Loveuary has come to a close with ‘Romance at Hope Ranch.’ This movie stars Alison Sweeney as the new ranch owner, Hope Morgan. Sweeney’s real-life daughter, Megan Sanov, stars as Hope’s daughter, Maggie. Gabriel Hogan plays Hope’s ex turned neighbor, Jack.
This is the story of a single mom becoming an empty nester and deciding to completely change her life. So what does one do at these crossroads? She sets out to begin a new chapter of her life, fulfilling her childhood dream of running a ranch in the picturesque town of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and reviving the beloved Giddy Up Gala.
Trying to acclimate herself to Ruidoso and her ranch, Hope leans on her new neighbor, Tom, who is a cowboy through and through. Jack, in a bid to win back Hope, tries to reinvent himself as a cowboy. He buys the supply store in town. Jack is the brother of Hope’s best friend, Lori.
Hope is struggling with getting the ranch up to code and prepared for guests to stay at her ranch, and to get the Giddy Up Gala ready. She has a horse named Ranger that likes to keep getting out of the gate, and a rogue hen that is always where she shouldn’t be. One thing that Hope is not good at is asking for help. She gets way in over her head trying to do everything herself. We see that Maggie is also struggling at college. She is trying to do a lot by herself without asking for help. Like mother, like daughter.
Jack is trying to win Hope back throughout the movie. They had been a couple but never married over a decade ago. He left her in Denver for life in New York. He moved to Ruidoso because he realised he was wrong and wanted a life with her. Finally, he breaks down her guard, and they get together, and Hope learns to ask for help. Just like Maggie does a school. The whole town rallies around Hope, and the Gala is a success.
This movie was always going to be a hard one for me. I’m not into Country music or Cowboy/Cowgirl culture. That said, it was very enjoyable. Alison Sweeney is always a good time. But if I’m going to watch her run a resort-type establishment and welcome guests, I’m going for her Countdown to Christmas movie, ‘Christmas at Holly Lodge.’ I love that movie and watch it a couple of times a year.
Highpoints for me are one Alison Sweeney, as I said, is fantastic. Gabriel Hogan was charming. I loved the nod to their times in the Hannah Swensen movies. There is a picture on the wall from one of the movies. Houdini the hen stole every scene she was in. And the brightest star was Megan Sanov. Her first scene seemed a little bit stiff, but she eased into the role and just shined. I know from an interview that this isn’t something she will pursue, but she was a joy to watch. I’d welcome her back to any movie again.
All in all, this was a 3 out of 5 popcorn buckets for me. I’d watch it again if it were on. Loveuary was a great month for movies. 2026 so far has been pretty good for the new movies. Looking forward to Hallmark Channel’s March, starting with another Alison Sweeney movie, Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, next week.
