
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.

Elizabeth and Jack receive upsetting news from their families in Hamilton that could tear them apart; Abigail tries to find forgiveness in her heart for Bill; Lee enlists Rosemary's help to fight Gowen and keep Hope Valley from falling apart.

Elizabeth and Jack try to put their differences aside to stop Julie and Tom before they make another mistake; Gowen targets Abigail's Café in his next underhanded scheme.

Elizabeth and Jack face a life-threatening experience together and finally discover the truth about what has been keeping them apart; all of Hope Valley witnesses a shocking arrest and an unexpected proposal.

Jack and Elizabeth get a fresh start; a surprise guest for Abigail; Rosemary and Lee have an adventure; an unwanted visitor from Pastor Hogan's past; new beginnings for the town make this a very special New Year's celebration.