Review

"Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love – A Sugar-Coated Feast of Predictability and Pecan Pie"

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark movie and a Pinterest board had a baby, Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love is here to answer that question with a resounding “meh.” Released in 2025, this film is the cinematic equivalent of a cozy sweater that’s just a little too itchy—comforting, but you can’t wait to take it off.

The plot is as predictable as the sunrise in a Hallmark holiday movie: Jenna (played by the perpetually perky Emily Sparkleson) returns to her small hometown after a big-city breakup, only to rediscover her first love, a ruggedly handsome baker named Tom (who, of course, has a heart of gold and biceps that could knead dough into submission). Together, they must save the town’s annual pie festival while rekindling their romance over flaky crusts and awkward glances. Spoiler alert: they fall in love, the festival is saved, and there’s a lot of pie.

The film is a masterclass in Hallmark movies’ signature moves: sweeping shots of quaint Main Streets, townsfolk who have no real problems except for a lack of cinnamon, and dialogue so wholesome it could cure a hangover. Jenna’s ex-boyfriend is the only villain, and even he’s just a mildly rude guy who doesn’t like pie. (Who doesn’t like pie? Honestly, that’s the real crime here.)

The highlight of the movie is the pie montage, which is basically Top Chef meets The Notebook. Jenna and Tom bond over rolling pins and flour fights, and by the end, you’ll either be inspired to bake or question why you’re watching two adults flirt over a lattice crust. The supporting cast includes Jenna’s quirky best friend (who exists solely to deliver one-liners) and a wise old grandma who dispenses life advice like a fortune cookie.

If you’re a fan of Hallmark holiday movies, you’ll love this. If you’re not, you’ll still love it because, let’s be honest, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching people solve all their problems with baked goods. Hearts Around the Table: Jenna’s First Love is the cinematic equivalent of a warm slice of pecan pie—sweet, comforting, and utterly forgettable. But hey, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 pies (because no one can resist pie).