John Corbett and Ashley Williams in "Montana Sky"
courtesy of Lifetime
"Nora Roberts' Montana Sky" (Lifetime)

The Lifetime Channel is presenting a series of original movies based on novels by Nora Roberts. The first presentation was "Angels Fall." The next one is "Montana Sky." This movie stars Ashley Williams, Charlotte Ross and John Corbett. It is another romantic mystery and this one is dead on target. "Angels Fall" was an okay film, but this new presentation is a perfect fit for Roberts' story and the cast.

Willams plays Willa Mercy, one of three daughters belonging to Jack Mercy. Each daughter has a different mother and the three women do not know each other. Then Jack Mercy dies and the women meet at his funeral. They are not very civil to each other and the two new sisters, Lily (Lauren Mennel) and Tess (Ross) plan to leave as soon as the funeral is over.

However after the funeral Jack Mercy's will is read and it requires the three women to live on Mercy Ranch for one year. If they do not live by the terms then the ranch in its entirety will go to a Native American institution. The ranch is worth many millions so the women agree to stay. 

Willa has been the one working at the ranch so she resents the other two women being there. Tess is from Hollywood and longs for the day she can return to the sun and California way of life. Lily feels she has found a refuge. She has been running from an abusive ex-husband so the ranch is perfect for her.

Shortly after the women agree to live together certain animals turn up dead on the ranch, and later there is a human who is murdered. Suspicion runs rampant and no one is home free. Willa thinks she trusts her neighbor Ben (Corbett) but she has a few lingering doubts.

Nora Roberts' artfully crafted plot is followed in the movie and all the pieces fall into place just as they did in her novel. It all makes for an enjoyable entertainment experience. The story serves the characters and the characters serve the story. Even better, the actors are all perfect for their roles.

Williams is ideal as the spunky Willa. She gives her a down home attractiveness and a wholesome attitude. Opposite her Corbett is suitably rugged and totally masculine. The chemistry between these two actors is great.

The best performance in the movie however is given by Ross. She has Tess down to perfection. She looks the part and she acts the part perfectly. It helps too that the way the story is written Tess gets to steal every scene she is in. She is sexy, stunning and at heart a good old gal. Ross gets every facet right.

If you are in the mood for a romantic mystery you can't go wrong with "Nora Roberts' Montana Sky." Let's hope the next two "novels" in the series are just as good.

"Nora Roberts' Montana Sky" premieres on Lifetime, February 5 at 9PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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