Love's Abiding Joy (2006)
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13% of critics liked it
(8 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(13,911 ratings)
Acclaimed author Janette Oke's bestselling series of books comes to life on the screen once again in this, the fourth feature following the continued Westward journey of settlers Missie and Willie Lahaye. Their roots now firmly planted as they set up homestead in the far West, Missie (Erin… More Acclaimed author Janette Oke's bestselling series of books comes to life on the screen once again in this, the fourth feature following the continued Westward journey of settlers Missie and Willie Lahaye. Their roots now firmly planted as they set up homestead in the far West, Missie (Erin Cottrell begins to realize her passion for teaching as Willie (Logan Bartholomew) cares for the couple's young daughter Kathy while expanding the family ranch with a little help from sons Jeff (Dre Tyler Bell) and Matthew. When the frontier railroad comes to town, the pleasure of a long-promised visit from Missie's father Clark (Dale Midkiff) is suddenly offset by the tragic death of young Kathy. As the untimely demise of their beloved daughter begins to drive an emotional wedge between Missie and Willie, the devastated father unexpectedly accepts an offer made by the powerful Samuel Doros (John Laughlin) to assume the role of town sheriff. Their faith shaken and their once close-knit bond suddenly torn asunder, Missie and Willie desperately attempt to bring their crumbling family back together as son Jeff faces a series of dangers while hopelessly falling for Doros' beautiful daughter Colette (Mae Whitman). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Michael Landon Jr.
- Genres
- Western, Drama
- In Theaters
- Oct 6, 2006 Wide
- Studio
- FoxFaith
Critic Reviews
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Joe Leydon, Variety
The stop-and-start pacing indicates careful planning for the easy insertion of commercials. And few of the actors look entirely at home in the period setting.
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Bill Muller, Arizona Republic
The acting borders on melodrama and the movie obviously was edited for TV.
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Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Slow, sappy, Christian-themed TV adaptation.
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Ryan Cracknell, Calgary Movies
Although wholesome and simple in its storytelling, the central characters are on such a pedestal of virtue that it's impossible to relate to them in any way.
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Manny Lewis, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The movie, based on the novel by Janette Oke, shows how time and belief can help deal with tragedies. These solutions, however, when applied to the LaHayes' particular tragedy, make for a stagnantly morose plot.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Erin Cottrell
as Missy LaHaye
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Logan Bartholomew
as Willie LaHaye
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John Laughlin
as Samuel Doros
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Dale Midkiff
as Clark Davis
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Brianna Brown
as Melinda
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Drew Tyler Bell
as Jeff
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Stephen Bridgewater
as Mr. Taylorson
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Mae Whitman
as Collette Doros
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Blake Gibbons
as Joe Paxson
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Frank McRae
as Cookie
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Kevin Gage
as Abel
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James Tupper
as Henry
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Thomas Stanley
as Mark
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Madison Leisle
as Annie


