Katie (Kellie Martin) is a demure accountant who once dreamed of other life pursuits. This would be becoming a writer. But, alas, this single lady took care of a sick mother many years and didn't make time for anything but job and home. Now, her mother has passed away and Katie has a secret crush on a widower at her church. Meanwhile, most of the town folks in their seaside village grab the newspaper every day to read the local advice column called Dear Viola. As one of Katie's bookkeeping clients is the newspaper publishing firm, she is often at the office. One day it is clear that the talented lady who has penned this lovelorn piece for years is retiring. Here's Katie's chance, perhaps! She secretly authors a sample of her own take on Dear Viola and the editor gives her the job! But, one of the first letters she receives at the paper is obviously from the widower she admires. This man, Russ (Jefferson Brown) loves his young daughter, Meredith, but is wondering how to move forward with his little gal in mind. Katie offers terrific advice, especially on opening up his heart again. Yet, wouldn't you know it, a new blonde comes to town and captures Russ' attention before Katie has a chance to get close to him. Even though its obvious that this woman is not a good match, what will Katie do now? This lovely film has many familiar elements and themes. One is the "mousy" lady in glasses and conservative clothing who is invisible to the man she admires until she changes her appearance. It's tried but still true. Then, too, the secret identity of an advice writer is always fun. Other items to enjoy in this little flick are the cast, which is fine, the coastal setting, the ethnically integrated community, the sweet script and the surefooted direction. Are you longing for a romcom night with tea and cookies? Dear fan, this is a nice choice for your evening's pursuit.
11 Reviews
Fairly charming
phd_travel7 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The message of this story has been done before but this movie still is watchable. Will a single father choose the pretty but superficial woman or the plainer woman who actually is nice and caring to this daughter? Of course you can guess what the outcome will be.
The lead actress Kellie Martin who writes an advice column is unknown to them advising the man she cares for (Jefferson Brown). The only thing wrong with the premise is that it assumes a single dad who isn't that good looking would be such a catch.
This is one of those Hallmark movies that doesn't have a very beautiful cute cast but is actually quite well written and directed.
Worth one watch.
The lead actress Kellie Martin who writes an advice column is unknown to them advising the man she cares for (Jefferson Brown). The only thing wrong with the premise is that it assumes a single dad who isn't that good looking would be such a catch.
This is one of those Hallmark movies that doesn't have a very beautiful cute cast but is actually quite well written and directed.
Worth one watch.
Kellie Martin old before her time.
rebekahrox5 February 2021
Not too bad for a Hallmark, though apparently it wasn't that. Kellie was 39 when this was filmed but defying the odds for Hollywood, but she looked 49. I have noticed this before with Kellie. WTH? Can we please get some good lighting or a competant make up person for this poor woman?
Are you wearing socks? They won't be knocked off!
vincentlynch-moonoi1 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This does remind me a lot of a Hallmark movie...which is not a bad thing. I had watched several 'more serious' movies streaming and wanted something light before going to bed. This was quite light...but pleasant. Just pleasant.
I wasn't familiar with any of the actors here. Kellie Martin was 'good'. I wasn't thrilled with Jefferson Brown...although he did his job. Jackie Richardson played an interesting part. And Arnold Pinnock was pleasant. Yup...pleasant...what this film is. The best actor in the film -- probably the child actor Kira Gelineau.
And the plot pleasantly plods along. Widower with daughter is pushed into the arms of a beautiful, but opportunistic young woman, whom he falls for, but his daughter does not. Meanwhile a best-friend type woman -- who writes a newspaper advice column -- falls for him, too. Yup...quite predictable...but pleasant.
Other than being pleasantly bland, there's not much to complain about here, although there were far too many camera shots of the lighthouse.
But if you just want to relax over a run-of-the-mill rom-com...well, there's actually not much comedy here...so I guess it's a ron-drama-light...this is just fine. Would I watch it a second time? Nope. Once was fine.
I wasn't familiar with any of the actors here. Kellie Martin was 'good'. I wasn't thrilled with Jefferson Brown...although he did his job. Jackie Richardson played an interesting part. And Arnold Pinnock was pleasant. Yup...pleasant...what this film is. The best actor in the film -- probably the child actor Kira Gelineau.
And the plot pleasantly plods along. Widower with daughter is pushed into the arms of a beautiful, but opportunistic young woman, whom he falls for, but his daughter does not. Meanwhile a best-friend type woman -- who writes a newspaper advice column -- falls for him, too. Yup...quite predictable...but pleasant.
Other than being pleasantly bland, there's not much to complain about here, although there were far too many camera shots of the lighthouse.
But if you just want to relax over a run-of-the-mill rom-com...well, there's actually not much comedy here...so I guess it's a ron-drama-light...this is just fine. Would I watch it a second time? Nope. Once was fine.
Okay story, corny acting
repete524 March 2022
Cheesy, but I liked it
jenniferk164 April 2022
loved it
jewelch16 March 2021
"Dear Viola" is much better than the typical movie of this genre and production. Immensely enjoyable. All the characters were very good, with solid acting. The story was very heartfelt, endearing, moving, and funny. Kellie Martin was "perfect." She is a terrific and under-rated actress and should be in more movies. loved it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 3/16/2021
Perfect film
sjanders-864302 January 2021
This is a great film. All levels are tops. Kellie Martin plays a Dear Viola columnist for the newspaper for which she is the accountant. A letter comes in, and he needs advice on moving on after his wife has died. Kellie keeps the town interested with her good advice to him. She knows him and his eight year old daughter, Kira Gelineau, from church. I love the church singing. Jefferson Brown is the dad and does start dating a beauty, but the daughter and she don't hit it off. The daughter runs away, and Kellie and he find her. The ending is so perfect. I love this simple, well told story where everything works, and there is a joy in the actors' acting. I feel they all love the story.
Classic Feel Good
jaimedannie24 March 2021
I have liked Kellie Martin since I saw her as Christy. This is a cute film that address some tough issues in a Hallmark style. Her outfits are adorable. I gave it and 8 because the character "Jamie" was a little over the top and kitchy.
I love this film
Dodibird16 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dear Viola is such a sweet film. An all around great wholesome feel good movie, safe for the whole family film. The ONLY thing I wish is that they would have played up the makeover better. I would have loved for it to been more of a focus with maybe even a glance or a reaction. It seemed a bit strange to bypass it so quickly. I still loved the movie anyway.
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