
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 new Mountie arrives earlier than expected; Bill and Nathan jump right to work when Lee's payroll is stolen; at the school, friends turn against each other when a mock debate goes awry; Carson and Faith try to keep their romance a secret.

Elizabeth confronts Nathan about his parenting style; Bill is offered a judgeship, but is unsure if he wants to take it; Rosemary hosts a girls-only night; Faith and Carson's romance blooms; Jesse finds surface oil, but can't afford to drill.

Gowen strikes oil, which splits Hope Valley into the haves and have-nots; Bill must settle a dispute among landowners; Nathan urges Bill to re-examine the judgeship offer; Rosemary must come clean to Lee about a deep, emotional anxiety she feels.

Trying to stay on Elizabeth's good side, Lucas sets up a library for the town; Allie tricks Harper, Robert and Opal into believing the town has a haunted house; Bill conducts his first trial as a judge in Hope Valley when Jesse sues Gowen.