Touching Tale

Posted By:
Richard Bowler

This film was a pleasant surprise, well received by both my congregation and my family. The "saving" of the main character is nicely brought about, as her many barriers are melted away by love and faithful prayers set in motion years before. Recommended.

Congregational Libraries, May/June 2008

Sarah Cain is a popular big-city columnist who has hit a dry spell. When she is notified that her sister who joined an Amish community has died suddenly, the adventure begins. Sarah's sister left five young children, and with no father in the picture and no will that can be located, Sarah is designated by the state as their legal guardian. Her only logical course seems to be to move her new family from their plain life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to her upscale apartment in Portland, Oregon. While the children struggle to adjust to a new way of life, including fast food and colorful clothing and strange social customs, Sarah is able to break out of her writer's block as her column about the kids becomes popular. But such success comes with a price. What will happen to Sarah's' relationship with Bryan Ford, the young man who cares deeply for her? How will the kids react if they discover their aunt is writing about them? How will the ways of "Englishers" influence the children, and will they be able to survive in either world? Producer and director Michael Landon, Jr., the son of Michael Landon of Little House on the Prairie fame, has stayed true to Beverly Lewis' 2000 novel The Redemption of Sarah Cain (Bethany House). With such outstanding actors as Lisa Pepper and Elliott Gould and solid performances by the five children, this romantic adventure will charm viewers. - Mary Lou Henneman

Church Libraries - Summer 2010

Is it possible for a hardhearted man, sentenced to 60 years in prison for aiding in murder, to experience a change of heart while incarcerated? Matt Kern found himself in this position at 16. After 13 months in solitary confinement with a Bible, however, he became a living testimony that change, no matter how extraordinary, is possible through Christ. Through interviews and reenacted flashbacks, Matt's transformation is recounted. The Movie is intriguing, powerful, and well told from several angles. Due to retelling of brief violent and sexual material, parental guidance is suggested.