BROKAW: ‘Crossroad Springs’ is a family drama filled with emotions

Courtesy Great American Media
Crossroad SpringsThe new series from Great American Media, “Crossroad Springs”, focuses on the Hamilton family and their personal struggles as well as their uneasy situation with the family ranch. Jonathan Stoddard, Emily Alatalo, Shaun Johnston, and Kate Drummond star in this heartfelt drama.
James Hamilton (Stoddard) left the family ranch to become a pastor in Chicago. When he learns the ranch is in trouble and his father is not in the best health, he takes a leave of absence from the church to return home to see if he can help the situation and his family.
James’ sister Janet (Alatalo) is a doctor in town who juggles her medical practice with helping her Aunt Amy (Drummond) run the family ranch. It’s not easy with her father Willis (Johnston) being a grouchy and stubborn man. Willis also holds a grudge against his son for leaving the family business, although James knows his true calling is with the church.
[Text Wrapping Break]When James starts getting his boots dirty, his old feelings about growing up on the ranch return, yet he is conflicted because he also wants to return to his church. His guilt about this weighs on his mind.
The neighboring ranch is run by Daniel Newman (Jesse Hutch) since his father passed away. The Nemans and the Hamiltons have had a long-running feud. They are sworn enemies and do whatever they can to make each other’s lives more difficult.
Adding to the cast is Maggie (Brittany Underwood), James’ high school sweetheart who still have feelings for each other. She now has a cafe in town which turns out to be the hub of most interpersonal meetings as well as serving up some coffee, sandwiches, and her famous lemonade.
Lewis and Tina (Jon McLaren and Erin Agostino) are expecting their first baby and he is in desperate need of a job. James hires him as a ranch hand, which the ranch desperately needs.
James finds a solution to his confusion about staying to help his family or returning to his church. He forms a Cowboy Church which blends his faith and family, and gives the locals a place to worship so they don’t have to travel miles to the next town.
This series beautifully blends faith, family, and ranch life together in a compelling way. While both offsprings chose a different vocation, ranching is still part of their lives and souls.
If he looks familiar, fans will recognize Stoddard from his many TV movie roles, including as Chance Owens in “A Country Music Christmas”, William in “A Royal Christmas Ballet”, Jude in “Valentine’s Town”, and many more. He is a staple in wholesome films that have wide appeal.
Johnston is probably best known for his role of Jack Bartlett in the hit series “Heartland.” And Alatalo has also starred in many TV films and is among the stable of reliable and relatable actors for holiday and heartfelt movies.
“Crossroad Springs” is an enjoyable series filled with faith, love, and family. It is available on Great American Pure Flix Great American Family.