It was written by Lauren Swickard, and it was directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino (Roped and Lady Driver).
Lauren Swickard portrays Callie and her husband, soap actor Josh Swickard (General Hospital), plays Joseph. He plays a wealthy businessman charmer that poses as a ranch hand to get a hardworking farmer, Callie, to sell her family’s farmland before Christmas.
When Josh arrives on the farm, they confuse him for the new ranch hand Manny, and he takes on this role in an effort to earn her trust; however, once she starts getting to know Callie, he is starting to develop feelings for her.
The film earned a glowing review from Digital Journal, and rightfully so. It was hailed as “pleasant” and “heartwarming.” It’s a holiday film with a lot of heart.
Lauren’s scenes opposite her onscreen terminal mother, Wendy, (played by Amanda Detmer) were sheer bliss, and they really tugged at the heartstrings.
For more information on A California Christmas, check out the movie on Netflix.
