At Home in Mitford

Cynthia Coppersmith, author of the famous 'Violet the Cat' children's books, leaves Boston for the small town of Mitford to stay in her late Uncle Frank's cottage. She is under a strict 45-day deadline to finish her next book, but she is emotionally blocked following her divorce. Upon arrival, she meets a large stray dog she names Barnabas, whose chaotic behavior leads to her first meeting with the local Episcopal priest, Father Tim Kavanaugh. Tim is the town's most eligible bachelor, though he is hesitant to date after a previous fiancée couldn't handle the demands of being a pastor's wife. Cynthia also meets Jack Emery, a realtor who wants to help her sell her uncle's house but suffers from severe allergies to Cynthia's cat, Violet. As Cynthia struggles to write, she begins restoring the historic paintings in Tim's church. This project brings her closer to Tim and the community. Meanwhile, Tim takes in Dooley, a young boy whose parents are deployed and whose grandfather, Russell, is hospitalized. Cynthia bonds with Dooley, helping him through his loneliness and even participating in his pranks, such as freezing Tim's cereal bowl. These experiences provide the spark Cynthia needs for her book; she begins writing a story about a magic cat helping a boy named Dooley and a 'kind priest.' Conflict arises when Jack Emery attempts to win Cynthia over by taking credit for a garden restoration that Tim actually performed in secret. Jack also pushes the sale of the cottage, finding a buyer who offers over the asking price. Cynthia initially agrees to the sale, believing she must return to her 'real life' in Boston. However, after a Labor Day picnic where she teaches Dooley to ride a horse and realizes the depth of her feelings for the community, she has a change of heart. Upon discovering that Tim was the one who truly restored her uncle's garden, Cynthia cancels the house sale. She confesses to Tim that she has finally found her voice and her home. The film ends with Cynthia and Tim beginning a relationship, with Cynthia deciding to stay in Mitford permanently.