A Season for Miracles
A Season for Miracles is a 1999 American made-for-television Christmas drama film based on a novel of the same name by Marilyn Pappano. Directed by Michael Pressman, it originally aired as a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation on CBS on December 12, 1999. Plot summary. Emilie Thompson (Carla Gugino) is forced to take charge of her nephew J.T. (Evan Sabara) and niece Alanna (Mae Whitman) when their drug-addicted mother (Laura Dern) overdoses and the children are threatened with foster care. Fleeing the authorities, the trio come across the sleepy town of Bethlehem, Rhode  Island, just before Christmas. Even though the authorities have been temporarily left behind, Emilie will need a miracle to keep her family together. A versatile guardian angel (Patty Duke), who assumes a variety of earthly guises, helps, along with the small town-folk who are surprisingly friendly. One "coincidence" after another gives the struggling family a chance at happiness. Critical reception. Ray Richmond of "Variety" called the film "a holiday grab bag of improbability stacked atop improbability."