The Angel Tree (2020)

In the heart of the Christmas season, the seasoned Los Angeles-based writer, Rebecca McBride, finds herself drawn back to her quaint hometown of Pine River. Tasked by her editor at Aspire Magazine, she has to uncover the identity of a shadowy figure known as "The Angel." This enigmatic benefactor, central to Rebecca's childhood memories, is the force behind the Angel Tree—a magical symbol of hope and community where townsfolk hang their heartfelt wishes, and the seemingly impossible often becomes reality. Rebecca, a long-time widow, had previously penned a poignant article about this cherished tradition. It was woven with nostalgia, featuring her childhood best friend, Matthew Anderson, whose family diner was saved from foreclosure thanks to the Angel Tree. But her faith in the magic of the tree had faded when her own wish—to remain in Pine River forever—wasn't granted, leading to her departure due to her father's job. Now, returning to Pine River after twenty years, with her young daughter Cassie by her side, she finds the tradition of the Angel Tree alive and thriving, its roots deepened over forty years. Matthew, still at the helm of the family diner after his father's passing, seems to harbor secrets about the Angel's identity. Despite their shared history, he thwarts Rebecca's investigative efforts at every turn, fully aware of the professional stakes for her. As Rebecca navigates her own skepticism and the town's unwavering belief in the Angel Tree, she must reconcile her past disappointments with the present. Simultaneously, Cassie forms a bond with Matthew's sister Zoe's son, Owen, participating in the town's collective endeavor to fulfill a special wish—Owen's desire for his mother, an Army Sergeant stationed in South Korea, to be home for Christmas. Rebecca's journey is not merely a quest for a sensational article; it transforms into a heartwarming exploration of what the enigma of the Angel Tree truly represents—for her, the town, and the Christmas spirit. Her final piece, a delicate balance that satisfies both her editor's demand and Matthew's insistence on protecting the Angel's identity, echoes the essence of this Yuletide magic.

The Angel Tree is a mystery movie featuring Jill Wagner and directed by Jessica Harmon.

The Angel Tree is currently streaming on Hallmark Movies Now Amazon Channel.