Love's Enduring Promise

I've watched a few of these "Love" movies now, some are better than others, this is one of the good ones. It again stars Katherine Heigl & Dale Midkiff, married for several years, the romance here centers around their spirited daughter Missie who is all grown up and working as a school teacher. When Pa gets hurt chopping wood it falls on Missie to take over the farm duties, plow the fields and plant the crops. Pa's leg falls to infection and its all very touch and go for a while.

Out of nowhere a stranger turns up to help his name is Nate he takes over the farming, fails at bee wrangling and develops a kinship with Missie who at the same time is being wooed by a wealthy land surveyor and part owner of the railroad soon to come through town. Meanwhile Nate has a few secrets that come to light and some troubles that he must come to terms with before he can truly live his life

The reason I think I enjoy these so much is because I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and these movies are of the same vane; family and faith and struggle and in the case of the movies a romance. I also enjoy shutting off the noise every once and a while and I say that as someone who's a fan of Sons of Anarchy.

I do appreciate that there are still movies out there meant for the entire family. Without any graphic violence, sex scenes or F-bombs. Wholesome. And probably why I find these "Love" series films so (strangely) addictive. Its nice to just turn all that "noise" off once and a while.

Indeed, a great film. First, for good state inspired by it. Second- for admirable job of young Logan Bartholomew. In same measure, for precise manner to explore sensitive themes.

A film about generosity, life sense and acceptance, about truth and about tough choices . And the frame of second half of XIX American century just works for precise basic certitudes defining each period.

It is very easy to define it as sentimental but , its old fashion construction is far to represent an idealisation but fair remind of realities and answers proposing honest perspective about what real matters. So, a patriarchal time, a painful memory of a young man, his support for a father of family in critic situation and the things becoming more and more clear.

Yes, I agree with viewer, Kayla, regarding the young actor who plays Willie/Nate - Logan Bartholomew - he's truly a star and a shining light. I looked him up and learned that "Promise" is his first film although he had a bit part - apparently non-speaking - in one of the American Pie films. Once I discovered that "Promise" is Logan's first film, I was even more impressed because his character is very demanding in terms of the plot and Logan has the most intense scene in the movie where he really has to show his stuff. This young fellow is definitely someone to watch. It's very exciting to see an actor at the beginning of his career and I will watching Logan like an overbearing parent!

When I first saw Love Comes Softly, I quickly ranked it high up on my mental list of favorite movies. I purposefully watch it whenever I see if listed, which now totals about 10 times. I just saw Love's Enduring Promise for the first time recently, and now have another movie to add to my list. This sequel did not let me down. Thankfully, the same Clark and Marty were cast for this movie, as well as Willie. I suppose it wasn't reasonable to cast the same Missie, due to her age. But January Jones' portrayal soon made me forget any disappointment I may have had. I realize these movies are carried on the Hallmark channel, which thankfully seems to have kept ethics and principals in tact, but I believe they could have been shown on any leading network and still would have drawn lots of viewers with positive feedback. I hope everyone of all ages takes the time to watch these movies. I found myself getting so absorbed in Enduring Promise, just as I did in Comes Softly, that I "became" a part of that time in my mind. What different times those were! I intend to watch them again and again!

If all one ever watched were the standard fare films Hollywood made about the West, you would have to wonder how it ever really was settled. The rootin' tootin' shootin' Westerns have entertained generations – not only in America, but also across the globe. But if that's what the West was really like, then it's a wonder that anyone lived or that towns in the West ever grew and survived.

Well, of course, many people did survive – the vast majority; and many towns grew up into the Western U.S. that we have today. From pioneer journals, diaries and novels we have the stories of hardship, sorrows and progress of some of those people. Many were people of faith, who took their trust in God with them when they journeyed West. "Love's Enduring Promise" is such a tale and film. It's the second of a series of movies made based on books by Canadian author Janette Oke. Oke's stories include all the rigors and hardships of the hardy pioneers; but they develop around people with strong Christian faith and beliefs.

There are many pioneer and historical museums and centers in the U.S. Two excellent sources for diaries, maps, and stories about the West are the Oregon-California Trails Association in Independence, MO, and The National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, ID.

"Love's Enduring Promise" is a well-made movie with a fine cast. The cinematography and technical qualities are all very good. Most of the characters are quite natural and lively in their roles. But Dale Midkiff seems to lack energy in his portrayal of Clark Davis. This seems an exaggeration of a pensive person, where he seldom shows emotion or excitement about anything. His character comes across as sedated, where Katherine Heigl and January Jones also have deep faith, but with some spunk.

These are good family stories, but this particular film may be too slow to keep the interest of young boys.