edwagreen Hallmark Channel seems to have recurring themes in their films. Someone always returns home either for romancing a widower, coming to grips with a bitter relationship with a parent, or as in the case with this tear jerker, Alicia Silverstone comes home to leave this earth as she is suffering from terminal cancer.It first appears that Silverstone will come into conflict with the wife of the vet that she loved dearly in childhood.Her young son is most appealing as we find out why her marriage dissolved with tragic consequences.The film tries to depict the strong ties that bind a small town together. This was nicely done.Polly Bergen, as Rosemary, has a small role as the vet's secretary. She does a little singing in one scene but time has hurt her once beautiful voice. Nevertheless, it's always good seeing Bergen on film.

lahdeelady Hollywood. Populated by a thousand good actors and actresses. Alicia Silverstone has a bit of soul that must give her a bit of specialness. Her portrayal of a dying candle maker with only concern for her son is not in the least bit sugary. This gorgeous woman went out on limb in this this good film, and by the way, kudos to the other members of the cast. Think about it. You could go for the normal glamor jazz but you decide to define your self as an actress. If you look at her work, especially in the Crush and in the Babysitter you can perceive that this is is a very good actress. I believe that this young lady is in the class of Bette Davis.

ticekarimam Embarrassingly amateurish, despite good actors cast in the film. Therefore, I "watched" while working at the computer since it's a decent enough family holiday film. A pleasure to see Polly Bergen again. She is a class act and enhances any film in which she is featured. Alicia Silverstone is a decent actor, but not that great in this role. Her dramatic range isn't all that great. She's more of a comedic actor. She kept smiling too much, especially in scenes that didn't call for it. Annabeth Gish was quite good (would have been a better choice for the lead), as was Eion Bailey but their dialog, along with the rest of the dialog in the movie, was very poorly written and scene transitions were embarrassingly hokey. I did like Alicia's scenes at the end with her young son. Thoughtfully written, and probably the only truly decent dialog in the movie.The location shots were beautiful, filmed in Nova Scotia. Definitely worth noting is the young actor, Matthew Knight, who was one of the best actors in the film, esp. his solo scene at the very end of the movie. He's going places.

Amy Adler Dee Dee (Alicia Silverstone) has returned to her hometown in Maine. Her mother is deceased and Dee Dee moves into the family home with her young son, Trooper. A candlemaker, Dee Dee is longing to rekindle a friendship with her longtime buddy, Sam. Sam has stayed in the area and is the town's veterinarian, along with his wife, Lydia, also an animal doctor. Lydia is properly skeptical, at first, fearing Dee Dee as a rival for Sam's affections. Yet, it is soon clear that Dee Dee only needs a friendly relationship with the two of them. Lydia even takes a candle making class from Dee Dee, where a group of local women develop a camaraderie and connection that was missing before Dee Dee's arrival. And, Trooper begins to work at the vets' clinic, where the two doctors learn to love him, too. Dee Dee, however, has a big secret. When it is revealed, what will the consequences be? This is a sweet story that has small town values and a big heart. Silverstone is fine as the warm, free-spirited Dee Dee and the rest of the cast is quite nice, too. There are many who will appreciate the lovely setting in Maine. It is quite possible, however, that some viewers may find it predictable and the ensuing pathos, a trifle forced. Okay. But, for those who love tales that will result in more than a few sighs and tears, here is a movie made to order. When it comes to a sweet story with good values, no one probably does it better than Hallmark. Given the present penchant for violence and bed hopping in movie making, this one is a refreshing change.