The story is amazing. I loved the book. The history and charecters are absolutely fascinating. I've seen this movie many times, and always enjoy it. That being said, Hallmark was a terrible choice for this. They downplayed all the good parts and in Hallmark tradition, made a sappy soap opera. HBO could have knocked it out of the park. I hope one day someone will make a movie of one of windell's other books, HILL COUNTRY.