‘The Irresistible Blueberry Farm’: A Romantic Cozy Mystery

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The latest Hallmark Movie Channel mystery is indeed a basket full of charm, with a generous helping of blueberries. In The Irresistible Blueberry Farm, we meet Ellen Branford (Alison Sweeney), a successful lawyer living in Manhattan. But her world is upended when she’s a series of clues left by her grandmother pulls her towards a small town. 

As Ellen travels to the small coastal town of Beacon Maine – a place she didn’t know her grandmother had ties to, she sets out to deliver a letter; a letter that not only holds a secret, but also connects her to Roy (Marc Blucas), a charming local.

The Irresistible Blueberry Farm (2016) Hallmark Review

‘The Irresistible Blueberry Farm’: A Romantic Cozy Mystery. A review of the 2016 rom-mystery with Alison Sweeny. Text © Rissi JC

Each time I review or fangirl over a Hallmark original, I feel like it’s a broken record. But in this instance, it’s never a bother, and I hope you don’t mind the repetitiveness either. All this to say, I’m going to repeat precisely the same as this review proceeds, which is to say, this another delightful film from a network we trust. The basic premise of this is akin to others that have come before it. The concept of big-city girl finding so much in a small town, and finding charm (in more ways than one) in that small town, isn’t a new one. Still this script places a spin on it by eliminating any first-hand ties Ellen might have to the town.

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Resisting this one is probably going to be impossible. It’s the type of movie you can sit back and smile your way through. The cute town where it all takes place is cozy and the characters sparkle with wholesome personality. In particular, I found the sassier romance between Ellen and Roy adorable! It’s still up to the standard of Hallmark, but not without its unique markers and swoon-y moments. The meet-cute in particular is “aww…” inducing as was the cute “dance” scene. Although part of the charm of the relationship might be because of a fondness for Blucas in this leading man role.

‘The Irresistible Blueberry Farm’: A Romantic Cozy Mystery. A review of the 2016 rom-mystery with Alison Sweeny. Text © Rissi JC

The only aspect that doesn’t work is the conversations Ellen has with her grandmother (who Shirley Jones plays). There’s significance to them because of their relationship(which is simply “understood”), but there’s something about them that always takes me out of the story. If you like Hallmark films, this one is sure to be the perfect one to watch. If your Sunday night is anything like mine (cool and dreary), The Irresistible Blueberry Farm is the ideal tonic. 

Only just so you know, this one sure to make you crave a warm blueberry muffin.

‘The Irresistible Blueberry Farm’: A Romantic Cozy Mystery. A review of the 2016 rom-mystery with Alison Sweeny. #Hallmarkies #Hallmark #Romance #Movies Click To Tweet

Photos: Hallmark / Crown Media Press

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

6 comments

  1. I just happened to catch this last night, and it was adorable! (I totally agree about the conversations with the grandmother, though. I could have done without that aspect.) Sometimes, I feel like Hallmark doesn't really worry about whether the leads have chemistry, but that was certainly not a problem in this film–they had chemistry in spades! I enjoyed it more than I've enjoyed a Hallmark film in a long time.

    1. Wasn't it!? I thought it was one of the best on this channel.

      …I'd agree with you about the leads and chemistry. They have a main objective (to be wholesome entertainment), which they surpass no matter what the story is, and I admire them for that. Fortunately, we had great chemistry in this one, so that made it all the more fun. :)

      (Yeah, those conversations came off a little "awkward" to me, but I did understand the importance of them to Ellen.)

  2. Neat! I don't think I realized this one is based on a book. Or if I did I'll completely forgotten. Either way, I hope you enjoy this and the book. :)

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