Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023 Hallmark)
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Cast:Benjamin Ayres, Amy Groening, John B. Lowe, Laura Vandervoort, Teryl Rothery
Director: Jeff Beesley
Writer: Laura Kampo Lennon
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlySynopsis (via Hallmark)
Just before Christmas, Mary Ann adopts a baby girl to raise alone. She and the infant spend the Christmas stuck in Bethlehem, PA, due to bad weather. Her only choice when the inn is full is to stay with Joe, the brother of the innkeeper.
Recap/Wine Thoughts
Mary Ann is a high-powered lawyer who is recently single and badly wants to be a mother. A few adoptions have fallen through in almost a year since her approval. She has faith, but it is hard for her. To add insult to injury, her pipes randomly burst.
Joe is a former band frontman and still has a permed mullet. He doesn’t have a drive, but he does have a dog. His girlfriend breaks up with him because he is a loser. He left the band when his dad was diagnosed with cancer. Joe moved into his house and has run his auto body shop since his father’s death.
Mary Ann gets the call that her baby girl is ready for pickup, and she rushes to the hospital just as a blizzard tolls into Bethlehem, PA. She gets the baby record fast and rushes home in the storm. Eventually, she lets Jesus take the wheel.
Travelers get stranded at the local inn, The Bethlehem Star Inn. Joe drops off a guy named Gerald, who looks like Santa. He gets the last room. Mary Ann comes in with her new baby and is stranded. The pregnant hotel manager offers Joe’s guest room, and he reluctantly agrees.
Joe’s apartment is a mess, and he apologizes, blaming his nephew. (Who is seven.) Mary Ann is very thankful but flustered with a baby and everything. The no sleep isn’t helping. The inn Owner and her husband bring over a ton of baby stuff to help.
Joe’s mother runs a toy drive in Bethlehem, PA. She tells Mary Ann stories about how close Joe and his father were. Then, she meets his grandmother, who wants them to date immediately. Joe and Mary Ann go to church and talk about God.
Mary Ann realizes that it is hard to be a single mother. Joe tells her that if anyone can do it, it is her. Then they drink apple juice boxes. Mary Ann talks about her ex and how he was cold and selfish. He left her because she couldn’t have a baby.
The baby cries through the night, and Joe picks up the baby and swaddles her to his hunky body. He bops around to music to keep the baby calm while Mary Ann catches up on sleep.
Joe takes Mary Ann on a stroll to his father’s barn, which is filled with Christmas decorations for the town to enjoy. It is the last year they will own the barn because of some tax law. Just as they start to feel connected, a notification goes out that the roads are open again.
Mary Ann’s car doesn’t start, and Joe has to order a unique part that will come after Christmas. Mary Ann decides to stay and not be with her mother. (Their relationship is strained.)
Joe sings “This Little Light of Mine” to the baby, then dances with Mary Ann by the Christmas tree. He also cleans up real nice!
Mary Ann uses her lawyer skillz and makes the barn a historical landmark or something to avoid tax issues. She tells the family at Christmas Eve dinner, and they all celebrate with Christmas games. Joe and Mary Ann almost kiss, but they are interrupted by Joe’s ex-girlfriend, and she is pissed and confused about the baby. Mary Ann gets the wrong idea and leaves.
Joe’s sister/the inn owner gives Mary Ann some cookies before she goes and tells her to come back anytime.
She comes back in a few hours and goes to church. Some sings “Oh Holy Night” flatly while Mary Ann and Joe decide to give it a go.
Mary Ann’s mother comes to town, too, which is good because she doesn’t know about the baby; Mary Ann shows her mom her new granddaughter, oh, and JOE. The hunk. It seems like Mary Ann’s mom likes Joe more, haha.
Everyone goes to the barn and takes a picture! The end!
Side Note/Stray Thoughts
I think a religious Christmas movie is appropriate this time of the season.
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🎄🎄🎄 (3 Christmas Trees)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷🍷 (3 glasses of wine.)
What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments or on social media @LifetimeUncorked
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*Photo Credit: © 2023 Hallmark
I think you might need to look up the definition of the word “secular”.
Thank you!