Young teacher Elizabeth Thatcher who trades high society life for a classroom post in the prairie, determined to prove she is brave enough to live on her own. She learns through her aunt’s secret diary that she had been a pioneer woman herself, and uses it as a guide to embark on her own adventures.
Elizabeth is feeling caught between overprotective Jack and new miner Billy Hamilton. When Jack tells her he has proof Billy lied to her, Elizabeth has had enough. Abigail, sensing Jack’s feelings for Elizabeth go beyond his protective duties as Coal Valley’s Constable, suggests Jack try a gentler approach to reach her.
Abigail is encouraged to re-open Coal Valley’s dilapidated and abandoned cafe and make it her own after Elizabeth raves about Abigail’s baking. Meanwhile, Jack and Elizabeth are at odds after Elizabeth’s brief romance with a dishonest miner, which has left her pride hurt, and Jack accidentally insults her as he fumbles to confess his growing feelings.
Elizabeth and Abigail emotionally move out of the row house and into the rooms above Abigail’s cafe, starting a new chapter and leaving many memories behind. Elizabeth learns that she and her students must put on the Coal Valley Founders’ Day play. While rehearsals begin, Jack surprises Elizabeth with some special talents, and has an even bigger gesture in mind to help her more than she could have ever hoped.
A determined Jack properly asks Elizabeth for a dinner date, finally making his romantic intentions clear. Elizabeth is excited, and is in for another very special surprise—an unexpected visit from her younger sister, Julie. Elizabeth hesitates to make a fuss about her date with Jack, but can’t help but be swept away when he surprises her with a very romantic evening at the café, with a little help from Abigail.
Saying goodbye to Jack has left Elizabeth heartbroken, but she tries to stay strong in front of her class. Meanwhile, wanting to continue the investigation she started with Jack, Abigail tries to outwit Henry Gowen by stealing a file from his office that could hold the clues to the cause of the mine explosion.
Jack is hailed a hero after putting away the Tolliver outlaws, and has decided to come back to Coal Valley for good. But his return to town — and to Elizabeth — is unexpectedly complicated by the arrival of gorgeous big-city actress. Meanwhile, Jack has asked Mountie forensic investigator and friend Bill Avery to help Abigail make a case against Gowen and the Pacific Northwest Mining Company regarding the mine explosion.
Abigail is beginning to let go of her grief and look toward the future with forensic investigator Bill Avery. Meanwhile, a hurt and confused Jack confronts Elizabeth about her new job offer back home. Visiting Circuit Judge, Jedidiah Black a legendary man who is insolent, insufferable and incorruptible will finally bring justice to Coal Valley after the repercussions of the mine explosion, just as Elizabeth and Jack take an important step in their relationship. Alternate title: Final Adieu
Coal Valley’s trial gets underway in the town with a new Judge presiding over it. Elizabeth gets unsettling news from Hamilton regarding her family, and must return. Abigail’s case is presided over by an unlikely prosecutor. Elizabeth’s family meets, Jack. The trial’s verdict is rendered by the Judge, which effects the whole town. Elizabeth readjusts to family life in Hamilton. Abigail is reunited with a family member. Jack has to reevaluate his importance in Elizabeth’s life. A new man comes to town with a prospect that can change the townspeople’s entire future.
Rosemary makes herself useful at Abigail's Cafe. Jack and the townspeople work on building the new church to become the school. Elizabeth gets reacquainted with her old life away from Coal Valley. One of the widows gets proposed to and the wedding brings the townspeople closer together. Abigail receives troubling information about Bill Avery.
An intriguing peddler comes to Hope Valley selling the townspeople his wares and teaching them valuable lessons about joy and giving. And when the townspeople realize that the recently displaced settlers in the area will not have a proper Christmas, they come together to create a special holiday celebration — including a Nativity presentation from the schoolchildren — that will infuse everyone with the true spirit of Christmas.
Elizabeth’s fiancé, Jack, surprises her, coming on home on leave and bringing a young Mountie desperately searching for Christmas inspiration. The community of Hope Valley works together to aid this young man with the help of an enchanted Wishing Tree. And as mayor, Abigail is pretty busy. Recognizing that, her newly adopted son, Cody, engages classmates in creating the town’s annual Christmas Celebration. While Sheriff Bill Avery forges a relationship with the disgraced former mayor, Henry Gowen, Rosemary and Lee are reminded that family is the true meaning of Christmas.
Trying to stay on Elizabeth’s good side, Lucas sets up a library for the town. Abigail is reunited with an old flame. Allie tricks Harper, Robert and Opal into believing the town has a haunted house. Bill conducts his first trial as a judge. In part 2, Bill and Nathan apprehend an infamous outlaw, “Gentleman Johnny,” and Rosemary and Lee have an overdue talk.
Elizabeth prepares for Little Jack's first Christmas and birthday, missing Jack more than ever. Nathan receives a prestigious job offer in Union City but weighs the downside of leaving Elizabeth and taking his niece away from Hope Valley. Lucas holds a Christmas festival to bring some of his family's traditions to Hope Valley and to impress Elizabeth. A detour on his way to see Faith leads Carson to a stranger in need of his help. Meanwhile, Rosemary and Lee search for the perfect gift for Little Jack, while Bill turns Hope Valley upside looking for a special gift that he misplaced.
Elizabeth has finished her manuscript and tries to come to terms with how she feels about Nathan and Lucas. An unwelcome visitor stirs up trouble for Nathan and Allie. A homesick Rosemary and Lee cut their South American trip short. Faith returns from medical school. Clara and Jesse haven’t been getting along. Fiona starts a new business venture.