I really liked this one for some reason. Maybe it was the perfectly lovely actress that played the lead. Maybe it was her character's sweetness and shyness. Maybe it was the old-fashioned atmosphere and the historical village setting. It almost had a YA vibe. I know for sure that Jake Epstein, who played the love interest is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, had a lot to do with it. So far, what ever he is in, I'll give it a try.
Diana is a very successful romance novelist who has a crush on the guy who is the male model for her book covers but she really does not want to make a move. I think it's mostly because she is shy and old fashioned. If you immerse yourself in historical romance, it makes sense that you would tend to take on the attitudes of that time. She is basically being bullied by her editor to date him, which really annoyed me. The male model is clearly wrong for her because though he's nice, he is not very smart, he's shallow, is more interested in physical activities rather than more thoughtful pursuits. All he's got is good looks and a good bod.
She decides to go to her hometown, which is a historical village like a very poverty-stricken man's Williamsburg Virginia. Maple Creek is struggling and will soon have to be shut down unless they can up the attendance and make more money. There she meets a history professor (check) who is doubling as the town black smith (check, check) and is tall and good looking in a down-to-earth way (check, check check) I think we have our winner. He does not approve of the way she approaches history in her novels although he respects that she is a good writer. He teases her and is nice to her and soon she has come out of her shell and they have become friends with a lot in common.
Of course, the male model shows up at the village, attracted more by the fact that she is not chasing him than by genuine affection and attraction to her, and the inevitable misunderstanding occurs with Carter. Seeing the two suitors together, she definitely knows which one is for her and all proceeds to the happy ending for the couple and the village.
Jeni Ross is a perfectly lovely young actress and her chemistry with Jake Epstein was great. The only criticism I have is that she says her lines way too fast. The Gilmore Girls was canceled! Slow Down!
