SimonJack "Love's Abiding Joy" is the fourth in a series of movies based on novels by Janette Oke. The Canadian author writes about pioneers in the settling of the West. But her characters have strong Christian faith. The TV movies for the series were produced by Hallmark. In the third movie, "Love's Long Journey," Missie and Willie LaHaye have settled down to build a ranch. They meet neighbors and take on hired hands. They also confront some outlaws. And, they make friends with other early pioneers who are settling their area. This movie has less action and diversity, but starts several years later when they have two children. The drama centers around two events. The first is the loss of their baby daughter who dies in her sleep. The second is a romantic friendship of their adopted son, Jeff, and Colette Doros, the daughter of the town's mayor. I won't give further details. But the drama in this series is about the couple struggling with their loss, drifting apart, and then coming back together with healing. Willie accepts the job as sheriff to provide some income until they can sell cattle the next year. Some surprise twists results in Willie being an unsung hero for friends and neighbors. A good story and nice addition to the series. It's more serious and traumatic with the baby's' death, so it may take some explaining to younger children.

fivemomflu I have read all of the Love Come Softly books. Knowing full well that movies can not use all aspects of the book,but generally they at least have the main point of the book. I was highly disappointed in this movie. The only thing that they have in this movie that is in the book is that Missy's father comes to visit,(although in the book both parents come). That is all. The story line was so twisted and far fetch and yes, sad, from the book, that I just couldn't enjoy it. Even if I didn't read the book it was too sad. I do know that Pioneer life was rough,but the whole movie was a downer. The rating is for having the same family orientation of the film that makes them great.

freezinghands I very much looked forward to this movie. Its a good family movie; however, if Michael Landon Jr.'s editing team did a better job of editing, the movie would be much better. Too many scenes out of context. I do hope there is another movie from the series, they're all very good. But, if another one is made, I beg them to take better care at editing. This story was all over the place and didn't seem to have a center. Which is unfortunate because the other movies of the series were great. I enjoy the story of Willie and Missy; they're both great role models. Plus, the romantic side of the viewers always enjoy a good love story.

george-787 Edmund Burke said that "all evil needs is for good me to do nothing." Hollywood often gives us trash because not enough families go to see quality films. This movie was uplifting story of the loss and restoration of faith. It had no violence, no lewdness, and did not deserve a PG rating. The western scenery was filmed well, and some of the vistas were simply breathtaking. Actors were a bit young for their parts, but otherwise believable and talented. Music score was too loud, and in some places drowned out the dialog completely. I'm seldom surprised by movie endings any more, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. Sometimes the good guys do win, and they win by honest efforts. We liked the movie and the message, and would recommend it for the entire family.