Design88

Not sure if my age and a fondness for Hallmark movies has anything to do with my enjoyment factor of this series, but I binge watched it and, apart from the acting and character of Jackie, really enjoyed it.

I've always loved the Mom since her excellent role in Suits. I've felt sorry for her acting ability and "star" quality being completely overlooked by H&M's PR & Netflix trying to pretend dreadful "5th on the call sheet" weak actress, Meghan Markle, was the "star" of the series.

She shines in this as the compassionate, busy Mother who prides herself on being good Mother but realizes, after a while, that she and her husband are actually neglecting their kids by not keeping up with what's going on with them all. They have their own problems that they are focusing on too much. Especially the father.

Aside from casting a dreadful actress as Jackie and the character's obnoxious, bratty behavior getting worse and worse as the series wore on, I couldn't get passed the fact their refrigerator was far too small for the family of that size!! Where were their additional ice chests or entire addition fridges? It must have been like Dr Who's Tardis with a never ending space inside to house all the food required to feed them all.

Having said all this, I thoroughly enjoyed the series. I could identify with a 15yr old girl from an all girl's private school suddenly being surrounded by a bunch of cute guys and I would have definitely had a crush on both Alex and Cole. Perhaps this is because it was back in the 60s and 70s. But the show had a period feel about it and I'd be curious when the book was written.

I felt that I was watching a modern version of THE WALTONS .. and enjoyed that.

I did find the ending ridiculously and unsatisfactorily abrupt. Again, I wonder if the book ended that way but even if so, the director and editor could have fleshed it out more. It didn't work for me. Just having the camera linger on her expression (not that she ever had any) and the reaction back at the ranch would have made a whole difference. Talk about rushed and abrupt.. it would have been annoying even had there been a following episode to watch right away. That's not a cliff hanger ... that's just rude.

I recognize some issues having read these reviews after watching the series but I still really enjoyed it and may even watch a second season if there is one. Although I doubt it since it's based on a book.

I am Scottish and enjoy Hallmark TV movies so I had high hopes for this one but was sorely disappointed. The title was strange and didn't invoke a sense of romance in spite of it referring to the scheming Mums. The story was simplistic and very bland. The casting was poor. I felt there was no chemistry between the leads. Even the cute young son was rather amateurish. The two mothers definitely saved the day.

The saving grace was the location and I'm sure foreigners enjoyed the Scottish accents and cultural traditions they may never have been exposed to before.

I usually enjoy the lead actress in every movie I've seen but I got the feeling she was uncomfortable on this set and either wasn't enjoying her character or the script.

It was poorly directed and edited although well shot. It seemed extremely choppy to me and i couldn't get "into it" for all these reasons.

I realize this is a very person critique but valid non the less.