One of autumn’s traditions might be visiting an orchard, picking fresh fruit from the tree and perhaps going home with apple cider or a dozen apple cider doughnuts. (Or both!) Harvest Love invites us to visit just such a place in the cozy small town of Pine View, Washington.
The Story
This is where our heroine, Luna (Jen Liley) escapes with her eight-year-old son, Andy. As a surgeon, their life in Seattle is a good one. Only trouble is, in her pursuit to work hard and earn a sought-after promotion, being a mom is one of the things Luna has sacrificed. She decides to repair some of this damage by taking off the entire week of her son’s school vacation. Rather than stay in Washington or visit the beach, she instead makes plans to take him to her family’s pear farm.
Upon their arrival, it doesn’t take Luna long to realize that her parents are planning on selling. With their constant travel and Luna’s life in the city, there’s no one left to care about or for the farm. No one except for the farm manager, Will Nash (Ryan Paevey). Will is the one person who understands how to run the farm. During her week-long stay, Luna upsets the balance of Will’s work but discovers he’s full of surprises. As the single mother rediscovers the place and sights of her childhood, she begins to connect again with life, and a certain handsome farm manager.
Review
Just as you’d hope, Harvest Love is as adorable as it sounds. The comforting narrative of a single mother, a cute kid, and an uplifting story is one of the many reasons we appreciate this network.
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Sights, sounds, and swoons effortlessly co-mingle. As a result, when this story finally reaches its conclusion, it’s one that will leave you with a smile affixed on your face. Or it did me. Perhaps it’s the absolutely stunning scenery or Luna’s humorous failures in the kitchen or a quiet moment watching the harvest moon, Harvest Moon drips in its share of “cozy feels” and happy moments.
Tied into all of this is the small town approach and importance on values. All themes that are sure to sweep viewers into another blissful Hallmark Channel world.
“Looks like the moon came out just for us tonight.”
This script does go “bolder” in its pursuit of the romance. Fortunately, this doesn’t sacrifice the old-fashioned storytelling. With her newfound freedom, which she discovers by leaving behind the hustle-bustle, she isn’t willing to hide her interest in him. This complements his character nicely, who’s more reserved, almost “shy” at times, and yet, he’s completely smitten by Luna and her son. Plus, their meet-cute is adorable.
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If you, like me, are a frequent Hallmark Channel guest, you will recognize a host of familiar faces. Not the least of which being Jen Liley and Ryan Paevey. Jen (most recently in Eat, Play, Love and A Dash of Love) and Ryan in the adaptation of Unleashing Mr. Darcy, where he plays a swoony Darcy. Both actors play likable characters whose cute chemistry makes them all the easier to root for. One of the cutest things about the progression is Will’s penchant to “catch” Luna doing something she shouldn’t (even at times sneaking up on her); and all this makes no mention of the sassy, impromptu dance scene!
As they do with each of their originals, Hallmark again draws us in with this story. When compared to its predecessors, this film is “more of the same.” A wonderful conclusion I’m not complaining about in the least. With every one of these, one thing that’s abundantly clear in each conclusion is this. Fortunately for those of us who cannot get enough of Hallmark’s brand, thankfully, the writers seem to understand what their viewers look for and appreciate most about these programs. Because of this, they continue to charm through the values of every new story they tell. Best of all, Harvest Love follows in these same footsteps.
Content Note: Harvest Love is rated TV-G; it contains nothing offensive.
Where to Watch: Hallmark will re-air Harvest Love on October 21; check your local listings for times and dates.
Have you seen this one? Do you have a favorite Hallmark romance? Or a favorite on-screen couple? Sound off below! I’d love to chat with you.
Photos: Hallmark Channel/Crown Media Press
OVERALL RATING
“Hello, Gorgeous.”
ROMANCE RATING
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My
feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me
to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
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I might be one of the few who did not enjoy “Unleashing Mr. Darcy” … but I loved Ryan in this one! Of the new Harvest movies that have aired so far this year, I think this is my favorite. Looking forward to the rest, of course 🙂
That’s OK, Becky. I confess I liked both (‘Mr. Darcy’ and this), and Ryan in the leading man role is part of that; he plays the roles well. 🙂 I’ve only seen this one and “Falling for Vermont,” but it’s my favorite so far. Looking forward to “Love Struck Cafe”! And of course, all those Christmas originals. 🙂
Not that it matters but I thought Luna wore the ugliest shirts I’ve seen in a while. I first fell in love with Jen Liley when I saw her in the Lifetime holiday movie, The Spirit of Christmas. If you get a chance to watch it, it’s a really good little Christmas ghost mystery romance.
I didn’t pay attention to that! 😀 Sometimes I do notice the wardrobe though because I think, overall, Hallmark’s production qualities (film-making, cast, scripts, costuming, etc.) are leaps and bounds a step up from their origins. Makes me glad to see them grow because their stories are wholesome and lovely. 🙂
I did see ‘Spirit!’ And I agree. It’s sweet. I enjoyed the mystery, and the breath-catching suspense of wondering if the couple will be able to find their way back to each other. (Has a few Beauty and the Beast kind of vibes too.)