Watching romance movies is a favorite past time for many. It can even be a mood enhancer. Movies watchers delve into the lives of these characters, if only for a few hours, letting the rest of the world melt around them. Sweet home Alabama is one such movie that captures my attention.

Melanie Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) is a rising star fashion designer. When she gets engaged to Andrew (Patrick Dempsey), the mayor’s son, she realizes she has to go home to Alabama to get a divorce. However, her announcement to Andrew is a little different. She informs him that she has to go home to tell her parents the news. While in Alabama, she demands a divorce from Jake, her soon to be ex-husband, but he refuses to sign the papers. In fact, he orders her to get out of his house. When she refuses to leave, he calls the sheriff who arrests her when he finds out she drove a tractor into his pond. She calls her parents to bail her out, by this time they were unaware that she was in town. After her father picks her up from jail, she announces her engagement. Her mother is happy that she was able to leave and improve her lifestyle.

Since Jake is unwilling to sign the papers, Melanie finds out that they still have a joint checking account and she empties it. When she informs Jake of her deed, he said he would divorce her but not without finding someone to date as well. He knew she had someone else so he felt he should do the same. She followed him to the local bar, got drunk, and made a fool of herself. She criticizes the people there, some who she considers friends. When she wakes up the next morning, she finds the divorce papers lying on her bed.

Soon after, Melanie begins to make amends with the friends she has offended. As the story continues, it is revealed that her real name is Melanie Smooter. She tells Andrew about her life when pays her a visit in Alabama. They decide to have a wedding there. Andrew’s mom comes to town and the wedding planning begins. Meanwhile, She’s learning a lot about herself and life along the way. One thing she learns is that her life in Alabama isn’t as bad as she remembers. It was her home. She also discovers that she still loves Jake, which complicates things because now she must make the choice to be with her fiancée or the man her heart never released.

I find that Melanie has a lot of growing to do. She doesn't fully value relationships. However, I slightly blame her mom because she is so obsessed with her having a "better life," to the extent that Melanie moves to another state, leaving the people that she loves behind -- never looking back. Jake is smart yet stubborn. He is a character that is full of surprises. It is interesting to watch him bob and weave his way around Melanie, his first love.

This is story that has me wanting to watch it whenever it is on the tube. If you enjoy movies about long lost loves, and growing journey, I recommend this movie.

I was not compensated for this review. I viewed this movie at home.