Hallmark Summary: “When a best-selling author decides to escape the media frenzy, her plan goes awry when she’s caught in a thunderstorm and crashes her car. Found wandering with no memory and no ID, the town doctor (and a single dad) offers up his guest house until her memory returns. But as she blends seamlessly into their family life, she must decide if the life she’s been living is the life she wants. Stars Julie Gonzalo and Benjamin Ayres.”
My Reaction? An amnesia story that works. This trope can feel a bit predatory since falling in love with someone who has no clue who they are could skew towards creepy, but Hallmark deftly avoids this pitfall. There is no shortage of charming autumn motifs, either, with the idyllic small-town setting and the annual fall festival.
Julie Gonzalo is well cast in this movie. I first saw her in “Pumpkin Pie Wars” and like her easygoing accessibility on screen. She plays Anglea/Elizabeth with a consistent, graceful calm in spite of her unsettling scenario. Benjamine Ayres does a nice job as the well-meaning (if slightly awkward) doctor whose saving grace, really, is his two kids because they diffuse the potential skeeziness (and ethical gray spaces) of the plot. Nice touch with the wi-fi password, doc!
The subplot with the doctor’s daughter Emily (played by Lauren McNamara) writing the play for the fall festival is a nice addition. Everyone’s a critic, right? “Falling for Vermont” also scores high on the Agency for Hallmark Heroines Scale since Angela isn’t required to choose between her mega-successful career and her heart’s desires.
Added Bonus: Super cute kids and all the feels.
Festival, Wedding, or Ball? Festival
Teachable Moment: Didn’t notice one, but I’d love a glimpse into Angela/Elizabeth’s lightning-fast canoe restoration techniques.
My Verdict? LOVED IT! Pairs well with salty caramel brownies (nuts optional) and a cup of coffee (bourbon optional).
F. E. Greene 