Katherine Heigl is lovely as Marty, and Dale Midkiff excellent as Clark, the older, strong Christian man she marries. As his daughter Missie, Skye McCole Bartusian is an exceptional little actress, and in smaller parts, Theresa Russell and Corbin Bensen are terrific as the kind of stalwart people that pioneered this nation. Written and directed by Michael Landon Jr. for Hallmark, this is a way above average film made for the small screen, with endearing characters, and spectacular scenery, shot on location in El Dorado County, California, by cinematographer James Wrenn.

A scene that is memorable is when Clark takes Marty to his "church," a bench that faces a beautiful view, and explains his faith to her. It is so well written, and truly the core of this award-winning film. Total running time is 88 minutes, and the DVD gives one the option of full screen or widescreen. A sequel was made to this story, "Love's Enduring Promise," in 2004.
"The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen; it's His promise He'll be there with us, when they do."

Love comes softly and steals into your heart, like this film
Review date: 2005-02-26 Rating: 8 out of 10

Love Comes Softly is a delightful made-for-tv movie. Based off the popular books by Janette Oke, it revolves around the issues of loss and healing.

Marty's husband dies (this is not a real spoiler) and on the day of her funeral she is asked by a stranger, Clark, to enter into a marriage of convenience - she needs a place to stay and he'd like someone to care for his daughter. What begins as a means for survival soon becomes a vessel for hope.

The three leads are terrific - Katherine Heigl plays the grieving Marty, Dale Midkiff as the quiet, steady Clark, and Skye McCole Bartusiak plays his firey and engaging young daughter Missie. (Note: there is very little painful child acting here, she's really good).

Other reviews have dismissed Christian elements to this film - Janette Oke wrote Christian fiction and chances are, if you're reading this you're looking for a good and wholesome story. Yes, Dale Midkiff's character sings a hymn in the wilderness to God but it's authentic and touching.

To summarize:
- The only reason I gave it 4/5 and not 5/5 is that at times it feels a bit rushed and it's obvious where they built in the breaks for commercials - this leaves it feeling slightly episodic. The film could have benefited from a bit more fleshing out of the character's histories (but there is also a sequel).
- The West feels a little too clean. I wish we felt a little more that Marty entered the marriage really because she had to survive the winter.
- There are only really two supporting characters (the Grahams), and one, the wife, seems a bit too ready with all the answers (and on a humorous note her eyebrows look a bit anachronistic - they seem painted on).

+ The acting is convincing and consistent. The character interactions seem genuine and heartfelt. Dale Midkiff is great with the girl playing his daughter, you can feel the fatherly vibe.
+ This is a good family film with a subtle, unforced (though at times conventional) romantic subtones. Christian elements are prevalent but not overbearing for those not actively interested in this aspect.
+ There are some cute shots in this film (look for the Christmas segue) and some lines are particularly memorable.
+ I'd recommend this for people looking for a family film, or a nice easy-to-digest romance.

Softly, Softly
Review date: 2004-10-22 Rating: 8 out of 10

This is a good family movie. It's set in the late 19th century and is about a girl who is left widowed after travelling across the country to make a new home with hubby. He falls off a horse and dies and, at the funeral (I kid you not) she gets proposed to by a stranger and marries him the same day (talk about quick work!).

The guy who proposes is looking for a mother for his child and they all come to love one another and live happily ever after.

It's a good way to waste 88 minutes. The leads give a competent performance and, as it's directed by Michael Landon Jr, it reads like an episode of Little House on the Prairie. He must have learned his directing skills from Dad.

Can't say it's fantastic but as it has no sex, no swearing and no violence, it makes a change from what's on TV.

Note: Dale Midkiff who plays the second husband goes up a mountain and sings to God - has to be seen to be believed - hilarious.

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