Plot Synopsis

Elizabeth Thatcher, a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, receives her first classroom post in a 19th-century coal town, which is led by two strong coal-miner widows, Abigail Stanton and Frances Tunnecliffe. Far from the comfort of home and her tight-knit family, Elizabeth learns the ways of the frontier to prove she can handle the job. When she discovers her late Aunt Elizabeth's secret diary, Elizabeth learns she was a pioneer woman herself, a teacher in the frontier who struggled with prairie life and fell in love with a Royal Canadian Mountie, Wynn Delaney. Inspired by her aunt's hopeful words and unfaltering determination, Elizabeth embarks on her own adventures, using the diary as her guide and family friend Edward Montclair, another Mountie, as her support. On Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 9pm ET/PT, Hallmark Channel presented the world premiere of the two-hour pilot of WHEN CALLS THE HEART, immediately following an all-day marathon (11am-9pm ET/PT) of LOVE COMES SOFTLY TV movies, also based on novels by Janette Oke. Nearly three months after its two-hour backdoor pilot first aired, WHEN CALLS THE HEART premiered as a weekly series on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 8pm ET/PT on Hallmark, with Erin Krakow taking over the lead role, Lori Loughlin returning, and Daniel Lissing joining the cast. When the series began, Elizabeth has charmed almost everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton, who believes Thatcher's wealthy father has doomed the lawman's career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate's daughter. Meanwhile, Abigail and the other newly widowed women found their faith tested when the head to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. On Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT, Hallmark Channel aired the season finale of WHEN CALLS THE HEART, with Josh Brolin guest starring as Circuit Judge Jedidiah Black, an insolent, insufferable and incorruptible -- but legendary -- man, who is welcomed to Coal Valley to bring justice to the town. Meanwhile, Elizabeth struggles to decide about the teaching offer, and a romance grows between Abigail and Mountie Bill Avery, the forensic specialist called to the town to help investigate the mining explosion.

WHEN CALLS THE HEART returned for its second season with a special two-hour world premiere event on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT. In the Season 2 opener, "Trials of the Heart," young schoolteacher Elizabeth Thatcher and Mountie Jack Thornton are just starting to build on their relationship. But when Elizabeth gets bad news from home, she must return to the wealthy, high-society life she left behind, where her feelings for Jack will be put to the test. The hard-working and kind-hearted citizens of Coal Valley are facing turmoil as they await justice for the coal mining tragedy, just as new romance heats up on the frontier. In Coal Valley, cafe owner and widow Abigail Stanton nervously awaits the trial that she hopes will clear her late husband's name in the fault of the mine explosion that took his life. Emotions run high and long-kept secrets will be revealed as she works with a surprising new prosecutor, and with forensic investigator, Mountie Bill Avery, who is hiding something from his past that could jeopardize their own romantic future. On Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 8-10pm ET/PT, Hallmark Channel premiered the two-hour Season 2 finale of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. In the season ender, "With All My Heart," Elizabeth and Jack face a life-threatening experience together and finally discover the truth about what has been keeping them apart. Later, all of Hope Valley witnesses a shocking arrest and an unexpected proposal.

Season 3 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premiered Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. This season, Elizabeth puts down roots in Hope Valley after spending extended time in Hamilton with her family. In the wake of Charles' surprise proposal to Elizabeth at the end of last season, she and Jack recommit to each other and decide to enjoy what they have now and take things slowly. But the arrival in town of Faith, Jack's nurse friend who cared for his brother in Hamilton, may complicate matters. Abigail takes in a young orphan and his sister, who has taken ill, and happily finds herself in the role of a mother once again although creating a new family isn't without its challenges. Meanwhile, the revelation of Pastor Frank Hogan's less-than-lawful past has Abigail questioning her desire to pursue a romantic relationship with him as Frank works to convince her he's truly left behind his previous life. Bill comes to the conclusion that it's time to leave the Mounties and strike out on his own as he continues his work on the right side of the law, but without the restrictions of the uniform. He and Nora come to a resolution about their relationship while she contemplates what the future holds for her and whether Hope Valley is part of it. Lee and Rosemary's romance continues to blossom but not all is smooth sailing, as a series of mishaps at Lee's paper mill creates concern about his ability to stay open -- and keep many in the town employed -- and has Bill investigating it as sabotage. Through all the trials and tribulations of frontier life, the tight-knit residents of Hope Valley truly care about each other and step in to help when times are tough. In the season opener, "Troubled Hearts," Elizabeth and Jack struggle to find time alone as their romance grows more serious. As Elizabeth makes a decision to move out on her own, Abigail learns Gowen has an upsetting new plan for her cafe, and Cody's misbehavior causes a rift between Abigail and Elizabeth.

On Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT Hallmark Channel premiered the fourth season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. In the season opener, "Words from the Heart," Abigail takes on her duties as mayor and it seems nearly everyone in Hope Valley wants her attention. First order of official town business comes from Ray Wyatt with National Pacific Railroad, who proposes a new route he claims will bring business and prosperity to the area. This idea isn't met with enthusiasm by all residents and it's up to Abigail to determine the course of action that's best for the town while not sacrificing the individual interests of its people. The railroad asks Bill to head its security team leaving him to carefully consider the offer. Meanwhile, in an effort to better integrate Elizabeth's new students from the settlement with the Hope Valley children, Jack proposes a friendly competition in the form of a baseball game so he and Elizabeth divide the kids into teams with each of them serving as coach. When it's time to hit the field, the whole town turns out for the game and one of the new children becomes a hero thanks to Elizabeth's encouragement to overcome his fear.

Season 5 premiered on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 9pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. In the new season, Elizabeth anxiously awaits news of Jack, who has returned to the Northern Territories, while she focuses on teaching her students and dreams of the day when Jack comes home safely and they can plan their wedding. Meanwhile, she gets an unexpected visit from her sister Julie, who reveals to Elizabeth the surprising career path she's decided to take. Abigail is faced with a new crisis as mayor of Hope Valley when looming financial troubles for the town also impact Lee's operations at the mill. Ever the dedicated wife to Lee, Rosemary keeps busy at Dottie's dress shop as she works to make Hope Valley more fashionable. Sheriff Bill Avery keeps Hope Valley safe, as well as maintaining a close eye on Gowen, as the former mayor continues to adjust to his new life as a laborer at Lee's mill. Gowen keeps tabs on the town's business and offers unsolicited advice to Abigail, who's not sure if his intentions are honorable. Doctor Carson Shephard's skills are put to the test when an unknown sickness sweeps through town, he opens his heart to love again and takes a risk that could save or take the life of someone he cares for.

Season 6 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premiered on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at 8pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. In the new season, the town of Hope Valley adjusts to the changing times -- while still maintaining the small-town bonds that connect them. Single mother Elizabeth leans on her friends for support as she balances motherhood with work. Romantic possibilities arise as Faith and Carson assess their feelings, Jesse and Clara take steps in securing their bond, and Abigail confronts a visitor from her past. Lee and Rosemary deal with an emotional issue that challenges their relationship. As for the rest of the town, Bill considers an opportunity that cements his place as Hope Valley's ultimate authority and Henry Gowen reclaims his position among Hope Valley's society. The community gains two new members when new Mountie Nathan Grant and secretive gambler Lucas Bouchard arrive on the scene. Finally, Elizabeth will continue to teach the children of Hope Valley -- and although there may be potential suitors interested in her, the only relationship she is focused on is the one with her baby.

The seventh season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premiered on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 8pm ET/PT on Hallmark, with the season opener, "A Moving Picture." Newly revisiting her passion for writing, Elizabeth shares her manuscript with Lucas, but is not prepared for his honest critique of her work. Elizabeth and Nathan navigate their relationship, which walks the line between friendship and romance. A journalist comes to town to profile Gowen, who fears what Bill and others may have to share about him. Rosemary and Lee prepare for an anniversary getaway, but their plans are thwarted by a work conflict. Faith and Carson come to a crossroads in their relationship when Faith receives a job offer away from Hope Valley. Meanwhile, Jesse and Clara plan for their upcoming wedding.

The 12-episode eighth season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premieres on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. More surprises and challenges are in store for the residents of Hope Valley. Elizabeth's relationships with Nathan and Lucas continue to deepen, Faith and Carson must make choices about their future, a new family arrives to town, Lee and Rosemary get some unexpected news, Bill is asked to return a prized possession and the whole town joins in the excitement as another wedding takes place. In the season opener, "Open Season," Elizabeth has finished her manuscript. An unwelcome visitor stirs up trouble for Nathan and Allie. A homesick Rosemary and Lee cut their South American trip short. Faith arrives back from medical school. Clara and Jesse haven't been getting along. Fiona has a new business venture.

WHEN CALLS THE HEART kicked off its 12-episode ninth season on Sunday, March 6, 2022 at 8pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. Hope Valley is in a state of growth, with the foundry's progress and the evolution of key relationships. The Mayoral race has the town buzzing with a few members of the town running against one another. Elizabeth and Lucas focus on their relationship beyond courtship, and as she gets to know Lucas better, she learns about his past which gives Elizabeth pause about their future. In the season opener, "In Like a Lion," change is in the air for Hope Valley with the foundry that's to be built and the upcoming mayoral election. Elizabeth arrives home from a trip to Hamilton. A potential investor arrives in town to discuss the oil business with Lucas.

Season 10 of WHEN CALLS THE HEART premieres on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. In the season opener, "Carpe Diem," Hope Valley faces an economic downturn together. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Bill learn that the children of Hope Valley have made a discovery that could change the future of the town.

On Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT, Hallmark Channel premiered the eleventh season of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. In Season 11, schoolteacher Elizabeth Thornton embarks on a fresh start - with new romance, new challenges, and new style. She and Mountie Nathan Grant navigate their growing romantic feelings while also leaning on each other for support as they face new parenting obstacles. Newly elected Governor Lucas Bouchard must confront his past in order to embrace his strengths and lead Hope Valley into the future. Retired Mountie Bill Avery and newspaper reporter Rosemary Coulter team up to unravel a mystery putting their entire community at risk. This season explores renewal, redemption, and of course romance as Hope Valley enters the 1920s.
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On Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT, Hallmark Channel debuted "Anything for Love," the Season 11 finale of WHEN CALLS THE HEART. A wedding celebration brings heightened emotions and surprises. Nathan and Elizabeth exchange secrets. Rosemary and Lee pitch Lucas an idea for the future of Hope Valley.

WHEN CALLS THE HEART has been renewed for a 12th season.