If you love a good romance flick, you are going to be in romance heaven with TV One’s latest original made for TV movie, Coins For Love. It airs Sunday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET/ 8p.m CT with an encore presentation at 11 p.. ET/ 10 p.m. CT.
This romantic drama is the sequel to TV One’s popular film Coins for Christmas. The Swirl Films production was written by Susan Banks and stars some of the original players from the first Coins. Returning is leading lady Essence Atkins as strong-willed single mom Madison (“Ambitions,” “Marlon”), Stephen Bishop (“Imposters,” “Being Mary Jane”) is Madison’s interest Alec – a former football player turned sportscaster, TC Carson (“Living Single”) plays Hank – Alec’s manager, Kendrick Cross is Alec’s sportscast co-host Demarco (“Ambitions”) and Karon Joseph Riley (“35 and Ticking,” “A Christmas Blessing”) shines in the role of Madison’s ex-husband, Jake.
The story line continues from the first film and builds upon the romance between Madison and Alec along with its obstacles. Coins for Love finds Madison on a new job hard as nails tough boss, and juggling mommy-hood. She runs into Alec by chance who has just landed a new job as a sportscaster. He hires her to work as his personal assistant ( I like to call her his Executive Administrator sent from heaven to help him organize his life). This new opportunity is added on top of Madison’s already demanding life. But, she needs the extra “coins” because she is short on funds due to lack of consistent child support from her ex-husband Jake.
Trouble rises when others get into the mix of the love birds’ developing romance. Alec’s ex-fiancé pops back into the picture. And Madison’s former husband tries to woo his way back into her life.
All of this makes for a good recipe of love, romance and of course, drama. It also makes for good family entertainment with its dash of faith in the pot.
Atkins says she is a little like her character, “Madison is a mother. She is a servant. She definitely holds the posture of wanting to serve her community…serve her family. And serve the world. She is an aspiring editor. And in this installment she just started working at a publishing company.
Her job is to be of service to one of the lead editors of the company. And she is juggling that along with trying to make sure that all the bills are paid and that she is taking care of and mentoring her children and fostering their growth and their betterment. At the same time, she’s also trying to find…her way personally. There’s a lot in Madison that I can relate to having had to occupy those roles myself, both as a mother and as a person who works and also in my own personal life.”
Bishop calls his character Alec a man out for himself. “He has always been a very self-serving…forward person. He’s very much concerned with the way things look and the way he is perceived and what he’s being given for his efforts. And in Coins For Christmas we saw him start to give to other people, and put his efforts toward making other people happy.
And in this film (Coins for Love), I think we see Alec a little bit more humble…and he continues the journey of trying to do things for others. He’s still got a little residual old Alec in him which Madison and Hank have to continue to squeeze the last little bit out of him. But he really makes a connection with Madison. And he starts to really care about her feelings and by extension – other people’s feelings…he’s starting to come into his own as a man instead of just as a post-adolescence athlete.”
Coins For Love’s faith and do-good elements, suit Atkins just fine. She loves and appreciates the opportunity to work in such film projects and wants people to see the God in her. “When I show up I don’t want you to know what my faith is based on what I tell you. I want you to be able to see the evidence of my commitment to be Christ-like based on my behavior, based on my professionalism. Based on my excellence. Based on my kindness…because the fruits of the spirit become the fruits of your life,” says Atkins.
There is definitely faith, romance, drama and a bit of excitement in Coins For Love. With all that is going on in the world, from the pandemic to racial disparities, police brutality and the struggle for equality for blacks and minorities, we definitely need something to take our minds to an inspired place. And this film will remind you of all the good that people still do while holding on to hope and faith.
Coins For Love is executive produced by Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes, and directed by Jamal Hill. George Pierre cast the movie. Swirl Films’ Eric F. Tomosunas serves as Executive Producer while James Seppelfrick, Ron Robinson and Keith Neal serve as producers.
Tune in to Coins For Love Sunday, July 19 on TV One and get your dose of hope.