Season 1 - Episode Guide

"When Calls the Heart" is the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom post in a small prairie town in the Western Frontier led by two strong coal miner widows, Abigail Stanton and Frances Tunnecliffe. Set against the wild canvas of a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west. How does Elizabeth adjust to her new hometown?

Coal Valley is at odds when a special message is found at the site of a fatal coal mining accident.

The Pacific Northwest Mining Company threatens to evict the widows of Coal Valley unless they pick up where their husbands left off.

Coal Valley comes together when a young grieving girl, who lost her father in the fatal mining accident, goes missing.

After discovering new evidence, Jack investigates a surprising suspect in the church arson case.

When a group of new male miners comes to Coal Valley, many of the town's women get caught up in the prospect of the single men. Before long, Jack acts jealous when one of the men takes an interest in Elizabeth.

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.