La Sierra University alumnus Donald Davenport wrote the book "Christmas in Canaan" with one country star and wrote the screenplay for a movie version that stars another.
"Christmas in Canaan" debuts Dec. 12 on the Hallmark Channel.
Davenport was approached by Kenny Rogers to collaborate on the book, according to a Hallmark Channel press release. It was published in 2002.
Billy Ray Cyrus stars in the film as a Texas widower who helps his oldest child form a lasting bond with a classmate.The story begins in the early '60s and follows its characters through the mid '70s.
Jaishon Fisher, left, and Zak Ludwig play the boys.
An earlier project by Davenport, "Expecting a Miracle," premiered on the Hallmark Channel on Jan 10 and was the No. 1 cable program of the night, according to Hallmark. It was watched by more than 3 million viewers.
Fielding Buck, fbuck@PE.com
