A Novel Noel

A Novel Noel is a story about a book editor who is getting burned out. She asks her boss for a leave of absence, and then finds out she has been selected as a temporary resident bookstore employee.

She jumps at the chance, and is greeted with a grumpy store manager, pretty much like every other Hallmark movie.

Over time, he lightens up as she brings a different perspective, but he doesn't know she's an editor, and she doesn't know he's also a writer.

Other reviews have pointed out this plot has been done before, but really haven't they all?

Julie Gonzalo is very good as the editor who is always sunny (maybe even a little too sunny). I've never been a fan of Brendan Penny, but he is very good here, striking the right tones in situations that might have proved tricky for a lesser actor.

I also thought Kaitlyn Bernard as the bakery employee/pseudo little sister deserved a mention. She was very good and I think we'll be seeing her again.

Also, there are some homosexual supporting characters. Some people like to be made aware of that.

Overall, I thought it was well done, although the end was a perhaps little silly.

Eight.