Helen can’t help but try to constantly play matchmaker for Claire, her beautiful daughter who believes love can only be found through fate and not a fix up. After Helen finally vows to avoid Claire’s love life, she inadvertently meets Eric, a single thirty-something doctor. Helen arranges for him to secretly meet her daughter and the two quickly fall in love until Claire eventually learns the truth of her mother’s involvement. Feeling betrayed by both Helen and Eric, she breaks off the relationship until he fights to win Claire back.

Jaime MacLean (Emily)

Let’s start out with one of the cutest of all the actors in the film–Jaime, who plays the sweet, little Emily. I have no idea if this is Jaime’s first film, but regardless, her role will seize your heart. I have said before that Hallmark regularly hires the most talented and the most darling child actors, and I believe that is true, even if the role might be tiny. Jaime makes the role of Emily memorable, and the special thing is that she is a major part of the reason why Claire and Eric connect as they do–leave it to kids to bring the main couple together. I sincerely hope this is not the last we have seen of this fine youngster.
UPDATE: Actually, Jaime played Maggie this past season in “When Calls the Heart!”

Chelan Simmons (Jill)

No stranger to Hallmark (you might remember her from Wedding Planner Mystery), Chelan plays the small, but integral role of Jill, with the beauty, grace, and talent she always brings to each of her roles. Jill permitted Helen to use her matchmaking skills, and she is happy to have found the love of her life. Now if only that same feeling will rub off on Claire–I know, I may be dreaming.

Preston Vanderslice (Peter Bloom)

Playing a rich and promising dud, Preston infuses the role of Peter with exactly what the viewers would expect from this type of character. He is fully convinced of how superb he is, and he refuses to cease enumerating his innumerable accolades. I am not familiar with Preston’s credits, but I hope to see him in more Hallmark works, as he appears to be a perfect fit for the “other guy” who is usually snobbish and arrogant. And as a side note, I absolutely adore his name! I think Hallmark should take his name and create a character with that name–couldn’t you see it now? Preston Vanderslice playing Preston Vanderslice? Okay, I admit that sounds a bit corny, but I sometimes have bizarre ideas.

John Cassini (Marco), Ellie Harvey (Wandering Gourmet)

Spoiler alert! Yes, Ellie plays the “Wandering Gourmet,” but in truth, this should come as no surprise. As Marco and Claire breathlessly tiptoe around the shop on the proverbial pins and needles, they have no idea that a simple woman (who is also a friend of her mother’s) is this mysterious reviewer/journalist. And in case you wonder, Ellie is an ideal fit for this role.

Beau Garrett, John Cassini Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Additionally, John plays Claire’s somewhat hapless partner, Marco. Although John does not have a long-standing relationship with Hallmark, it is absolutely incredible to see an actor with his experience and persona in this role for this network. His character tends to be a bit more pessimistic at times, or if you prefer, realistic. Claire is more idealistic, and so Marco is a perfect foil and partner for her. I sincerely hope this is the first of many roles for John on this network because he is an outstanding actor who brings intense depth and candor to every role (including Marco).

Marci T. House (Jori), Zahr Paroo (Dr. Nate Hoover)

Something I appreciate about Hallmark is that once they find a strong supporting actor for their films, they tend to feature that person in several films. And this is decidedly true with Marci, who plays Jori. She works with Dr. Carlton, and you may just recognize her from Love on the Sidelines, Garage Sale Mystery, and even beyond Hallmark from Izombie. Zahr is a newcomer (from what I can tell), and his portrayal of Dr. Hoover deserves an honorable mention. But it is Marci’s stalwart, determined disposition that tends to envelop the screen–again, a testament to Hallmark’s commitment to feature strong female roles throughout their films and shows. Maybe one day they will feature Marci in a lead role–she has more than earned it, in my humble opinion.

Photo: Brenda Strong (Helen), Garwin Sanford (Sam) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

While Claire and Eric are the main couple, it is Brenda and Garwin (Helen and Sam respectively) who captivated me. When Calls the Heart fans are going to remember Garwin as Elizabeth’s father, although I didn’t place him at first.

Garwin Sanford, Brenda Strong Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

As the father of the buoyant and bright Claire, Sam is the newly-retired but full-of-life husband who is eager to begin his next big adventure. Unfortunately, his wife, Helen, is hesitant to follow his dreams. The pairing of Brenda and Garwin in this film is seriously a match filled with magic and undeniable chemistry, thus proving that even older couples can still have sparks between them.

Brenda Strong, Garwin Sanford Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Yet again, Hallmark proves that opposites do often attract, and the pairing is a match made in heaven. Garwin is so agreeable as Sam, and he infuses so much charm into his role that he may turn a few heads amongst those of us more seasoned viewers. And with a varied and exceptional list of credits to his name, I unequivocally hope Hallmark will bring him back for future roles.

Brenda Strong Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

But there is no doubt in my mind that it is Brenda’s phenomenal performance that drives the film toward its delightful conclusion. She provides humor, drama, relatability, and sometimes even a bit of frustration. I am sure that I find myself connecting so closely with the role of Helen since I am a mother, and I am older (not retirement age yet, but you understand).  Furthermore, I am a mother of a daughter, and I aspire to not interfere in my daughter’s life–especially like Helen does.

Brenda Strong Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Brenda fully immerses herself in the role in her signature way, and whenever she is on screen, she tends to bring the acting prowess of the others up a notch. She is effortless in her style, and I cannot praise her highly enough for her phenomenal skill.

Brenda Strong, Beau Garrett, Garwin Sanford Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

As a family unit, there three fit the typical family–at least in the Hallmark world. Helen is the meddlesome mother. Sam is the laid-back father. And Claire is the daughter who is attempting to break away from the clutches of her mother while still seeking her approval and aid when necessary (just not in matters of the heart). Claire is kind of a perfect marriage of her parent’s personalities. She is strong and opinionated like her mother, but she is filled with positivity and a sunny disposition like her father.

Beau Garrett (Claire), Brenda Strong Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Claire and Helen are the unmitigated depiction of an alteration in mother-daughter relationships that is always indespensable, but sometimes a bit tricky–that of a mother and daughter becoming friends. It’s a slippery thing to accomplish that change, but the rewards are so worth it. Helen and Claire continue to battle against each other as they both attempt to comprehend their new roles, but in the end, we can be assured that they will overcome the inner and outer obstacles that seem to stand in their way.

Brenda Strong, Beau Garrett Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

I was unfamiliar with the work of Beau until this film, but she portrays Claire just as would be expected–a little unsure of herself at times, but that is what makes her role appealing. Together, Beau and Brenda match wits brilliantly. It is a professional nod to Beau’s capabilities that she can maintain the strength of her skill when acting with Brenda. Brenda never upstages her, and it would appear that they are almost like iron sharpening iron. Both seem to bring out the best (and worst) in each other at exactly the correct times.

Beau Garrett Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

What I relish the most about Beau’s characterization of Claire is the effervescence and ebullience that she brings to the role. Her eyes tend to sparkle almost without any effort, and her smile absolutely illuminates the screen. She is pure delight on the screen, and I hope that Hallmark will recognize her talents as well and feature her in even more works.

Beau Garrett Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

Did I mention how beautiful she is? Beau appears to have a warm and genuine personality that she infuses into her role of Claire. That is something that cannot be fabricated, and it makes her character even more intriguing and alluring.

Photo: Beau Garrett (Claire), Benjamin Ayres (Eric) Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

At the heart of every Hallmark film, however, chemistry between the main couple is unquestionably essential. And with these two, Beau and Benjamin, an easy, sweet chemistry appears to be in existence.

Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

From their first meeting, there is something there. In fact, from the moment he and Helen connect, you know there has to be something different about this guy. Anyone who will agree to this unusual situation must be a unique sort of gentleman. Mothers do tend to chase off eligible men, but Eric doesn’t seem to scare easily.

Photo: Benjamin Ayres, Beau Garrett Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

As these two develop their relationship, it is impressive to witness their growing chemistry. Ben and Beau relate to each other comfortably. At times, awkwardness exists, but that is part of the rapture of the chemistry.

Photo: Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

There are moments I wasn’t certain they fit well together. The humor is sometimes restrained, but considering the situation, that makes sense. After all, it’s Ben’s character who is really stuck betwen a rock and a hard place. He doesn’t want to ruin everything by revealing the bargain he and Helen have. So at times, his withdrawal from Claire would make sense.

Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

It is Beau’s character who never holds back. After all, she is unaware (till later) of the arrangement between Eric and Helen.

Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

But any concerns I may have had about their chemistry ended with this scene.

Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres Credit: Copyright 2016 Crown Media United States, LLC/Photographer: Eike Schroter

In fact, this cemented their chemistry for me. When you witness a couple who laughs as they are kissing–you just cannot manufacture that! While it is true that this film is a typical Hallmark love story, for two hours, you can lose yourself in a well-acted, genuinely heartfelt story that may tug at every emotion in your soul. And with the wide variety of ages included in this film, viewers are bound to find some character with whom they will connect.

For more information:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/love-by-chance

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