This Western drama, set in Sikeston, Missouri, centers on a young woman (Sarah Jones) who arrives by stagecoach to become the town’s doctor. As she investigates an illness affecting the community, particularly the children at the orphanage, she forms a bond with a local blacksmith (Jordan Bridges). The cast includes Haylie Duff as her colleague, Cloris Leachman managing the orphanage, Patrick Duffy in the role of the mayor, and Lou Diamond Phillips portraying a somber resident. Phillips also serves as director. “Love Takes Wing” (2009), made for $2 million, initially aired on television (Hallmark) and offers something worthwhile to those who appreciate Westerns that move away from typical action sequences. While there are some familiar or sentimental moments, the film is generally well-executed and maintains viewer engagement. I was especially intrigued by the inclusion of intravenous therapy—it prompted me to research its history. Having spent time in a hospital years ago receiving IV treatments, I now have a better understanding of their purpose. Diseases like Cholera cause death through dehydration, and intravenous therapy effectively addressed this issue, though it’s easy to overlook today's advancements. This detail significantly enhanced my appreciation for the film. The scenery doesn’t accurately reflect Missouri; Southern California looks quite different, but that isn’t a major concern since the story is largely confined to the town itself. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere evokes the Southwest, which feels out of place given the setting of the “Show Me State.” This installment is part of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly book series, marking its seventh adaptation for film. It’s followed by “Love Finds a Home,” released later in the same year, as well as two prequel films from 2011. Prior viewing of other installments isn’t necessary to enjoy this one; it stands alone and is the only movie I've experienced from the series. Notably, the events depicted are not found within the original novel. The film has a running time of 1 hour, 28 minutes and was filmed at Melody Movie Ranch in Newhall, California—located about 40 minutes northwest of Los Angeles in the high country. GRADE: B

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