[Warning: General spoilers ahead.]
Shooter‘s Shantel VanSanten makes her Hallmark Channel debut Saturday night in Love Blossoms, starring opposite Victor Webster, who we last saw in 2016’s Summer Villa.
VanSanten plays Violet, a chemist who’s under the gun to replicate the sample of a fragrance her late father left behind. It’s the last of a trilogy of scents and time is of the essence to make it into stores for Valentine’s Day, but she can’t quite capture the combination of scents and the written formula is missing.
Emboldened by desperation and whimsy, she pitches a job to botanist Declan ‘Dec’ Granger (Webster), who has an uncanny sense of smell matched only by that of her dad. He’s also got a history that speaks to Violet’s struggle to balance her life and her yearning to come back to her one true home, something her office manager, Kimmy (Brittany Barstow), is also trying to help her see.
All this is happening in Bruges, Belgium while her life back in Boston beckons. Her businessman boyfriend, Stefan (Proof/Dead Like Me‘s Callum Blue) is along to help her settle affairs but he’s not wholly aligned to her intention to preserve her dad’s legacy vs. cashing out the business.
Things are further complicated by Olivia Caine (Bobbie Phillips, who I’m happy to see has several projects coming this year), a competing perfumery owner who isn’t above subterfuge to get control of the company. And Emma Samms has a small role as a new hire Stefan brings in when Dec’s friendship with Violet makes him nervous (as it should).
The movie was filmed at Christmas on location in Belgium and is gorgeous to look at. Check out Webster’s photography Instagram feed for behind the scenes pics of the shoot.
I’m glad VanSanten got to come play. Her role here is kindred to the completely capable but occasionally nerdy Patty, which she completely she killed at in The Flash‘s second season. If you only know her from her recent kickassery on the first season of Shooter, it’ll be especially fun to see her switch it up here. Y’all know how I feel about Webster, so it’s a given that I’m going to say, “GO WATCH THIS.”
Jonathan Wright directs his first non-Christmas movie for the network, helming a script by Hallmark newcomers Julie Kim and Karine Marwood. I like this continuing trend of using new screenwriters.
Love Blossoms premieres at 9/8c Saturday on Hallmark Channel and repeats throughout the month. Here’s a sneak peek.
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Loved the film. Really loved the wardrobe of the actresses. Any hints on where clothing was purchased?
Hi Paula! Thanks for reading. I’d suggest reaching out to Hallmark Channel on Twitter and seeing if anyone responds. I’ve recognized pieces from Old Navy on the Canadian-filmed movies, but I’m guessing they used local costumers in Belgium for this one. There’s no costume director listed on IMdB.
I’m wanting to know about her purse. Love it!
Beautiful story, where is this filmed?
Hi Elizabeth! It was filmed in Bruges, Belgium. Thanks for reading!
What is the name of the conservatory in Love Blossoms? It is magnificent! Loved the movie!
Hi Kathleen! Thanks for reading. It was filmed in Bruges, Belgium, so I’d say start your Google search for conservatories in and around Bruges.
My husband is from Bruges Belgium, been there so many times. My kids and I started screaming when we saw the opening scene. Great story! We watch them all but this one was extra special! From Aurora, Ohio
Love the movie plot and location!
visited Brussels and would love to go back to visit Bruges!
Thank you!
I’ve been trying everything I can think of to find out the brand and style of handbag Violet carries in this movie…any idea???
Please help us find this brand?
I really loved Violet’s Brown handbag too but I have no idea who made it!
I loved everything about this movie. The location was beautiful, Victor Webster is such a hunk, they need to use him more. I liked Shantel too. The movie was just all around perfect.
Well, I just loved this movie!The beautiful setting and unique story was great! All of the actors and actresses did a wonderful job in their roles. I was pleased to see actress Bobbi Phillips back on television! She is as stunning as ever! Even playing a devious role:-) The movie had all the Hallmark qualities that make it feel good. But,it seemed to step outside of the predictable cliches that I sometimes find. I really enjoyed the entire movie! I have it on my DVR and will watch again!
I agree with Linda K above! great to see Bobbie Phillips on television again! I would actually love to see the entire cast back for Love Blossoms part 2! This is now one of my favorite Hallmark movies!
I have searched and searched to find out the name of the conservatory – to no avail. Has anyone figured this out yet?
I also am interested in the name/brand of the purse she is wearig in this movie? Please let us know
I’d suggest Tweeting Hallmark Channel or contacting them on Insta. We’re not directly affiliated with them.