Here is an old-fashioned love story that is set in contemporary times, and the story, acting, and music all combine to make for an enjoyable viewing experience for the family.
The characters are memorable and that includes Major Mandy Taylor (charmingly portrayed by Beverley Mitchell), who is retiring from the military, and who turns down a $40,000 bonus to sign on for another stint with the army. She recently lost her husband, Luke, and she wants to spend more time with her son, Caleb (Ryan Buggle).
Mandy and Caleb are about to head to Jonesborough, Tennessee from the nation’s capital. “Are you marrying a farmer?” a friend asks. Mandy laughs and replies that she needs to stay focused, and that Caleb doesn’t know how to be a civilian. He has been indoctrinated into military life all his young life, ten years. Jonesborough is known for its storytelling festival, and-as both mother and son say as they prepare to head out: “Story town-here we come!”
Mandy and Caleb plan to live with Mandy’s mother while Mandy sets up a local bakery in town. Mandy is greeted by Mayor Jeff (William Ragsdale) and things start off with part of the ceiling falling in! Zach Barran (Jason Frederick), a childhood friend, offers to help Mandy as he has just arrived in town. Zach spends a month each year in Jonesborough, telling stories. He is a full-time professional storyteller, guitar in tow, and he travels worldwide to share his various tales.
Humorous moments frequently show up in the movie. For example, Caleb wonders if everyone around them has a southern accent. “I think it’s a requirement,” jokes Mandy. Zach and Mandy have a conversation about storytelling, and Zach makes it known that story telling isn’t a hobby-it’s a career. Mandy replies, “Life is a sequence of events that shape us.” “Isn’t that storytelling?” asks Zach.
Zach becomes an encourager to Caleb, who is nervous about his first day at school. “Hey, you’ve got this!” Zach enthusiastically shouts at Caleb. Mandy appreciates his kind support.
One of the strengths of this picture is that it includes relatable things for its viewers, such as making a move to start a new life. Also, it addresses the difficulties of entering unfamiliar territory at a new school, as well as the possibility of a new romantic relationship. In addition, the idea of navigating the bumps in the road, to find a way to make things work, is another theme the movie explores. A sense of community is also nicely portrayed.
In one interesting conversation Zach looks at Mandy’s plans for her bakery and tells her she’s really organized. She’s been through some things—having had tours in Afghanistan and Germany. She is impressed that he tells stories, resolves conflicts, and dabbles in construction. With all this talent, she asks what he doesn’t do? “Spreadsheets!” he jokes. Mandy intimates that maybe Zach will be around longer than he intended. He replies he needs to resolve an issue with Christian bricklayers in Pakistan.
The looming question in the movie is this: whether Mandy and Zach will indeed become an item, or if their complicated lives will lead them in separate directions. Mandy’s mother, Darla Jean Johnson (Eliza Roberts), encourages Mandy, stating that Zach is “cute”, and “Is that so bad?” Mandy insists she needs to stay focused on other things.
One of the nice faith aspects of the picture is when Zach explains the genesis of the song, It is Well With My Soul, written by Horatio Spafford. It is a potent testimony to the power of faith.
Another nice aspect of the movie is its scenic, picturesque moments, such as when we see ducks swimming in a pond and Zach is fishing with Caleb and Mandy. He gives the illustration of giving a man a fish which will feed him for one meal, or teaching him to fish, which will help him to eat for a lifetime.
The question of how things will wind up in the end is nicely contrasted with the humorous moments, such as when Zach offers to be a taste tester for the food Mandy is preparing. And we learn that ice cream makes just about everything better in life. Zach shows his mischievous side when he dabs some ice cream on Mandy’s nose.
How will things end? Will Mandy and Zach wind up together? Will Caleb make new friends at school? How will the story telling event go? Every viewer can relate to some extent about crossroads and although we won’t plot spoil, the movie manages to tie things up nicely by its conclusion. And in a powerful scene in the picture Mandy prays for God’s guidance. The movie features a nice balance of faith, comedic moments, drama, and the process of navigating life’s bumpy roads.
Content Analysis: The movie features scenes of characters seeking the Lord in prayer, the mention of God, and a definite Christian worldview. The story of Horatio Spafford is a nice scene, exhorting the need for faith in God.
Think About It: Discussion questions can include what to do when confronted with a new situation, such as attending a new school, or beginning a new job or entering a new relationship.
The Dove Take: This remarkable movie has earned our Dove Seal for All Ages, with it being intended for older children, teens and adults. It features a nice combination of solid acting, interesting storytelling, and a strong message of faith. It’s family friendly all the way!
