In what I believe has been a rather lackluster season of Halmark Christmas, this movie was my favorit. I have three reasons that make it stand out.
First, the plot was deeper than most. The real issue in this matter is the female lead finding her relationship with what was expected of her. The best Halmark movies are those were the romance is part of the plot and not the whole story. It was more of a regular movie than a set piece Halmark Christmas Story
Two, it helps to have a little larcency in the heart of the story to make it funny. See Snow Bride for an example.
Three, it had good supporting actors and roles who rounded out the movie.
I would agree with some of the criticisms to the movie that the romance seemed forced to a point, but I see this movie more of the lead finding herself than finding love which is probably why I thought it stood out among the Halmark fare this year.