(NewsUSA) - It is the busiest travel season of the year, and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is warning that airplane travel is often inhumane and dangerous for many people with disabilities.

The warning comes as reports link a California woman's death to complications after an airline broke her custom-made wheelchair, causing her to spend weeks in a loaner chair and possibly leading to a deadly pressure sore.

Broken wheelchairs are common, as well as injuries from improper transfers to and from airline seats, and no access to in-flight restrooms, according to PVA, an organization that has advocated for veterans and all people with disabilities for 75 years.

Paralyzed Marine Veteran Charles Brown, the national president of PVA, was critically injured two years ago when airline personnel improperly transferred him from his power wheelchair into an aisle chair to board a plane. Airline contractors, who were inadequately trained, dropped him onto the jet bridge, fracturing his tailbone and causing a serious infection in his spine that doctors say he was lucky to survive. Now Brown is leading the charge for change.

"It is unacceptable that 35 years after the legislation was passed someone in a wheelchair still cannot access a bathroom on an airplane and risks serious injury or death because airline personnel are not properly trained," Brown says.

"These are basic safety and civil rights issues, and every American should be outraged at the inhumane circumstances paralyzed veterans and millions of others with disabilities are forced to deal with to travel on an airplane," adds Brown.

Air travel is subject to different regulations than public spaces on land, and PVA says air travel is the top complaint heard from its members. It's been 35 years since the Air Carrier Access Act was passed, which legally began the move toward accessible air travel, but PVA says the industry is still decades behind in safety accommodations, particularly for wheelchair users.

PVA is leading the fight to demand safer, more accessible airline travel for people with disabilities and is asking the public to join them by signing their petition at PVA.org/AirTravel. The nonprofit organization is pushing for new legislation demanding stricter standards for accessibility on planes and better enforcement of the law.

These issues potentially affect 65 million Americans with disabilities, which could include you or someone in your family in the future.

These issues potentially affect 65 million Americans with disabilities, which could include you or someone in your family in the future. To learn more about accessible travel, sign PVA's petition, and join their fight, visit PVA.org/AirTravel.

(NewsUSA)

"Last Stop on The 6"
by Patricia Dunn

Says author Kathy Curto, "If you like quick-witted, fast-talking, and street-smart characters who have big dilemmas and even bigger hearts, look no further than Patricia Dunn's "Last Stop on the 6."

At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking, "Last Stop on the 6" is the return of the prodigal daughter to a world of long-buried hurts, political complexities and female resilience. Set at the dawn of the Gulf War, it tells the story of a young woman grappling with warring identities: that of her upbringing in working-class, Catholic, Italian American Pelham Bay and her new life as a Birkenstock-wearing, vegetarian anti-war activist in Los Angeles. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dAJseu.

"Road Noise"
by DJ Lynn

DJ just wanted a life uncomplicated. Instead, she was barely 40 with four failed relationships, a college-age daughter who hated her and a witty preteen son with ADD. At the root, she supposed, were the men.

There was the long-dispatched and unambitious Marley, who preferred surfing to working while waiting out his inheritance. But she was only 19 then, so stupidity figured into that one. On his heels was Tom, the Armani-wearing womanizer. Then Jason, who she couldn't hate because he had more scars than she did. But the one who brought her to this point was Jim, a man 10 years younger who loved her just as she was but who just died of leukemia. So she decided to run. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3sp87cn.

"Hollywood Deco Fashions of the 1920s"
by Roland J. Bain

This book traces the experiences of a young French woman along the path she followed in 1919. She moves from a very small village in the south of France to the grandeur of Hollywood's motion picture industry during its most electrifying and dazzling period: the golden age of the 1920s. Travel companion to a wealthy woman, Marianne Dunat's rapture when experiencing the elegant fashion shows in New York and Paris evolved into a deep desire to develop her innate artistic skills.

Readers are guided along artistic learning curves from the most elementary form, sketching, to portraying in great detail the rudimentary components of the female head and body, and finally to the creation of exquisite apparel. The extensive growth and eventual range of Ms. Dunat is self-evident. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2W1hN0I.

"Chameleon"
by Michael Caputo

This stirring memoir is a collection of the author's intimate encounters growing up in a homophobic society. He wasn't your stereotypical Brooklyn boy. He was raised Catholic and attended three parochial schools in the Sixties and Seventies. It was difficult to come into his own and impossible to even think gay. He went from being an innocent altar boy to a middle-aged gay man caught up in the middle of the John Travolta sex scandal that put him on the front page of The Daily News.

This is his journey from being an ashamed and insecure teenager to becoming a proud gay man with a voice that will not be silent and feelings that will no longer be ignored. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3jDddix.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(EastBanc Technologies) - The term "digital transformation" is used a lot in business, and while the concept has existed for years, it's discussed more than ever today as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital transformation describes a company's adoption of software so it can adapt quickly to business and market changes and stay competitive in a rapidly-evolving landscape. Local brick-and-mortar stores opening e-commerce websites to sell products and services online, restaurants introducing online order capabilities for takeout and local attractions such as zoos and museums adding online reservation tools and virtual visit options to their websites are all examples of digital transformation in action.

Most market sectors have been touched by digital transformation, and the financial services industry is no different, with traditional providers, such as retail banks and credit unions, evolving to allow customers to access their accounts and pay for services rendered quickly and securely via the services they use in their day-to-day, from rideshare apps to digital wallets. The pandemic forced financial services companies to move quickly and, as a result, opened the door to new, improved digital experiences that consumers expect are here to stay.

As consumers prepare for this year's "new normal" holiday shopping season, read on to learn about three of the top trends today's innovative financial services companies are supporting during the holidays -- and beyond -- to stay competitive while helping consumers easily manage their finances, stay safe and make purchases securely.

Contactless Payments

The adoption of contactless payment options skyrocketed during the pandemic as consumers looked to socially distance and limit close contact with others in stores. In fact, 70 percent of merchants in the U.S. say their customers are requesting tap-and-go or mobile app payment options as a result of the pandemic (American Express, 2020). With contactless payments, consumers avoid using physical money or inserting a credit card in a kiosk by instead quickly tapping a physical card, wearable or smartphone with radio frequency identification (RFID) or near- field communication (NFC) technologies to a payment kiosk. This fast and convenient payment option is not going away either; nearly half of global consumers (46 percent) have changed their usual credit card for one that supports contactless payments, and 74 percent say they will continue to use contactless payment options post-pandemic (Mastercard, 2020).

Embedded Payments

Taking contactless payments one step further, consumers can expect that the process of using their bank accounts while on-the-go to purchase their goods and services will get even easier and streamlined as more brands offer mobile app experiences and embedded payment options within them. Much like taking an Uber or buying groceries through Instacart, embedded payments are conducted automatically after a service is complete and without having to swipe a credit card or even tap a smartphone to a kiosk. More broadly, embedded finance, or embedded banking, is an emerging opportunity for financial services companies to seize as the segment grows to an expected $230 billion in revenue by 2025, a 10x increase from 2020 (Lightyear Capital, 2021).

Seamless Omnichannel Purchases

More than half of U.S. consumers (58 percent) are more comfortable shopping in stores today than they were a year ago because vaccines are now widely available (NPD Group, 2021). Coupled with today's online buying habits, hybrid purchasing activity adds complexity for financial services providers. For example, consumers may make a purchase at a physical pop-up shop by scanning a QR code at the register. They may later want to order more items from that pop-up shop and do so instead via the store's e-commerce site because they are no longer out shopping. Payment providers and banks must ensure that they do not add any friction at the point of purchase, from knowing when to flag a potentially fraudulent transaction to processing payments immediately.

None of these capabilities are possible without sophisticated technology systems operating in the background that connect financial services companies to retailers and payment infrastructure providers. Agile software development processes are a must for financial services companies to ensure they can introduce new customer-facing features with control and the ability to test and improve them iteratively without disrupting the experience. Digital products and services also require a cloud-based infrastructure to provide flexible support using application programming interfaces (APIs), scale via container orchestration if desired, and added security. With these layers in place, financial services companies will be able to organize and analyze data illustrating usage, issues and opportunities, as well as automate personalized experiences and features using artificial intelligence.

The pace of innovation as a result of digital transformation is not going to slow down after this year's holiday buying season or anytime soon because consumers are now accustomed to more convenient and personalized experiences. While this is great news for consumers, the pressure has never been higher for financial services companies to evolve legacy systems, adapt their business models and align themselves with partners to seamlessly support customers wherever they are managing their finances and spending money, in-person and digitally.

(NewsUSA) -In the crowded world of social media, many businesses, influencers, and nonprofit organizations are looking for new ways to be heard, without censorship and becoming the product for big tech's complex revenue systems.

Breakout, a new free audio app currently raising money via crowdfunding (https://breakoutsocial.com/investors/), represents a unique addition to the social media space that will let users not only connect and share without censorship, but also own and sell their own data.

The Breakout platform's features were designed to provide an audio social experience that is simple, predictable, and profitable.

Users create a profile and can explore different Breakout Rooms, where people with similar interests can come together and share their ideas. Very soon Breakout will also be able to help connect users to companies that are interested in the user's data, but the users retain control.

"All of the social media giants sell this data and they keep 100% of revenue, and the user has no say in the transaction," according to the company website.

"Further, users have no say about to whom that the data will be sold."

Breakout allows users to own their own data, and choose what data to sell and at what price.

Breakout can be used in many ways by businesses, social media influencers, and nonprofit organizations.

• To boost a business. Breakout allows companies to get access to user data the right way for digital marketing initiatives, product planning, and budgeting purposes.

Companies also can LAO use the app for meetings by creating a verified, branded Breakout Room, which has no time limit. Businesses can even monetize their accounts indirectly, as generic data collected from their website "cookies" can be valuable in the global digital marketplace.

• To increase fundraising. Non-profit organizations can find a friend in Breakout.

The app allows users to conduct live broadcasts with an in-app donation capture mechanism that helps overcome technical hurdles faced by other online broadcasts. Nonprofits can monetize the passively collected data as users engage with the nonprofit website through Breakout

• To increase influence. Social media influencers want flexibility, fun, and also control over their ability to monetize their content.

Breakout's unique B Vault data market exchange keeps data secure, and in the first quarter of 2022, an Influencer Marketplace will help influencers connect with potential sponsors.

Also, Room Hosts (users, influencers, and brands) will be able to access the marketplace to connect and collaborate.

Visit breakoutsocial.com/investors to learn more about Breakout's value for business, social influence, fundraising, and investing.

(NewsUSA)

"Twisted Tea Christmas"
by Laura Childs

An attack on the host of a fancy tea party sends Theodosia Browning looking for answers in the latest entry in the New York Times bestselling series. Tea maven Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are catering a Victorian Christmas party at a swanky mansion in downtown Charleston. Drucilla Heyward, the hostess, is one of the wealthiest women in town.

As the champagne flows and the tea steeps, Drucilla secretly reveals to Theodosia that she is planning to give her wealth away to various charitable organizations. However, before she can make the announcement, Theodosia finds her crumpled unconscious in the hallway with a syringe sticking out of her neck. On a lighter note, this book also includes delicious recipes and teatime tips! Purchase at https://amzn.to/3nvDGAS.

"Red Deception"
by Ed Fuller and Gary Grossman

Blending career insight with first-hand knowledge of global politics, authors Fuller and Grossman have once again drawn a chilling portrait of the fragile fault lines in Europe and the players poised to seize power. Former intelligence officer Dan Reilly predicted terrorist attacks in a report years earlier. It was supposed to be top secret. And it was, until it was somehow exposed to unsavory characters who put it in the hands of foreign operatives. Now it's the basis of plans for destruction.

Packed with action scenes and brimming with spies, sexpionage, counterspies and unlikely heroes, this riveting geopolitical thriller will have you guessing until the very last page and you will be continuously surprised by every turn of events. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gwMm4J. Now also available as an audiobook at https://adbl.co/3hRvdnM.

"The Burning Light of Two Stars"
by Laura Davis

This riveting memoir that reads like a novel is a gut-wrenching story of a mother and daughter who had every reason to never speak again yet were determined to find their way back into each other's lives.

A vivid examination of the endurance of mother-daughter love, written by the author of the classic bestseller, The Courage to Heal, Laura Davis' new memoir begs the reader to consider: Can you caretake a parent who betrayed you in the past? How do you open a heart that's been closed for good reason? What happens when a dramatic, narcissistic, elderly mother moves across the country to entrust her formerly-estranged daughter with the rest of her life? Fireworks fly, but can the two reconcile? Visit https://lauradavis.net/the-burning-light-of-two-stars/

"If Not You, Then Who?: The Young Inventor's Bundle "
by David & Emberli Pridham

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? If you like fun, informative and factual kid's books like "The Magic School Bus," then you'll love the new STEM series, "If Not You, Then Who?," a recent Amazon bestseller, which is now available as a special four-book set in a beautiful magnetic box for children ages 4 to 8.

 The books each offer different inventor themes: "The Girl in Pink Pajamas," "Noah's Treehouse," "Let the Games Begin" and "Going Green," along with a new "Inventor's Journal." The series aims to teach children about the inventions and patents in everyday life, inspiring them to create their own. The books are fun to read for both adults and children. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ojmYF2.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -A diagnosis of mitral valve disease may seem daunting at first, but taking a team approach and working with your doctor for regular monitoring is the best way to ensure your ongoing health.

Mitral valve disease occurs when the valve between the upper left chamber of the heart (left atrium) and the lower left chamber of the heart (left ventricle) does not function properly; it either fails to close completely.

Mitral valve disease, in severe cases, can lead to pulmonary congestion or heart palpitations, often due to atrial fibrillation.

Staying in regular contact with your health care professional is the best way to ensure your continued health and management of mitral valve disease, according to the American Heart Association.

And don't neglect regular doctor visits.

"Mitral valve repair is often recommended in asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation to prevent long-term complications, and it can be life saving in symptomatic patients. That is why it is so critical to evaluate the severity of the disease and determine if surgery is the right choice," says Robert O. Bonow, M.D., professor of cardiology at Northwestern University and past president of the American Heart Association.

Some key ways to take care of your heart health include:

• Be part of the team. Regular visits to your cardiologist help ensure that your heart health care plan is up-to-date. Ask your cardiologist questions, such as what type of mitral valve disease you have, whether you are at increased risk for emergency conditions, whether you might need surgery, and if so, what are the benefits of different types of surgeries (mitral valve replacement vs. mitral valve repair).
• Be honest. Don't hesitate to communicate with your doctor about any new symptoms or concerns. Don't fear that you are overreacting. The more information you share, the more your doctor can customize your care.
• Be informed. If your doctor recommends surgery for a mitral valve issue, learn about the procedures and understand your options. Ask your surgeon about his or her experience in performing mitral valve repairs and replacements, and discuss the pros and cons of each.

For more information and to find recognized Mitral Valve Repair Reference Centers, visit heart.org/MitralValveCommunity.

(NewsUSA) - The warning couldn't be blunter: "Any time someone asks you to solve a problem using gift cards, it's a scam."

So say consumer fraud experts as we head into the holiday season -- an especially popular time for scammers who love tricking people into buying gift cards as step one of their own nefarious schemes. And once they've wormed the PIN number on the back of those cards from their victims, well … as the Federal Trade Commission notes, "they can get quick cash while staying anonymous."

How much cash? More than $429 million since 2018, according to the latest FTC figures. And just to show you how trendy these con artists can be, some are now selling the cards for Bitcoin on online exchanges instead of just, say, auctioning them off the old-fashioned way on normal websites.

So how could anyone fall for a scam like this?

It's all about plausible excuses.

"Scammers prey on people's fear and have just enough personal information to create a sense of panic," says Jenny Grounds, chief marketing officer of Cybercrime Support Network, an organization combating cybercrime for individuals and small businesses and educating consumers about scams through resource platforms like scamspotter.org. "It's that panic that makes their targets feel they need to act immediately without a chance to stop and think."

Here are some common scenarios to be on the alert for:

• The Email from Your "Boss" Scam. Either by hacking into their account or using a spoofed email address, the fraudster asks for your urgent help with something job-related. Maybe it's a surprise office party. Or maybe it's a gift for a special client. Whatever, you're told the supposed vendor needs to immediately be paid in gift cards and that you'll naturally be reimbursed for buying them -- except, of course, you won't be.
• The Government Imposter Scam. "This is the IRS calling," the fraudster begins, using the five words sure to strike terror in anyone's heart. But that's the point. Whether it's the IRS, the Social Security Administration or some other agency, according to a report by the Better Business Bureau, "they claim the consumer has done something illegal, and must either pay a 'fine' with a gift card or move their money temporarily to a 'safe' account by purchasing gift cards."
  
  This may be the one time in your life when you're absolutely encouraged to hang up on an "authority figure."
   
• The Romance Scam. Reported scams increased by nearly 70 percent last year, according to the FTC, and the pandemic no doubt played a major role. That's because these silver-tongued devils find their prey on online dating sites and social media, and COVID-19 made for the perfect excuse as to why -- as much as they really, really "love" their new-found marks -- they couldn't meet in person. Often impersonating soldiers, they'll tell you the military doesn't pay great, so could you please send gift cards to have their car, say, fixed.
  
  The one possible surprise? It was those aged 20 to 29 -- not the elderly -- that saw the most striking increase in reported romance scams in 2020.
   
• The Tech Support Scam. Those pop-up messages warning that there's a serious problem on your computer can be alarming. But as Grounds says, "they're asking you to pay for services you don't need to fix a problem that doesn't exist."

ScamSpotter.org's new campaign uses a series of hyperbolic videos to raise awareness about the latest scams just in time for the holidays. Using the platform's "three golden rules," sharing what you've learned with loved ones, and taking their online quiz to test your own street smarts can help keep yourself and your bank account safe.

(NewsUSA) - The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan annual enrollment period (October 15 -- December 7) is open. If you're eligible for Medicare, now is the time to think about how your life and health may have changed over the past year and whether switching your Medicare plan, including considering an "all-in-one" Medicare Advantage plan, will provide you with the coverage and support that you will need next year.

According to a new national poll from Humana, four-in-five people aged 64+ say that their lives have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes may shape how you choose a health plan, so be sure to be informed on the options to ensure you select the best one for you.

• Physical Activity is Down. The poll reveals that 41% of seniors are getting less physical activity since the beginning of the pandemic. For many seniors, it's important to keep up with regular physical activity, whether that includes taking regular walks, joining a fitness class or going to the gym. Many Medicare Advantage plans even offer gym memberships, so check to see if that is an option in any of the plans you're considering. Seniors should talk with their doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
• Seniors' Loneliness is Up. More than 60% of seniors say that the amount of time they spend with friends and family has decreased, and one-in-five admit to feeling sad more often than they did prior to the pandemic. Be sure to look into mental health benefits as part of your research.
• Technology May be Key to Good Health. Despite preconceived notions that seniors tend to shy away from technology, such as telehealth and video meeting tools, the Humana poll reveals the opposite: more than four-in-five (84%) seniors used technology to manage their health and wellness during the pandemic. Telehealth may be a great option for seniors, especially those who travel, and some plans offer $0 co-pays for many telehealth services.
• Time to Review is Important. Nearly half of seniors plan to pay closer attention to what is -- and is not -- covered by 2022 health plans than in previous years. So be sure to research which doctors and hospitals are in-network, as well as whether vision, hearing and dental benefits are included.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to educate yourself about plan options safely by using digital resources, including virtual educational or sales events and one-on-one virtual meetings with licensed sales agents. Beneficiaries can also visit www.Medicare.gov; call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; or go to www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans. Licensed Humana sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week at 1-800-213-5286 (TTY: 711). With these resources, you'll be able to more confidently select a 2022 Medicare Advantage plan that suits your specific health care needs.

Limitations on telehealth services, also referred to as virtual visits or telemedicine, vary by state. These services are not a substitute for emergency care and are not intended to replace your primary care provider or other providers in your network. Any descriptions of when to use telehealth services are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please refer to your evidence of coverage for additional details on what your plan may cover or other rules that may apply. 

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

(NewsUSA) - The auto industry continues to market electric cars as the "next best thing," and the newest generation of electric vehicles (EVs) are more than up to speed.

Although widespread adoption of EVs took some time to find its footing in the United States and was slow to get off the ground, more car shoppers are seeing the benefits of EVs and hybrids. Several improvements in the latest models have helped overcome some hurdles that might have made buyers hesitant to embrace EVs.

Some of the key features consumers want include:

• More power. Consumers want increased range and fast charging. The battery life of newer electric cars allows for several hundred miles on a single charge.
• More style. Car buyers don't want to sacrifice comfort and style, and manufacturers are rising to this challenge with roomy designs equal to those of conventional cars.

"Consumers are ready to switch to electric vehicles," according to Brian Moody, Executive Editor for Autotrader.

"Things they consider when thinking about buying an electric vehicle include reduced environmental guilt, less time refueling, and never having to change your oil again," he says.

One example of the latest in EV technology is the EV6, auto maker Kia's first entry into the battery-powered vehicle market.

The EV6 features an ultra-fast 350-kilowatt charger that enables the car to go from a 10 percent to 80 percent charge in less than 18 minutes, ready for up to 210 miles of range.

It's also designed with a distinctive Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature that enables use of the battery as a mobile power source for multiple applications, according to the company website. Other advances include both rear wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, as well as two battery sizes, 58.0 kWh and 77.4 kWh.

The latest battery technology meets consumers' need for speed with the 576 HP power to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The style factor is there, too. The EV6 channels the design of current crossover vehicles with a four-door sedan body and seating for five passengers. The EV6 is scheduled to debut in early 2022.

Visit kia.com for more information about the latest in electric vehicle technology.

(NewsUSA) - Now more than ever, it's time for holiday cheer, and Lifetime is set to deliver with the network's annual It's a Wonderful Lifetime slate of original heartwarming holiday programming.

Lifetime's huge, 35 movie holiday slate kicks off on November 12. After Thanksgiving, the network debuts 30 new holiday movies in 30 days,between November 26 and December 25, starring, Reba McEntire, Kelly Rowland, Melissa Joan Hart, Jana Kramer, Kirk Franklin, Tia Mowry, Smokey Robinson, Ricki Lake, John Schneider and many more.

This year's movies offer something for everyone, and reflect Lifetime's ongoing commitment to diverse storytelling. In "Baking Spirits Bright," (11/21) Mira Varma (Rekha Sharma) proudly operates her family's fruitcake business, despite the declining popularity of the once-ubiquitous holiday dessert. Mira's parents hire Brady Phillips (Dion Johnstone) and his high-powered marketing company to turn business around and boost sales for the holidays. Naturally, romance ensues as Mira works to hold onto the heart of the company she loves, while her heart has other ideas as well.

In "Reba McEntire's Christmas in Tune," (11/26) showstopper Reba McEntire is Georgia Winter, half of a singing duo with her ex-husband, Joe (John Schneider). Years after their personal and professional breakup, the pair agree to reunite for a Christmas charity concert at the request of their daughter, Belle. Georgia and Joe find themselves getting back in tune, both on stage and off.

For those Lifetime fans who can't get enough Liddle, Kelly Rowland returns in the third film, "Merry Liddle Christmas Baby." (11/27)

This Christmas, Jacquie Liddle (Rowland) and her husband Tyler (Thomas Cadrot) are preparing for the arrival of their first baby. More merriment and mayhem abound as Jacquie's sister Treena (Latonya Williams) and her husband Julian (Jaime M. Callica) consider adopting a baby themselves, and their fashionista sister Kiara (Bresha Webb) heats up her relationship with boyfriend Chris (Nathan Witte).

As in 2020, Lifetime's 2021 programming includes a LGBTQ+ romance.

This year, in "Under the Christmas Tree,"(12/19) Ricki Lake stars as the p?tissiere extraordinaire in a small town who also acts as matchmaker for Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) and Christmas tree whisperer Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones). Charlie finds the perfect tree for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration in Alma's back yard. What starts as a sparring match turns to a romance between the two women as Lake encourages them take a leap of faith with love and Christmas magic.

Fan favorite Mario Lopez returns this year in "Holiday in Santa Fe," (12/10) in which he attempts to hang on to his family-owned business of Mexican-inspired holiday ornaments and décor, while sparks fly with the big-chain greeting-card executive who wants to acquire the company.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information about the complete 2021 It's a Wonderful Lifetime lineup.