
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 Rosemary don't agree about how best to share unsettling news in the town regarding the coal mines, but that's put behind them when Rosemary hears even more shocking news.

With the mine reopening imminent, Gowen decides to take drastic measures to make sure it stays closed; Elizabeth and Lucas struggle to communicate with each other; Lucas gets out of town to clear his head.

Elizabeth worries about her relationship with Lucas; Bill helps Gowen through the fallout of the mine explosion; Rosemary and Lee receive some news.

Hope Valley faces an economic downturn together; Elizabeth and Bill learn that the children of Hope Valley have made a discovery that could change the future of the town.