The reviewer above is incorrect. Perhaps if they'd listened carefully, and/or waited longer than 2 minutes before reviewing, the viewer would have discovered that the child in question is not the biological daughter of the main character; she's from his previous marriage.
21 Reviews
A messy, real storyline
ask-19674 September 2022
I watch Hallmark movies as a pleasant escape from the realities of 21st century life. However, this movie drew me into the reality of fractured relationships and messy divorces. Anyone, and that's a lot of us, who has gone through toxic breakups where children are involved can relate to this story. I really enjoyed the performances by. Emmanuelle Vaugier, Kavan Smith, and Cassidy Nugent as the daughter caught in the middle of a very difficult situation. I also enjoyed the direction by Peter Benson who inserted himself into the story as the clueless ex more interested with his next marriage rather than his daughter. This is a role he has played in other Hallmark movies, especially as the ex-fiancé Ben Morgan in Love and Sunshine. Throughout this movie I was rooting for Vaugier and Smith to finally realize their feelings for each other. I thought all of the actors were very good and the settings, although not really Montana, were stunning. I did not realize that this movie is based on a best-selling novel, I might have to dust off the old reading glasses and give it a go. All in all, I think this movie has quickly become one of my Hallmark favorites.
Rewarding movie
nptomey9 August 2022
I truly enjoyed this movie. It moved fluidly and the stars did a fine job bringing the movie to life. This is one of Hallmark's best movies. My only comment was with Kavan Smith's horseback ride. Cowboys don't post in the saddle. Emmanuelle Vaugier really knows how to ride. It was a treat to have female stars that didn't squeal like teenage girls the way they do in so many Hallmark Movies. It was a pleasure to watch this movie and have mature actors. The children in the movie were also quite good.
All in all with the beautiful setting the music and the actors and actresses it was a satisfying entry.
All in all with the beautiful setting the music and the actors and actresses it was a satisfying entry.
Hallmark movie, set in Montana but filmed in Canada.
TxMike19 March 2023
She is a 40-something teacher who lives in New York, after some 11 or 12 years together she and her husband have a messy divorce, he has a new girlfriend, and the 13-yr-old daughter who never knew her birth mother is caught in the middle.
It is summer break so she decides to rent a house in small (fictional) town Montana, with a river nearby. She had visited there when she was growing up. Her 50-something next door neighbor happens to be the town sheriff who is widowed and has two young sons. He also has several horses and she loves horse riding.
So the story plays out, being a Hallmark movie, where the two single adults develop a mutual attraction. But the problem is she has no intention of staying in Montana, she has a teaching job and a stepdaughter in New York, and he has no intention of leaving Montana. Perhaps a good break is when the stepdaughter travels to Montana and pretty much starts to enjoy it there.
All Hallmark movies are clean and predictable, but this one is entertaining enough on a Saturday night after a steak and wine dinner. With chocolate cake for dessert, for sure. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
It is summer break so she decides to rent a house in small (fictional) town Montana, with a river nearby. She had visited there when she was growing up. Her 50-something next door neighbor happens to be the town sheriff who is widowed and has two young sons. He also has several horses and she loves horse riding.
So the story plays out, being a Hallmark movie, where the two single adults develop a mutual attraction. But the problem is she has no intention of staying in Montana, she has a teaching job and a stepdaughter in New York, and he has no intention of leaving Montana. Perhaps a good break is when the stepdaughter travels to Montana and pretty much starts to enjoy it there.
All Hallmark movies are clean and predictable, but this one is entertaining enough on a Saturday night after a steak and wine dinner. With chocolate cake for dessert, for sure. My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library.
A Good One!
jpk-8464111 August 2022
A solid, realistic story with great acting, and believable chemistry between the leads. Predictable ending but an enjoyable watch! Wish Hallmark didn't add in the awkward dance scene. These seem to be written into every Hallmark movie and this one, like most of those in other Hallmark movies, includes dancing that seems out of step with the background music and just uncomfortable to watch.
A bit more chemistry between the leads would've added two stars
donmccandless-8632031 August 2022
I've read several of Linda Lael Miller's books and had high hopes for this one. If Vaugier had been able to show the same depth of emotion in her scenes with Smith as she did with her step-daughter, or the two sons of Smith's character, I'd have added a couple more stars.
When Vaugier and Smith are alone in the scene, she's not doing much more than reciting lines. Not so with the child actors, who do quite well in this tale, especially their scenes with Vaugier, so I suspect there was something going on there between the actors.
There's enough general conflict and tension to keep up the pace. The scenery could have been developed a bit more, but other than that slight nit-picky comment, the production values are good.
When Vaugier and Smith are alone in the scene, she's not doing much more than reciting lines. Not so with the child actors, who do quite well in this tale, especially their scenes with Vaugier, so I suspect there was something going on there between the actors.
There's enough general conflict and tension to keep up the pace. The scenery could have been developed a bit more, but other than that slight nit-picky comment, the production values are good.
One of the Better Ones
mcnab-549538 August 2022
Watched this with my wife and it is a very good film. The leads do a fine job and the kids are actually good actors. Not sappy. The previous reviewer was upset that a birth mother would desert her daughter and only watched two minutes of the film. She is not her birth mother and states that right at the beginning. I suggest they try watching again and will find the film very rewarding.
Widower with two kids and a divorcée with a step daughter develop a romance.
cgvsluis6 September 2022
I have mixed feelings about this film...but I want to start by saying I loved the lead actors and their supporting cast...I also loved the setting (fake Montana) and I appreciated that they had the big city New Yorker be a great horse rider who dresses appropriately and isn't afraid of animals or hard work (aka fits in), instead of going the fish out of water trope. My difficulties lie in the story content itself...
For me hallmark movies are entertainment not "real life", I have enough of real life in the real world...I watch hallmark to escape all of that. Which is why I am not sure that I appreciate Hallmark's attempt to make the story more "life like" by adding all the baggage. It's either that or trying to normalize bitter divorces and traumatized kids. If we could choose what we wanted...who would choose to go through a bitter divorce and have traumatized children running away and screaming out for love and attention. We get to choose the movies that we watch and I think Hallmark is making a mistake going this route. I am not in denial that 50% of marriages are ending in divorce these days...but if you are going through a messy divorce is this what you are going to want to watch? Or would you prefer the fairytale where for a couple of hours you can fantasize that peoples' dreams really come true? Also...has everyone just thrown in the towel and accepted that 50% of marriages end in divorce? How about movies that show people fighting for their marriages and doing the hard work that it takes to stay married for a lifetime? Now that would be some real life entertainment that people really need and could use.
Ok, stepping off the soapbox and getting back to this film...Vancouver, B. C. native Emmanuelle Vaugier who played the female lead was fantastic. She is lovely and did a solid acting job. Kavan Smith who played the male romantic lead also put in a solid performance. To be honest, I am not sure I really felt the chemistry between these two...but they are both such good actors you really didn't notice (the last kiss with the hat removal was probably the biggest tell in the whole film).
I understand that the source material is a Linda Lael Miller book which had the two not getting along initially, it's kind of too bad they didn't go that route because I love a good hate to love romance...but I understand with all the baggage that they had to deal with in the film why they went this route instead.
Also, I am really starting to feel sorry for Peter Benson (another solid Hallmark actor), he has been having to play a less than white knight lately and is probably itching to be more hero than anti-hero.
One of the sadder hallmark offerings due to the subject matter...but it is in a gorgeous setting. If you like kids and divorcee/widower romances this might be the film for you.
For me hallmark movies are entertainment not "real life", I have enough of real life in the real world...I watch hallmark to escape all of that. Which is why I am not sure that I appreciate Hallmark's attempt to make the story more "life like" by adding all the baggage. It's either that or trying to normalize bitter divorces and traumatized kids. If we could choose what we wanted...who would choose to go through a bitter divorce and have traumatized children running away and screaming out for love and attention. We get to choose the movies that we watch and I think Hallmark is making a mistake going this route. I am not in denial that 50% of marriages are ending in divorce these days...but if you are going through a messy divorce is this what you are going to want to watch? Or would you prefer the fairytale where for a couple of hours you can fantasize that peoples' dreams really come true? Also...has everyone just thrown in the towel and accepted that 50% of marriages end in divorce? How about movies that show people fighting for their marriages and doing the hard work that it takes to stay married for a lifetime? Now that would be some real life entertainment that people really need and could use.
Ok, stepping off the soapbox and getting back to this film...Vancouver, B. C. native Emmanuelle Vaugier who played the female lead was fantastic. She is lovely and did a solid acting job. Kavan Smith who played the male romantic lead also put in a solid performance. To be honest, I am not sure I really felt the chemistry between these two...but they are both such good actors you really didn't notice (the last kiss with the hat removal was probably the biggest tell in the whole film).
I understand that the source material is a Linda Lael Miller book which had the two not getting along initially, it's kind of too bad they didn't go that route because I love a good hate to love romance...but I understand with all the baggage that they had to deal with in the film why they went this route instead.
Also, I am really starting to feel sorry for Peter Benson (another solid Hallmark actor), he has been having to play a less than white knight lately and is probably itching to be more hero than anti-hero.
One of the sadder hallmark offerings due to the subject matter...but it is in a gorgeous setting. If you like kids and divorcee/widower romances this might be the film for you.
Emmanuelle Vaugier shines as a divorcee trying to find love while honoring the strong bond with her "ex" stepdaughter
MichaelByTheSea15 August 2022
I watched this movie because I loved the lead actress Emmanuelle Vaugier in Hallmark's wonderful Love in Paradise movie with the recently departed Luke Perry. She's quite beautiful but she's also great at playing a strong female character. And, as another reviewer noted, she knows how to ride a horse (and get dirty on a ranch). In fact, she's been riding since 2010 and once placed third in a Burbank horse show competition. I was surprised, and pleased, not to see the NYC city girl "fish out of water" trope overplayed. And yet Tara did need some help from time to time, which helped fuel her attraction to Boone (played by the dependable Hallmark vet Kavan Smith).
The love story was fine, but I was really fascinated by the rather unique situation of her relationship with her stepdaughter (played convincingly by Hallmark child actress vet Cassidy Nugent). Hallmark has been more and more willing to get "real" with their story lines. The lazy default was often a romance between an unmarried character who had never found "the right one" and someone whose spouse had died or conveniently disappeared.
That's the not the real world for most 30-50 year olds (the average age range for Hallmark leads). With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce (even worse rates for 2nd and 3rd marriages), most dating options in that age group come with divorce baggage. And that baggage is a little different in this movie, which Hallmark developed from a book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller (actually Book 3 in the Parable series for those wanting more). There's a few significant changes by writer J. B. White, who did an AWFUL job with Road Trip Romance, and this much better movie almost makes up for that truly awful movie (as a Hallmark movie junkie, I rarely trash a Hallmark movie, but yeeech!)
In the Miller book, Erin was a twin, Boone lived in a trailer, his kids lived with his sister after his wife died, Tara actually bought her place and moved there to be a chicken farmer, and they did not get along at all after they first met). I like the changes.
But the key detail in the movie that fascinated me was that Tara, though not her biological mother, was the only mother that Erin had ever really known during her 13 years. The divorce would have been a major emotional upheaval in her life and, a year later, as her father had moved on with someone else, she was feeling some understandable angst, confusion and resentment. The movie does a good job helping the audience feel her dread at the fact that her "Mom" would leave for the entire summer while she was forced to suddenly spend time with (and unwillingly accept) a new woman in her father's life (and with whom she had no connection).
In hindsight, it would have been a good idea for Tara to have legally adopted Erin but, not having done so, she had no legal rights over Erin despite what appears to be a decade of "motherhood" and the bonds that obviously grew between them. It was actually quite heartbreaking. And the movie, admirably, doesn't provide easy answers.
Peter Benson is probably the best go to guy for the "wrong" boyfriend/husband role. I just watched him be really annoying ("go for Brad") in Falling For Vermont, a warm, comforting blanket of a movie which I've now seen for maybe the 6th time. His character here (James) borders on self absorbed caricature, but they pull him back a bit, though not much. It might be time to throw Benson a bone and give him a role where he gets the girl.
There's also some nice drone shots and some cool tracking shots during the barbecue. And the child actors playing Boone's sons are solid, as is the rest of the cast. This is definitely a top tier Hallmark movie, and I always grade Hallmark on a curve (which is how this and Casablanca, a far better movie, both get 10s).
Bring back Emmanuelle Vaugier ASAP!
The love story was fine, but I was really fascinated by the rather unique situation of her relationship with her stepdaughter (played convincingly by Hallmark child actress vet Cassidy Nugent). Hallmark has been more and more willing to get "real" with their story lines. The lazy default was often a romance between an unmarried character who had never found "the right one" and someone whose spouse had died or conveniently disappeared.
That's the not the real world for most 30-50 year olds (the average age range for Hallmark leads). With nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce (even worse rates for 2nd and 3rd marriages), most dating options in that age group come with divorce baggage. And that baggage is a little different in this movie, which Hallmark developed from a book by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller (actually Book 3 in the Parable series for those wanting more). There's a few significant changes by writer J. B. White, who did an AWFUL job with Road Trip Romance, and this much better movie almost makes up for that truly awful movie (as a Hallmark movie junkie, I rarely trash a Hallmark movie, but yeeech!)
In the Miller book, Erin was a twin, Boone lived in a trailer, his kids lived with his sister after his wife died, Tara actually bought her place and moved there to be a chicken farmer, and they did not get along at all after they first met). I like the changes.
But the key detail in the movie that fascinated me was that Tara, though not her biological mother, was the only mother that Erin had ever really known during her 13 years. The divorce would have been a major emotional upheaval in her life and, a year later, as her father had moved on with someone else, she was feeling some understandable angst, confusion and resentment. The movie does a good job helping the audience feel her dread at the fact that her "Mom" would leave for the entire summer while she was forced to suddenly spend time with (and unwillingly accept) a new woman in her father's life (and with whom she had no connection).
In hindsight, it would have been a good idea for Tara to have legally adopted Erin but, not having done so, she had no legal rights over Erin despite what appears to be a decade of "motherhood" and the bonds that obviously grew between them. It was actually quite heartbreaking. And the movie, admirably, doesn't provide easy answers.
Peter Benson is probably the best go to guy for the "wrong" boyfriend/husband role. I just watched him be really annoying ("go for Brad") in Falling For Vermont, a warm, comforting blanket of a movie which I've now seen for maybe the 6th time. His character here (James) borders on self absorbed caricature, but they pull him back a bit, though not much. It might be time to throw Benson a bone and give him a role where he gets the girl.
There's also some nice drone shots and some cool tracking shots during the barbecue. And the child actors playing Boone's sons are solid, as is the rest of the cast. This is definitely a top tier Hallmark movie, and I always grade Hallmark on a curve (which is how this and Casablanca, a far better movie, both get 10s).
Bring back Emmanuelle Vaugier ASAP!
A little different for Hallmark
ladymustang-1216012 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The story was a bit different than your usual Hallmark fare. A bit darker with the stepdaughter and such. I really enjoyed this one for the most part. Good story, likeable leads, good child actors. Loved the raccoon known to everyone in town. Really liked that they avoided the typical city girl dresses inappropriately, can't do anything for herself, knows nothing about the outdoors stuff. That was nice. I have two "gripes" about the movie - both probably really superficial. One is that the main male lead is supposed to be the town sheriff but apparently it's a real part-time job?? Because we only see him in uniform twice, I think. For most of the movie, he's just hanging out at home. My other gripe is one that detracted from my enjoyment of the movie, and it's a post-production thing rather than anything wrong with the actors or the story. But it absolutely drove me crazy - the sound effects for walking. Good grief! It didn't matter if the character was male or female, adult or child, wearing boots, heels, slippers, or walking on a wood floor, grass, carpet or dirt. Every step was the same volume and heaviness. And inappropriately loud. It got to the point that all I could hear were those darn footsteps!! Don't know what happened, but it bugged me horrendously. Other than that, it was a good movie, and I especially loved the dynamic between the stepmom and stepkid and how she stood up for her daughter with her ex-husband. Nice to see.
Movie nowhere near as good as the book
alawrence-2687415 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I loved the book series this movie was based off of and was excited to watch the movie. I usually enjoy Kavan Smith in movies and tv shows but this movie was completely miscast - from the leads to the supporting cast. Why did the makers of the movie think unshaven men equals cowboy? The connections of the characters were under developed. So stupid in today's world to have the woman trip and fall...a network built on female viewership using stale female clichés. I know Hallmark loves Peter Benson but it's getting tiring to see him in minor cameos of the same self-centered jaded character. Read the book or listen to the audiobook, it's much better.
Well done except
excuria10 August 2022
It wouldn't have been a movie but I kept wondering why, when she came into her step-daughter's life at least 10-12 years ago, she hadn't adopted her. But then I guess most of the drama would have to be explained in another way.
A decent Hallmark romance
herrcarter-9216122 December 2023
This movie was a fairly good Hallmark romance. The thing I liked best about it was that it dealt with real issues and the relationships were fairly realistic. In many goofy rom-coms, the two leads don't have much to deal with besides getting together romantically. This movie, on the other hand, had characters who were dealing with divorce and a complicated relationship with a former stepdaughter, in the case of Tara, and losing a wife and trying to raise 2 boys as a single dad, in the case of Boone. One of my pet peeves about Hallmark movies is the way they try to shoehorn their 40-something actors into roles that were meant for actors at least 10 years younger. But in this case, the 40-somethings (50-something in the case of Kavan Smith) were playing roles that were consistent with where someone at that age would be in their lives. I appreciated that.
The performances were decent. I especially liked Emanuelle Vaugier as Tara. She was very warm and genuine, especially in her relationship with her ex-stepdaughter Erin. Kavan Smith as Boone was also good in his relationship with his two boys. The relationship between Tara and Boone was kind of weak, sadly. Not that much chemistry going on, I'm afraid. They seemed like platonic friends for most of the movie. I don't think it was the fault of the actors as much as the script, which didn't provide them sufficient opportunities for "chemistry" to happen.
The dialog was fairly good, for the most part. There were a few places where it seemed a bit stilted and unnatural, though. There were definitely a few rough spots in the script that could have used some polishing. But it is a TV movie, after all, so I guess allowances must be made.
The scenery was wonderful, of course. As with most Hallmark movies, this one was filmed in Canada, not Montana. But Canada is a beautiful country. The small town was portrayed in the typical idealized, romanticized way that all small towns in Hallmark movies are portrayed. Everyone is always friendly and nice and everything looks immaculate and beautiful. It would be interesting if Hallmark decided to show a small town with a few warts for once, but it's unlikely to happen soon.
In general, this movie was a decent romance with likable, relatable characters and a lot of heart. Was it perfect? No. But it was definitely watchable and left you with the good feeling that you expect when watching a Hallmark movie.
The performances were decent. I especially liked Emanuelle Vaugier as Tara. She was very warm and genuine, especially in her relationship with her ex-stepdaughter Erin. Kavan Smith as Boone was also good in his relationship with his two boys. The relationship between Tara and Boone was kind of weak, sadly. Not that much chemistry going on, I'm afraid. They seemed like platonic friends for most of the movie. I don't think it was the fault of the actors as much as the script, which didn't provide them sufficient opportunities for "chemistry" to happen.
The dialog was fairly good, for the most part. There were a few places where it seemed a bit stilted and unnatural, though. There were definitely a few rough spots in the script that could have used some polishing. But it is a TV movie, after all, so I guess allowances must be made.
The scenery was wonderful, of course. As with most Hallmark movies, this one was filmed in Canada, not Montana. But Canada is a beautiful country. The small town was portrayed in the typical idealized, romanticized way that all small towns in Hallmark movies are portrayed. Everyone is always friendly and nice and everything looks immaculate and beautiful. It would be interesting if Hallmark decided to show a small town with a few warts for once, but it's unlikely to happen soon.
In general, this movie was a decent romance with likable, relatable characters and a lot of heart. Was it perfect? No. But it was definitely watchable and left you with the good feeling that you expect when watching a Hallmark movie.
Another predictable Hallmark
drbreakwell26 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
First, she wants to go away to get over her XThe male lead is supposed to be a sheriff, but he doesn't seem to work at his job. The female lead doesn't want to get involved, but goes riding, goes to the local dance. Dances a dance, gas fun then shoos him away. Her X calls and asks her to take in his daughter. Seems like her X wants nothing to do with his daughter. She then gets really close to the neighbour and kisses him, forget the pause in her life--she strings him along. Then the X says he is getting married. He is really cold towards the daughter. The script is all over the place. Boring, boring. Predictable girl and boy have a fight. Daughter runs away. Brings boy and girl back together. Same old, same old. But that said, the ending was the most exciting part.
Simple
Jackbv12313 September 2023
The story is pretty simple with only one exciting situation and the rest a combination of the usual and of no great highs or lows. Tara spends summer in boonies of Montana because her ex basically banished her to allow him spend unimpeded time with his daughter. Then the ex sends the daughter anyway. Tara meets Sheriff Boone and much of the movie is about them building a relationship.
One slightly interesting part of the story is that Erin is not Tara's daughter, but her step daughter. Yet Tara seems to care more about Erin than her own father does.
I enjoyed the movie even though I realized I must have seen it before but not reviewed it. (I review everything partially as notes to remind myself why I did or didn't like it. I have over 1400 reviews and 2000 ratings, mostly of TV movies but some series and theatrical movies.) I didn't remember details but things were familiar.
I think I enjoyed it because of two solid leads and an appealing teen girl character. Kavan Smith is always enjoyable. Emmanuelle Vaugier was good opposite Smith and they had chemistry.
Two side notes: I most recently watched this as the run up to the sequel. I was annoyed at being teased by things that weren't in the movie I was watching but would become part of the overall story.
There was a text on a cell phone that was too small. This is a pet peeve. It was significant and not immediately explained in the movie. I had to go back and pause it and get about a foot from my 45" TV.
One slightly interesting part of the story is that Erin is not Tara's daughter, but her step daughter. Yet Tara seems to care more about Erin than her own father does.
I enjoyed the movie even though I realized I must have seen it before but not reviewed it. (I review everything partially as notes to remind myself why I did or didn't like it. I have over 1400 reviews and 2000 ratings, mostly of TV movies but some series and theatrical movies.) I didn't remember details but things were familiar.
I think I enjoyed it because of two solid leads and an appealing teen girl character. Kavan Smith is always enjoyable. Emmanuelle Vaugier was good opposite Smith and they had chemistry.
Two side notes: I most recently watched this as the run up to the sequel. I was annoyed at being teased by things that weren't in the movie I was watching but would become part of the overall story.
There was a text on a cell phone that was too small. This is a pet peeve. It was significant and not immediately explained in the movie. I had to go back and pause it and get about a foot from my 45" TV.
Love country movies
richterkaren18 October 2022
I loved this movie! Best one I've seen in a while. Emmanuelle is one of my favorites, she is so natural and down to earth. I hope they make a sequel, please!! I loved her in that movie with Luke Perry, love in paradise. Too bad he is no longer with us. Hope to see more of her! Would like to see less of Taylor Cole! I thought everyone did a great job in this movie. Kavan Smith also did a good job. A movie like this relaxes you with the beautiful scenery and the horses. It's a beautiful rural hometown movie and gives her a second chance at love. It's great that it focuses on family and love and not money and luxury.
Tara Kendall (Emmanuelle Vaugier)
aab87412 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Tara Kendall (Emmanuelle Vaugier) - Finding Erin - with the Help of Boone, Fletcher, and Griffin - after she Runs Away. BTW #1, I Loved Emmanuelle Vaugier (Please make her a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Regular), Kavan Smith, Lochlyn Munro, Peter Benson - who also Brilliantly Directed the movie - and the rest of the Cast! I Love Small-Town Characters! BTW #2, I Loved this movie! It had So Much Small-Town Charm, Heart, and a Western Feel to it! Despite being Filmed in Canada, it made me want to move to the Fictional Montana Town!
Set in New York and Montana.
Tara Kendall (Emmanuelle Vaugier) - Finding Erin - with the Help of Boone, Fletcher, and Griffin - after she Runs Away. BTW #1, I Loved Emmanuelle Vaugier (Please make her a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Channel Regular), Kavan Smith, Lochlyn Munro, Peter Benson - who also Brilliantly Directed the movie - and the rest of the Cast! I Love Small-Town Characters! BTW #2, I Loved this movie! It had So Much Small-Town Charm, Heart, and a Western Feel to it! Despite being Filmed in Canada, it made me want to move to the Fictional Montana Town!
Set in New York and Montana.
Misses the Mark
dsv-3436112 September 2023
A lot of money was spent on this "By the Numbers" Hallmark romance flick, but all the money in the world couldn't save a script that is frankly tedious. Emmanuelle Vaugier did what she could with it, but in the end she really didn't convince me. Kavan Smith, well, I don't know really. There was just something about him that didn't work and I never really believed the relationship between them. But - worst of all - the endless discussions and advice by/from friends about the whole Tara+Boon thin: "Do you feel something for him?", "Are you falling for him?", "Have you asked her out yet?","Why not come to a barbecue where he's going to be?". I know this is standard fare for a Hallmark movie but in this one it really overpowers the story and it's also boring. And then there's Tara's ex - a thoroughly obnoxious selfish man who I cannot imagine her marrying under any circumstances unless she was on something. Not much else happens, really. There is some drama but the resolution is never in doubt. I understand that there is an epic sequel, but I won't be tuning in to find out what happened next ... because it's Hallmark, so I already know.
One woman changes the lives of many
MickyG3338 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
8.0 stars.
Tara (Vaugier) is the glue that holds two families together, she's a step mother to a 13 year old girl who never knew her real mother, and she is also the father that her real dad never measures up to. She's will eventually be the perfect wife and new mother to a sheriff cowboy named Boone and his two boys. There are a lot of damaged hearts, including her own, and she will find the passion within herself to bring healing to everyone.
Much depends on the performance of Vaugier and she does a satisfying job, not stupendous, but good enough for me to love "Big Sky River". Once the step daughter is fully in the picture and Tara begins to grow closer to Boone and his boys, this movie takes on a whole new life full of promise, trust, and love.
This is a must see, it's wonderful, well balanced, not spectacular in any particular sense, but satisfying in every way.
Tara (Vaugier) is the glue that holds two families together, she's a step mother to a 13 year old girl who never knew her real mother, and she is also the father that her real dad never measures up to. She's will eventually be the perfect wife and new mother to a sheriff cowboy named Boone and his two boys. There are a lot of damaged hearts, including her own, and she will find the passion within herself to bring healing to everyone.
Much depends on the performance of Vaugier and she does a satisfying job, not stupendous, but good enough for me to love "Big Sky River". Once the step daughter is fully in the picture and Tara begins to grow closer to Boone and his boys, this movie takes on a whole new life full of promise, trust, and love.
This is a must see, it's wonderful, well balanced, not spectacular in any particular sense, but satisfying in every way.
Poor Acting
kimmyk-7681924 February 2024
As of late, I have been noticing Hallmark movies taking a recent and disappointing nose dive. I just wasted 2 hours watching Blue Sky River. Emmanuel Vaugier seemingly read cue cards with no life in her acting. She is terribly thin with the black stick straight hair and bright red lipstick just do not suit her fair skin. Kavan Smith, appearing to also be reading from cue cards, follows Emmanuelle's lack of brightness in his acting. His hair style looks like that of the early 80's. Come on Hallmark. I am a fan but all your movies but you cannot rely solely on your Christmas movies to carry all the others during different seasons.
Yikes...casting fail
mjking-1720023 July 2023
Sorry hallmark...This one bombed for me. I can forgive a lot when it comes to hallmark, repetitive, predictable storyline in beautiful locations is what I expect from hallmark. Sadly, the casting on this ruined it. All great actors that I've loved in other movies but not together, hard pass! Very little chemistry between them. The last kiss scene they couldn't be standing farther apart and they both seemed uncomfortable. The storyline also felt like it needed at least 20 more mins to develop and the ending was totally anticlimactic. If you want to kill time then sure watch it but I'd you want to be entertained then I'd pass.
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