The Surprising Reason JoAnna Garcia Swisher Isn’t the Star of Her Own Hallmark Hit Providence Falls
Get ready to be enchanted by Hallmark Channel’s latest sensation, Providence Falls. This three-part movie event is gearing up to captivate audiences with a mix of romance, mystery, and a dash of the supernatural.
It all kicks off this Saturday, August 9, at 8/7c. The next two parts follow on August 16, so mark your calendar if you’re into that sort of thing.
Find the best accommodations and airfares
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
This high-concept series is based on the beloved novels by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets. Executive producer JoAnna Garcia Swisher—who you might remember from Sweet Magnolias—has poured a lot of heart into this project.
She’s made sure it stays true to its literary roots, but there’s a fresh, dynamic spin here. Love, second chances, self-reinvention—those classic themes come alive in a whole new way.
Table of Contents
The Magic Behind Providence Falls
JoAnna Garcia Swisher, well-known from Sweet Magnolias and Once Upon a Time, steps up as executive producer. She didn’t plan on starring, but her passion for the story shows in every frame.
Swisher loved the novels right away. She saw real potential for a high-concept adaptation that would strike a chord with Hallmark’s audience.
A Labor of Love
Her journey with Providence Falls kicked off at her own production company, Rolling Clover. She wanted a story that honored the books but wasn’t afraid to try something new.
Working with lead executive Jessica Callahan and Dickie Copeland—both big romance fans—was key to making it happen.
A Cast to Fall in Love With
The casting process? It was meticulous. Swisher and her team searched for actors who truly embodied their characters.
Katie Stevens, who you might know from The Bold Type, landed the lead role of Cora. Swisher says, “When Katie came into my life, I was like, ‘That’s my girl.’”
The Love Triangle
At the core of Providence Falls is a love triangle that actually transcends time. Cora, originally from 1844 Ireland, is now a detective in the present day.
She’s torn between her 1800s love, Liam (Lachlan Quarmby), and Finn (Evan Roderick), the man she was supposed to marry back then. Both men end up in the present, and Cora has no clue how or why.
- Katie Stevens as Cora: A dedicated detective with a complicated romantic history.
- Lachlan Quarmby as Liam: Cora’s love from the 1800s, now living in the present.
- Evan Roderick as Finn: The man Cora was meant to marry, also transported to modern times.
High-Concept Storytelling
Providence Falls isn’t your typical Hallmark romance. It’s a blend of genres that creates a unique viewing experience.
Swisher admits, “It’s really three genres in one: romance, mystery, and supernatural.” That’s ambitious, for sure.
Thematic Depth
The series dives into big themes—second chances, self-reinvention, and forgiveness. There’s a real focus on soulmates and love that lasts across lifetimes.
Even Suzette, Cora’s friend, gets her own arc. Friendship and personal growth matter here, too.
- Second Chances: Reinventing yourself and letting go of past mistakes.
- Soulmates: Love that doesn’t care about time or space.
- Friendship: Suzette’s own journey and development.
Faithful Adaptation with Fresh Twists
The show sticks close to the novels, but Swisher and her team made some tweaks for TV. The heart and emotion of the books are still there.
But there are new twists to keep things interesting for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Balancing Act
Swisher says it was important to stay true to the characters and the story. “We really wanted to have these fully fleshed-out characters that felt special and characters that people could really fall in love with.”
Behind the Scenes
Making Providence Falls was a real team effort. Swisher’s experience, plus the skills of her co-executives and cast, made for a creative, smooth process.
Notable Collaborations
One highlight? Keegan Connor Tracy, Swisher’s co-star from Once Upon a Time, joins the cast. Tracy plays Samael, and her performance stands out.
Swisher remembers, “When I saw her tape for Samael, I was like, ‘She’s perfect!’” Amitai Marmorstein, as Agon, brings great chemistry to the table, too.
- Keegan Connor Tracy: Brings humor and depth to Samael.
- Amitai Marmorstein: His dynamic with Tracy’s Samael is something to watch.
Why Providence Falls is a Must-Watch
If you’re after more than a standard romance, Providence Falls should be on your list. The mix of genres, compelling characters, and real emotional beats make it stand out in Hallmark’s lineup.
A Perfect Blend
This show offers romance, mystery, and supernatural twists. Whether you love time-travel stories, tangled love triangles, or character-driven drama, there’s a little something for everyone.
- Romance: A love story that refuses to be confined by time.
- Mystery: Plenty of plot twists and surprises.
- Supernatural: Just enough magic to keep things interesting.
Conclusion
Don’t miss the premiere of Providence Falls this Saturday, August 9, at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel. The second and third parts air on August 16.
Join Cora, Liam, and Finn as they stumble through time and love. It’s a story that just might hook your heart and imagination.
You can stream it the next day on Hallmark+. Maybe you’ll find yourself caught up in the Providence Falls phenomenon—who knows?
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.