This was released in 2016 and it just has the feel of something so different from the formulaic and expected Hallmark movies of 2023-24 that I am left wondering why it's so rare. What I'm talking about is the writing first (carefully crafted with "le bon mot" just in the right place almost all the time); then, the acting (mature, experienced lead and supporting actors who have just the right touch in portraying their characters); and, that rare sense of "holding back" or pacing the action and the plot such that the drama and the romance have time to percolate and mature (instead of jumping on the stereotypically expected plot lines).
For me, it was easy to fall in love with Leah even in her inadequacies and hesitancy to live her own life - and when she came to herself as the movie progressed, I was as infatuated as her suitor. The joy of having him put the brakes on their relationship until she stood on her own two feet and broke off her rushed (and unwanted) marriage plans without that "safety net" of someone in the wings waiting for her - for me, that was the true proof of independence and adult decision making. Love this movie and plan to watch it regularly!
For me, it was easy to fall in love with Leah even in her inadequacies and hesitancy to live her own life - and when she came to herself as the movie progressed, I was as infatuated as her suitor. The joy of having him put the brakes on their relationship until she stood on her own two feet and broke off her rushed (and unwanted) marriage plans without that "safety net" of someone in the wings waiting for her - for me, that was the true proof of independence and adult decision making. Love this movie and plan to watch it regularly!