
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.
Hope Valley elects a new mayor; Lucas and Elizabeth try to find the little moments in their relationship; Elizabeth offers to help Nathan with his horse after the hit-and-run, but it's newcomer Mei, who connects with Newton.
Elizabeth's book is finally published, and it is the talk of the town; Lucas plans a surprise party to celebrate the event, but some bad book reviews have Elizabeth in a less social mood.
Elizabeth sees a new side of Lucas when a flu bug leaves her without a babysitter, and he volunteers to watch Little Jack.
School Inspector Augustus Landis is back in town and starts questioning Elizabeth's new accreditation to teach Angela; Lucas and Nathan decide to have a race.