The hospital setting for a Hallmark style romance was a little jarring at first. Being used to medical dramas, I had to remind myself that no one was going to die. Once I got over that, I found the story a great twist on the holiday formula.
Score: 1
Characters
For once, the female lead wasn’t the one moving in from the big city and no one had to give up their careers or lives. The two mains were played with more honest emotion than I’m used to from this genre, and the community a great addition.
The acting still felt a little rushed, like the actors hadn’t had the time to fully process the material, and there were a few odd things for a hospital staff.
Score: 0.5
Dialogue
The dialogue was fairly witty and I really liked the faster pace of dialogue between the leads.
Score: 1
Visuals and Music
The snow storm measured in “feet instead of inches” didn’t look that bad. Other than that, the sets were pretty and the camera work was solid.
The music was unremarkable but in this case that’s a good thing.
Score: 0.5
Fun
It was a lot of fun. Very festive and happy with the babies, and the whole family liked it.
Score: 1
Overall
A nice twist on the Hallmark formula that will leave you smilling.
Thursday the 24th of December, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario
When Kitty had taken over Adelaide’s body, she’d taken some parts of herself with it. That included enhanced senses. It wasn’t magic but it wasn’t human either. It meant almost no one could sneak up on her.
“Hello MacKenzie, did you forget something?” Kitty asked as the other woman walked softly up the corridor to her office.
“How did you know?” MacKenzie asked.
Shrugging, Kitty said, “You don’t want to know.”
“No, come on. I was being as quiet as I could.”
“I could hear and smell you coming,” Kitty said, bracing for the upcoming awkwardness.
Instead, MacKenzie walked in and after a few seconds, said, “I’m sorry, that’s got to suck.”
Surprised by the other’s empathy, Kitty added, “It’s not that bad. I’ve always had them and can filter out what I want. It can get overwhelming, but I carry mints and earplugs for those times.
MacKenzie nodded and Kitty could almost see the other girl trying to work out the biology. Both of them ended up looking at the little Tim Hortons ornament on her desk. It was a gift from Kitty’s first partner, Lieutenant Arrage. It was a joke on her having two sets of memories: she’d called Kitty Double-Double.
MacKenzie looked sad and said, “I miss her. She recruited me.”
“I didn’t know that. I miss her too, I wish I had been there for her.” Kitty had been injured and couldn’t go with Arrage to what should have been a routine meeting. She’d been killed by a recently summoned Aether-creature, a magical beast created by the stuff of magic.
MacKenzie’s voice was stern as she said, “Don’t do that. It’s not your fault. According to the Gatekeepers that found her, you’d have been killed too if you’d been there.” The Gatekeepers were specialized mages that took care of Aether-creatures and Aetherborn. Aetherborn were people created by magic and imagination. It was usually accidental but some wizards could do it on purpose.
“I just feel like I’m cursed.” Maybe it’s better that I’m alone. She didn’t say it aloud because she knew it sounded a little too self-loathing.
“I was going to invite you to my family’s party, but if you’re cursed, I probably shouldn’t,” MacKenzie said straight faced.
“Oh. Okay.” Kitty didn’t know how to reply.
“I’m kidding. Did you want to come? I have to warn you that they’re a lot. Also, a bunch of them will see right through any illusions or glamour.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea,” Kitty said tentatively. She really wanted to, but was terrified of getting attached.
“Curses don’t bother me. I’m extremely lucky,” MacKenzie said with confidence and stood. “No seriously, it’s part of why I was recruited: I have supernaturally enhanced luck. We’d better go soon if we want to make it on time.
They stopped at Kitty’s apartment quickly to pick up her overnight bag and then set off for Westmeath. The Queensway was clear by this time, most of the public servants had gone home around lunch. The sun was already setting which made MacKenzie squint as she drove.
They parked in front of a small bungalow in the Oldtown portion of Westmeath. When MacKenzie didn’t move, Kitty asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just bracing myself.”
“You’re scaring me a little. Anything I should know about?” Kitty asked, fidgeting with her coat’s zipper.
“My family is very mixed. There are going to be Aetherborn, wizards, humans, and possibly some aliens.”
Kitty chuckled and replied, “That is varied. Thank you for the warning. I would have been confused by the sounds and smells.”
“Also, my brother-in-law is Jason Johnson.” MacKenzie grimaced as she said it.
Kitty recognized the name and asked incredulously, “The king of Aetherborn in Westmeath? I thought the woman with him looked familiar. I met them both this fall during the whole Ansonville incident.” That was when her former partner tried to take over the world. “I’m pretty up to date on the office gossip. How have I not heard about this?”
“We all have our secrets that are left out of our files. The General agreed to keep it a secret since not everyone in Elmsley is Aetherborn friendly. Also maybe not mention Elmsley too often.” MacKenzie bit her lip nervously and furrowed her brow.
Putting her hand on MacKenzie’s, Kitty said, “Hey. I’m not going to start a fight. I understand that we’re not well-liked by the Community. I promise to be respectful.”
Kitty felt Mackenzie squeeze her hand and a sensation of warmth washed over her. I can’t fall for her, she’s a coworker and my crushes never end well.
They walked up to the door and MacKenzie pressed the doorbell. A tall blonde with uncannily similar features to MacKenzie answered the door. The two women hugged and they were ushered in.
The heavenly smell of food enveloped them like a warm hug. Kitty was appreciating the aroma and missed MacKenzie introducing her to her sister.
“Agent Price, Nice to see you again.”
“Hello, you can call me Kitty. I’m glad we could meet again without anything world ending,” she said, trying to smile casually and not show her nerves.
Kennedy pulled her into a hug and said, “I’m glad you’re here. Call me Kennedy.”
A small tug on her dress made her look down at a small boy, maybe four years old, with dark skin and bright blue eyes looking up at her. “Hi. You’re very pretty, you don’t need the glamour.” His oversized Santa hat bobbed as he talked.
Kennedy’s eyes grew wide and she said, “Hammond, we don’t peek through people’s glamours.”
Kneeling to be at the boy’s level, Kitty said, “Thank you. Do you think I should turn it off? I feel a little naked without it.”
The boy nodded vigorously, adding, “I like being naked. I can do the naked baby dance.”
All three women laughed and Kitty dropped the glamour.
Little Hammond hugged her and took her hand. “Come on. Papa made lots of yummy food.”
Thursday the 24th of December, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario
Kitty, Katherine Price, sat crosslegged on a comfy chair in the conference room of the Burt Grande in downtown Ottawa. She closed her eyes and took in the sounds and smells of the Elmsley Christmas party. There was sweet and savoury foods, hot chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and the smell of wet carpets from the rain. The sounds were of people chatting, Santa talking to the kids, happy shrieks and the rat-a-tat-tat of rain on the windows.
It was warm and comforting. The whole thing made her sad. She didn’t have a family but this is what she imagined it would feel like. She’d lived a complicated life. Her body was born dead and her soul had latched onto her twin sister. As a part of her sister, Kitty had been stuck as an imaginary friend until five years ago when through a complicated set of circumstances, her sister died and gave her all her memories and her body.
It was strange living in a body that wasn’t yours, but she’d adapted, and with her affinity for illusions she could make herself look different. The hardest part was losing the only person who’d known her her whole life.
Her parents had been part of a strange cabal of wizards that wanted to create a new world. That was why she existed, but they had died before she could remember them. She’d attended her sister’s funeral in disguise and even considered talking to their adoptive parents, but in the end, Kitty knew she couldn’t explain what had happened.
The Elmsley Project was her only family at this point, and although General Stuart was a strong role model, she was busy with her biological family.
She had considered her first partner family but she’d been killed in action. Her second partner had turned villain and tried to take over the world using supernatural sapient goo just this fall.
The hard rain falling outside was unusual but paired well with her sad mood.
“Sleepy already Kitty?” asked MacKenzie Fairfield, her long brown hair in a perfect bun. It was quite the contrast with Kitty’s shoulder-length red curls.
“No, just taking in the whole scene, doctor, or do I say Major?”
MacKenzie blushed a little. “Thanks, and we’re technically the same rank even if you’re a civilian.” She sat in the chair across from Kitty and put down her empty mug that had been hot chocolate.
“Does that mean I have to salute though?” Kitty teased.
A woman with hair almost as bright as Kitty’s but with a perpetual sneer on her face walked up to them. She was one of the only people in uniform. “Director Price, Major Fairfield. Congrats on your promotion.”
With a sigh, Kitty said, “With all due respect, Director Lanthier, don’t you have some naughty kids to shove in a sack?” Lieutenant-General Lanthier was the head of the military division of Elmsley, while Kitty and MacKenzie had recently been promoted to co-directors of the science division. The two groups didn’t get along.
Adding a scowl to her sneer, which was quite the feat, she said, “You’ll get what you deserve, freak,” and then walked away.
“Why do you antagonize her?” asked MacKenzie.
Kitty thought about it for a little and said, “Because she’s the worst of us and it’s fun.”
“I can’t argue with you there.” MacKenzie picked up her cup and pouted when she looked inside. Putting it back down, she asked, “What plans do you have for the holidays?”
This was the question Kitty hated. Most people only asked to be friendly, another script of polite society. She still got in trouble when she answered without thinking. She’d worked out the perfect reply and used it, “I’m working. I need to review the information from the Project Paracosm tests and try to figure out what went wrong.”
“Oh… Um… What about your family?” MacKenzie asked.
“I don’t have any, not really. My twin sister died five years ago and my parents died when I was a baby. I usually use the holidays as a way to catch up on work. It’s quiet and I can focus better.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose my twin.” The other woman sat up straighter and looked uncomfortable. ”I’m going to Westmeath. Two of my siblings live there now. We get together for a big family thing tonight. I’ll be gone until just after Boxing day.”
Kitty was curious, an attribute that had been mentioned enough to annoy her. She asked, “Why only then? You’ve had a packed year, you should take time until New Year’s.”
“I love my family but they are a lot. My siblings are happily married with kids, and my mom is always on my case about finding someone to settle down with. Between that and the fact that I can’t talk about anything I do, it’s just better in small doses.”
“I have no idea what that’s like, but it sounds fun and exhausting.” Kitty sighed looking over the party. Starting to stand, she said, “I should get some work done before… Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas Kitty.” It looked like MacKenzie was going to say something else but instead she picked up her cup and scowled at its emptiness.
As she walked away from the joyful chaos-symphony, Kitty couldn’t help but shed a few tears for what she was missing. It wasn’t Christmas, that was as important to her as the Civic Holiday, but the togetherness of family.
Adorable meddling mothers and a sweet romance. I love the symmetry between the relationships. That being said, it’s just two different tropes smushed together.
Score: 0.5
Characters
The mothers had incredible comedic chemistry and the love interests were adorable. Both sets together worked great. The dad and brother were entertaining as well.
I do hate when all the drama comes from a misunderstanding or a character not keeping a secret. It felt a little forced.
Score: 0.5
Dialogue
The dialogue is funny, flirty, and cute. I liked the multiple jokes about the mothers being witches.
Score: 1
Visuals and Music
The snow was ridiculously fake and a few scenes were obviously filmed in summer. But the camera work and the scenes were well done and excellently decorated.
The music did it’s job and accentuated when it was needed. Could have used more holiday music though.
Score: 1
Fun
This was a nice break from the traditional angsty holiday movie. It was sweet and everyone but the 5yo loved it. He thought it was boring.
Score: 1
Overall
A fun and rewatchable holiday movie that avoids the angst often associated with romance. It thrives off the chemistry and charisma of the mothers.
Saturday the 13th of December, 2003 – Westmeath, Ontario
Running over to them, Jason checked the boy’s pulse and it was extremely weak but still present. “It’s not petrification. They’re fine.”
“Wasn’t there a tree in the middle of the dance floor?” Kennedy asked, before shouting, “Duck!”
Over a year of training together and a trust built on saving each other’s lives countless times meant he dropped to the floor without thinking about it. The silvery ball that would have hit him in the shoulders flew past and hit Dr. Amita. She froze on the spot, her face contorted in confusion.
People screamed and would have panicked but Kennedy said, “Everyone please move toward the exit in an orderly fashion.” Westmeath had enough strange things happening that people walked quickly but not fast enough to hurt each other. There were still quite a few people left, all frozen.
“Where did that come from?” he asked as he kicked up from the ground and landed on his feet.
“The tree,” Kennedy said, “But I’m not sure which one.” She joined him near the boys.
The five trees seemed to shiver at the sound of her voice. Jason used his shadow power to stretch his senses out and see if they moved.
“How does a tree that’s in a pot move around?” he wondered aloud. He felt the attack and movement before seeing it. Grabbing Kennedy’s hands, he swung her around to avoid a volley.
“I can’t tell which tree it’s coming from,” she said, annoyed.
“Even my shadow senses aren’t helping with that. It moves too fast. But only one is moving”
“The cake!” Kennedy exclaimed and ran to the buffet, weaving and dodging around attacks. She lifted up the large red Yule log cake and said, “We just need to figure out which one moves and we can use the cake to mark it.”
It was a good idea, but a shift in the lighting and shadows made Jason turn away from her. The room had gotten darker as the moonlight from the wall of windows was blocked.
Surrounding the room from outside were massive pine trees. The christmas trees inside stood just over two and half metres tall, the ones outside were easily ten times that height.
Kennedy gave a small squeak and said, “Well, that’s not good.”
The doors flew inward, followed by a figure in silver full-plate armour. He had a longsword on his left hip and a dagger holstered on the opposite side. His helmet was down but he looked around the room and lifted it before saying, “You need to get out of here. It’s not safe.”
Laughing, still comically holding the cake, Kennedy said, “Jeepers, that was dramatic, and we know.”
“Kennedy?” the man said, looking surprised.
“Albert?” she replied. “For heaven’s sake, is everyone I know from Baker magical?”
The armour was the symbol of the Gatekeepers and organization that was dedicated to protecting the world from Aether incursions. Creatures created from imagination and magic could cause havoc if not controlled. The creatures were returned or hunted, while the people or Aetherborn were educated and placed in communities like Westmeath.
“Not to break up the reunion but—” Jason was cut off by a volley of flying ornaments. It seemed the tree took a little time to reload.
“Right. Sorry. I am Gatekeeper Therien. I tracked a part of a rogue tannen-bomb here.” He looked out the window and replied, “and it looks like the rest of it just arrived.”
“Part? You mean this is all one creature? Like a magical Pando?” Kennedy asked. When the knight didn’t reply, she added, “Pando, the giant organism that’s one root system with tens of thousands of trees?”
“Yes.” He drew his sword and swatted at the ornaments that were flying toward them. “Why are you holding a cake?”
“It’s to throw at the tree so we know which one it is,” she replied sheepishly.
“Ah. Good idea, but it’s the one next to your husband.”
Jason whipped around, not used to being snuck up on. He raised a hand in defence but was struck by a freeze bomb. It didn’t hurt, and he could hear and see everything happening.
A cake flew into his vision and smashed into the tree, covering it in red icing, and some splashing on Jason’s face and hair.
“I just have to grab it and I’ll be able to banish the whole thing,” Albert announced.
Kennedy picked up two covers from the warm Hors d’oeuvre trays and said, “I’ll distract it.” With a few long strides, she made it to Jason and whispered, “Sorry and I’ll save you.” then she pecked him on the cheek. “Yum, strawberry icing.”
“Try to get it to run to me,” Albert said.
Banging her trays at the obviously marked tree, she said, “I was being sappy. Are you ent-ertained? Wood you please move toward the knight? No pining and no barking!”
The tree let out a horrifying shrieking noise and ran toward Kennedy.
“You said distract, not taunt,” Albert said, sounding amused.
“It’s following me, so it’s distracted,” she yelled. “Come on tree, are you that easy to needle?”
Despite Kennedy running as fast as she could, the tree was catching up. “Hold on,” she said. “It’s a tree!” Turning around with her makeshift shields, she braced for impact. Surprised, the tree reversed course right into the Gatekeeper.
Putting his hands on the tree’s branches, he shouted, “Ga Bort!” and the tree disappeared, replaced by an equal mass of clear pine scented goo. It was followed a second later by the rest of the trees outside and a wave of goo that covered the windows.
Everyone started to wake up and as Kennedy was distracted, the knight tried to walk away. “Albert, stay and enjoy the party,” she said, before running to check on Jason and the boys.
“If you insist,” he replied, making a magical gesture that transformed his armour into formal clothes.
The guests who had run away had been trapped in the lobby but now they were moving back to the party. It wasn’t the weirdest thing to happen in Westmeath. Not even this year.
Later, as everyone was enjoying good food and drink, minus a strawberry Yule log cake, Jason said, “The thing that bothers me about the whole situation is that I didn’t get to make a single tree pun.”
Kennedy kissed his now-clean cheek and replied, “Next time, when you’re not frozen. But I always have you covered, just leaf it to me.”
The story was written by Jen and Éric Desmarais with the help of Dragon Desmarais.
Assassins! Accidental matchmakersMonsters! Incidental Wedding GuestsCrushing ItWinging It
Saturday the 13th of December, 2003 – Westmeath, Ontario
They were halfway down the corridor to the cafeteria before the music reached their ears.
“Maybe that’ll be you in a few years,” Kennedy said to her teenage brother, Tommy.
He cocked his head, listening. “Nah, that’s a string quartet. I don’t plan on changing instruments.”
Jason chuckled. “They don’t get the same band year after year. You have a chance.”
“I think I’d rather spend my time eating that delicious smelling food,” Tommy replied. “And dancing with my boyfriend,” he added, squeezing Carter’s hand.
“I love the variety of decorations,” Carter said. “You’d think the mishmash of cultures would be chaotic, but it works really well.”
“You should tell Amita that,” Kennedy said. “This party is all her doing. She’s been talking about it for weeks.”
“Oh, it’s Amita now?” Jason murmured. “You finally managed to drop the ‘doctor’?”
Kennedy grimaced. “She had me practise. To her face. I still feel awkward about it, though.”
The corridor opened up to the large room, and the teenage boys halted in awe, almost tripping the older couple.
“I forget that you’ve never visited me at work,” Kennedy said. “We’ve had school groups in for field trips. Didn’t you come last year, Carter?”
“Yeah, but there weren’t five ginormous Christmas trees in the building then,” he said, shaking his head.
“We’re supposed to come in early January,” Tommy said absentmindedly, eyes wide as he took in the two full walls of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Through them, even with the lighting creating a mirror effect, they could make out the snowy courtyard and the fields beyond.
Carter recovered first. “They’re making some of the Everdome recipes we brought back with us! Come on!” He grabbed Tommy’s hand and pulled him to the buffet tables.
Kennedy was about to follow them, but Jason tugged her hand, pulling her against him. He pressed his nose to her neck, his fingers trailing down the mostly bare skin of her back as he inhaled deeply.
Her knees went weak. “Jason?” she murmured.
“Have I told you exactly how much I want to tear this dress off you?”
Kennedy bit her lip to hold in her laughter. Her emerald green dress, styled after the iconic Jessica Rabbit dress, never failed to drive him wild. “Many times. But if you tear it, I can’t wear it again.”
“The torture would end,” he teased.
“Excuse me,” said a new voice.
They side-stepped out of the doorway and she pinned him against the wall. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“That waistcoat and your rolled up sleeves are doing things to me.”
He grinned at her. “What kind of things, and can I get involved?”
Kennedy walked her fingers up the buttons on his chest. “Absolutely. When we get home.” She pulled away. “But right now, I want food, and then I want to dance with my handsome husband.”
Jason looked around comedically. “Where is he?”
She laughed and caught his chin in her hand. “Right where he’s supposed to be.” She pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. “Let’s be sociable.”
“If we must,” he groaned dramatically.
“Oh good, I was hoping I would get to say hello before the New Year,” Dr. Amita teased them when they approached the near-groaning buffet tables.
“You outdid yourself,” Jason said. “How will you surpass this next year?”
Amita waved a hand. “Pssh, nobody will remember this one next year.”
“I remember that you only had four trees last year, and this time you’ve got five,” Kennedy pointed out.
“Is it some sort of pardonable offence that you cut down trees to bring inside?” Jason asked.
Amita raised an eyebrow. “I only cut down trees from the side of the family that I don’t like,” she said dryly.
They glared at each other for a moment before Amita chuckled, followed by Jason. “You know they’re replantable trees,” she said.
“And yet I will continue to pretend you murder your family members every year,” he replied.
Kennedy rolled her eyes. “Sometimes I forget that you two go way back. I should’ve known Jason wouldn’t insult someone like that otherwise.”
“Go dance. You haven’t fulfilled the romantic quota for the night yet.” Amita shooed them onto the dance floor.
“We can be romantic and eat cheese!” Kennedy protested half-heartedly.
“You like this song,” Jason said, sweeping her into his arms. “One dance and then we can feed each other bites of cheese.”
“It doesn’t have to be cheese,” she replied. “Oh, look at the boys! They’re so cute.”
They were swaying slowly in place near the big tree in the middle of the dance floor, looking deep into each other’s eyes.
“We can’t let them out-cute us!” Jason teased.
“I don’t think the word ‘cute’ ever crossed my mind when it came to you,” Kennedy said thoughtfully.
“Oh?” He spun her under his arm.
“No. More like hot, handsome, jaw-droppingly gorgeous…” She laughed when he flushed. “Okay, maybe now you’re a little cute.”
“Whoa, watch out—” Jason pulled her against him, away from the couple they almost bumped into.
The other couple didn’t move.
Jason frowned. “Are you two alright?” he asked.
Kennedy circled them. “They’re frozen in place,” she observed before scanning the room. Several other people were not moving either. “Tommy,” she breathed, whipping around to the teenagers. They hadn’t moved since the last time she’d looked over at them. “Oh no, mom’s going to kill me!” she groaned.
A flavourless take on spy movies with absolutely nothing new to add.
Score: 0
Characters
Together, the main actors have great banter, and all the supporting cast are fantastic, but apart or talking spy stuff, it’s bad.
Score: 0.5
Dialogue
Romance and Christmas dialogue is excellent, but the cop or spy dialogue is terrible.
Score: 0.5
Visuals and Music
The movie is obviously low budget but visually they do a great job with what they have. A few sets look ridiculous but overall pretty good, and the cinematography is decent.
The music is a nice combination of the two genres and does a great job.
Score: 1
Fun
Most of the movie had me shaking my head at how bad it was but the chemistry and banter between the leads was fun. The rest of the family felt pretty much the same. I could actually see the large thought bubble over my wife’s head that said, “I could write this better.”
Score: 0.5
Overall
This movie is only entertaining on the charisma and chemistry of its stars. Anyone who enjoys spies will be disappointed, anyone who enjoys Christmas romance will see it once and forget about it.
We wrote a holiday short story set the first December after Kennedy and Jason get married. They go to Kennedy’s holiday party at work, and, well… Let’s just say that the weather isn’t the only thing that’s freezing.
This short story and several others will be read on Renaissance Press’s YouTube Channel this Sunday December 8th at 2pm EST. Come celebrate the holidays with us!
We will be at the Queer Christmas Craft Fair tomorrow (Saturday November 16th!) Come join us.
Get ready for the Queer Christmas Craft Fair at The Good Companions – it’s going to be a holiday shopping spree like no other!
️ When: November 16th Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Where: The Good Companions (670 Albert Street) FREE PARKING!!
Prepare for an unforgettable day full of festive vibes, fabulous finds, and a whole lotta cheer! We’re bringing you 23 amazing vendors from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in and around Ottawa, all serving up an irresistible mix of treasures. You can expect dazzling jewelry, cozy knitwear, vibrant artwork, luxurious artisanal soaps, locally sourced honey, flavor-infused coffee beans, unique speedo’s and more. These one-of-a-kind gifts will have your holiday shopping done in style!
And while you’re shopping up a storm, treat yourself to our famous homemade chilli and cornbread combo for just $6.50! Not only will it hit the spot, but every dollar helps The Good Companions keep bringing diverse and inclusive programs to life.
This is the perfect event for everyone who loves to support, celebrate, and show up for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community!
Allies, friends, and festive souls,
Let’s make this season sparkle together – see you there!
Get ready for the Queer Christmas Craft Fair at The Good Companions – it’s going to be a holiday shopping spree like no other! 
️ When: November 16th
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: The Good Companions (670 Albert Street) FREE PARKING!!