Hallmark Channel’s first series looks like a winner. Based on the novels by Debbie Macomber, Cedar Cove stars Andie MacDowell as municipal judge Olivia Lockhart who lives and works in the small lake town of Cedar Cove.

Olivia Lockhart is considering leaving the picturesque town to take a federal judgeship in Seattle, which would be a great promotion for her. But can she leave the people she has known, her family, and the new man in town — newspaper reporter Jack Griffith (Dylan Neal)?

Jack and Olivia are starting down a path that could lead to romance. In the meantime, Olivia’s daughter Justine is starting her business making jewelry. Justine is dating an older man, but she is reluctant to take their relationship further and she reunites with a high school friend.

With the townsfolk, the decisions by the judge, the relationships, and the story and characters from bestselling author Debbie Macomber, this looks like it will be a hit series. It is perfectly situated on Hallmark Channel, and has appeal for the network’s viewers. It’s charming, interesting, and filled with a great cast, which includes Bruce Boxleitner, Teryl Rothery, Barbara Niven, and Sarah Smyth.

Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove will premier with a 2-hour episode Saturday, July 20, 2013 then will air Saturdays in one-hour episodes after that.