these annual interviews with me!}
3. Interview With Actor Niall Matter, “Engaging Father Christmas” (13,162 views) {I was smitten with Niall as an actor, and I was so glad to be granted this very special interview with him! And please notice that he told me how to pronounce his name, and I have since corrected MANY people!}
2. Interview With Actor Kavan Smith, “When Calls the Heart” (16,176 views) {I worked VERY hard to get an interview with Kavan that first time, and since then, we have an annual interview. And it is no surprise that his interviews continue to be at the top of my lists!}
1. Interview With Actor Andrew Walker, “The Perfect Catch” (20,999 views) {This is a surprise! I have interviewed Andrew several times over the past few years, and I am thrilled that this early interview is way up on the list. But there are at least two newer ones than this. I definitely look forward to chatting with him again!}
I will not attempt to decide what my favorite interviews were over the year. I typically say that would be like picking my favorite children. As an interviewer, it’s always the most recent interview you have done that tends to be the favorite.
What I will do, however, is share with you my some of the favorite interviews you might have missed. This is only a sampling–20 in total–and there are so many more! Note: These are not in any specific order.
Interview With Actress/Singer Miranda Frigon, “Aurora Teagarden”
Interview With Actress Jordana Largy, “Morning Show Mystery: Mortal Mishaps”
Interview With Screenwriter Tim Ware and Executive Producer Kristin Booth, “Winter’s Dream”
Interview With Stacey Donovan, Director of Hallmark Publishing
Interview With Actor Matthew Harrison, “Garage Sale Mysteries”
Interview With Actress/Executive Producer Nikki DeLoach, “Reunited At Christmas”
Interview With Actor Colin Ferguson, “Christmas On Honeysuckle Lane”
Now, I realize this is one long post, but I want to share my top ten Hallmark non-Christmas movies as well as my top ten favorite Hallmark Christmas movies from 2018. I shared the first list on a podcast last month. But in case you didn’t see that, here are my lists.
- Pearl In Paradise {Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha in Fiji. Need I say more?}
- Royal Hearts {My all-time favorite Hallmark royal film so far with James Brolin and Cindy Busby. I think that sums it up well. One of my all-time favorite Hallmark films.}
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To The Altar {Norman and Rita get married; Shane and Oliver get engaged. My favorite Hallmark series. Eric Mabius and company!}
- All Of My Heart: The Wedding {Brennan Elliott, Lacey Chabert, third in the series, incredible wedding}
- Love, Of Course {Cameron Mathison, an unexpected and beautiful story that is quite relatable}
- Falling For You {Tyler Hynes, Taylor Cole, Alison Wandzura, Madison Smith, Matt Visser and so many more!}
- The Perfect Bride: Wedding Bells {Kavan, Pascale, Casey…need I go on?}
- Garage Sale Mystery: Murder In D Minor {The most successful mystery series for the network with a universal flair. And Alison gave an impeccable performance as well.}
- One Winter Weekend {The golden foursome! Taylor Cole, Jack Turner, Rukiya Bernard, Dewshane Williams}
- The Beach House {Andie MacDowell in one of her most emotional roles that I have seen, a beautiful story, Hallmark Hall of Fame}
Now onto my Top 10 Favorite Christmas Hallmark Movies. (This was a VERY difficult choice for me!)
- A Godwink Christmas {From the very beginning, I knew this would be my top choice. With Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad, and Giles Panton–not to mention Kathie Lee Gifford–and based on a true story by SQuire Rushnell? How could we go wrong? I appreciated the faith element in this movie so very much!}
- Marrying Father Christmas {As mentioned above, I got to see this ahead of time, and Erin and Niall brought me to tears with their unbelievable performance! No one could be better suited to such an amazing duo and story!}
- When Calls the Heart: The Greatest Christmas Blessing {Easily in my top five favorites of episodes of When Calls the Heart! Everyone gave the kind of performance that was top notch! Erin deserves an Emmy for her portrayal. It had just the right amount of drama, humor, and heart.}
- Welcome To Christmas {Eric Mabius and Jennifer Finnigan! Wow!! Such a clever script and fantastic chemistry. I couldn’t help but love it!}
- Christmas At Grand Valley {Brennan Elliott and Danica McKellar? I mean, need I say more? Absolute perfection on-screen!}
- It’s Christmas, Eve {The movie that many complained about before it aired because of LeAnn Rimes. I thought she was fabulous. Add in Tyler Hynes, Giles Panton, and so many more lovely people, and I couldn’t be happier with the music, story, and acting!}
- Christmas On Honeysuckle Lane {Many bemoaned this one as not being the typical quirky, funny Alicia Witt Christmas movie. Well, that’s why I loved it! The story actually tugged on my heartstrings, and adding Colin Ferguson in there was a stroke of pure genius!}
- Once Upon A Christmas Miracle {What an incredible true story to bring to the screen! I cried!! It was the perfect Christmas movie in every way.}
- Northern Lights of Christmas {Teri Wilson‘s book finally made it to screen! Yay! And Ashley Williams starred in it? Add in some Corey Sevier and a few reindeer, and I was hooked!}
- A Shoe Addict’s Christmas {I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. Sure, I love Candace Cameron Bure, but I don’t love shoes. However, the faith element, the unique and fun story, and the spot-on acting–this was an unexpected delight!}
In truth, there were only a few movies last year that were not favorites of mine. I tend to keep quiet when those movies emerge in conversation. Regardless, even my least favorite Hallmark movies from 2018 were better than most of what was on the edgier networks last year. Hallmark has continued to raise the bar on family-friendly entertainment, and I greatly anticipate the offerings of 2019!
