When Calls the Heart: Family Friendly Television on the Hallmark Channel

When Calls the Heart is a television series based on an historical fiction series by Janette Oke. Having read this book series long ago, I was excited to be able to watch the premier of season two of this series which will air on the Hallmark channel on April 25th.

Keep reading to learn more about the series, read my review, and have an opportunity to win DVDs of the entire first season of When Calls the Heart (a $60 value! provided by Word Films).

It's rare to find quality television shows that are clean and are appropriate for the whole family. So I'm always glad to find shows that I can recommend. When Calls the Heart is a series with an historical fiction setting, plenty of romantic drama, and good family-friendly messages.

About the series:

The series is inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series about the Canadian West. “When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal mining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion. The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a turn of the century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

I haven't seen season one of the show as we do not get the Hallmark channel. I was an avid reader of Janette Oke's Canadian West series when I was in high school and beyond. I had the opportunity to watch the season premier of season two of the series- which will premier on the Hallmark channel this weekend.

In the season premier the story picks up with a trial involving the coal mine explosion. There are compelling characters, stirring romances and drama filled moments. I enjoyed the characters- especially Elizabeth, the school teacher with a privileged background.

It is nice to have a romantic drama that is clean enough to be family-friendly. Without inappropriate scenes or crude remarks, I can feel safe in letting any of the family watch. The characters also clearly have a value system and usually choose to make good decisions. Unlike some television, it's clear who the "good guys" and the "bad guys" are. And men aren't mocked and shown as incompetent like much of today's television.

There is quite a focus on romantic relationships throughout the show. Because of this, the show probably appeals more to women. I can't really see my husband or teen son enjoying the show. There is a little bit of action and a few suspenseful moments, but it probably wouldn't hold their interest.

All in all, I think the When Calls the Heart series makes for a clean, appropriate contrast to much of what it is on television today. It's safe for the family, and would make a great show for a mother and daughter to watch together (with some good discussion about relationships).

You can win the entire first season of When Calls the Heart on DVD (a $60 value!). This giveaway is provided by Word Films. Enter below using the Giveaway Tools, and you can watch the first season to catch up with the story as you watch the premier of season two this weekend.

Connect with When Calls the Heart on Twitter and Facebook and join the Hearties Facebook group here.