Providence Falls, a new three-part movie event from Hallmark, adapts Jude Deveraux’s New York Times bestselling novels into a sweeping blend of romance, mystery, and the supernatural. Leading the project is actress-producer JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Sweet Magnolias, Reba), whose charm and storytelling sensibility bring depth to a timeless tale of love. As executive producer, Garcia Swisher, through her Rolling Clover Reads book club, brings a beloved saga from page to screen while prioritizing self-care and embracing the beauty of imperfection.
How does it feel to have all these pieces—the production, the books, the movies—all fall into place?
“It’s a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating and am incredibly proud of. I can’t wait for the world to finally see them. These stories have lived in my heart and mind since 2021 when I first read the books. The journey of development has been enlightening, and the entire experience from start to finish has been immensely enjoyable. Sharing these stories with audiences is the ultimate goal, and I’m thrilled for this moment.”
What is the hardest part for you? The acting, the production, the adaptation? It’s a lot of moving parts.
“Each aspect presents its own set of challenges, but it’s the challenges themselves that I find most rewarding. I love the creative process of bringing a vision to life. Working with our partners at Hallmark to cater to their audience while producing detailed-oriented content has been a joy. As a producer, the decision-making process is all-encompassing. Directing offers a different but equally creative outlet, focusing on bringing the collective vision to life and supporting the actors. Acting, on the other hand, is where my heart truly lies. It’s my first love and something I will always cherish. The challenges of each role are what make them so fulfilling to me.”
I know you called it a “little passion project,” but it’s obviously a lot of work. What do you do at the end of the day to get back to yourself, your family and away from work?
“My husband taught me the importance of leaving work behind at the end of the day. He’s an athlete and always managed to compartmentalize his performances. I try to do the same. Acting can be mentally and physically demanding, and transitioning back to reality can be challenging. Self-care is crucial, even if it’s just a few moments of relaxation. I find solace in zoning out and taking time for myself. Living near a lake in Georgia, where I shoot Sweet Magnolias, allows me to unwind during my commute and listen to podcasts or audiobooks, shifting my focus away from work.”
Driving is a good mind-clearer. I know you’re very into beauty. Can you share anything that you really like?
“Currently, I’m loving my friend Alli Webb’s new hair-care line, Messy. It has transformed my hair care routine, especially with my daughters’ curly hair textures. Embracing the air-dried look and simplifying my skincare routine has been essential, especially during summer shoots in Georgia. Shani Darden’s retinol and acid products are staples in my regimen, and I recently started using ZIIP Beauty for skincare treatments. Sheet masks, like the Mederma one, and J.Lo’s favorite sheet mask, are my go-to for relaxation and rejuvenation.”
All good ones. Messy is about to make a lot of people’s lives easier—your hair looks good.
“Messy truly works wonders! I’m a big fan of the products and the effortless look they provide. It’s all about finding those moments of relaxation and self-care amidst the chaos of work. Embracing imperfection, like messy hair, is all part of the journey.”
Earlier today, I woke up and took a look at my hair. Despite not getting much sleep, I wasn’t complaining. I have to go back to work tonight at 7 p.m., but I’m not worried. I have my secret weapon to bring my hair back to life. It’s my go-to routine that never fails me. This is how I revive my hair and get it ready for whatever the day throws at me. It works like a charm!