Are you curious about When Sparks Fly, the Hallmark movie starring our very own American Royal, Meghan Markle? Come check out my Review and Plot Summary of When Sparks Fly!

When Sparks Fly: Meghan Markle’s Hallmark Movie

I was happy to hear the news of Meghan and Harry’s engagement. And when I discovered that royal-bride-to-be Meghan Markle starred in a Hallmark movie (in her pre-royalty days, obvs) I had to watch it.

First off, I didn’t realize that there were non-holiday Hallmark movies. When Sparks Fly (2014) is a Fourth of July themed movie. Is that even a thing?

In any case, even though this movie was a like a fireworks display that fizzled, Meghan Markle was quite charming.

Plot summary of Hallmark’s When Sparks Fly !

Amy is in love with Hank. For Amy’s parents, “fireworks are the family business.” That sounds vaguely alarming, but what it seems to mean is her parents set up the annual Fourth of July display in their small town in Washington. Yay America!

Hank is literally about to propose to Amy (like he literally has the ring in his hand) when she suddenly announces that she has just been offered her dream job at a newspaper in Chicago. Hank quickly stuffs the ring back into his pocket and stuffs his feelings in there along with it.

Fast forward seven years (!!) Amy’s boss at the newspaper tells her she needs to “find her creative spark” (wince) and when Amy suggests a story on “the Fireworks Business” he’s all in for that “explosive” idea (double wince).

He sends Amy on assignment. To interview her parents. Because this must be done in person. For an unspecified amount of time. (It’s Hallmark – we’ve got to just go with it.)

Meanwhile, Sammie, Amy’s best friend from home (below right) Skypes in to tells Amy she’s engaged. To Hank. Awkward? Nah…  Amy hasn’t seen Hank in years and years. And years. Apparently, long distance relationships were not for them. Or something. The movie doesn’t really explain why they didn’t try to make it work. Plus, Amy has a new boyfriend, the nice but dull Phil.

So Amy shows up in town and, despite her constant announcements that she’s super-busy on a VERY super important investigative journalism assignment, she immediately gets roped into wedding planning. She has to help Sammie shop for dresses and plan a bridal shower and a rehearsal dinner for the happy couple. And attend their engagement party. Not sure how long her boss gave her for this assignment, but it feels like weeks. Or years.

Sammie has planned a Fourth of July wedding. Of course. And of course Amy’s “help” with the wedding involves spending a lot of time with Hank. Uh-oh! Maybe this is When Sparks Fly? (Spoiler: yes!)

Finally, the ending of When Sparks Fly:

Yes, this movie has a love triangle. With best friends. Though maybe you’d argue that Amy had Hank first, so dibs. But 90% of the movie involved Amy staring longingly at Hank.

When she wasn’t staring at Hank, she was staring at Hank while wearing a toilet paper wedding dress (left). Which at least gives her something to mop up her tears when she realizes she’s … all together now …. still in love with Hank.

While this movie was a little flimsy on plot, I did think Meghan had a lot of charm.

I’m sure Meghan and Harry’s May 2018 royal wedding will have more drama, better dialogue, and hopefully a much better wedding dress than that atrocity. If you still want to watch it, check here to see if it’s running on The Hallmark Channel

Who doesn’t love a good royal romance? You know that I do because I made a whole list of them!