"Love's Long Journey" is the best of the various films I've seen from the Janette Oke series of novels. I agree with another reviewer that Erin Cottrell plays a very good Missy. Logan Bartholomew develops more as Willie LaHaye in this film, from his quiet, withdrawn character in "Love's Enduring Promise."
While the faith of this young couple is strong throughout, we see them pick their place to finally settle and build a home two years after they struck out. I wondered about that in the film – it seems like quite a long time. Most of the settlers from the early wagon trains just decided at different points that a place looked good to them and that's where they would put up stakes. That is, those who weren't otherwise forced to stop wherever their money, food and supplies ran out.
But, we understand that they had stopped in Denver for at least a year, during which they worked and set aside money to be able to start a ranch with a small herd. Again, the cinematography and technical qualities of this TV film are very good. And the expanded cast adds a great deal to the story, the action and the interest.
I particularly enjoyed the addition of characters – the bad guys as well as the four hands that Willie hires, and Miriam and the other neighbors Missie meets and befriends. This film keeps moving, with enough character development and action to hold a viewer's attention. It makes it the most enjoyable of the series as well.
A very good family movie, with a look at life in the pioneer settlement of the West. And, with people for whom strong faith was a constant companion. Their love and their faith supported them through many trials and hardships.
