
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 comes up with a plan to keep the widows from moving out of town; they receive an eviction notice from the Coal Company to make way for new miner recruits.

Elizabeth assists a mute student who is having a difficult time coping with the death of her father; Jack looks into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the burning of Coal Valley's only church.

After finding the cans of whale oil, Jack investigates Cat Montgomery for her possible involvement in the church arson case; the evidence points to Cat and Gabe becomes upset by the idea of his mother being imprisoned for something she didn't do.

Abigail takes in Carla Noonan, a pregnant widow, to keep an eye on her health while Coal Valley's doctor is away; the new coal miners arrive; Elizabeth is immediately charmed by young miner Billy Hamilton.