What is Christmas without 1) a Richard Paul Evans novel, and 2) a Richard Paul Evans movie. Throw in Justin Hartley, some snow, a dog named Ava (close!), the lovely Bonnie Bedelia, the beautiful Barrett Doss, and a search for truth . . . and you have a great film.
I had seen this movie previously and, of course, I’d read the book. Is there a RPE novel I haven’t read? (I’m still waiting for the pre-ordered 2025 Christmas novella . . .)
In The Noel Diary, Justin Harley plays the role of best-selling author Jake Turner whose estranged mother has recently passed away. Just home from a book tour, he packs up his dog, Ava, and they head “back home” where he discovers that his mother was more than a horder . . . she was also the keeper of secrets. As Jake works to clear away the mess his mother left behind (and as he struggles with childhood memories), he meets a woman (Rachel) who claims that her birth mother worked, at one time, for Jake’s parents. Will a discovered diary unlock the secrets of past lives–and possibly new roads–for both Jake and Rachel? You’ll have to watch to find out!
Bookstore: Yep.
Hot Chocolate/Cocoa: I don’t recall any.
Bakery: No, but a couple of great B&Bs decorated to the hilt for the holiday. There’s also a log cabin surrounded by snow and incredibly gorgeous back roads snaking through forests heavy with snow.
Young Child or Pet: As mentioned, there is a dog named Ava and there are children singing Christmas carols on the street in front of Jake’s childhood home. Also one little boy climbing a tree to hang an ornament.
Ornament Rating: Five BIG red ornaments. Well written, well acted, well done!
I watched The Noel Diary on Netflix. What about you? Have you seen the film? Read the book? What did you think?