Introduction to the BBA Romance Reviews

My mom loved the Golden Age of cinema and introduced me to classic films when I was little. While my friends were drooling over whatever modern stars were out, my tastes were being groomed to adore the witty charms and sophisticated style of Cary Grant. Instead of current releases, my childhood was filled with the marvelous performances of Jimmy Stewart, Ray Milland, and Clark Gable.

Through countless hours of devouring and studying these masters at their craft, I learned what true acting looked like — the ability to become a character so completely, the actor, himself, disappeared.

Though I didn’t pursue acting professionally, this early passion gave me a unique perspective on performance and storytelling. I understand the subtle nuances that make a scene work — or fall flat. This background helps me analyze not just what actors do, but why it does or doesn’t work.

My passion for aesthetics led me to degrees in both fashion and interior design. I was blessed enough to have the legendary Edith Head as my mentress in fashion design. No, I didn’t know the woman personally (much to my chagrin), but I studied her work on screen and read her books cover to cover.

Her influence taught me that costumes aren’t just clothes — they’re storytelling tools that should enhance both character and narrative.

This same principal applies to interior design: You dress your body; you dress your home. Both involve the artful combination of textiles, textures, and colors. Whether you’re choosing the perfect accessories for an outfit or selecting the right throw pillows for a sofa, it’s all about creating a cohesive, beautiful story.

Your home, as much as your body, should reflect your beauty and personality.

And this philosophy carries itself into Christmas romances. Both elements work together to create that magical holiday atmosphere we crave.

As a romance novelist writing under multiple pen names, I bring my love of classic storytelling to modern tales.

Let’s face it. Romances can be tricky. Everyone knows they’re based on a time-honored formula. In the wrong hands, the formula can be a limitation, making a story boring, clunky, or just plain clichéd. But if you know what you’re doing, it’s a framework for creativity and countless hours of entertainment.

That’s where my background in acting and design expertise come into play. The first helps me understand character motivation and chemistry. The second influences how I create settings and describe costumes.

Everything I’ve learned about classic cinema, fashion, and décor comes together in my writing — and in my movie reviews.

There’s something magical about Christmas romance movies. They combine everything I love — fashion (boots, sweaters, coats!), interior design (those decorations and colors!), and storytelling. When done right, they capture the warmth and wonder of both the holiday season and falling in love.

As I said, I have a deep appreciation for actors who truly become their characters. While the performances of Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart were masterclasses in technique, it was Doris Day who really captured my heart and influenced my understanding of authentic acting.

Take her work in Pillow Talk — Tony Randall once revealed that in her big crying scene, those were real tears, not glycerin drops. As someone who can cry on command myself, this resonated deeply with me.

Or consider James Garner’s story from Move Over, Darling, where she continued performing through an injury rather than break the scene’s momentum. That’s true commitment to character!

Whether in romantic comedies or thrillers, Doris Day didn’t just recite lines — she lived them.

In “The Chemistry Test” section of my reviews, I’ll evaluate performances through this classic cinema lens. I’ll be looking for that same level of authenticity — actors who disappear into their roles rather than just playing them.

And those magical moments when the leads connect? They should feel natural and genuine, not forced or awkward. So I’ll be paying attention to subtle gestures, genuine reactions, and especially how well actors handle those pivotal romantic scenes that can make or break a holiday romance.

Because in romance, chemistry isn’t just crucial — it’s everything.

Through Edith Head, I learned that every visual choice should enhance the story being told, whether through clothing or set design.

So my reviews come from a place of love for these art forms. Thanks to my degrees, I bring a trained eye to the visual elements of these films — not to criticize, but to offer constructive insights that might help productions improve. Because I want to see these elements shine.

Under “Wardrobe & Styling,” I’ll evaluate how costumes serve both character and story. For instance, does the wardrobe reflect personality or situation? Or are the fashion choices authentic and appropriate?

Under “Set Design & Decor,” I’ll cover how (or if) these have been used to create a magical Christmas atmosphere while maintaining realism and style.

But remember, my observations are always offered with respect for the creative process and a genuine desire to see the genre flourish.

As a romance novelist, I understand the delicate balance of tropes, chemistry, and storytelling that makes a romance work.

Under “The Romance Formula” section, I’ll evaluate how well each film handles classic romance beats, from meet-cutes to first (or second) kisses.

I’ll be asking questions such as: Does the story progression feel natural? Are the characters’ emotional journeys believable? Do their actions and choices ring true?

In “First Impression,” I’ll share my initial thoughts on how well the film captures that magical holiday spirit that makes Christmas love stories so special.

While it is true that one of the pen names I write under contains spicy content, I believe Christmas romances should be accessible to most viewers.

So I evaluate content through both a Christian lens and a general family-friendly perspective. Are intimate moments handled tastefully? Is the dialogue clean? Does the story uphold positive values while remaining engaging?

That’s why you’ll find one section called “Christian Corner.” It’s intended to help those readers, who share my faith or just want to have a safe family movie night, make informed viewing choices for themselves and their families.

Whether you’re a fellow classic film enthusiast, a romance lover, or someone who simply enjoys curling up with a good holiday movie, I invite you to join me in this exploration of Christmas romance films. Together, we’ll celebrate the gems, examine the details that make or break a story, and maybe discover some new holiday favorites along the way.

Through my reviews, I hope to share not just opinions, but insights drawn from my unique background in acting, design, and romance writing. Every film holds the potential for magic — that special combination of performance, style, and storytelling that makes our hearts sing.

Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments. Did you notice something I missed? Do you see these films differently? Let’s start a conversation about what makes Christmas romances special.

New reviews will be posted throughout the holiday season. Subscribe to ensure you don’t miss any of our cinematic adventures together.

Your journey into classic Christmas romance begins now…