When Hope Calls

When Hope Calls is a heartwarming, early 20th-century period drama series exclusively on Hallmark Movies Now that premiered in 2019. This feel-good family series spins off from the hugely popular and critically acclaimed series "When Calls the Heart," optimizing the same wholesome and uplifting values that have made Hallmark a household name.

The series revolves around two sisters, Grace and Lillian, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon and Morgan Kohan respectively. After spending several years apart following a challenging childhood in an orphanage, the two sisters reunite as adults in the small frontier town of Brookfield. They come together to open a new orphanage, hoping to give the kind of love, care, and second chance they'd desperately craved as children. They navigate the societal norms of the 1916 setting, gradually forming deep connections with the townsfolk and becoming pillars of the community.

Grace and Lillian represent the modern, progressive woman of the early 1900s: independent, resilient, compassionate, and unafraid of grappling with the challenges that come their way. Despite facing many setbacks, their unwavering commitment to their mission serves as the bedrock of the storyline.

The plot of When Hope Calls is deeply entrenched in themes of family, community, faith, and love. Each episode presents a variety of different challenges, from difficult decisions and ethical dilemmas to personal trials and varying social issues that were present during the time period. The characters grapple with these hurdles while trusting their faith, displaying courage, and exhibiting perseverance, thereby maintaining the show's optimistic tone.

Moreover, the show delves into the romantic lives of the two main characters. Grace’s potential love interest, Chuck, played by Greg Hovanessian, is a local Mountie who is as charming as he is brave. Similarly, Lillian becomes close to Gabriel, another Mountie who has recently arrived in town, played by Ryan-James Hatanaka. The blossoming romances add an engaging dimension to the storyline, and the depiction of their relationships shows the importance of honesty, respect, and emotional connection in partnerships.

Besides the sisters and their suitors, the series also features an array of other compelling characters each with distinct personality traits and unique stories. The interactions between these characters paint a vivid picture of life in a tight-knit community, where everyone is supportive yet not without their complicated dynamics and small-town politics.

The setting and the atmosphere heavily contribute to the allure of When Hope Calls. Since it takes place in a small frontier town, there exist a sense of simplicity and tranquility that beautifully contrasts with the complications in the lives of the characters. The picturesque landscapes, serene pastures, and quaint architecture of Brookfield create a visually appealing and immersive backdrop for viewers.

When Hope Calls showcases and celebrates the pioneer spirit. The series explores the resilience and optimism needed to build a life in an unpredictable frontier town, through complex characters that grow and change in response to their experiences. While intellectually engaging, it also provides feel-good, wholesome television designed to elevate moral values and instill hope.

Part of the charm of When Hope Calls is the period accuracy, which is evident in the costuming, dialogue, and societal norms. This fidelity to the era fuels the realism of the plot and makes for an appealing watch for history enthusiasts.

When Hope Calls is a perfect watch for those who enjoy a heartening amalgamation of faith, love, community, and perseverance, underscored by a touch of nostalgia. Its feel-good tone, engaging storylines, endearing characters, and the element of period accuracy make it a truly captivating show from Hallmark Movies Now.

The series will make you appreciate the simple joys of life, and the lasting impact of kindness and community. As with its predecessor 'When Calls the Heart,' When Hope Calls is laden with valuable lessons and encouraging messages that will surely touch your heart, leaving you with a sense of warmth and an undying hope for better times.