AllMovie

First-time food critic JJ Jenner is a cute but bookish 24-year-old whose transformation from low-level magazine writer to coveted food columnist faces just one roadblock - her free-spirited, scene-stealing mother, who shows up unannounced for the holidays. Low on energy and patience, and desperate to get some work done, JJ sets her mom up with Alex, a sweet and ambitious young chef, in exchange for reviewing his struggling restaurant. When writer's block suddenly hits, JJ begins to recognize that her true feelings for Alex may be the problem. As Christmas nears, JJ learns that her mother is just as vulnerable and insecure as she is, and that love and family are worth risking everything for.