Watch Love's Everlasting Courage

Love's Everlasting Courage is a 2011 American Western Christian romance film directed by Bradford May. The movie is based on the novel by Janette Oke and is also a part of the Love Comes Softly series of movies. The film takes place in the late 1800s and tells the story of young widow and mother of two, Ellie (Julie Mond), who runs her own farm with the help of her father-in-law, Dale (Bruce Boxleitner). Ellie is determined and hardworking as she attempts to make ends meet and provide for her children. However, when her father-in-law suddenly falls ill, she realizes that she needs to find someone to help her on the farm.

Enter Joseph (Wes Brown), a kind-hearted and handsome stranger who is passing through town looking for work. Ellie hires him to help out on the farm and the two slowly begin to develop feelings for each other. This budding romance is complicated by Ellie's own feelings of guilt and responsibility towards her deceased husband and her children. She is hesitant to move forward with Joseph and risk losing the memories of her husband.

Adding to Ellie's struggles is the arrival of her mother-in-law, Miss Millie (Cheryl Ladd), a busybody who wants to control the lives of Ellie and her grandchildren. Miss Millie disapproves of Joseph and tries to sabotage any chance Ellie has of finding love again.

As the film progresses, Joseph becomes more involved with the family and the community. He helps Ellie's son with his stutter, and also helps to bring the neighbors together to defend themselves against a group of cattle thieves. Ultimately, Joseph must prove himself to Ellie and her family before he can be accepted as a potential partner for Ellie.

Love's Everlasting Courage has all the hallmarks of a classic romance film - a strong and independent female lead, a charming and sensitive male lead, and a meddling mother-in-law. However, the film also touches on deeper themes such as grief, loss, and the difficulties of moving on. The struggles that Ellie faces in letting go of her past and opening herself up to a new love are relatable and authentic.

The film's setting and cinematography also add to its charm. The rugged landscapes of the American West are beautifully captured, and the film's attention to detail in depicting the daily life of a 19th-century farm is impressive. The film's score is also noteworthy, providing an emotive backdrop to the story.

The movie features excellent performances from its lead actors. Julie Mond is particularly convincing as Ellie, embodying the character's strength and vulnerability. Wes Brown brings a sincerity and warmth to his portrayal of Joseph, making him a likable and sympathetic character. Cheryl Ladd is excellent in her role as the overbearing mother-in-law, adding a touch of humor to the film's overall tone.

Overall, Love's Everlasting Courage is an enjoyable and heartwarming movie that is sure to appeal to fans of Western romances. While it can be predictable at times, the film's themes of love and loss are universal and resonate with audiences. The film is a fitting addition to the Love Comes Softly series and can be enjoyed as a standalone film as well.

Love's Everlasting Courage is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.