
Elizabeth Thatcher is a young teacher accustomed to high society, so she experiences culture shock when she gets her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley. Life in the small mining town is filled with challenges. A recent explosion has killed more than a dozen of the town's miners, compelling the widows of those men to work in the mines to earn money. Constable Jack Thornton, also a newcomer, is not as welcoming, because he believes Thatcher's wealthy father doomed his career by assigning him to Coal Valley so he could protect Elizabeth. Over time, though, Elizabeth and Jack become closer and begin a relationship. Janette Oke's books about the Canadian West inspired the series.
A wedding in Hope Valley leads every couple to evaluate their relationships; Rosemary discovers there is more happening in Hope Valley than everyone realizes, and she decides to get to the bottom of it.
Landis, the school inspector, arrives in town and causes trouble for Elizabeth; Rosemary finds her calling; a search is called when one of Hope Valley's residents is lost; Carson and Faith's relationship is put to the test.
Elizabeth finally realizes who she is supposed to be with; big changes are coming to Hope Valley; the town rallies together to say goodbye and good luck to one of its own.
Change is in the air for Hope Valley, with the foundry to be built and an upcoming mayoral election; Elizabeth arrives home from a trip to Hamilton; a potential investor arrives in town to discuss the oil business with Luca.